Sally: Wow...you’re really dense, aren’t you?

Blue shot her a sideways glance, still not understanding why she found it so funny.

Blue: What’s that supposed to mean?

Sally: Nothing, nothing at all. But you know, Jane doesn’t show that kind of interest in just anyone.

Blue: Doesn’t matter. If she gets in my way, I’ll deal with her like anyone else.

Sally rolled her eyes, a playful grin on her face.

Sally: Good luck on that!

As they walked together, the day seemed to grow quieter, the park grass stretching long. Blue, unaware of the depth of Jane’s interest or Sally’s amusement, was focused on the path ahead, the quiet before the storm he knew was coming.

And somewhere, in the dark corners of the world, powerful beings watched him with keen interest, waiting for their turn to test the unshakable resolve of this young boy.

As Blue and Sally reached the end of the park path, Blue slowed his pace.

Blue: I have to head back now

Sally nodded, then to Blue's surprise, she stepped forward and wrapped her small arms around him in a hug. For a moment, Blue stood there, stiff, unsure of how to respond.

It wasn’t often that anyone hugged him, let alone someone from this strange world of entities.

Sally: Thank you for talking to me

Sally's voice muffled as she held onto him for just a second longer. Before Blue could fully process what was happening, Sally let go, stepped back, and with a mischievous smile, she flew into the air.

Blue’s eyes followed her ascent, watching her disappear into the night sky.

Blue:....I didn’t know she could fly

He shook his head, the strangeness of his day settling in as something normal. After a few more minutes of walking, Blue arrived back at the police station.

He pushed open the door, carrying the absurd four-barreled shotgun, The Fourth Horseman, slung over his shoulder like it was no big deal. Inside the station, the entire room went still as officers and staff alike stared at him.

Their eyes widened in shock, mouths slightly agape. No one had ever seen anything quite like the weapon Blue was carrying. It was massive, with a sleek, deadly design.

Most of them could probably barely lift it, but Blue carried it effortlessly as if it weighed nothing. Vanessa stood frozen, her eyes fixed on Blue and the weapon. As he passed her, he gave her a casual nod.

Blue: Heyo

Vanessa blinked, still in shock, unable to even respond as she watched him walk past. Her mind was racing, trying to figure out what kind of weapon could possibly look like that.

Blue continued his path to his shared office with Norman and Lawson, the shocked gazes of the other officers following him the whole way.

When he entered the room, Norman was sitting at his desk, and Lawson was hunched over some files, trying to focus, until they both noticed what Blue had brought in. Lawson’s jaw practically dropped to the floor.

Lawson: What...the HELL....IS THAT?!

Blue blinked innocently, his expression as calm as ever.

Blue: M-My package? ._.

Lawson: That’s more than a package! That’s literal death in your hands!

Norman, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair, looking over the weapon with an appraising eye.

Norman: But very useful, you know how to use it?

Blue: Of course.

Lawson: Will it....work?

Blue’s eyes drifted to the weapon briefly before he responded in his usual monotone.

Blue: On Jeff? Yes. On some of the heavy hitters? Probably....if I’m the one using it.

Lawson looked like he was about to lose his mind.

Lawson: That thing looks like it could blow a hole through a tank! Are you sure that thing’s legal?!

Blue: Probably not. But it works, and that’s all that matters.

Norman: Looks like we’re armed for anything now.

Blue nodded, placing the shotgun on the table with a soft thud.

Blue: This will make things easier, but the heavy hitters are still a problem. They don’t go down easily.

Lawson: I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you just walked in here with that thing. What even is it?

Blue: It’s called the Fourth Horseman. Custom-made. I’ve got enough ammo to last a while.

Lawson: Yeah, but...what are you planning to do with that thing?

Blue:.....Whatever I need to. When the time comes, this will help me get closer to finishing the mission.

Norman: Good. You’ll need that edge, especially with who we’re dealing with.

Lawson: I hope we don’t all end up dead because of that thing.

Blue smiled softly, the usual nonchalance on his face.

Blue: Don't worry. If I use it, we won't be the ones in trouble.

As the team settled into the office, the looming presence of the Fourth Horseman in the room brought a tense, yet oddly reassuring energy. They all knew the challenges ahead, but with that kind of firepower, they were better prepared than ever.
__________________________________

The scene changes from the tactical mindsets of our protagonists, to the cunning end mysterious thought process of Slenderwoman, who was engaged in a conversation with Clockwork.

Slenda: Clockwork, what's on your mind? You seem troubled.

Clockwork: Slenda, my condition is acting up again. All I can think about is attacking Blue.

Slenda: You must resist those urges, Clockwork. We cannot afford any unnecessary attention right now.

Clockwork: But he's been a thorn in our side for too long! I need to make him pay.

Slenda: I understand your frustration, but we must stick to our plan. Attacking him now would only draw unwanted attention from those meddling humans.

Clockwork: But Slenda.....

Slenda: No "buts", Clockwork. We'll deal with Blue in due time. Right now, we need to focus on maintaining our secrecy and furthering our goals without unnecessary risks. Can I count on you to control yourself?

Clockwork:...Yes, Slenderwoman. I'll try to keep it in check.

Slenda: Good. We're a team, Clockwork. We'll handle Blue together when the time is right. He is dangerous in one and one situations.

Clockwork: I'll try, Slenda

Slenda: That's all I ask. Now, go rest. We have much to do tomorrow.

Clockwork leaves, but as she walks away, the urge to attack Blue intensifies. She knows she should resist, but the desire is overwhelming.

Later that night, Clockwork sits alone in the darkness of Slenda's Domain, wrestling with her thoughts. Finally, she makes a decision.

Clockwork: Tomorrow...I'll make my move tomorrow. That brat won't know what hit him.

With her mind made up, Clockwork begins to plan her attack, focusing on every detail to ensure success. She knows the risks, but the need for vengeance outweighs all else. Tomorrow, Blue will pay for his interference.

The next day, Blue finds himself in the police chief's office, discussing recent developments in their ongoing investigation. Just as they're about to finalise their plans, Officer Vanessa bursts in, a look of urgency on her face.

Vanessa: Blue, we just got a call about an incident at a house on the outskirts of town. It sounds serious.

Blue: What kind of incident?

Vanessa: It's not clear yet, but it seems like there's been an attack. Multiple units are already en route.

Blue's mind races as he considers the possibilities. Could it be related to their investigation? Was one of the killers making their move?

Blue: I need to see this for myself. Vanessa, come with me. But make sure that you stay close to me, if it is one of them, then I'm the only one who should be in danger.

With a sense of urgency, Blue and Vanessa rush out of the police chief's office and head towards the scene of the incident, prepared for whatever they might find.

Blue and Vanessa arrive at the scene, greeted by a few police cars parked outside the house. Blue was recognised by the other officers, who nod and allow the two to enter the premises.

As they step inside, an eerie silence fills the air, broken only by the faint sound of distant sirens. Blue's senses sharpen as he takes in the scene before him. Blood stains adorn the walls, casting ominous shadows in the dim light.

Blue: Vanessa, I need you to gather any evidence you can find. Look for signs of a struggle, any thing that might help us piece together what happened here.

Vanessa nods, her expression grim, and begins to carefully examine the area for any traces left behind by the perpetrator. Blue, meanwhile, surveys the room, his mind racing with possibilities.

Could this be the work of Jeff? Or could it be Eyeless Jack? The brutality of the attack certainly fits his M.O.

As he continues his search, Blue's gut churns with a mixture of apprehension and determination. Whatever they're dealing with, he knows they need to act fast to bring the perpetrator down and protect the citizens of this town from further harm.

Blue moves through the house with a practiced calmness, his trench coat billowing behind him, a symbol of his stoic demeanor. He's seen his fair share of gruesome scenes in his line of work, and he was more than prepared for the sight of blood splattered across the walls.

He had seen far worse.

At first, he maintains his composure, his mind focused on the task at hand. But as he catches a glimpse of his reflection in a nearby mirror, something stirs deep within him.

The memories come flooding back, memories of his past as a child mercenary, forced to work under his Father's ruthless command, carrying out unspeakable acts in the name of power and control.

For a moment, Blue is transported back to those dark days, his resolve wavering in the face of the haunting images that threaten to consume him.

The PTSD, always lurking just beneath the surface, rears its ugly head, threatening to overwhelm him once again. But Blue fights back, drawing on every ounce of strength and determination he possesses.

He refuses to let his past define him, refuses to succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume him.

With a deep breath, Blue pushes the memories aside, forcing himself to focus on the present. He may carry the scars of his past, but he refuses to let them dictate his future.

With renewed resolve, he continues his search, determined to unravel the mystery of the blood-stained house and bring justice to those who have fallen victim to its horrors.

Blue climbs the stairs, each step echoing in the silent house, his heart heavy with anticipation of what he might find. As he reaches the top landing, his eyes fall upon the grisly scene before him, the bodies of the victims lying motionless on the floor.

With a steady hand, Blue approaches the bodies, his mind sharp and analytical. He examines each one carefully, noting the wounds and the positions in which they lie. Then, recognition dawns as he realises who these people are.

Blue: Vanessa, come up here. I think I've found something.

Vanessa joins him, her expression grave as she takes in the scene.

Vanessa: What is it?

Blue: These....these are the criminals Chief Norman was looking for. The ones involved in the recent string of robberies and assaults.

Vanessa's eyes widen in surprise, and she nods, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Vanessa: But who would want them dead?

Blue's mind races with possibilities. Could it be a rival gang seeking revenge? Or perhaps someone with a personal vendetta against these individuals?

Blue: We need to inform Chief Norman about this. He'll want to know that his suspects are no longer a threat.

With a sense of urgency, Blue and Vanessa document the scene, gathering evidence that might shed light on the identity of the perpetrator.

As they prepare to leave the house, Blue can't shake the feeling that there's more to this case than meets the eye, and he's determined to uncover the truth, no matter where it leads.

Just then, Blue's senses sharpen as he hears movement coming from upstairs, a shiver running down his spine. Instinct tells him that danger lurks nearby, and he's not about to let Vanessa walk into harm's way.

Blue: Vanessa, wait outside. I'll check it out.

Vanessa nods, her concern evident in her eyes, but she trusts Blue's judgment implicitly.

Vanessa: Be careful, Blue.

Blue offers her a reassuring smile before making his way upstairs, his footsteps silent as he moves with purpose. As he approaches one of the rooms, he hesitates for a moment, his hand resting on the doorknob.

With a quick inhale, Blue pushes the door open and steps inside, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of movement. It's then that he hears the sound of someone approaching from behind.

Instinct takes over as Blue whirls around, his reflexes honed from years of training. He grabs the wrist of his attacker, a flash of recognition crossing his features as he comes face to face with the unexpected assailant.

Blue: Clockwork...

Clockwork's eyes narrow as she struggles against his grip, a dangerous glint in her gaze.

Clockwork: Good Day, Detective. Ready to die?

Blue's jaw tightens as he maintains his hold, his gaze unwavering.

Blue: Nope, now what are you doing here, Clockwork?

Clockwork's lips curl into a twisted smirk, her free hand reaching for a knife at her side.

Clockwork: Let's just say I'm tying up loose ends.

With a swift movement, Clockwork lunges forward, aiming to strike Blue with the knife. But Blue is ready, his reflexes lightning-fast as he dodges the attack enters a unique fighting stance that Clockwork had never seen before.

Blue and Clockwork engage in a deadly dance, their movements quick and precise as they struggle for dominance. Each move is calculated, every strike aimed with lethal intent.

But as they clash, a realisation dawns on Clockwork, her attempts to harm Blue are futile, as if some unseen force is preventing her from landing a decisive blow.

Clockwork's frustration mounts as she grapples with this revelation, her mind racing to find an explanation for her inability to harm her adversary.

Clockwork: Why....why can't I stab you?!

Blue maintains his focus, his expression unreadable as he parries Clockwork's attacks with practiced ease.

Blue: You planned this, didn't you? You knew you couldn't harm me from the start.

Clockwork's eyes narrow, a mixture of surprise and suspicion flickering across her features.

Clockwork: How could you possibly know that?

Blue's lips quirk into a knowing smile as he deflects another strike, his movements calculated and precise.

Blue: Because I can see it in the way you fight. Your strikes, they're too deliberate, too calculated. You were never trying to kill me. You were testing me.

Clockwork's gaze hardens as she struggles against Blue's hold, her frustration mounting with each passing moment.

Clockwork: And what if I was? What if I wanted to see just how capable you really are?

Blue's grip tightens, his gaze unwavering as he meets Clockwork's defiant stare.

Blue: Then you've got your answer, Clockwork. I'm more than capable of handling whatever you throw at me. So why don't you tell me what you're really after? What's your endgame here?

Clockwork's lips curl into a sinister smile as she meets Blue's gaze, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes.

Clockwork: Oh, Blue....you'll find out soon enough.

Clockwork's patience wears thin, her amusement giving way to a simmering frustration as Blue continues to evade her questions. With a growl of frustration, she decides she's had enough of the charade.

Clockwork: Enough games, Blue!

With a swift motion, Clockwork channels her true power, her fist crackling with energy as she delivers a devastating punch aimed straight at Blue's chest.

Blue reacts quickly, throwing up his arms in a desperate attempt to block the blow. But Clockwork's attack carries an incredible force, sending Blue hurtling through the walls of the house and out into the surrounding forest.

The impact is jarring, the air forced from Blue's lungs as he tumbles through the air, crashing through branches and underbrush before finally coming to a stop amidst the dense foliage.

For a moment, all is silent save for the rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of the forest. Blue lies still, his mind reeling from the force of Clockwork's attack.

But as he slowly picks himself up from the forest floor, he realizes that, miraculously, he's mostly unharmed.

Blue's gaze flickers upwards, just in time to see Clockwork emerge from the wreckage of the house, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips.

Clockwork: Not bad, Detective Light. But I'm not finished with you yet.

With a determined glint in her eye, Clockwork strides purposefully towards Blue, her intentions clear. But as she draws closer, she can't help but notice the cold look in Blue's gaze, a silent promise that he won't go down.

Blue stands tall, brushing the dirt off his trench coat as he steadies himself. He clenches his fists, ready for the next round.

There’s no hesitation in his eyes as he squares off against Clockwork, fully aware of her strength but relying on his experience and honed skills. Clockwork smirks, circling him slowly, sizing him up.

Clockwork: I’ll give you credit, Blue. Most people would be out cold by now. But you? You’re still standing. That’s impressive, even if you're just delaying the inevitable.

Blue doesn’t respond, his focus entirely on her movements, watching for any subtle twitch that might signal her next attack. Clockwork lunges at him, her punches fast and brutal.

But Blue moves with precision, deflecting her blows with practiced ease, his hand-to-hand combat skills matching her brutal strength.  Clockwork can’t help but feel a flicker of disbelief as the fight drags on.

Clockwork: How is he keeping up with me?

Her strength was far above that of an average human. She could crush bones with ease, yet Blue is moving fluidly, dodging and blocking like he’s been training for this moment his whole life.

Clockwork: No wonder Jeff lost to him twice...

She thinks to herself, a mixture of frustration and curiosity growing. But then her mind shifts, wrestling with the fact that her punches, when they do connect, barely seem to faze him.

Each hit should have sent Blue reeling, but when her fists break through his defenses, he absorbs the blows with a resilience she hadn’t anticipated.

He grits his teeth in pain but stands his ground. It bothers her, seeing him withstand the power she takes pride in.

Clockwork: You're good, Blue. But let’s see how well you handle this!

With a swift motion, Clockwork pulls out her gleaming knife, twirling it expertly between her fingers. Her smile widens into something more sinister.

Clockwork: Let’s make this a little more...painful.

Blue’s eyes narrow as he spots the blade. His breath steadies, and his stance shifts slightly, preparing for the deadlier threat.

He’s fought armed opponents before, but something about Clockwork, the intensity in her eyes, the chaotic energy she brings to the fight, makes him realise this is about to escalate far beyond a simple brawl.

Clockwork lunges at him again, the knife slashing through the air in a blur, but Blue is ready, sidestepping the deadly strike just in time. Their fight moves faster now, every second ticking like a heartbeat, with each of them waiting for the other to slip up.