Many emotions ran through Henrik's mind. Anger, perhaps relief and a lot of confusion. But sadness? He wasn't sure.

There he stood next to his daughter and wife as they buried his father in the ground.

And he didn't know if he was really sad or not.

His daughter clung onto his hand, sniffling. She didn't understand but she lived her grandfather even if he never loved her. Children were always brought up to love their grandparents so why shouldn't she?

Eva, his estranged wife, leaned her head on his shoulder. Did she think he was still in shock? Maybe he was.

She hadn't been this close to him in so long but whether it was out of pity or not, Henrik didn't care. It was nice to feel her love again.

Henrik sighed heavily as the ceremony ended. It was done.

Of course, the police still hadn't ruled him out as a suspect. He wasn't sure why. He WAS the last person to see him alive, though. That's all he knew so far.

Henrik's number one guess, though, was perhaps he had a heart attack after their fight, his battle with cancer too much for his body to bear.

"Sweety?" Eva nudged him.

Henrik blinked and finally looked over to her, "Yes?"

"Olive and I were talking . . . we were wondering if maybe you'd have us back home with you? I don't want you to be alone after this"

Henrik was about to say yes. Why wouldn't he? He'd love nothing more.

But then there was the Reactor in his basement. . . . .

But he turned it off so it shouldn't be a problem, right?

He hesitated and Eva was about to reconsider when Henrik stopped her.

"Sure . . . . of course" he kissed her forehead. 

Olivia hugged her father even tighter, "Does this mean we're gonna be a real family again, daddy?"

Henrik's heart warmed and he hugged her close, "I hope so, my little mouse."

After the service was complete, they went back to Henrik's but he pulled Eva aside.

"Go see your room, little lass!" Henrik snapped his fingers playfully to Olivia, "It's just as you left it!"

She bounded up the stairs with a giggle, leaving her parents alone in the kitchen.

Henrik sighed again, "Eva . . . . I have to go to the police again. They still think me a suspect"

"But you didn't do it . .  did you?" she smirked lightly, "I mean he was a horrible old man but-"

"I'd never hurt my father" Henrik spoke steadily, "I may have hated the old bastard but I would never have killed him"

"Okay . . . ." Eva nodded, "Well for what it's worth . . . I believe you. Now there's just the discussion about the huge nuclear reactor in the basement"

Henrik paled, "How did you know about that!?"

"Come on, Hen, you left blueprints on the living room coffee table. You're lucky I found them and not the police. What if they decide to do a search? What then? You don't exactly have clearance to do this kind of stuff in your basement! It's not like the old days, Henny"

Henrik rolled his eyes at the nickname but let it slide, "First off, tis not a NUCLEAR reactor . . .. It's something . . ..  stranger. More powerful. Remember my work on that strange phenomena? When I found that broken mask?"

Eva blinked at him, "So you harnessed it? What kind of power is it if not nuclear? There's no radiation? No thermodynamic disturbance?"

Eva always knew a lot about these kinds of things. She was a fellow student years ago back in college when they were researching these sort of things for their PhDs. Of course Eva chose Thermodynamics and Biochemistry as her main focus instead. She always thought Henrik's imagination was bigger than his head but the mask was something they could agree on.

It was really weird and didn't obey any laws of natural physics.

Henrik shook his head, "I call it Pheno. I'm sure you can guess why. It's readings are off the charts. Giving off phenomenal para readings. It's turned off for now and I have it stabilized but Eva . . ..  I think I had a breakthrough zhe other night"

"The other night? As in . ."

"Yes, unfortunately . . zhat night. . . .. " Henrik cleared his throat, "The mask made contact vith me. I tried it on again and it showed me coordinates. I know you probably think I'm crazy but-"

"That's why you were on a plane when the police called you. You were going to the coordinates? Well were was it?"

"Ireland. Not far from here but with the police up my arse, zhe project is halted. Vill have to wait." Henrik shrugged, "It's alright, though. As long as I get your company-"

"We should go!"

Henrik blinked, "Vhat?"

She put her hands on her hips, "Are you serious?! You're gonna flop on this MAJOR opportunity!? This is HUGE, Henny!"

Henrik chuckled and brought her closer to him, "Zhis is vhy I love you . . . .but I still cannot until I am no longer a suspect. Otherwise, I could be arrested. But when this is all cleared up and the autopsy comes back . . then ve go. I promise"

Eva groaned, "Oh fine . . . .  . . . . .  you have a lock for the basement, right? I don't want Olivia going down in your lab"

Henrik sweat a little, "Zhat . . . .. vill be next on my list . . . I'll go take care of zhat right now"

"From the autopsy, we saw his cancer was extremely aggressive" a detective was talking to him carefully.

"Yes" Henrik nodded, "He was secretive but he did finally tell me that night." he answered truthfully.

"And it didn't occur to you that you could kill him and blame it on the cancer?" The detective tried to rile him up, "Or you could have done something more . . medicinal. In your line of work, I'm sure it wouldn't be hard for you to figure out."

"For zhe last time, I did NOT kill my father. I may have not gotten along with him but I vould never had harmed him in any way" he was sick of this. It was already a week after the funeral and the investigation was ongoing.

"Hm . . . well . . . . The autopsy revealed he died from electrocution" the detective sighed, "And there was evidence of something else happening that night. You said you stormed out and left him there?"

Henrik nodded, "Bernett was still there. She hadn't left yet"

"Bernett wasn't at work that day. She had an alibi"

Henrik's eyes shot up, looking the detective straight in the eye, "I'm sorry? But she WAS zhere. I spoke to her. She was on the intercom. I SAW her."

The detective shook his head, "We have footage of her at the mall the whole day with some friends of hers. She's clear that way. Says you called and gave her the day off. However . . . . we also looked at YOUR camera footage and that's the perplexing thing."

Henrik raised a brow at him, "Vell? Vhat? I don't understand what you're saying"

"At the desk . . . we have footage of you talking to someone that morning . .  but the 'person' you're talking to . . . . the picture is sort of blurry . . glitched out or something. I don't know. But we did pick up sound. It's her voice. That's why we have no idea how to proceed on this, sir . . . it's like Ms. Bernett was in two places at once and we're trying to decipher how. But you're still not in the clear, either"

"Why not?" Henrik laughed humorlessly, "You clearly have a different lead! It was that crazy bitch, Bernett, then! Tis was a trick! Has to be!"

"No . . . . only your prints were found in the room. Nothing of her DNA was in that room or on your father's body. Only yours."

Henrik shook his head, "I never even TOUCHED him . . . . how do we move on from here? Vhat's next?"

It was a few more moments until someone else entered the room and the detective introduced him, "Dr. Schneeplestein . .this is Mr. Connar. He has your father's will for you along with a letter"

Henrik rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, leaning back in the chair, "I already know vhat's in the will. He already told me. The money goes to his clinics and hospitals first. I don't directly get any money, not that I ever wanted it."

Mr. Connar handed him the envelope, "Please just read the will, sir. Your father wanted to make sure you read it all through thoroughly."

'Strange' Henrik narrowed his eyes suspiciously, 'He already told me vhat it was . . . why would. . .'

But instead of thinking any more on it, he just took the envelope and opened it up. The first thing he saw was a letter and he started to read it.

My dear son, 

Henrik stopped there and looked away for a moment, 'This has to be forged. . . he's never addressed me with emotion, ever.'

With a breathe, though, Henrik continued the letter.

I know what you might be thinking. I was never outwardly a warm person. But whatever you have grown to think of me, I'm sorry. I was only ever trying to make you strong. You are gifted and I wanted to always make sure your strengths were realized first. You didn't need me in the way. You never did. And as I say this, you're probably wondering why then, I always kept you in the family business of medicine. Well that's simple. 

Even if you hated it, you still needed the skill. It's a part of you now just as it was to me. 

'Even beyond the grave, he tells me what to do' Henrik wrinkled his nose.

But I know you're better than just medicine. I've seen your work and even if I don't understand it, I know it's something special. I'm happy you found something you can be passionate about. You're going to do great things, son. 

'What the fuck, who is this man? This isn't my father!' Henrik was on the verge of tears. Why was he writing this? Why hadn't his father just TOLD him this!?

I'm sorry I was never the father you deserved, Hen. But you were always looking for my approval and I knew that to go forward and be the best you could be, I had to know that not even I could stand in your way. I wanted to make sure that you could stand up for yourself so you'd never let no corporal asshole tell you what to do. Be your own boss. So I decided long ago to pretend to force you in my line of work. It was all a test but I knew one day you'd pass if I was enough of an ass. . . . . .  Gotta admit, some of it was kind of fun, tormenting you. But I know you've had hardships. And I'm so sorry. I know I'm the cause. I just wanted you to be strong. 

Henrik wrinkled the paper in his hands. This was so much. Too much. He didn't know what to think.

I'm updating this letter the night you stood up to me. Finally, you did it and I'm so proud of you. You can now move forward with your dreams. Don't let anyone stand in your way. Be your own boss. You can make this world a better place. I saw that in your eyes every moment I watched you grow up, son. . . . . . I'm so proud of you. I have a lot of regrets. I wish I could have done this better. I wish I could have been a better father and a grandfather. I wish we had more time. But it's okay. You've already proven you don't need me in your life. And I'm happy.

I love you, son. Good luck.

Henrik shuddered. He didn't know what he was expecting.

But it was never this.

Mr. Connar knew he was finished with the letter and spoke, "Your father emailed me the last portion of the letter that night before he . . ." he didn't finish.

The detective sighed, "We don't know how he was electrocuted but we will find out. But since there was no real evidence of YOU partaking . . no faulty wires and no real sign of struggle . . . we can't detain you. You're still an odd suspect but . . . . you're free to go  . . . . but we WILL be in touch, Schneeplestein"

Henrik wasn't even really listening. He just stared at the letter.

Mr. Connar cleared his throat, "Something that your father doesn't mention in that specific letter, Dr. . . . . Your father told me to tell you all the money goes to you. The hospitals . .the buildings are yours to do with as you please as well as the clinics. All his fortune is yours now"

It was a bittersweet joy . . . . he didn't care for the money.

All he wished for was that his father could have told him all of this in person.

3 months later

"Henny, this is amazing!" Eva was bouncing up and down, "The readings are off the charts!"

Henrik grinned, "Yes, now everything's coming together." he had both parts of the mask now and with Eva at his side working with him, he was able to reach even further with his work.

He didn't know who the mask belonged to and whoever owned it hadn't contacted him since giving the coordinates but the power it gave off was good enough for him.

With the money and land he inherited, Henrik was already working on changing the hospitals and clinics into his own workshops. His father's hospital, however, would be his main facility where he was working on the process of patient transfers and renovations.

Henrik Von Schneeplestein was now the richest man in the country but with his continuation in his work, he might reach even further.

"We could try and extract more today and bring the pieces together" Eva suggested.

"No, I do not think that'd be wise" Henrik shook his head, "Zhey repel like magnets of the same polarization. Who knows what will happen if we force it. Best to do more research."

Eva rolled her eyes but didn't argue, "By the way. . . . Olivia and I got good news from the doctor the other day"

Henrik hummed, "I told you, you were fine. Didn't need another doctor"

Eva snorted, "Yes, well, the only difference between you and another doctor is the other doctor actually tested my urine"

"Gross"

"Hey!" she shoved him and he chuckled, halted on his typing for the moment and turning back to face her.

"So. . . . are you alright, zhen? No radiation from zhe-"

Eva grabbed his cheeks, effectively shutting him up, "Henny. . . . . you're gonna be a daddy again, you goof. Another daughter"

He suddenly blushed hard. He couldn't find the words.

But his smile was bright and his hug was tight. 

Henrik had never been happier.

"Another daughter!? Olive will be a big sister! Zhis is fantastic news! My lovely Eva. . ." he pecked her lips sweetly. He couldn't stop smiling. 

This was the best day of his life.

Until . . .  until the power suddenly went out.

It got dark quickly and the two parents could hear Olivia upstairs shouting.

Henrik grabbed out his phone and turned on the flashlight, "Get your phone and go to Olivia. I'll figure out how to get the power back on"

She nodded, only seeming a little worried, and ran upstairs.

Henrik was preparing to go to the electrical box to turn the power back on. He could hear Eva running to Olivia to go calm her down.

In his peripheral, Henrik saw something move but as he turned, he missed it. There was only a bright green flash of light and the sound of electricity buzzing in the air. He swore he thought he heard someone groan in pain but he pointed his flashlight everywhere. No one was there.

And then just as quick as the power had gone out, it came back on, lighting up the office.

He heard Olivia cheering but Henrik wasn't really listening.

He stared at the glass container holding both pieces of the mask.

There were claw marks on it now.

'Something . . . something just tried to take it .  . . . ..  it turned the power off . . .. . but it couldn't get it. Why?'

Pretty soon, Eva returned in the lab and he told her of the peculiar incident. She seemed worried but he didn't want to lie to her. She'd see it eventually anyway.

A couple of weeks later, Eva and Henrik were taking a break, watching medical dramas on the couch with Olivia on the floor doodling in her coloring book.

He missed these kinds of days. He didn't take breaks often but maybe one day everyday could be like this.

Eva rubbed her stomach lovingly, "I've been thinking"

"That's dangerous" Henrik muttered, earning him a light swat on the chest, "Hehehe . . ..  vhat is it, my rainbow?"

Eva leaned her head on his shoulder, "I want to name our daughter Iris. Do you like it?"

Henrik kissed her forehead, "It's a lovely name. Whatever you choose is lovely."

Olivia snorted lightly on the floor, "I think it sounds weird! It's like an eyeball!"

"Olivia!" Eva mocked hurt, "You said you liked it earlier!"

Olivia shrugged, "It's OKAY . . ..  I like my name better, though"

"We are not naming your baby sister Allegra. Sounds like a medicine"

"Better than sounding like an eyeball"

Henrik just laughed at their bickering. Honestly, he didn't care what Eva named their baby. He'd love her no matter what.

Another week later and there hadn't been any more incidents like the one before. Henrik didn't know what tried to steal the mask but he didn't want to find out. Maybe it gave up?

Henrik was at his desk in the basement pondering everything.

What was the mask at ALL? How could it show him things? What energy was this? Who else was after it?

WHAT was after it?

Henrik closed his eyes. Just for a moment and rubbed at the corners of his eyes to get rid of that tired feeling.

'I need more coffee. Maybe I could check on zhe girls upstairs, too'

Eva had gone upstairs a while ago to tend to their daughter and put her to bed but it seemed his wife was just as tired. He didn't blame her. They worked a lot, trying to figure all of this out at the same time as building up their new facility and getting clearances for their expanse of equipment.

But when Henrik opened his eyes, he knew then he wouldn't be going upstairs.

The screen changed again.

Just like that night when the mask called for him and gave him the coordinates.

It looked like a wormhole. Leading to what, he still had no answers.

But this one was different.

It was. . . ..  green?

'The last time, it was purple' Henrik remembered, 'Is it different? . . .  or does it matter?'

He tried to get a reading on it. He tried to think of what he should do if anything at all. He was a scientist! He should be recording this!

But before he could get his phone out, the lights went out.

Just like the OTHER night . . . when the scratches appeared on the glass case.

Something was wrong.

Henrik felt it in the air, something sinister.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

Henrik's heart dropped, 'Olivia! Eva!'

"EVA!!!" Henrik wasted no time, bolting his way up the stairs, even in the dark, he knew his way around his office.

He could hear cries, their fear and panic. All Henrik could feel was anger. Who DARED to try and hurt his family!?

He nearly ripped the hinges off the door and almost fell trying to run as fast as he could to them.

But when he got to Eva and his room, they weren't there.

Henrik whipped his head around, trying to listen. To hear where they might have gone, 'Did they hide? What happened?'

"HENRIK DOWN HERE! HURRY!!!"

'Eva' he didn't know how but somehow her voice was in the basement albeit muffled by something.

He had never run so much and so fast in his life but when he finally got back down the stairs, he thought he'd die right there.

He started to shake, "No . . . no, no, no, no, Eva! Eva! Olivia!"

They both banged on the glass, terrified and shouting. That was why their voices were muffled. 

They were in the Reactor's chamber.

Henrik slammed his fist on the glass, "HOW DID YOU GET IN THERE!? WHAT'S HAPPENING!?"

Eva screamed and pointed behind him, "IT'S HIM! IT'S HIM! HENNY!"

Henrik turned around and stumbled back against the glass, looking up at this figure.

'What? No . . . why does . . .'

"Who . . WHO ARE YOU?! VHY ARE YOU HERE!?" He shouted boldly.

The lights flickered on and off and there was just enough light for Henrik to see his face and the glowing green eyes.

Those eyes that stared him down like a predator.

The man grinned.

Henrik was almost too stunned to speak but he uttered out, "Vhy do you-"

"Look like you?" the man chuckled, standing over him, "I get that a lot . . . But I don't have time for twenty questions, doctor. . . .  you're gonna open that container" he pointed at the container that held the mask parts, "And you're gonna give me that mask . . . or watch your family die"

Henrik just then realized the man's hand hovered over the starting dial for the Reactor. He shook his head, "No, . . . .no, no, no . . please . . .  please, I'll do anything. Just don't touch zhat. . . please"

The man hummed, "That's what I like to hear . . . Now get up, Henny . . ." he taunted.

Eva was sobbing, holding their daughter behind the glass. She was trying to speak to him but it wasn't clear.

Henrik slowly stood up, trying to be steady and cautiously made his way over to the mask's container, " . . . Vhat is your name? You're not from here?" he tried to converse again.

The man let electricity crackle off his fingers, "Does it look like I'm from here? No, moron . . . . I'm not. I'm from another realm. Another dimension but I think you already knew that from the wormhole I created."

The man nodded to the container, "Open it up and give me the mask"

Henrik did as he was told. He'd never risk anything over his family. 

With the mask in clear view, Henrik handed him the pieces, "H-here . . . take zhem. . . take zhem and please release my family. Please"

The man grinned, his canines gleaming. Henrik saw his nails were as sharp as small knives. This man . . . he didn't seem like a man at all.

He reached for the mask, "Finally . . . with this I can finally take him down, too. . . ."

Henrik didn't know what he was talking about but as soon as the man touched the man, he was launched back into the wall.

Henrik dropped the mask pieces and ran to the control panel for the Reactor, "Don't worry, loves! I'll get you out!"

They were screaming and crying again but Henrik didn't have the time to do anything.

The man appeared next to him and grabbed him by the throat.

Henrik grabbed at the man's arm, trying to spring free but it was useless.

"I know you didn't do that. . .. HE did it . . .. precautions . . . . but I'm still pissed. And you'll all pay for it" the man laughed in his face, "I'll kill you all"

The man raised his hand at the Reactor and Henrik's heart was racing. 

"You asked  me what my name was. Oh, I'll tell you. Then I'll kill your cute little family and all the rest of the Septic egos starting with YOU. One by one, I'll kill you ALL . . . All versions of you will cease to exist and I'll relish every second of it."

The man squeezed Henrik's throat even tighter until he could barely even breathe or fight back.

The man whispered in his ear, "My name is Antisepticeye . . . . .  now say good-bye to your precious family . ..  doctor"

Henrik gripped Anti's arm tighter, "P-please . . ." he sputtered out, "She's . . . she's pregnant! Please!

Anti just laughed, "You think I care? To me . . you're all like goldfish. Nothing. Replaceable. Useless.. . . . . . . and too easy  . .  too fun to kill" 

Henrik could only watch in horror as Anti turned on the Reactor and Eva held Olivia close to her. They didn't feel any pain, though.

It was quick and within seconds, they were reduced to ashes swirling around the Reactor's core like dust.

Henrik whimpered, he couldn't look away.

Even as Anti dropped him on the ground, "Pathetic . . . . You'll join them, though. You always do eventually so don't look so down, doc"

Henrik crawled to the reactor where his wife and daughter had been knocking on the glass and crying.

The glass was hot now but he didn't care. He didn't feel the burn.

Henrik heard something else behind him and glanced to see the pieces of the mask moving. They were both shaking, clattering on the floor.

Even Anti was confused, "What the fuck?"

The mask started to rise in the air and in one swift movement, they came together as if they had never even been separated.

Suddenly then Anti's attention was fixated on the mask but perhaps in hindsight, that was the wrong move. 

Just then, the mask emitted a strange  frequency and a light boomed out of it. Henrik couldn't feel the blast at all but Anti sure did and it sent him flying again, denting into the wall once more but also making that weird electricity of his spasm across his body.

Well it didn't look as if he liked that and Anti glared at the mask, "FINE! YOU WIN TODAY BUT THE NEXT TIME WE MEET, YOU WON'T BE AS LUCKY!" He snapped his sights back on Henrik, "And neither will you"

Henrik watched as the man created what seemed to be another wormhole and then just like that, they both disappeared.

The mask fell to the ground again, broken and seemingly useless and Henrik just laid there in front of the reactor . . . alone.

A shudder ran through his body and he couldn't stop the tears.

Everything he ever loved.

Everything he ever cared about was just . . . gone.

Vaporized into ashes.

Henrik saw red and he was breathing heavily.

This wasn't the last time he'd see Antisepticeye.

But the next time he did, he'd be ready for him.

Months later passed and Henrik found himself in a predicament. 

He had created this new facility. Created something new. 

This is what his research was based on. Everything was focused on this Antisepticeye and how he worked. The mask and what it was. But it wasn't enough.

Not until THEY started to show up.

A father  . . . and then a performer. All of which looked just like him.

And now a self proclaimed hero with the same readings that came from the mask. A power unimaginable contained inside of a human.

How peculiar. And now with the mask's help, Henrik knew that there were at least six target realms or dimensions that Anti was roaming. Six versions of them he was trying to eradicate.

His assistant, Arin, was speaking with this man now. He called himself Jackieboy Man. Or Jackie.

But Henrik had enough of just watching. He wanted to see for himself now. Up close.

"Zhat will be enough, Arin"

Jackie whipped his head around to the voice behind him and he shot up out of his seat.

Henrik nodded to him and then addressed Arin again, "I will take it from here. You go on with zhe guards to tend to our other guests."

"I . . . " Arin sighed but nodded, "Yes sir. It was nice meeting you, Jackie"

Jackie didn't reply. He just stared at Henrik. Obviously perplexed and justifiably so.

Henrik walked around the table to where Arin had been sitting and pulled out a notebook, "Hello Jackie . . . . I am the Head of Operations here at I.R.I.S. I know this all comes to a great shock to you and I apologize. Everything has changed how we know it in zhe last few weeks."

Jackie slowly sat back down, "You . . . I mean . . . sorry, it's just . . . I'm not used to seeing doppelgangers"

"You don't have to worry" he blinked. Henrik was always serious man. How couldn't he be? He was basically the CEO of this madhouse. A lot had happened in the last year of his life.

Henrik pulled out a pen and wrote the date and time in the notebook, "The only evil Alter we must eradicate is this Antisepticeye you spoke of. He's hurt many people and destroyed many lives. He is a menace and must be taken down before he destroys all six of our worlds as we know it"

"First off" Jackie stopped him, "There's a lot to unpack there and I'm grateful you're sharing it with me . . . but can I first ask YOUR name? What do I call you?"

Henrik tilted his glasses down and tapped his pen on the paper, "My name is Doctor Henrik Von Schneeplestein . . . . . I am the Head of this facility with many Phds in Nuclear Physics, Biochemistry, Health Physics, Computer Science, Quantum mechanics, Mechanical Engineering and Interdimensional Mechanics"

Jackie looked like he had a lot of questions.

The doctor just smirked softly at him, "But as you said, ve are doppelgangers . . . you have zhe courtesy to call me Henrik"

Jackie nodded, "Alright then. Henrik it is"

"Yes. . ." Henrik cleared his throat, "Now zhen . . let's start from zhe beginning"