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"It's still unclear what happened on the garbage filled alley at 25th avenue near the Rolph Nicol Jr. Playground last Monday noon. Police stated they got a call from a concerned student of Lowell High School saying he and his friend saw a man with a gun on his hand. His friend initially became one of the injured victims of the man and the other labeled as a case of Jane Doe. The man with the gun was already gone when the police arrived leaving nothing but chaos and two bloody victi—."

Ace's uninjured arm pressed the surf button on the remote control continuously. He laid comfortable on a soft bed that creaked whenever a part of his body moves. A white cabinet stood beside the white door. At the corner of the room was a gigantic window hanged with clean, white curtains that reek of lavender that covered the intense morning sunlight. The walls were painted with periwinkle blue while the floor was simply beige.

There were no decoration besides the brown clock that hanged itself on the other wall and a wooden shelf right next to the window arranged with endless row of literary works and a few magazines here and there. On top of it was a red rose whose spine drooped over the white vase and a television, its antenna appeared to be waving at Ace though it was probably just the medication taking an effect on his perception.

Left to his bed was Priscilla sleeping peacefully on an orange, rock hard couch. In front of it was a small coffee table cluttered with magazines, food, a cup of water, a small radio and her handbag. She never once went home ever since she received a call from the police three days ago, helping her son whenever the nurse isn't around and entertained him through small talks which he enjoyed.

He gripped the siderail of his bed when everything in the room started shaking gently, soon followed by his tightened lips. It was happening again but not as powerful as before. He wanted to wake his mother up but it slowly faded away. The dreaded feeling however lingered on his stomach that made him feel sick.

"ABC 7 Breaking news!" He immediately lowered the volume of the television before glancing at his mother, sighing afterwards. "Sorry for the delay. Did everyone felt that earthquake just a second ago? Stay safe everyone. Moving on, another pharmacy has been robbed yet again by what the San Francisco citizens named as the Specter. Recorded footage from the pharmacy's CCTV camera showed a tall, well-built person believed to be a teenage male ranging from 17 to 20 years old. The culprit wore the same clothing during the robberies committed these past few weeks; a black hooded jacket, black cap and a white mask that covered his face. Though he may seem like an easy person to catch, trust me, he isn't. Please watch the next few scenes of the recorded footage to see for yourself."

Ace raised his left eyebrow. His eyes stared steadily on the cctv footage being played by the television. It showed the Specter hoarding different medicines inside his black hoodie until it cannot take anymore before walking away like a normal person through the different aisles of shelves, ultimately vanishing into thin air behind a refrigerator, leaving a wisp of white smoke.

"It's crazy! It's literally crazy how that boy disappeared behind that fridge! The staffs working at that pharmacy stated there is no entrance or exit for that thief to use as an escape rout besides the entrance door and the backdoor in their storage room which is said to be locked all the time."

"Speaking of the bizarre, officials just closed the Pier 39 after what happened a while ago. Corpses and blood covered the once peaceful place. Another gruesome murder was left by unknown criminals theorized to be the same who committed another horrific mass murder at a local bistro last Sunday night. Police found bodies that have been mauled and butchered beyond recognition. There were also holes on their body of what seemed to be from bullets. The police chief advised everyone to be safe and vigilant as bizarre things have been happening to our city lately."

A half asleep Priscilla yawned before slowly raising her head. "How are you doing today Sweetie? Is your right shoulder feeling better?" She proceeded to walk towards the window right beside the shelf, her gentle hands moved the silky curtains to the side letting the rays of sunshine inside the cold room.

"Y-yeah my shoulder's okay already." Ace turned off the television that buzzed as it shut, throwing an irritated glare at the heart rate monitor right next to his bed, filling each second inside the room with its beeping noise.

Priscilla looked outside the window, the massive Oakland Bay Bridge stood picturesque at the distance under the blue painted sky. A flock of pigeons passed by her view. "Ace, do you remember anything that happened?"

Ace immediately swallowed a saliva after hearing that question. "I-I already told you Mom. I sneaked close to him and took the girl before running away only to get shot here." He pointed at his right shoulder. "He ran away when the cops arrived."

His mother exhaled lightly. "You know, I always taught you to help other people that are in need, but..."

"But what?" Ace replied, his left hand playing with the soft edges of his woolen blanket.

"Honey, I just don't want to see you in danger that's all. You can help, but there's a time and a place for it. If the situation isn't calling for your help, maybe it's because someone's help is needed more. You could've just waited for the cops." She looked down and caressed her left elbow.

He stared at the white ceiling, pondering. I just feel like I have a responsibility to help, he thought.

The two didn't speak for a moment when the sunlight became brighter, almost immediately blinding Priscilla causing her to grab unto the white curtains and covered the window slightly.

"Mom, can I leave the hospital now?"

Priscilla quickly turned to face him. "What are you, crazy? Sweetie, the doctor said you need to stay here for at least two weeks for your wound to fully heal. You're lucky enough that the bullet didn't hit any major artery or bone in your shoulder," she replied.

"I just think that medical-wise, everything is already done. Now I'm just stuck here in this room while they drain the money out of your wallet when I could do the same thing back in our house without the extra cost."

Priscilla went back to the couch, smiling at Ace. "Honey, I've seen you eat. That's where the extra cost at home comes from." She then grabbed an antibiotic ointment inside her bag, her slippers slapped on the marble floor on the way to the bed. She slowly removed the bandaid on his cheek revealing a small, brown, hardened skin before applying a generous amount of ointment on the area, spreading it all over. Ace hissed at the sharp pain on his cheek, quickly drawing his head away as soon as the ointment touched his wound.

"I know this stings Honey but your wound might get infected." She smiled, her left hand slowly raised his chin while the other gently applied the ointment. Once finished, she inserted her hand inside the bag and searched for something.

Ace slid his eyes sideways. "Are you okay Mom?"

"Y–yeah I'm just looking for a bandaid." She turned towards the clock. "9:30.... I'll be right back, Sweetie. I'm just going to the pharmacy. Do you want anything? Chocolate? Yogurt? Fruits?"

"N-no I'm good. Thanks Mom," Ace replied, forcing a smile before she left him alone inside the room.

The room became filled with beeping noise and a clock hand clicking towards the next number as soon as the white door closed. There was nothing to do except to stare at nothing. The lone red rose on the shelf reminded him of everything that happened three days ago. The mist. The gun. The blood. His two personalities.

"I wonder what happened to that girl," he mumbled to himself. "If she died I'd be so pissed..." His gaze went towards the table where he saw a small radio at the center. Thank God, he thought.

He slowly raised his left arm, it trembled slightly. Being forced to stay on a comfortable bed may sound like heaven to some people, but for Ace having to experience it for four days now, it was nothing but torture especially for his lower limbs. With a slow stretch and exercise, his shoulder and elbow cracked, going back to its original, functional state.

Using his power, the on button of the radio was pressed without any physical contact before continuing to turn the knob, surfing through the different stations, settling when his favorite song was being played by chance; Africa by Toto. His head bopped while reaching his arm towards the dull shelf, a magazine slowly removing itself from its kin before flying towards Ace's hand.

"W-wait, why am I reading this useless trash?"

His eyes shot towards the window when something black and quick passed by, the curtains flew upwards in response to its speed. His head leaned forward to see what was on the side. A black smoke peering in view.

The white door burst open. "There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do! I bless the rains down in Aaaaafricaaaa!" Jason entered and sang his heart out with this deep, husky voice. His left hand on his heart while the other held a small woven basket filled with lively white lilies and streaks of myrtle leaves. He dressed on an all black casual outfit which left Ace's mouth slightly open and his left eyebrow raised.

"Flowers for you, m'lady!" Jason kneeled in front of the bed, offering the lilies to his friend with a giant smile.

Ace glared at him. "W-why the fuck are you giving me lilies? I'm not dead!"

The corners of Jason's mouth went south. "Really? It's just that you're so cold I thought you were a corpse! And you couldn't even thank me for bringing you flowers? After I earned money by helping my Aunt Dorris in her shit filled garden? You know I'd probably smack you with this but you're lucky I am in a good mood because you're okay! Dipshit." Jason then collapsed at the couch, grunting when his back hit its hard cushions. "Holy shit this couch sucks ass," he muttered.

Ace rolled his eyes. "I guess, thank you for the flowers."

"That was so fucking fake. I—."

"You know what? You can't be pleased by anything, huh? You're lucky you're hearing a thank you from me and I barely say tha—." Ace noticed a boy of short stature standing right next to the door. His paleness and blank stare sent chills down his spine before realizing it wasn't a lost spirit. It was someone worse.

Watson fidget as he stood straight, his bunny teeth gently sunk itself unto his lower lip. His delicate hands held unto the strap of his messenger bag that wrapped around his upper torso before coughing one time. He wore an oversized sweater that matched the floors perfectly paired with black shorts and brown running shoes on top of a white ankle socks.

Ace's eyebrows curled up. "What are you doing here?"

"I-isn't it obvious why I'm here?" Watson answered as Jason slowly hid behind the couch cushion.

"No it's not. We don't have any type of close relationship so you're one of the last people I expected to be standing here."

"Excuse me but I am the Student Body President and your classmate so of course we have some sort of a relationship like co-workers would have in a workplace but I doubt you wouldn't get fired on the first day since you're such a bugger."

"And I doubt I'll apply for a job knowing you also work there."

Watson's expression hardened though it did not made him look serious or scary at all. To Ace he just looked like a small puppy trying to please his owner by barking at other people. "You're a little wanker aren't you? You don't have to be so rude to me all the time, I mean, you used to be the kindest person when I first came to school. But now it's like a complete opposite. And before you answer back with rubbish words, I only came here since your friend couldn't bother writing notes for himself or for you in that matter so he asked me if I could photocopy my notes for you," he rambled, slamming the notes on the table before turning his back to leave.

Jason peeked out of the couch cushion. "W-wait Watson you're leaving already?" He strode at a faster rate than Watson going for the door.

"I'm sorry but Ace is just like that. He lacks communication skills and based it on how his shithead of a father treated him," Jason said.

Watson bit his lower lip. "I just can't stand vile people like him who thinks they run the house and just has to badmouth anyone that tries to talk to them."

Ace overheard Watson's words that pierced deep into his heart. It was as if his words slashed at his existence, leaving a feeling he knows so well. It's even worse knowing it came from him. He befriended him even if he promised to himself not to tie fragile strings of relationship with anyone knowing it could easily get cut by someone with power and authority.

"See you at school Jason. And if you decided not to come, I understand though I would like to tell you in advance that I won't cover up for your disappearance." Watson smiled as his hands grabbed the doorknob. "Hope you feel better soon Ace," he said from the doorway, forcing a smile towards him as he left.

Jason waved at Watson before going back to the couch, looking for a soft spot. "Dude, you really need to work on your communication skill. I know Daddy Dearest treated you like Rapunzel since you were a kid but you didn't see her have a cold personality at the end of the story."

"That lunatic had animals talking to her Jason, I did not."

"Well, you have me. I'm not an animal but it's close enough. Anyway, these are the notes for Algebra, History and Geogra—."

A  muffled voice of two people came from outside his room. Priscilla and Oliver soon entered and rushed in front of Ace's bed. Each footfall created a loud clack that penetrated Ace's ears —most of it came from Oliver's leather shoes and heavy footsteps which was no surprise. Ace however was surprised that his father was here.

"Oliver, I seriously think you should consider our son's health. He needs to stay here for a few more days, please!" Priscilla pleaded as her hands wrap itself unto Oliver's.

"We already spent too much money on this brainless fool! The surgery is already done and we have all the medication that he needs, now he's just treating this place like a hotel. I've talked to the doctor and even though that bald headed imp tried to stop me, he eventually agreed to discharge your son. I already paid the bill so you two can start packing right now," Oliver said, shooting a spiteful glare at Ace who kept his head low the entire time. His red locks covering his fearful eyes that were still afraid to look at his father's.

"B-but Oliver, Ace still needs to be h—."

Oliver raised his hand in front of Priscilla's face. "I'll wait for you two in the parking lot," he said before storming out of the room.

Priscilla's jaw clenched after her husband left the room when she noticed a hand underneath Ace's bed. She walked towards it and smashed it with her foot. Jason came out crying in pain, immediately stopping when he saw Priscilla with her hands on her hips, staring back at him.

"H-hi Mrs. Miller." Jason tried to cover the pulsating pain from his hand with a smile, waving in fear.

"What are you doing here Jason?"

"I brought flowers for Ace." He showed her the basket of flowers at the table.

"Are those for funeral?" Priscilla squinted her eyes. "D-doesn't matter. Oliver wants us to leave this hospital as soon as possible. They're gonna give Ace a shoulder cast so that it won't have any complications. Jason can you please help packing his clothes in this bag? They're in that cabinet right there." She showed him the cabinet and their luggage bag in which Jason quickly helped her.

Ace still had his head lowered, still petrified only to be freed by his Mother who gently caressed his right cheeks. "I just hope your shoulder will fully recover." Priscilla kissed his forehead before helping Jason.

The nurse arrived with a wheelchair and helped Priscilla and Jason in packing his belongings. She carefully attached the cast on his waist and shoulder before assisting him sit at sitting on the wheelchair.

"I'm sorry Jason but I don't think you can come ride with us considering his father does—."

"It's okay Mrs. Miller I brought my bike downstairs. Speaking of which, I'm gonna be late for the next class so I'm gonna go now," Jason replied running towards the door. "Bye Mrs. Lawrence! Get well soon shithead! I'll see you soon!"

Ace raised his eyebrows when his mother's mouth was left open by his friend's words. "We should go Mom."

"Yes yes! Thank you so much Annie you've been such a wonderful help!" Priscilla hugged the nurse before leaving the hospital room together.

"H-hey, what happened to that girl I saved?"

"I don't know. When they checked her room yesterday, she wasn't there anymore and the windows were open. Everyone looked for her but she disappeared." Priscilla walked through the cold hospital halls, each turn letting out a floral scent.

Ace rolled his eyes. "Isn't she such a person of gratitude."

The two finally arrived near the entrance when they saw a group workers hurtling with countless bodies that have been torn open. Some had missing limbs while others had been mauled close to death.

"W-what's happening there?" Priscilla asked Annie.

"Same old, same old. We've been receiving a lot of bodies lately that looked like they were thrown in a lion pit. I don't know if you read in the newspapers about the murders in the Alas restaurant last Sunday night but it's the same as this one. Terrible. Just terri—."

"One black bird! Two black bird! Three black bird! Four black bird! Five black bird!" An injured victim who luckily wasn't physically harmed shouted continuously like a maniac though it appeared his mentality suffered instead.

"What's he talking about?" Ace asked Annie.

"Trauma I guess. I didn't major in psychology, Jace. But most victims that can still speak all became like that screaming about a black bird."

"That's so awful. A lot of weird things have been happening lately including the earthquake," Priscilla said, her eyes filled with concern as endless stretcher passed in the hallway leading to the emergency room. She snapped out of it eventually. "We should leave. We don't want to make him wait. Thanks again, Annie."

Ace still had his eyes fixated on the hall in the distance watching passing bodies leak blood on the floor. Priscilla started pushing him slowly when a body of a bald man sat upright, his gauged eyes locking gaze with Ace. The wall slowly covered the view as Priscilla moved the wheelchair.

The man smiled at him.

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