User blog:TheTremonster/Killer Instinct: Act II

 KILLER INSTINCT 



ACT II 

BINARY MIND 

  

Jane sat there. She was in the same chair she had sat in before. David once again was fiddling with the projector.

 David looked at her again like he did before. “You know, I’m sorry if I seem to always be sad. It’s just, with all this and you. . . I mean for once I just wish something would go right.” Jane looked at David. "Look, let's not talk about the bad times. Tell me a little bit about yourself." Jane asked looking attentive.

“Well, I was a computer science major. I worked at a little place that fixed up computers. It made pretty good money, enough for me and my sister Martha. My parents died in a plane crash; luckily she was staying with our uncle at the time. The thought of him having to take care of a child full-time wasn’t too appeasing to him. So I took her in. She hated me at first but, we grew very close while she was there.” David was in another world by the time he was finished.

Jane was actually interested at the question, thrown aback by her interest, said, “How old was your sister?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David surprised, “Well I first took her in when she was about nine. That was in 2005. I. . . I lost her in 2007 so we’ll say eleven. She had blond hair, unlike me. One thing I loved about Martha was how she wanted my hair. Anytime I would tell her about how pretty her hair was she’d always complain about how if it were my hair color, it would be so much better.” Jane wanted to hear David talk more about his sister but was scared it to lead to crying.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well, do you have any interests? Are you seeing anyone?” Jane asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David looked a little shocked by the question. “No I don’t have anyone like that in my life. I guess you can say I haven’t had time for that. I don’t do much else beyond work for us. I use to really like movies but now I just tend to stay locked up in my work.” Jane and David paused the conversation for a bit. Both seemed to be taking in what happened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally after a bit David finally spoke up. “Jane, I want to ask you something. I’m sorry if this is too personal but, I just wanted to know. Do you think you could ever love again after what Jeff did to you?” Jane was shocked by the question.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I mean, disregarding. . . you know.” David added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane thought for a moment. “If we stop Jeff, and let’s just say that my ‘condition’ gets fixed. I don’t know if I could ever go back to the normal life I once had. I think that after everything I’ve been through and done that that opportunity has past me by.” David stopped with what he was doing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David looked over at her. “You know, maybe, that Jane Arkensaw, is still somewhere inside you. Maybe Jeff hasn’t completely gotten rid of her.” Jane thought over what David just said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David had finally finished his work on the project when Jane said something. “I think me and Jeff are connected in some way. When I stabbed him in the shoulder during the fight, I felt. . . a little bit of life flow into me. Then when I was checking myself in the mirror, it seemed as though I had regained part of my humanity. Appearance wise at least. My skin seems more flesh colored now, and everything else seems to be returning to a some-what human like state, like before everything happened.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David called everyone to order, just before starting the lecture he said one last thing to Jane. “Look I’m no medical expert but that shouldn’t happen. There’s more to this than any of us thought if that’s the case. Listen, we’ll talk about this later. Right now we need to talk about the plan.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David started his slides. Throughout the presentation Jane could only think of why this was happening. It didn’t make sense. Then she thought of something.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“If I killed Jeff, would that mean that I would regain my life back?” She thought while David spoke, not listening to a word. She knew that she wouldn’t get her family or friends back, but maybe she could get back the ability to be human. She thought over it for a while. She had no explanation for why this was happening, but she believed this would work. At this point she had no other option. She had nothing else to truly live for. All she had now was her revenge against Jeff, at any cost.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Before she knew it the meeting was over. David flipped off the projector and people started to leave the room. Jane was snapped back from the thoughts when she heard a loud “bang” when David smacked the old machine.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Damn this stupid thing. It’s always broken or has something wrong with it. Sorry. Anyway I think Jack wanted to see you after the meeting was done. He’s in the room upstairs. First door on the right.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane rose from her seat. “Thank you David. Hey, what’s your last name?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David seemed to be shocked, but he regained his composure quickly and said, “It’s. . . its’ Marshal. David Marshal.” Jane turned toward David and smiled. David began to blush and walked away taking the projector with him. Jane hadn’t felt so human in a long time. She couldn’t even remember a time she made a boy blush before the incident.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She headed up the stairs just as David told her. She was actually a little bit tired. She hadn’t felt like that for a while. She felt like she needed sleep, and her muscles slightly ached. She ignored it and went to the room, first door on the right.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She walked inside; it looked like a fairly plain room. Inside sitting on the bed was Jack. He was smoking a cigarette and looked to be ready for action. He rose from his spot on the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He blew out a puff of smoke. “Alright, we’ll be hitting up a large truck full of guns and ammo. It’s traveling by night as all gun trucks have to now. It should be just enough to support our ‘militia’. Are you ready for this?” Jack walked over across the and stood over.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane rubbed her neck. “I’m fine; I’m ready to go when you are.” Jack looked at her for a few moments. He analyzed her carefully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally he spoke. “You look like shit. Even through all that. . . whatever it is. If you need rest, get it now.” Jane almost felt offended. However she didn’t feel like arguing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She admitted to Jack her condition. “I’m feeling tired actually. I haven’t felt like this since the incident.” Jack looked at her more carefully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He blew out another puff of smoke. “Get some rest, you can use this room. Get rested, we’re moving out later in the night.” Jack passed by Jane and left the room. Jane knew he was right. However, something didn’t seem right about him. It didn’t make sense why he was acting like that. She decided to lie down in the bed. As her head hit the pillow she slowly drifted to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">When Jane woke up it was dark in the room. Something got to her. She didn’t like this at all. She got up and ran towards the door. When she opened it a flood of light filled the room. She turned around and turned on the light. She didn’t like being in completely dark places like that. It freaked her out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally she left the room. She walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. There was Jack sitting at the table he had sat at before. He was reading the binder again. Jane walked over to the table and sat down.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack didn’t respond to her sitting down. Finally Jane spoke up. “So when are we leaving?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack didn’t bother to look at her. “In about an hour.” Jane was rather irritated by him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What’s going on to you? You seem to be, more disconnected since the warehouse.” Jane said it with an annoyed tone. Jack put the binder down. It seemed his expression of disinterest turned to sadness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally Jack decided to tell what was bothering him. “Jeff took the one thing I loved, one year ago. After that I had nothing to live for. I found this group and devoted my life to it. To know that Jeff was anywhere near capable of doing something on this level. . . we need to stop him Jane. David told me about what happened to you when you stabbed Jeff. If we can both kill him and reverse what happened to you ” he trailed off, looking away from her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane interrupted Jack. “I understand. I know what it’s like to be consumed by your desire to catch him. It’s all I felt for a while.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What do you feel now?” Jack asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I feel. . . I feel like maybe we have a chance.” Jane for so long had felt like her search was futile. Every day was the same routine, search for Jeff, find him, fail to stop him, see another person dead. Now that pattern may have been broken. For once she now had a plan, a plan that seemed like it could work.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack finally responded after a moment of silence. “A chance” He laughed. “Jane the Killer being positive, never thought I’d see that.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane chuckled along with him. “Yeah, I haven’t felt like this for a while, since the incident at least.” Her and Jack took another pause in their conversation. Jack pulled out his pack of cigarettes and began to smoke one, stomping out the other with his boot.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack finally broke the silence. “There’s a bunch of stuff you can use in the next room.” He nodded his head in the direction of the door to his right. Jane walked over to the door but stopped before passing the threshold.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally she asked him something. “What was her name?” Jack blew out a puff of smoke.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He looked at her, his face stony and quietly said, “Her name was Raven.” He then proceeded to leave. Jane was a little speechless. She didn’t know what to say to that. She had always thought Raven was a pretty name. She wanted to ask more but knew he probably wouldn’t answer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She walked into the room Jack had pointed to. It was a laundry room with two washers and two dryers. There was a table to the opposite of the washers and dryers, on it was gear laid out for her in her size.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The gear seemed pretty improvised. There was a bulletproof vest, it was pretty light. It must have been one of those new light-weight polymer vests that had become so popular with the police force. It was probably the most advance thing on the table. There was also a knife; this one was actually built for combat unlike her kitchen knife. However there were two holsters for her knives, one was large enough for her kitchen knife and the other was specifically designed for her new knife. She guessed this was a gift from either Jack or David. She could use her kitchen knife to kill Jeff, while use the actual combat knife for everything else.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She then thought to herself why she would continue to use that stupid knife but she knew that she had some kind of a special attachment to the knife itself. It gave her some feeling of safety during those moments of fear when approaching Jeff’s house all those years ago.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">There were a few more things on the table: a radio, a belt with some pouches, and some sunglasses. She was initially confused about why there were sunglasses, however she assumed that they were there if she needed to go outside during the day.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She equipped all the gear on the table except for the sunglasses since it was night out. She put on the vest which fit snuggly yet didn’t crush her chest. She then put on the belt why also fit snuggly as well. She checked the pouches which were full of different things such as some small amounts of dry food, a small canteen, a flashlight, some flares, and her converted cell phone. She smiled when she saw the converted cell phone; it made her feel as though someone was looking out for her, although it was probably Jack or David.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane hadn’t used any real equipment since she started her hunt for Jeff. Originally she wore a long black dress and black dress gloves; at the time she wasn’t focused on what was practical. Now she wore a black hoodie with a tank top underneath, some black jeans that weren’t too tight, and some sneakers designed for running. The years of failure turned her from a serial killer to a predator.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally Jack walked in. He was wearing a completely black shirt with a bulletproof vest similar to the one she had. He had some jeans and some form of boots as well. Unlike her he had a police holster with a pistol inside along with a belt with a few magazines of ammo and some pouches. He also had a knife on the backside of the belt in a holster. It had been around ten or fifteen minutes since they last talked to each other.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack was still smoking the same cigarette, however it was almost out. “You ready to move out yet?” Jack took his cigarette and threw it to the concrete ground, he stomped on it until it had no spark, it wasn’t violent however.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane looked around for a moment. “I would like to but my hair in a ponytail before we leave. You know, for safety.” Jane wanted to smile as though she made a joke but by the look on Jack’s face showed he probably wouldn’t show any sign of enjoying it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I believe there’s something in the bathroom upstairs. Be quick though, we’re moving out in a few minutes.” Jack said. Jane nodded and left the room. She headed out through the kitchen and up the stairs to the room she originally woke up in. She headed in the bathroom and looked through the cabinets and found a hair band. She put her hair into a ponytail and left. She went downstairs where Jack was waiting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright, you ready now?” Jack asked in an impatient manner.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah, let’s go.” Jane answered. She didn’t like his attitude ever since the warehouse incident but didn’t want any conflict with him. The two walked outside. The weather on this night was rather harsh. It was snowing and extremely windy. Jack had prepared for this though. He pulled out of his back pouch a balaclava.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He pointed to Jane’s belt. “There’s one in your back pouch too.” Jack put the balaclava on which completely covered his face except for his eyes. Jane didn’t feel so cold and could take it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’ll be fine, thank you though.” Jane said. Jack nodded and they began to walk forward. When they reached the end of the driveway of the large house behind them, Jane heard a familiar voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jane!” The man yelled. Both turned around. Jack pulled out his pistol and Jane her knife. As the man entered the light of the streetlight, she recognized him. It was John.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You? What the hell are you doing here?” Jane said. Jack turned to her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You know him?” Jack asked. He was obviously displeased, even through the balaclava.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane lowered her knife. “Jack, this is John. John this is Jack. What are you doing here?” Jack lowered his pistol, although didn’t put it away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I heard you were planning on raiding the Arsenal Corp supply truck. You’re going to need this.” John threw a clip of ammo at Jack. He caught it and began to inspect it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It’s special ammunition. You’ll need it.” John explained. Jack didn’t notice anything special about it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane spoke up. “How do you know all this?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack interrupted. “Where’d you get this ‘special’ ammunition?” John paced a little.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I can’t tell you anything, at least not right now.” Jack explained.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Why the hell are you so god damn vague?” Jane asked in an irritated tone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jane, I can’t tell you everything until I know it’s safe to.” Jack said. Jane paused for a moment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright, just tell me one thing. Where’d you get those scars on the side of your face?” Jane asked. Jack looked down. He then pulled something out of his pocket. He stared at it for a short time. He walked over to Jane and hand it to her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“This will help you on the truck. I have to leave. Before I go Jane, just know that it’s an ambush. Jeff and his accomplices know about your plan.” John explained and then started to leave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“God dammit answer my question!” Jane yelled as John walked off. He continued to walk. Jane didn’t run after him this time. She knew it was useless.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jane, who was that man? How do you know him?” Jack demanded, anger tinting his tenor voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> Jane sighed and looked at him. “His name is John; well I don’t know if that’s his real name or just some name he came up with on the spot. I don’t actually know him, he appeared that night I went to search for Jeff. The same night we trailed him to the warehouse, he’s the one who gave me the map.” Jack raised an eyebrow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“If you don’t know anything about him then why did you trust him?” Jack asked. Jane didn’t want to tell him her answer, but she knew she had to.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Something about him seemed familiar about him. I trusted my gut. Now I’m not so sure if that was the right decision.” Jane explained, squinting on the direction where John disappeared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“He saved our lives last time; nothing seems truly special about these bullets. What’d he hand you?” Jack asked. Jane stared at it for a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It appears like some kind of USB drive. I’m not sure what it’s supposed to be used for, guess we’ll find that out later.” Jane responded turning her eyes to the plastic in her hand. Jack stared at it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I guess we should get going. We’ll miss the supply truck if we wait too long.” Jack said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane nodded her head. Both of them headed to the road where the truck was supposed to travel along. It was traveling along a large interstate; the interstate was empty during most of the night. At one point on the interstate there was a bridge that went over the interstate. Jane and Jack traveled to the bridge. The truck was alone in its journey to whatever gun store it was heading to. Jane and Jack arrived at the bridge. It should have been traveling north. Both of them got in the position to rappel down onto the truck. After about five minutes they saw the headlights of the large truck. Jack had decided to pull out his pack of cigarettes and start to smoke one.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally the truck passed underneath them and they jumped off the bridge. Both landed on the truck, Jack landed perfectly grabbing hold to the rails on the very top of the truck but unfortunately lost his cigarette.. However Jane had slipped and was tumbling back to the end of the long truck. Luckily she grabbed the back ladder on the end of the truck but left her dangling off. There were two ladders on the back side of the truck. Both were made of metal and didn’t block the back shutter. Jane was hanging off the ladder on the left side of the truck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack ran toward the end of the truck. He crouched down and let out his hand for Jane to grab, which she did. Jack pulled her up onto the roof of the truck. The speed the truck was traveling and the snowy wind caused them to have trouble remaining balanced. Jane was rather sore after she had nearly fallen off the truck. Jane’s ponytail was flying through the air uncontrollably; luckily it wasn’t blowing in her face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We need to get that shutter open on the back. I’ll take the right side and attempt to open it; you should go on the left and keep watch for anything out of the ordinary.” Jack shouted trying to be heard over the extreme wind. Jane heard it and nodded, both began to head towards the back edge of the truck. Jane climbed down the left ladder and Jack climbed down the right one. Luckily for the both of them the back side of the truck blocked the wind. There was a lock keeping the shutter shut. Jack pulled out a crowbar and repeatedly beat the lock with it, which eventually broke off. Jack signaled Jane to help him pull the shutter up. She grabbed the handle on the left side of the shutter and began to pull up along with Jack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The shutter flew up after an initial struggle. Both walked along the edge of the bumper into the inside of the truck. Both were confused and distraught by what they saw. The truck was empty except for a computer at the very back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack looked at Jane. “I think ‘John’ may have had the right idea. I’ll cover you, go plug the USB in the computer and see what’s going on.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright, but I don’t think this will go well at all.” Jane responded with a worried look.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Since when did it ever?” Jack sarcastically joked. Jane ignored his comment and headed over to the console.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane walked over to the computer. The wires seemed to run off into the wall where she couldn’t track them. There was a program already open on the computer which required a username and password. Jane plugged in the USB which took a moment to load but filled in the username and password for her. There were multiple tabs at the top that went to various different pages. She clicked on one of the tabs which took her to a list of contacts some of which included The Crow, The Truth, The False, and other various people Jane didn’t know.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">After messing around with the computer some more Jane finally found something of interest. Jane had found a list of messages exchanged between The Crow and various contacts. After reading through it she was shocked. The messages went through as followed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">''<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The Truth: Have any of your contacts found Jack yet? ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">''<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The Crow: No, the man’s craftier than we’ve thought. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">''<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The Truth: I can feel my grasp over him fading. If he partners with Binary Hull we may have a problem. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">''<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The Crow: We already have a problem, they’ve taken the binder and The False says they’re going to raid an arsenal truck. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">''<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The Truth: Don’t worry, that problem is easy to solve, all we need is Ben. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">''<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The Crow: Ben? All he does is stay locked up inside electronics. He couldn’t heart a fly. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The Truth: He’s more than that, he’ll make sure that they never make it out  

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">''<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̋ͤ̒͂ͨ͋͛ ' ̀ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̟̳͉̩͓̪̰͘͘ ' N '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̨͇͚̞̥̳̜̝̟ͪ̎ͬͣͨ̚ ' o '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̢̡̼͉͛̊̇͛́ ' w '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̱̲̙̳̘̌͗ͫ̕ͅ ' ̃ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̞̭̟͌͛͘ ' y '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">͎̍͆̑͛̓̿͠ ' ̣ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̱̗̳͍͈ ' o '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̡̗̥̓̌ͭ͜͞ ' u '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̴̲͉̥͔̾ͩ͑̂̎̿ͤ͠ͅ ' '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">͎̩̰̠̮̟͓̥̜ͨ͑̊̕͘͟ ' f '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">ͯ͛͊ͯ ' ̉ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">҉͖̥̗ ' à '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̲̥̺̫̫͖̇ͩ̏͂͊ͩ͡ ' ̣ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̘ ' c '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">ͮ͆͑͋ ' ́ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̄̌̽͞͏̵̘ͅ ' e '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̷̯̯͈̩̝̖̼̤͍̅ͧͥͪ̂̚ ' '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̌ ' ̃ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̡͚̟̼͚̹̮̼̰͛̎͞ ' ̣m '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">ͯ̂ ' ̉́̉ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">͞͏̼̱̪͓̪̥̠̜̪͘ ' y '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̋ ' ̃ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̨̥ͪ̐̆͂̓̀͞ ' '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̼͇̬̟͑̕ ' w '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̦̪̭̱̙͇̿ͭ̈́́ ' r '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̛͂̽̑́͜ ' ̣ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">͚͕͔ ' a '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̶̡̡͉͌̐̓͂͌ ' t̀ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̈́̒ ' ̉̉ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">͓͈͆͝ ' h '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">͓̼̫̙̤̏ͫ͘͢͜ . '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̡͉͎̩͖͙̯͈͒̒ͮͤ̄ͣ̍ '

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̷̗̥̭̫̹̰ͪ̄̎ͩ̋̾̓̀͠ ' M '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̭̻͉̾ͅ ' y '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̐ ' ̃́  '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̴̘͚͋͐̂͑͡ ' n '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̶̶͕̳͌̈́̂̌͠ ' ̣ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̦̲ ' ã '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̠̜̫̥̱͖̻̟ͥ̆ͪ̄ͫͦ̚ ' m '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̰̲͈͆ͣͬ͞ ' e '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̴̴̨̘̮̺̳͇̳̗ͤ̐̌̆̋͒̚ ' '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̨̧͔̳ͦ̄̈́̑̆̈́ͣ͜ ' i '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̈ ' ̉ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̒ ' ̀̉  s̃ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̈́̎̌ͤ̌ͮ ' ̃ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̴̠̺̟̭̲͓͜ͅͅ ''. '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̢̈̌ͥ̋̆́͞ ' ̣ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̲̩̫͙ ' '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̐ͪ҉͎̠̭ '. '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̷͓̭̦̌̽ͧ̈̂̓̌ͥ ' '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̈ ' ̃ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̗͔̜̹͉̗̺ͩͤ͐͌̌̽ ' .̉ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̄ ' ́ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̱͇̱̥̪ͯ̄ '

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">͚̦̦̬̪͓ͯ ' Z '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̒̈́͛̏ ' ̉ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̵̠̞̦͔̍͢͜ͅ ' A '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">͔̜̫̪̩̥ͣ̓̔̀̀̚͡ ' L '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̶̨͓͎̠̗̺̮̗͑̐ͅ ' G̀ '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̛̰̘̜̖̹̼ͦ͜ ' O '<span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">̭̥̹͖̋͂̿͑ ''. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane backed away from the computer which started to sputter and flicker. Jane turned towards Jack with an expression of fear on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jack! We’re not the only ones. . .” Jane said before cutting off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Whatever was there with them finally spoke up. “ You’re not Alone Jane. My name is Zalgo, The monster of the inanimate .” <span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> Jack turned around upon hearing the voice however neither of them saw anything. Both turned to each other with a look of confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally Zalgo spoke up again. “ Hahaha, you two have no idea what you are up against. Now you face a true horror. Unlike the Slenderman I have no bounds. I’m here upon my own will .” <span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The voice was very similar to the Slenderman. It was also high pitched and growly however this one had more of an echo which Jane did not know if it was caused by the truck or if it was just a part of his voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack and Jane searched the empty truck for anything but found nothing more than they did when they originally entered the truck. Zalgo laughed as they searched desperately for it. Finally the computer shut down and Zalgo spoke up again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> “ Your search for me is a vain one. Even if you find me you have no power to stop me. I’m the being humans fear when see something off about the environment around them. I am true horror brought to life.” <span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> Zalgo said as the truck shook.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally Zalgo showed himself. A transparent body rose from the dead computer. Jack had pointed his pistol at it along with Jane taking a fighting stance even though she knew it would do nothing. Zalgo was different from the Slenderman. Zalgo’s face had a long smile stretched across it with rips and tears throughout, his eyes very only slits with no pupils and were completely black like Jane’s. His skin was of a dull gray except for the area around his eyes which were extremely red. He wore a black turtleneck and dress pants along with dress shoes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane and Jack looked at each other neither one knowing what exactly to do about what was before them but then Jack remembered the magazine of bullets that John had told them was ‘special’. Jack knew he couldn’t pull it out then or else Zalgo would know something was up and he couldn’t tell Jane to distract him as then he would know for sure.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Then Zalgo spoke up again. “ Your silence indicates that you have some form of a plan. I can’t wait to see it. It should be interesting.” <span style="font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> <span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane and Jack had no idea what to do as neither could communicate a plan nor execute one if they could. Finally Jack made a decision to speak.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Zalgo? Who are you supposed to be, some kind of demon or entity?” Jack asked trying to act as though he was unimpressed with Zalgo.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Zalgo laughed. His laughed was loud and terrible. <span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"NoFear";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">“ Your lack of fear impresses me, at least you don’t show it well. I am Zalgo, the monster of the inanimate. I have the ability to take shelter and control into any inanimate object.” <span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> Jane finally decided to join into the two’s pseudo –conversation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright Zalgo, in the messages I read The Crow mentioned Ben, who is this Ben?” Zalgo laughed again even worse than he did last time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"NoFear";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">“ Well dear Jane, Ben isn’t important right now. What’s important right now is me.” <span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Zalgo said laughing afterwards. Jane felt a chill down her spin, more than when she first saw the Slenderman. Zalgo then began to float around the truck heading towards the direction of the shutter. Suddenly he pulled the shutter down and as far as they could tell locked it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Both Jane and Jack were filled with fear and panic as Zalgo began to laugh once more. He turned towards them as his permanent grin turned upwards even more than it already was. Zalgo continued to laugh when finally Jack did something. He fired his entire magazine of ammo which contained about 10 rounds as far as Jane could tell.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">None fazed Zalgo and once again he laughed. “You really are something Jack. Believing that you can harm someone like me. You’re quite a dreamer I’d say.” <span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> Zalgo said, then proceeding to laugh. Jack looked at Jane and nodded at her. Jane understood what he wanted and she pulled out her kitchen knife causing Zalgo to laugh even louder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> “You two are simply hilarious. If this is your plan to keep me from killing you it’s working wonderfully.” <span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> Zalgo said while laughing, it seemed as though he couldn’t stop. Luckily while he was distracted with laughter, Jack was able to reload his pistol with the special ammo.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally Zalgo stopped and spoke again. “Alright, I think it’s time we all end this.” <span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> Before Zalgo could finish Jack interrupted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’re right; we do need to finish this. That’s what I plan to do now!” Jack said and then proceeding to fire a round of ammo into Zalgo. The ammo went right through Zalgo just as the previous magazine of ammo did and Zalgo proceeded to laugh. Jack grew angry; he knew that that may be his only hope in stopping Zalgo.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Suddenly, the bullet exploded in the back of the truck tearing through the shutter. The back of the truck was wide open and Jack instantly knew what to do.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jane! The back of the truck! Move!” Jack ordered and Jane nodded. Jack ran through Zalgo and Jane shortly followed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> “Damn you two! I’ll find you both and your accomplices! You can never escape from Zalgo!” <span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Zalgo yelled as the two jumped out the truck. Both fell to the stretch of road below the truck and began to roll. Jane tried to keep her head from hitting the road with mixed success. Both rolled until their momentum ran out. Both were lying on the street in a fair amount of pain. Jane was the first to get up however Jack soon followed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack was the first to speak. “When he gave me that ‘special’ ammo I was expecting something that didn’t involve us jumping out of a truck at high speeds.” Jane chuckled but was soon followed by pain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What the hell is going on here? First Jeff has superpowers, then the Slenderman, and now that Zalgo thing. Is there something you’re not telling me?” Jane asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack pulled out a cigarette and lit it. “You think we knew about all this weird shit? This is all new to me too sister.” Jane wanted to believe that he had all the answers to this; however she trusted Jack enough to believe that he knew no more than her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright, so where do we go from here?” Jane asked looking at the nearby terrain. There was only the road and surrounding forest; which left the two with nowhere to go. Luckily Jane’s radio started to go off. She pulled it out of her pouch and answered it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jane? Jack? Are either one of you there?” David asked through the radio.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah, we’re here. Me and Jack are doing fine.” Jane answered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David sighed with relief. “That’s good, did you guys secure the weapons?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“No, we didn’t. The truck was empty except for a single computer, and all we got from that was something about a Jack and someone named Ben.” Jane explained to David.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David paused for a moment. “Jack? Could they be talking about Eyeless Jack? I thought he died during the Corian Incident in the 70’s. If he’s still alive then that may be our best hope, uh besides you of course.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Who’s Eyeless Jack?” Jane asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Look, all this I’m about to tell you, it should’ve been history. I’ll tell you everything that we know about all this.” David said with a hint of shame in his voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’ve been hiding information from me?” Jane asked beginning to swell with anger.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yes, I’ve been hiding stuff from all of you. Back in the 1930’s when The Truth first became a psychic; he was on a stealth operation with a team consisting of five people including him. When The Truth became a psychic, all of the others transformed into horrifying creatures. They became the team known as HollowShell. HollowShell consisted of the Slenderman, Zalgo, Eyeless Jack, Ben, and of course The Truth.” David explained.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane paused for a moment to take it all in. “So that’s why they all seem to work for The Truth. But why is Eyeless Jack so different?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It’s said that when The Truth became a psychic, Eyeless Jack was the farthest from the blast radius. That’s why The Truth can’t control Eyeless Jack as well as he can the others.” David explained further.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright, so how come you decided to not tell us anything about this?” Jane asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">David sighed and began to explain again. “In 1966, The Truth lost control over Eyeless Jack. He then proceeded to escape from HollowShell and go into hiding. However, in 1972 The Truth and the rest of HollowShell found him. It was said that he killed Ben but no one could ever confirm that. The conflict ended in The Truth splitting into two people, The Truth and The False. However, all the members of HollowShell were said to have died in the blast caused by it. This event came to be known as the Corian Incident.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I see, but still this could’ve been important to know.” Jane said still infused with a bit of anger.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I know, but I didn’t know how to tell everyone. You all were all shock that Jeff might have supernatural powers. But you’re right, I should have told you. And now that HollowShell are actually alive, I think it’s about time that I tell everyone. I’ve already sent a truck to pick you two up. It should be there shortly. And Jane, I’m sorry.” Jack explained.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“David, it’s alright. I understand. I get it, I’ll see you at the base.” Jane said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“See you there too Jane.” David said and then proceeded to hang up the radio. Jane looked at Jack who was listening in the whole time. His cigarette was about half-way out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“So, looks like we’ve both been left in the dark. They really have some firepower keeping that machine ‘The Loki’ safe. I’m surprised we managed to get inside that warehouse the first time. I guess maybe they beefed up their security since then.” Jack said while continuing to smoke his cigarette.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Finally the truck arrived, however instead of the people Jane remembered from the base, it was John instead. He was dressed up as one of the men from the base.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">John jumped out of the truck. “Sorry it took me so long.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Why the hell do you keep appearing? You always come in and give us something and then leave. What the hell is up with you?” Jane asked filling with anger.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">John looked down in sorrow. “I know, and I guess I owe you something. Ask any one question, and I’ll answer it.” Jane didn’t think about it for a second.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Where did you get those burns on the side of your face?” Jane asked. John looked as though he knew that she would ask that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I got them from saving you.” John said to the shock of both Jack and Jane.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“So you were the one that saved her. Why not tell us that before?” Jack asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I had to make sure you would trust me before I could tell you.” John responded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane interrupted before anyone else could speak. “So what happened? What happened in those moments after Jeff had set me on fire?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I had seen the blood on the window in Jeff’s house and I saw you go in. I decided to stick around to see what would happen. It felt like hours waiting there. And then I saw him leave through the front door and run as fast as he could away from the house. When I went inside, I found you, burning. I ran into the kitchen and found a fire extinguisher and tried to put you out, it was sudden when a blast of fire hit the right side of my face. It hurt like hell but luckily, I manage to power through it and put you out.” Jack explained.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane interrupted again. “Did I look like this when you put me out?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’m not sure; all I remember was that you weren’t like charcoal. After I put you out I carried you to the hospital. I didn’t have a phone and I wasn’t thinking straight. So I just carried you there. It took about an hour.” Jack explained further. Jane didn’t know what to believe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“So you just carried her there? She could’ve died?” Jack said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I wasn’t thinking straight. When I got there I didn’t want to be interrogated by police so I left when no one was looking. I got into contact with a friend who helped keep me off the police’s map. Turns out that friend was The Crow.” John explained to the others shock.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’re working with The Crow?!” Jack asked in shock.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“No, I’m not working with him. But he is where I acquire most of my information. I know his passcodes and such. Here, get in the truck and I’ll take you to your base.” John said. Jane and Jack looked at each other and nodded. They both entered the truck, and drove back to the base. Jack had decided to sit in the back as he thought the two needed time to discuss what happened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane didn’t know what to say to John at this point. She mostly just kept to herself for the ride occasionally trying to ask further questions on what John had told her. However near the end of her ride she came up with one question to ask him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“John, do you know anything about why I’m like this? Did Jeff do this to me?” Jane asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I don’t know anything about what happened to you. All I can say is that Jeff certainly didn’t do this to you.” John explained. Jane didn’t believe the conversation could go anywhere else after that so she stopped. Finally they arrived at the base, and both stepped out of the truck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane had one last thing to say before John left. “Thanks John, but is that your real name?” John chuckled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">After a moment of mental conjecture, he decided on an answer. “No, my name is Adam.” John shut the door of the truck and drove off. Jane thought about their conversation when Jack interrupted her thoughts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“So, anything happen up there I need to know about?” Jack asked. Jane turned around towards him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Turns out his name is Adam, beyond that there’s nothing else.” Jane answered. Jack nodded, and headed inside the base. Jane stood there for a moment and thought about everything before she headed inside. She felt as though Adam was holding more from her but she didn’t want to continue to think about it. She had the answer that she wanted but she couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to his story. She decided to think about it more tomorrow and headed inside the base.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane woke up to the voice of David. He was shaking her rather violently desperately trying to get her awake. Finally she was awake enough to tell what was going on.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jane! Wake up! You need to move out now!” David said while trying to wake Jane up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane rose from the bed and came to her senses. “What the hell is going on David?” Jane sat up taking in her surroundings.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jeff and the rest of HallowShell are planning to use ‘the Loki’ today. They’ve taken hiding in Jeff’s old house. We don’t know when they plan to initiate it but we need you and Jack to move out now.” David explained as Jane continued to wake herself up. She was wearing her typical cloths, a hoodie, jeans, and running shoes. She had taken off all of her other gear when she got back from the truck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Wait a second, I thought we didn’t have the gear for a full out assault. I seriously doubt it’s just them and that machine. Even so I don’t think we can take on all of HallowShell.” Jane said putting on her gear once again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’re right, however when John dropped you guys off he found where the missing weapons were and brought them all back for us. It was pretty fortunate that he did that.” David explained as Jane was finishing putting on her gear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane chuckled. “That man sure is something, and his name is Adam.” David looked a little shocked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well then, best get a move on. Jack doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” David said and then left. Jane felt something weird as he left the room. She didn’t know if it was because of what was going on or if it was because of David himself. She shrugged it off and headed downstairs.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The base was in chaos, people were moving from here to there carrying various weapons and tools. Jack was by the door ready to move when he saw Jane walking down the stairs. He nodded his head in the direction of the door indicating they were leaving already.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane was trying to catch up with Jack as he was moving fast. “Jack! Wait up! What the hell is going on? One night were trying to get weapons to stop these guys and not even a day later they’re already starting the Loki up. I think something is going on here. I think maybe this is a trap.” Jack stopped for a moment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He turned toward Jane. “Jane, even if this is a trap we can’t risk it. If they plan on starting that thing up and it works as intended then there is no second chance.” Jane stood there for a moment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’re right. I think there’s more to this though. They’re planning something beyond the Loki. I’m not entirely sure what it is but I think it may be worse.” Jane said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Worse than the Loki? I don’t know what that thing could or would be but I don’t think it would be worse than that.” Jack responded. Both walked over to the truck they had been driven to the base with.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jack, be safe out there.” Jane said. Jack smirked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright, I’ll do that. You try not to die on me.” Jack joked coldly. Jane chuckled a little. Both entered the vehicle and Jack started it up. She heard the back of the truck being opened and the footsteps of soldiers enter it. The truck was similar to that of a delivery truck with more of a militaristic design. Its back had appeared to have some form of seating as far as Jane could tell.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack started the truck up, put it into gear and drove off. Jane wondered if there’d be a chance for her to see her old house after everything was over. She then proceeded to remember all of the memories she could on her house, her friends, and her family. She didn’t want to think too hard into them out of fear of her losing herself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack hadn’t said a word sense they entered the vehicle. Jane wasn’t too proficient in driving, she had her learners permit but that was it. She began to worry if she could keep calm going back to her old house. She began to wonder what happened to her and Jeff’s houses. It seemed odd to her that anyone would move into their. Then the thought came to her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Jack, didn’t Jeff’s house burn down after the incident?” Jane asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jack looked shocked. There was a moment of silence between the two. Finally Jack spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Everything that happened that day was covered up. Higher-ups didn’t want the people to hear about how a 15 year old boy killed two families in a single night. Nobody knows exactly who was behind it, but they spread false stories as to what happened that day.” Jack explained. Jane couldn’t believe it. She never even bothered to look into the story after what Jeff did. Now she couldn’t believe that someone who falsify such an event.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What did they say? How did they cover it up?” Jane asked anger swelling in her chest. Jane wanted to punch something although she kept that anger inside.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“They said that both families were over for dinner at the Everett’s house when a fire broke out, killing everyone inside. The hospital, the police records, anyone that had some kind of evidence contrary to what the higher-ups wanted the story to be were either quickly silenced or bought out. Also I did a little search on our friend Adam.” Jack explained. Jane was snapped out of her anger and collected herself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What about Adam?” Jane asked. She was still nowhere near calm but she kept her anger from spilling over.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Turns out he’s #4 on the US’s most wanted list, this isn’t public of course. Apparently they don’t want him spreading exactly what happened that day. There was more information but it was destroyed within a week of the incident.” Jack explained before being interrupted by Jane.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Where the hell did you get all this information? If this is all supposed to be covered up then how do you all know this?” Jane interrupted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Each one of us at one point wanted revenge against Jeff. Eventually we all found each other and formed this group. Soon we all decided to look into Jeff the Killer and upon days of digging for information and hacking into various networks we soon received all the information we needed about Jeff, that day, and even you.” Jack explained. Jane started putting the pieces together.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“And after you learned all this, you came looking for me. You guys figured I might be your best hope in killing Jeff.” Jane said. Jack kept his eyes constant on the road. Jane had recognized the area. They were close to their destination.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah. Look Jane, were almost to our location. Make sure you’re ready.” Jack said as he continued to drive. Jane thought to herself a little bit as they continued to drive. She could hear the men in the back getting anxious as they approached the destination.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What’s up with you guys anyway? You guys are like a private military group or something.” Jane asked. Jack chuckled a little.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I left the military after I lost Raven; most of these men were just ordinary people that were willing to give anything to find Jeff. Guess they didn’t think it would be taken this far.” Jack answered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Jane looked by at the wall separating them from the back of the truck. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody willing to do anything like this beyond soldiers. Why are willing to do all this?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I trained them to the best of my abilities; one thing I taught them was that we were hunting Jeff for the good of everyone and that this wasn’t revenge. If you let your desire for revenge overtake you, then you are no better than whoever you’re trying to acquire revenge on. It’s easy to forget everything you stood for when searching for revenge, I needed them to understand that they can’t get carried away by their desires to see Jeff dead.” Jack explained.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“So, now they’ve truly bought into it. They believe they are a force for good. You’ve turned ordinary people in a private military in a war against Jeff.” Jane said. Jack seemed a little bit off-put by the comment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Look, I never wanted an army, but they were all willing to go through with this. They were willing to do this; I never tried convincing anyone to join in a war. All we wanted was answers, and a way to stop him, not all this.” Jack said. Jack had no desire for any of this, however he knew it was necessary. Jane knew this as well. Finally Jane saw the street she once lived on.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;background-position:initialinitial;background-repeat:initialinitial;">Jack had pulled the truck to a stop at the end of the street. They didn’t travel too far down, her house was probably a block or two away. She and Jack got out of the vehicle. It was near dusk when they arrived there. Jack head to the back of the truck and banged on the door, all the men stepped out. Jane had looked around, the street was completely empty. There were cars and such along the houses but there was no one inside them. She figured Jeff and the rest of HallowShell must have found a way to evacuate them all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:13.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright everybody, listen here. Jeff and the members of HallowShell are in a house down the street. Our goal here is to get as close to the Loki as possible without being detected. If possible we need to destroy the Loki and kill Jeff without being detected. Our priority is to destroy the Loki.” Jack said to the crowd of soldiers. The men nodded their heads in confirmation and everyone began to move out.