Johnny's heart pounded hard as he packed his bag, his hands shaking with pure panic. He always knew this day would come, but it was still terrifying. He filled the backpack with his research, prototypes, anything he thought would help explain what was going on. He must've been making a ruckus, because his mom soon appeared in his doorway in her pajamas.

"Jonathan Toast, what the hell are you doing?! It's 1 in the morning!" she hissed. Johnny was horrified.

"I need to go to the Caskets, mum. They need me."

"What? Why? Are they in danger?"

"No. ... well, I'm not sure. I just really need to go."

"Sweetheart please, it's late. You're going to see them tomorrow, just go to bed."

Johnny could feel his frustration beginning to swell. He zipped up his bag, slinging it over his shoulder before letting out an annoyed huff.

"I need to go, mother! I promise I'll explain later, just please! Go back to bed!" he begged. His mom stomped her foot, her face turning red with anger.

"I can't go back to bed! First Gavin runs off, and now you?! I never know where you're going, what you're doing, anything! I just want to know that you're safe!" the woman yelled, balling her fists. Her voice was wavering by the end. Johnny felt terrible.

"I'm sorry, mum. I really am. One day it'll all make sense, I swear."

"I-... you-... fine. Go."

"... are you sur-"

"Just go! Be back by tomorrow morning, I still need help cooking." she muttered. Johnny nodded, giving her a quick hug. His mom hugged him back, seemingly relieved by his affection. Johnny swiftly ran down the stairs and to his truck, turning the key hard. Much to his disbelief, the engine stalled. He turned the key again, resulting in the same terrible noise. His panic quickly turned to anger and he slammed on the wheel, a howl of rage escaping him. He jumped out of the car, opting to run instead. Johnny could feel himself starting to lose control as he sprinted. Glancing down at his hands, he noticed that his fingers had started to lengthen and grow in an unnatural way. Pain shot through his arms as his bones snapped into place, his hands now replaced with monstrous paws. This discomfort soon spread to his legs. Despite this he fought through the pain, knowing he had no choice but to keep going. After what seemed only a few minutes he arrived on the Caskets front stoop. He kept an eye on his surroundings as he caught his breath, making sure that he wasn't being followed or watched. Johnny pulled out his phone, struggling to press the tiny buttons. Feeling a bit more moody than usual he threw his phone aside, slamming into the door. It flew open. Johnny panted quietly, lumbering into the room. He was soon met by three terrified teenagers. Gregory gingerly stepped forward, carefully caressing his face. His skin was so cold.

"Relax, Johnny." he whispered.

"Are-... are you ok?"

"We're fine. Just breathe."

Johnny just nodded and leaned into his hand, fully welcoming his friendly surprisingly soft touch. Gavin and Jimmy soon joined them.

"What happened? Did you get attacked by something?" Gavin asked.

"No, I was just so worried and I couldn't get the truck to start so I lost it."

"The truck wouldn't start? We just got it looked at like a month ago..."

"Maybe the monster got to it." Jimmy suggested. Johnny frowned.

"The monster?"

"They mean Box Friend. Apparently that freak shook them up real good." Gregory told him. He felt horrible for their brothers. Box Friend was quite a rough entity to start with.

"I see. I suppose that's possible." he sighed. After he finally caught his breath, he allowed himself to be led upstairs. As soon as he started his climb he could feel his bones beginning to return to their usual position. It hurt like hell. Once they made it to their room he finally gave into his pain, falling to his knees. He tried to conceal his whimpers the best he could, gritting his teeth as his fingers popped back to normal one by one. Johnny weakly smiled when he felt his brother's hand on his shoulder.

"You gonna be ok, big man?" Gavin questioned. He nodded quickly.

"Yeah! Yeah, I'll be fine. Don't worry about it."

"Alright. I'm sorry we scared you so bad."

"Scared me?"

"Yeah. You ran all the way here, didn't you? You don't even run in P.E." his twin chuckled. Johnny rolled his eyes, smirking lightly.

"Whatever, pillock. How about you go get me a glass of water and some ibuprofen?"

Gavin nodded, standing. Jimmy suddenly perked up.

"I'll come with you!"

"What? Why?"

"You might need backup! And you've only ever been over here like twice."

"... alright, fair. We'll be right back you two."

Johnny and Gregory waved to them as they exited the room, closing the door behind them. They could hear them begin to giggle as they went down the stairs, whispering to each other. Something was definitely different about those two, and not just because they had their first true paranormal encounter.

"... there's something going on there, huh?" Johnny questioned. Gregory immediately grinned.

"I think there is. I saw them holding hands earlier~"

Johnny scoffed in amazement. Their obsession with each other was really starting to make sense.

"I can't say I'm super surprised. They've been enamored with each other since they met." he chuckled.

"I know! I think it's awesome."

"It is! Awesome and interesting. ... I wonder what our other version of them would think about that."

"I was just thinking that."

The two sat quietly for a bit, Johnny taking the time to breath and recover while they waited for their brothers. He opened his backpack, emptying the contents onto Gregory's bed. He decided to get organized while they waited, getting ready to give the teens his big time travel speech. Nothing could have ever prepared him for this moment.