Mischief Night

Today, October 30th, was formerly known as mischief night. At a time in the past, this was a day when people of any age would play pranks on others. Sometimes it was intended as a joke, other times it turned into vandalism, using this night as an excuse for such behavior. Not that it prevented them from receiving punishment.

With the constant surveillance across the country, this tradition has more or less disappeared. Here in Philadelphia, it has seemingly been designated as one of the few days in the year when crime is higher than usual. Authorities do their best to control the madness, but always end up overrun, resulting in a high death toll by morning that increases each year. Then, as if the people are exhausted, crime is at its lowest in the following week, making the night of Halloween one of the safest for children to go out.

Due to the extra work the night brings, Kahler suggested the saviors go out in two groups. The first, consisting of Yuuki, Shayna, Marquise, left at 6 pm, leaving Kahler, Andres, Jessica to wait in the classroom.

Andres didn’t need to come to school early. He could have waited at home for his shift, but thought it would be unfair to leave Jessica alone so he asked Yuuki to bring him here, and they’ve been hanging out since school ended.

Recently after school, their nightly duties, and during time off, Andres and Jessica have been talking almost non-stop in SL, Spaceline, with no shortage of topics. Jessica found herself going right to her computer once arriving home to continue their talks.

Since he wasn’t able to do much in his life, Andres read a large number of books growing up, making that his go-to conversation starter. Although Jessica can’t say much about them, it’s better than anything she could come up with.

They’re currently discussing books by different authors and, after hearing that Jessica hasn’t read one book by the famous author AJ Shane, Andres hasn’t been able to move past it. His stories alone renewed reader’s interest in the medieval fantasy setting, a genre publishers avoided for decades due to the declining audience, making his books some of the top recommended.

Jessica’s parents always chose what she was allowed to read, with most of them relating to history or science, no fictional stories, so her library was limited. Like always, she keeps the first part to herself.

In a similar manner, shortly after they halted installing the security system in dangerous cities, any books released were monitored by the government, with them denying any that contained ‘harmful idealisms’. However, it was determined to be impossible to prevent those that were denied from being spread online, so their efforts lasted a mere 10 months.

The current preferred method for reading is online with physical copies becoming a rare existence. Luckily, AJ Shane is popular enough to have both options available. Andres suggests that you have a better experience when you hold the book in your own hands as you read and offers to allow Jessica to borrow a copy. Jessica doesn’t understand what he means by that, but agrees to it anyway.

When 9 pm rolls around, the first group returns, feeling instant relief in the warmth. During the past week, the cold temperatures settled in. Even though every member is teleported to and from school, almost never walking to any destination, they are sure to bring with them a jacket, gloves, hat, anything needed for the cold night ahead of them.

Kahler is the first to speak up from his desk.

“How did it go?”

“I know you warned us it would be busy, but it was almost non-stop! I think we topped 100 souls.” Yuuki gives a regular report.

“106 to be exact.” Shayna is quick to correct her in a somber tone.

The high number is good for their goal, but it’s impossible to get excited about so many deaths. Those with reaper abilities also can’t avoid knowing the gruesome ways every person is killed as it’s needed for souls to pass on. It makes you wonder how much it affects them emotionally.

“Today being a Friday may not help either.” Kahler contemplates. “Regardless, you don’t seem affected by the extra work, Yuuki. Are you sure you’re good for another round?”

“Aha, well we haven’t had to move much with the consistent crime.” Yuuki herself is surprised by that fact.

“Shayna did a great job too.” Marquise boasts. “We took few breaks and she didn’t complain even once.”

Reapers tend to have to do more work compared to the others, so hearing complaints is one thing they’ve come to understand. Not to mention, this is Shayna they’re talking about. Marquise can’t help feeling proud to see her push through it, even with the higher than usual soul count. Shayna blushes due to his praise.

Yuuki then cuts in stating her own observation. “Now that you mention it, she does seem to be in a better mood as of late.”

“Yeah it’s really freaking me out.” Jessica says as she and Andres join the crowd.

With everyone hovering around and talking about her as if she isn’t in the room, Shayna clenches her fists, wanting to yell. Knowing they mean no harm, she settles with saying,

“I am right here you know.”

Yuuki gives Shayna a big hug as if apologizing on behalf of the others. Although Jessica feigns innocence, this is the first sign that their talk may have had an effect. She considers this to be a big accomplishment.

Kahler predicted tonight would be a lot worse due to the high amount of work coupled with the level of violence, yet he can only watch as their moods are uplifted from that one exchange. Kahler doesn’t feel any sort of pep talk is necessary, once again leaving him with very little to do in terms of support. As the groups get ready to switch, Kahler turns his attention back to his school work, flipping to the next page in his algebra book.

The temperature is a brisk 38° F. Winters don’t last long anymore. It’s typically the worst late October until mid December with little or no snow each year. People tried to combat global warming, but it has been stated by many science institutions that we have reached the point of no return.

Earlier the saviors were mainly in the Strawberry Mansion area so Yuuki decided to go in a different direction, starting along E Allegheny Avenue in Kensington on the roof of an apartment building. With how well she navigates the city, you would think Yuuki carried a map of sorts. Instead, it’s all imprinted in her mind. Ask her to take you to one street and you’ll be there in a flash, courtesy of her special ability.

On the sidelines, Jessica lets out a sigh as they save soul after soul. Since her ability isn’t suited for support similar to Marquise’s barrier, and can’t compete with the mobility of Yuuki’s teleport, she has no need to join them like this. Even tonight when they don’t have to move much, she’s stuck watching all that occurs. The beautiful souls aren’t enough to satisfy her anymore.

To escape boredom, Jessica thinks back to a conversation from before they left. When she was putting on her winter gear, she noticed Andres wasn’t doing anything to prepare. He’s simply wearing the same outfit as always. She asked him about it out of curiosity and he claimed he was already wearing extra layers underneath, so he only had to grab a pair of gloves.

Jacket aside, he doesn’t look any different compared to any other day. Jessica considered he just has a really puffy jacket, or he could be hiding something. Andres likes to tell people that nothing about his illness bothers him, maybe it’s difficult for him to admit? At that moment, she wanted to press more and remove his jacket, but decided it best not to right before their shift.

While she’s stuck in her thoughts, Andres approaches from the side and pats her on the back, bringing her to reality.

“Are ya falling asleep?”

“Just trying to keep busy.” Jessica shrugs.

“Even though you can’t use your ability, the extra set of eyes helps more than you think.”

Yuuki might have meant that comment to be taken as reassurance, but Jessica hears pity. It almost confirms her belief that she serves no point in their mission.

They then hear childish laughter from behind Jessica and look in that direction. It’s a young girl, playfully running around on the roof. Did she come up here through the door from the apartments below? This isn’t a common place for kids to play.

As she runs towards the trio, laughing the whole way, Andres leans down and holds out his hand to try and stop her. She ends up running right through it and disappears. His hand stiffens as he watched it unfold, leaving him feeling distraught. It was indeed a child. The soul of a dead one.

For a child to lose their life before they’re even given a chance, anyone would see that as unfair. ‘Taken too early’ is a common headline in the news, but it’s usually for young adults. Even here, abuse to any young children is frowned upon. One of the few unwritten ‘rules’ of this society.

No one needs to say anything for them to know it was Michael who sent this soul. Jessica turns to Yuuki, expecting some sort of response, only to hear “we’re moving” before she grabs the two and teleports to a different section in the city. Since they were basically moved without warning, Andres and Jessica lose their balance and fall on the roof. Yuuki normally wouldn’t move anyone without considering their landing and she quickly apologizes.

“I’m so sorry, I was distracted.”

“S’alright. So long as we’re safe, right?” Andres is easy to forgive.

“We should be.” Yuuki holds out her hand to help Andres stand.

Jessica gets up on her own and as she pats dirt from her pants, Yuuki’s next comment draws her attention.

“Michael isn’t able to detect this sword after all. One of the many thorns in his side.”

In that moment, Jessica remembers what she heard in one of their first meetings. ‘This sword was given to me by my mother before she passed away. She said it came from another world—’

“He can’t?” she asks. “Is it because it’s from a different world?”

“Something like that.”

What does that mean? Is it difficult to describe, similar to why Kahler looks like Michael, or does Yuuki not want anyone to know? There should be no reason to hide any information.

Jessica is about to pry further until they hear gunshots down the road, immediately putting them to work. Yuuki takes them to the roof of a grocery store close by, teleporting more gently this time.

The shots were from two drunk adults who were in a shootout in the middle of the street by a bar. Both lost their lives, surrounded by many onlookers. Surprisingly, no one on the sidelines were killed, just one person was grazed by a bullet. Police were quick to the scene which caused the crowd to disperse. This is a perfect example of how there should be a limit to how senseless an action can be. Andres says “rest in peace” to release the two souls.

Two hours pass and they’re on that same roof. The store is in the middle of an area with plenty of residential and late night hang out spots.

After Andres releases another soul, he wipes the sweat from his brow. In these few hours, he’s done far more work than he would have within a week. Andres isn’t one to count like Shayna, but he’s sure he surpassed their 106. The later it gets, the more people celebrate, and the more reckless they become. Those who enjoy the violence treat this no different from any holiday.

It’s here where they have their next encounter. A man shouts “Freeze! Stay where you are!”, startling them. This time it’s a male cop pointing a gun in their direction. Law enforcement are patrolling the city in droves so this could be a real cop who caught some suspicious people, or it could be another dead soul sent by Michael. Both are highly likely.

“Well this ain’t good.” Andres practically laughs at the irony of the situation.

The sight of the gun being pointed at her makes Jessica step back, not even noticing she bumps into Andres. She looks to Yuuki, thinking she will have the answer. “Is he real or not, Sky?”

After hearing the desperation in Jessica’s voice, Andres wants to comfort her, but he can’t risk either of them getting shot. It makes him feel hopeless despite being so close.

Yuuki narrows her eyes, bothered by this second encounter. “There’s one way to find out.”

The man takes a step forward, still pointing his gun at them, until he loses sight of Yuuki. His shock lasts a split second. She appears behind him and hits him on the back of the neck with the tip of her scabbard. Like before, the man disappears, leaving his gun behind. First Michael sent a kid, now a cop. It comes off as him having a sick sense of humor.

Jessica tries to understand how Michael pulled this off. To so easily find them twice within a few hours, what could cause this?

Thinking the same thing, Yuuki picks up the gun and removes the cartridge to see that there are no bullets inside. An empty threat. In a fit of rage, she throws the gun across the roof, making a loud clacking noise that is drowned out by the many sirens in the background.

Having never seen Yuuki this upset before, neither Andres nor Jessica know what to say and an uneasy silence washes over them. Concerned for their own safety, Yuuki insists they stop for tonight. They haven’t been out for the full 4 hours like they planned, but following Kahler’s suggestion to be more cautious, they all agree.

In an instant, Yuuki teleports behind the two and takes them both back to the classroom. She leaves Andres to take Jessica home first. Once they land in her apartment, Jessica turns around to face Yuuki and finds herself staring at a wall in her room. She left without a word.

*********************************

Watching Yuuki leave with Jessica, and expecting the same to happen to him, Andres quickly turns around and backs away. When Yuuki teleports to the classroom, she attempts to take Andres home, but is left grabbing air. Her eyes dart in his direction.

“What are you-”

“This affects me same as you, same as all a us. You’re not leavin’ me out of this talk.”

Andres stands his ground, refusing to budge. Yuuki didn’t say she wanted to discuss what happened tonight. It’s her expression and actions that made it obvious. Despite wanting to argue against him, Yuuki reluctantly allows him to stay.

“Fine, but at least take a seat. That hood doesn’t hide your illness as well as you think.”

Yuuki swiftly walks past Andres and sits on the table beside the unknowing Kahler, crossing her arms and legs, putting her bad mood on full display.

Hearing such a harsh remark catches Andres off guard. It’s possible everyone picked up on it by now, that Andres obscures his face as much as possible to hide how sickly and pale he looks. He just wasn’t prepared for her to point it out so readily.

Embarrassed, he pulls his hood down to cover his face even more before gathering the courage to join them. There’s no way he can back out now after all he said.

Andres sits in a chair closest to the door with there being 3 empty chairs between him and Kahler. Literally stuck in the middle, Kahler is forced to break the silence.

“Did Michael approach you again?”

“Yes. Twice, in fact. He sent two souls hours apart.” Yuuki says.

“Even when you carried the sword?”

“Even with the sword.”

Kahler is just as, if not more, surprised than they are. He assumes they’re here demanding an explanation, but Kahler doesn’t know how Michael can find them any way other than by chance. It would be as if he’s out wandering around and happened to spot them.

Michael is able to sense all living and nonliving things, their aura so to speak. However, every human, plant, animal, type of metal, etc. has the same aura. It’s never unique to each individual so there should be no way for him to differentiate. These new encounters change everything.

“You can’t think of how Michael can find us?” Yuuki pushes for an answer.

“Well thats-” Feeling the pressure, Kahler stumbles as he tries to find the right words to appease her. He takes a moment before trying again. “No. Similar to myself, his abilities are limited. And even if we suspected anyone in the group, you always pick random areas right, Yuuki? They would have no way to convey that information.”

That’s not what she wanted to hear. Kahler is the one person who should know the most about this situation and he’s as clueless as they are.

Yuuki tries to think back and analyze. The three most recent incidents occurred when Andres, Jessica, and herself were working. It’s true that without carrying their phones, using some kind of telepathy, or having future knowledge, none of them can contact Michael to tell him of their location. So what are they missing? What kind of connection could Michael have besides—

“The two of you having the same face doesn’t help reassure us.”

Yuuki delivers the same harshness to Kahler that she did with Andres, but it has the opposite effect. Smiling from ear to ear, Kahler quickly loses his composure. He lowers his head, placing his hand over his eyes and his body suddenly convulses from holding in laughter. He’s mostly successful, letting out a few giggles instead. It’s an odd reaction. The first they’ve seen from him, making them both uncomfortable. Kahler carries on until Andres speaks up.

“That laugh doesn’t help neither.”

Kahler tries to make himself calm enough to be able to talk. He leans back in his chair and exhales, still with that same smile.

“Sorry, sorry. It’s like I said before, the reason we look similar is insignificant to what you do, but it’s the funniest thing in the world to me.”

Silence fills the room once more. Kahler realizes his laughing fit may have made this worse than it already was, though he really couldn’t help it. Kahler’s expression steadily changes back to one they’re more familiar with.

“Let me remind you; my forcefield that currently surrounds us and most of the school grounds, it’s not just for me. I want to protect all of you. Although I only cover myself during the day, it’s because there are enough people in attendance to mask your presence.”

Kahler takes a look at both of them, from left to right, and can tell that wasn't enough to satisfy them. What is the right thing to say? Kahler scratches his head before expanding on what he told them.

“The only actual power I process is this forcefield. Awakening your abilities, having you use nicknames, Yuuki teleporting you to and from school, I tried to come up with the best ways to keep you out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, I can’t do more than that.”

“The abilities, that’s not part of your power?” Andres asks.

“Not at all. Every person has the potential, I just give it an extra push. Though I’m unsure how Yuuki’s sword is able to sense that potential.” Kahler then shifts his attention solely on Andres. “Of course, I could always tell you the whole truth of what we’re doing.”

Andres hesitates. When he first joined them, the group consisted of Kahler and Yuuki. It was actually Yuuki who approached him at his house after hearing about his constant absence due to being sick. He never understood why that mattered, but like the others, he could also see the sword and an ability was awakened by the next day. This allowed him to see more of this city that he loves, upgrading from video footage on the news to in person. Nothing could have made him happier at the time.

As the mysteries piled up, he started to fear going back to his boring life where he was trapped at home alone, barely passing school, and wanted to ignore it all. Now, it’s becoming more difficult. He decides to base his decision off the answer to this question.

“Is it any different than what can happen to us in the city? Worse than the dangers we face each day?”

However, Kahler can’t think of a good answer to that. “...no, it really isn’t. They’re about even.”

“Then I don’t need to know. This protection is more than I would have had if I hadn’ met you.”

Yuuki stays out of this discussion. Though this isn’t why she confronted Kahler and she switches back to what they were originally talking about.

“When will Michael make his final move?”

“It will be soon. I’m not sure of the exact date, though.” Kahler gives another disappointing answer. “Sorry if this conversation didn’t turn out like you thought it would.”

“It’s alright, I feel better.”

Yuuki jumps from her seat and spins around to face the two men, showcasing her usual smile. Andres remains quiet, but he hopes to never have to see Yuuki that upset again.

Before they go their separate ways, Kahler tells Yuuki to ask the other members, Shayna, Marquise, Jessica, if they want to know the truth when she picks them up on Monday. It’s only fair since Andres was given the option. They won’t ask him, so he’ll ask them instead. Through Yuuki that is. Kahler promises to tell the whole truth to those interested, just as he would have with Andres.