Re:ViVal

By: bunnyvoid (Liselle Custodio) & John Michael Bushman (Juan Miguel
Salcedo)

Scene 1

[Scene begins with bird’s eye view of residential area in business district of a city.
Camera focuses on a small house on a crossroads. Cut to inside a game store
called Magical Bounties Galore!, full of tabletop games, comics-for-rent, TCGs,
and related accessories. There’s also a smell of coffee and bread for those not in
the mood to play (or play while having a cup of joe; the shop takes no offense to
it). Sounds of general rabble, some shouting, and nondescript noise.]

Elaine: (cash register sound effects) And that’ll be $15.

Customer: No discounts?

Elaine: Sadly no.

Customer: How about I take you on a date?

Elaine: No.

Customer: Oh come on! I’m a regular here.

Elaine: And you’re not the only regular I deal with. Now take your cards and go
play with your friends.

Customer: Ha! That’s the Elaine I know.

Elaine: Yeah, yeah. Go on and play now.

[Customer strolls away as Elaine takes a breath and adjusts her outfit.]

Elaine: Jeez, these things feel too tight now. Might need to buy a new pair soon.

[Seeing things don’t need too much attention, Elaine moves to the back of the
store to get a small break. The room immediately greets her with an L-shaped
sofa, a medium-sized TV hanging on the wall that doubles as the security
1
monitor, and a stack of unsorted products on the table in front of it. On the other
side, there’s a dining area with a refrigerator, an empty sink, and a bar-style
counter top. Further down the hall is the bathroom and the storage room across
from it.]

Elaine: I need a nap. And…. Hmmm……

[She looks around, checking to see if anyone is nearby. She then smirks.]

Elaine: ….. I guess I can get one off. The boss isn’t around.

[She sets herself on the couch and pulls up her skirt, revealing her green
underwear.]

[ADULT PATCH]

[END OF ADULT PATCH]

[After about 8 minutes or so, she pulls her skirt down and lets out a satisfied
sigh.]

Elaine: Now I’ll really have a nap.

[She lies down on the sofa and sleep slowly overtakes her. Her mind drifts to a
place she’d rather forget. She still has vivid memories of that day as she stood at
the top of the stairs and could hear the loud whispers of two figures a few steps
down.]

Female Voice: I do not approve!

Male Voice: But she won’t accept anything else!

Female Voice: There are far more stable options out there and that is not one of
them!

[The two figures then turn to her with concerned eyes as she shows herself. She
could feel the tears welling up in her. She runs back upstairs and shuts the door.]

2
[BZZZT! BZZZT!]

[She springs to her feet, almost falling back down due to getting up too fast. She
sees the “Ring For Service” alarm going off in a corner of the door, a little system
she proposed to her boss half a year ago. It works wonders for whenever no one
is at the store front, as it notifies the people in the back immediately. She adjusts
her clothes to look more like a presentable human being rather than something a
troll dragged in, does a few stretches (revealing her “curves”), then exits back to
the store.]

Elaine: Welcome to Magical Bo---

[The store is surprisingly empty of customers. All that remained are two familiar
faces. One is a humanoid with a horse head who looks like someone who lives
and breathes bodybuilding and the other is a much younger-looking elven
woman who may or may not be a child. It seems she was responsible for
pressing the buzzer.]

Elaine: I’m still on duty. Ever heard of the memo?

Elf: Oh, hey Elaine! How’re you doing? And does your, uh, workmate, is it? Does
he also work here?

Elaine: Hello Adeline. And no, no he doesn’t. He has a proper office job. [She
bites her lip at that.]

[Adeline is a 20-year old elf who’s the daughter of a small export business owner.
She’s extremely young by their race’s standards – a baby, even. Her father was
a former client of Elaine and is now doing far well than he ever could have
imagined. Meanwhile, her guardian is named Jordan Silverback, a member of the
Silverback clan, a gaggle of mammalian humanoids who all sport silver-ish
fur/hair on their back. They were formerly just thugs who didn’t know any better,
and Elaine’s efforts put them all in the straight path.]

Adeline: Oh, okay! Seems we came in too early. Can we call you?

Elaine: Of course, of course. After all, it’s what I prefer and is what is arranged.
I’d hate for my day job to get in the way of my actual job, right?

3
Jordan: (grunts) Sorry for the disturbance.

[The two begin to leave.]

Elaine: Bring back my customers!

Jordan: Don’t worry, they’ll be back soon enough.

[Elaine frowns and doesn’t respond any further as the two leave the premises.
She turns back into the backroom and waits for whatever spell they cast on the
place to wear off. She picks up her phone and makes a call.]

Elaine: Hey, it’s me….. yeah, we have a job….. usual rendezvous….. usual
time….. might need to make a few visits before we really go….. of course we’ll
drop by Bayou’s place….. why should I? She’s our biggest informant….. ok, see
you then.

Scene 2

[Havel and Elaine are outside Southern Comfort, the most well-known club in the
city. The rather rotund bouncer immediately recognizes the duo and calls for a
replacement to his post right away. When the switch has resolved, the bouncer
escorts the two through the place. The gold-lined walls of the club are rather
painful to the eyes at first because of their sheer sheen, but once the eyes adjust,
one can see the browns and red to off-set the gold. Havel never gets used to it
but Elaine just uses her own magic to darken her glasses.]

Bouncer: You two are rather early.

Elaine: Duty calls. And I want it over with as soon as possible.

Havel: What she said.

Bouncer: Heh. Lady Bayou’s always appreciative of your company. Unlike other
folk….

Elaine: Anything happened recently?

4
Bouncer: One of Ororo’s boys trashed the place in a fit of jealousy.

[Ororo is a female snakefolk who’s the ringleader of a massive weapons black

market that spans 12 countries. Elaine, along with the help of similarly shady
allies, keep Ororo’s activities from ever becoming a monopoly. After all,
competition keeps things healthy.]

Elaine: Jeez. Those boys never learn, don’t they?

Bouncer: Tell me about it. If it were me, I’d ban those guys for life here. But no,
Lady Bayou is a forgiving woman.

Elaine: But she punished the guy in her usual way?

Bouncer: Oh yeah. She sure did. (chuckles)

Havel: Did the whole place go silent as it happened?

Bouncer: Heh. Why wouldn’t it? It’s those times that I’m reminded why I love to
work here.

[Havel shudders at that. The group finally arrives at a dead end.]

Bouncer: Here we are. (knocks the wall in a rhythmic manner)

[The dead end opens into a velvet-covered corridor, lined floor to ceiling with silk
curtains. The bouncer leads them into the place and arrive at an equally gaudy
door. The bouncer knocks twice and after a few seconds, sounds of locks and
chains fill the room and the door opens into what seems to be a common room
but if it was made for royalty. There is a small set of table and chairs in the
middle and a lone door stood in a corner of the room. The rest is dedicated to
decors that look too expensive for their own good.]

Havel: I never did like this place.

Elaine: You never told me why.

Havel: Hmm….. I dunno. Something’s always felt….. off about it.

5
Elaine: Well, if it’s any indication, your tattoos are reacting splendidly.

[Havel’s tattoos dance about around his arm, reminding him of a past he has yet
to fully reveal to Elaine.]

Havel: This place always was favorable for the magically-inclined.

[Elaine looks around the room. Seeing that they’re alone, she turns to Havel.]

Elaine: Close your eyes for a bit.

Havel: Umm, ok?

Elaine: Don’t open them until I say so.

[Havel asks no further and closes his eyes as Elaine stands from her seat. She
strips naked then places all her underwear into her bag. She dresses back up
shortly after.]

Elaine: Ok, I’m done.

[The door on the far side of the room then opens and out comes a slim, dark-
skinned woman with a big afro and an outfit that screams like something from the
early 1980’s. She’s always had a big smile on her face, whether on duty or not.]

Lady Bayou: Why hullo there huny! Been a damn long while since I last seen yu
‘round deez parts.

Elaine: Hello Bayou. (The two go in for a cheek-to-cheek kiss.) You know what
I’m here for.

Lady Bayou: Of course, of course huny! And hullo there, Havel. How’re yu?

Havel: (tips cap) Lady Bayou. I’m doing fine. Just got off my day job like Elaine
here.

Lady Bayou: Ohohoho. That’s jus’ wunderful. Yu two work so hard just to get by
these days.

6
Elaine: It’s rough. But hey, at least the pay’s well worth all the effort.

Lady Bayou: That’s very nice to hear. (claps hands) Well, shall we head into my
office?

Elaine: Yes, yes.

[They’re led into her office, which is a lot simpler than the corridor leading into it
would have you believe. It’s as if you’re entering a condominium unit than a
workspace. It keeps up with the color scheme, but a lot more subdued. The room
also looks like it has been divided into two halves: one half dedicated to papers
and files and another half to have meetings and dealings.]

Lady Bayou: Take a seat you two.

Elaine: Adeline came by today. Seems her father got into some shit again.

Lady Bayou: (winces) Ooh. Yeah, I did ‘ear ‘bout that. He’s such an old-
fashioned soul that it’s quite endearing.

Elaine: Got anything?

Lady Bayou: Well, lemme see….. (goes over some papers on the side of the
table) Seems the old man dealt with fraudulent folk. Too bad he’s too nice to see
through that kind of bullshit.

Elaine: I’ll need specifics Bayou.

Lady Bayou: Oh. Oho! Huny, you won’t be-leev who he dealt wid!

Elaine: Surprise me.

[Lady Bayou hands over a small stack of papers to Elaine. She pores over them
to see that the Corazon family managed to swindle the old man out of his
money’s worth of goods.]

Elaine: Ugh. Them again. I thought they were excommunicated from the
organization?

7
Lady Bayou: Oh, they still are huny. But you know what they say ‘bout certain
things not stayin’ dead.

[Elaine presses her fingers against the bridge of her nose, feeling the blood
pressure rising.]

Elaine: Then let’s make sure they stay dead this time. (turns to Havel) Call in the
big boys. We’re sweeping these guys off the map.

Havel: You got it.

Elaine: Do it outside. Me and Bayou here have some more….. business to

discuss.

Havel: Gotcha.

[Havel leaves the room, leaving the two inside.]

Lady Bayou: Is this what I think it is?

Elaine: Heh. (stands up and opens her blouse, revealing her bare chest) You
know it.

Lady Bayou: You always know how to make a girl happy.

[ADULT PATCH]

[END OF ADULT PATCH]

[Elaine is laying her head on Bayou’s lap as the latter plays with the former’s hair
while smoking a cigarette. Their clothes lay on the table as the two wind down.]

Lady Bayou: Tell me somethin’ huny.

Elaine: Shoot.

Lady Bayou: Does Havel know ‘bout this?

8
Elaine: Probably not. You know how he is.

Lady Bayou: Aww. Poor child.

Elaine: Don’t worry. He rarely asks questions.

Lady Bayou: He ever wondered about muh true nature?

Elaine: Probably. Succubi always have this certain stink to them. No offense.

Lady Bayou: Non’ taken huny.

[Bayou takes a big whiff of the cigarette before incinerating the rest of it in her
hand. The ashes float about and Elaine collects them, spinning them about the
air before blowing it away.]

Lady Bayou: Yu better git goin’. He must’ve been waitin’ a while.

[Elaine gets up and starts dressing.]

Elaine: How long did we take?

Lady Bayou: Huny, when you have fun with me, time doesn’t matter.

Elaine: Of course, of course.

Lady Bayou: One last kiss before you go?

[Elaine thinks for a bit.]

Elaine: Eh. Why not?

[The two exchange a deep kiss that lasted a good minute or so. Elaine could still
feel their bodily fluids around her legs, turning her on. But she steels herself and
just finishes by slapping Bayou in the ass then giving it a tight squeeze, to which
Bayou lets out a satisfied moan.]

Lady Bayou: Havel’s missing out on a lot.

9
Elaine: I’m not worried about him. He has his own ways of….. well, you know.
Achieving satisfaction.

Lady Bayou: I’d assume it’s not quite like this?

[Elaine simply smiles and gives Bayou a small kiss before cleaning up and
leaving the premises. She passes by Havel who promptly follows behind.]

Havel: The boys will be ready in a few minutes.

Elaine: Good. Coz this’ll be a busy night.

Scene 3

[Time moves to night with Elaine and Havel on the rooftop of a small building.
Elaine is preparing a few spells and weapons while Havel is looking through a
pair of binoculars. Meanwhile, the city lights illuminate from behind as they look
onto a poorly lit dockyard.]

Elaine: See anything?

Havel: None yet. If the information is on point, the Corazons should be around in
a few minutes.

Elaine: Alright. Keep a close eye on things. I’m not done prepping.

Havel: You got it.

Elaine: What about the boys?

Havel: We’ll know when they’re here.

[Elaine doesn’t respond as she busies herself with her tasks. Havel keeps a
vigilant eye on the location as they quietly awaited their quarries.]

[30 minutes later…]

Havel: I’ve got movement.

10
Elaine: Any news from the boys?

Havel: They’re in place.

Elaine: Alright. I’m going in.

[Elaine positions herself at the edge of the building they’re on and jumps off. Just
before she impacts the ground, she rips open a portal and instead ends up near
the warehouse instead. She peers around the corner and spots a few figures
walking about in the shadows. She then hears Havel’s voice in her head.]

Havel: Telepathy link up.

Elaine: Loud and clear.

[Elaine then quietly maneuvers around the shadows, hoping to avoid detection.
She succeeds as the two figures are engaged in conversation, failing to spot the
intruder. She then pulls out two pill-like objects from the ether and slides them
towards the two. She moves to the other figures and does the same.]

Elaine: That everyone?

Havel: Three more by the boat. Just spotted a roof guard.

Elaine: Get the boys on that.

Havel: Roger.

[Elaine stays put for a few seconds and scans the place, looking for the roof
guard. She turns to see that guard being pulled into the shadows. She smirks
and heads toward the boat. She tosses the same pills onto the boat and near the
boarding plank. Once everything was set, she hides behind a crate and mutters a
few words. All the pills then pop and crackle quietly, releasing a thin veil of
smoke. After a minute or so, all the remaining guards fall asleep.]

Elaine: Guards down. Heading into the boat.

Havel: Roger that. The boys are cleaning up the warehouse.

11
Elaine: Make sure it’s clean. We don’t want to have to do clean-up. Not after
what happened last time.

Havel: Roger.

[Elaine boards the boat without much of a challenge. She moves toward the
cabins and swings the door open, revealing a bunch of unaware goons.]

Elaine: Evening, boys.

[She summons a storm of sharp crystals that speed past her and covers the first
two guards with them, causing the rest to draw their guns and open fire. She
responds by pulling up a shield then shoots a fine beam of energy that sweeps a
90-degree angle in front of her. This destroys a bunch of furniture and half
(literally) of the guards. Once they had fallen, a group of guards took positions
outside the cabin and began to pelt her with red-hot lead. She rapidly darted
around the room, bullets ricocheting off her shield with one getting lucky and
bounced back to its shooter, going through his eye. When they had emptied their
clips and began to reload, Elaine took this opportunity to chuck the shards of
broken glass at her attackers. Only one was lethal as it dug deep into his skull
while the others were gravely injured. Elaine then makes her way to one of the
cabin’s doors and slams it open, finding a lone man cowering in a corner.]

Elaine: Jeffrey Corazon. Son of Jonathan “Sunny D” Corazon. Currently

excommunicated from the Gravestone cartel due to overstepping bounds and
breaking territorial agreements.

Jeffrey: Wait! Wait! I can expla---

[Elaine pulls out a gun from the ether and shoots him in the head without any
hesitation. She shoots him a few more times “just to be sure”.]

Havel: Saw flashes of light in one of the cabins.

Elaine: Means the job is done.

Havel: I thought you said no mess.

12
Elaine: That’s what the boys are for.

[Just then, the room’s lights dim. Two dark puffs of smoke make their way into
the room and form into vaguely humanoid figures. One sported a smile that is all
teeth and no lips. The other is all eyes and nothing else.]

Elaine: Ozzy. Yzzo.

Ozzy: Isssss thisssss for meeeee?

[Ozzy’s way of speaking always causes a rancid smell to fill the room
momentarily, causing anyone who is not used to it to feel their stomachs churn in
disgust.]

Yzzo: Of course, brother. My eyes do not deceive me, for it sees all.

[Ozzy smiles widely (as if it can widen any further than it already can).]

Elaine: Yes Ozzy. This is payment for the two of you. You can also help
yourselves to the ones just outside.

[Ozzy lets out a noise that is a confusing mix of glee and wheezing. Yzzo palms
his “face” and collects Jeffrey’s body as Ozzy goes under the door.]

Elaine: Hey Yzzo.

Yzzo: Yes, m’lady?

Elaine: Thank you for the help tonight. Always appreciated.

Yzzo: As long as our contractor fulfills their part of the bargain, we will do as told.

Elaine: How’s you boss? Heard his day job is doing wonders for his health.

Yzzo: Heh. Of course, it is. You were the one who set him on that path.

Elaine: Good to hear. Have fun you two.

Yzzo: We’ll make sure this place will be spotless.

13
[Elaine dusts herself off and begins to search Jeffrey’s room. She doesn’t find
much except for a suitcase under the bed and a safe beside it.]

Elaine: Havel.

Havel: Yeah?

Elaine: Got some heavy items here. Can’t exactly lift alone.

Havel: Can’t you use your magic?

Elaine: If I can save up my daily pool of energy, the better.

Havel: …… but we’ve only just begun.

Elaine: Havel!

Havel: ….. yes, ma’am.

[Elaine waits in the room as Havel makes his way to the boat. The two then load
the safe and suitcase into a cube-like object that expands and contracts to fit the
items.]

Havel: What about the boat?

Elaine: The boys will handle that.

Havel: Got it.

[Elaine’s phone suddenly rings out loud, filling the air with annoyingly cute
meowing sounds. Elaine panicked for a bit before picking it up.]

Elaine: Forgot how loud this was….. ehem….. Elaine speaking…. Just finished a
job….. what for?..... I see….. I have heard of it, yes….. Alright….. we can get it
done soon….. alright. Goodbye.

Havel: Who was that?

14
Elaine: Anonymous tip. Heard of the ATO Cult?

Havel: I have. Didn’t they have a social media channel?

Elaine: No. The cult was borne out of two idiots for using their social media
presence to turn themselves into pop culture icons. Their fans….. overreacted.

Havel: What exactly happened?

Elaine: Said idiots created a separate channel where they would upload a video
daily for a year and that it would be deleted once the year was up. It was
harmless at first, but it attracted the wrong kinds of people very, very quickly.
Certain uploads of the videos or copies that were passed around had a specific
type of mind magic imprinted onto it. The result was the cult. A week before the
year was up, the original creators disappeared, and the cult took over from there.
They’ve been using it to spread their message since.

Havel: Ugh. That’s rough.

Elaine: Sad, really. I liked one of them. Even signed one of the notebooks I used
a while back.

Havel: I see.

Elaine: (to herself) And he tasted real good too. Hehe.

Havel: Did you say something?

Elaine: Let’s head home! Well, my home first since we need to off-load these
items.

[Havel didn’t press any further. The two drop off the items at Elaine’s home. They
say their goodbyes as Elaine takes off all her clothes and crashes on her bed.]

Elaine: Jeez. What a day. (pauses) I need a bath.

[She grabs her phone first and texts an unnamed contact. She tells the contact to
grab the package at her place. She waits a while before the doorbell begins to
ring. She wraps herself in a towel before heading to her door. She swings it all

15
the way open and there stood a hulking humanoid figure in a coffee-colored
trenchcoat, similarly-colored pants and shirt, dark gloves, and dark brown shoes.
Where the head would be, one will only find a helmet with a digital display on it.]

Elaine: Good evening Coach.

Coach: OwO. Did yew wequest fow a pick-up?

Elaine: Yep. And here’s the package.

Coach: UwU. Thank yew vewy mwuch. Paymwent?

Elaine: Gimme a moment, I’ll head back inside.

Coach: Actuawwy…..

[Coach removes the towel from Elaine’s body without warning, revealing all of
herself to him. Elaine instinctively tries to cover what she can.]

Coach: UwU! Yew body is awways impwessive to mwe. I’m jeawous.

Elaine: A little warning next time please?!?!

Coach: (whilst crying) OwO! I’m vewy, vewy sowwy. I just got excited. I meant
nyo hawm. I just weawwy admiwe yew body.

Elaine: (sighs) I just can’t stay mad at you now, can’t I?

[Elaine goes in to hug Coach. Coach hugs back and begins to calm down.]

Coach: UwU. Thank yew fow awways being undewstanding with me. I can’t even
bwegin to imaginye my wife withowt this jowb nyowadays. Aww thanks to yew.

Elaine: Yeah, yeah. You’re welcome big guy. Now go. You know how your boss
hates it when you’re late.

Coach: OwO! Of couwse, of couwse. Have a good evenying. UwU

16
[Coach closes the door behind him, leaving Elaine and her towel, which got stuck
on the door.]

Elaine: And now I take a bath.

[Elaine cleans up for the day and waits for her hair to dry before sleeping in her
birthday suit.]

Scene 4

[Void. Null. Empty. She’s swimming in the darkness. She tries and tries and tries
to swim out of the void. Then, a light begins to shine. She swims toward the light
and she surfaces into an endless ocean. Above the ocean is a bleak sky that’s
just as devoid of life. Another being surfaces. Something far larger than she is.
The waves displace her, but something grabs her before she gets too far away.
She cannot comprehend the situation she is in. She just knows she’s soaked and
afraid. A voice rings in her head that becomes increasingly louder: “Remember.
Remember. Remember!”]

[Her ringtone sets off; that same annoyingly cute meowing ringtone. She groans
as she reaches for her phone and shuts the alarm off. She stretches for a bit and
spots her reflection by the large mirror in a corner of her room. Her whole form is
for display as she twists and turns in front it.]

Elaine: (squeezes her body fat) Hmmm….. seems I gained a bit of weight. But
hey, some guys like a bit of fat. Hehe.

[She fixes up her bed and grabs the loose clothes around the room. She plops
them all on the bed and makes her way to the dining area to search the
refrigerator for leftovers.]

Elaine: Leftover pizza or last night’s dinner? I’m going with dinner.

[She eats a hearty meal before loading the washing machine with water and
soap. Today’s laundry day but she doubts she’ll be able to go through everything
because of a job later tonight. She also now realizes that she doesn’t have any
clothes on.]

Elaine: Eh, perks of living alone.

17
[Her mood becomes sour as she says that, reminding her of the past. But she
also misses home-cooked meals. She’s a fine cook, but nothing beats the
cooking of people who have years upon years of experience under their belt.]

Elaine: Rather not linger on the past. I’ve made my choice. And it’s the right
choice.

[She tells herself that, but there’s always a part of her that doesn’t believe that. It
has been over half a decade since that day. Whenever she looks back on it, she
still wonders if it was right or not. She then shakes off the thought and gets to
doing the laundry. After about an hour, as the clothes are going through the spin-
dry process with the machine shaking in a constant manner, a thought crosses
her mind. She gives in for a bit as a smirk creeps across her face but tells herself
“No! Not today. Busy day today. Probably some other day.” When the machine
had done its job, she hangs her clothes neatly and cleans up before preparing for
her day job. As she passes by her bathroom sink, her four toys are on display, as
if enticing her. She’s tempted again but focuses on just taking a bath. Afterwards,
she goes through her closet for her outfit. She picks a pair of shorts, a loose-
fitting shirt, and her signature green underwear.]

Elaine: (checking herself in the mirror) Should be good enough for the eyes. The
regulars at the shop aren’t hard to please. Hehe.

[She packs her things and opens a portal that leads to the back of the building
where she works. Her boss knows that she’s a magic-user but doesn’t know what
else for. She goes through the front door to her boss and his wife cleaning the
store. Her boss is a balding, rotund man with a permanent smile on his face,
something she always found uncomfortable. His wife is the demure kind of
woman you’d never expect to fall for a guy like him. But here they are.]

Elaine: Morning sir.

Peter: Morning Elaine. And call me Peter.

Elaine: You know I won’t do that.

Peter: Hehe. Always with that personality of yours. But hey, the customers love
you! And I’m always happy with your efforts to improve things around here.

18
Elaine: I mean, I have an amazing pair of personalities here. (chuckles)

Peter: That you do, that you do. But you also always play a mean game with the
regulars. Guess the boys love having their asses handed over to them.

Elaine: Not their fault their plays are shitty. They need to get better. I always tell
them that.

Peter: Haha! That indeed they do. Well, we’ll be heading out in a bit. Got a
business deal with someone selling their collection to us. Watch the store?

Elaine: Per usual. Don’t worry.

Peter: Always good to know I can rely on you.

[Peter pats her on the back as the couple turn back into the store, leaving Elaine
alone. She opens her bag to look for her phone but instead finds another toy of
hers plus its accompanying accessory.]

Elaine: (sigh) Is this the universe telling me to do what I do on the side for a
bunch of equally horny people?

[She looks around. The shop is empty and she knows that customers only start
flowing in about an hour or so after opening. As if on cue, Peter and his wife
leave the premises and tells Elaine to call them should anything come up. She
simply nods and is now truly alone.]

Elaine: Welp, I’m gonna upload a new video on my Secret Fans profile anyway.
Hehe.

[She sets her phone on the counter, inserts the toy in her, and proceeds to
record.]

[ADULT PATCH]

[END OF ADULT PATCH]

19
[She finishes the recording faster than she thought. She can feel her bodily fluids
around her thighs, not helping her cool down. She immediately makes her way to
the employee bathroom to clean up. Once she was done, she hides all evidence
of the act and prepares to greet customers for the day.]

[Around lunch time, she receives a text asking for information on her meeting
later. She was about to respond when Havel suddenly shows up at the counter.]

Elaine: Wah! What brings you here? And what’s with that bland as fuck outfit of
yours?!

Havel: I’m always bland.

Elaine: …..

Havel: …..

Elaine: What’re doing here?

Havel: Day off. Thought I’d drop by.

Elaine: Well, you can take a seat on the couch over there. Want something to
drink?

Havel: Tea.

Elaine: ….. what kind?

Havel: I’ll leave that to you.

Elaine: …..

[Elaine goes on to make Havel’s order while juggling everything else. Every so
often, she turns to look at him. He seems content to just sit there and have that
empty stare. If he had an aura, it’d be something people would avoid.
Surprisingly, he had a few people sit beside him and he didn’t mind. In fact, it’s
almost as if he didn’t exist there. When things had finally calmed down, Elaine
finally gives Havel his tea.]

20
Elaine: On the house.

Havel: Thanks. Got time to talk?

Elaine: Sure. Things’re calm right now. But once the energy picks up again, I’ll
need to go.

Havel: I’ll handle that.

[He mutters a few words under his breath and his tattoos dance around his arm.
It’s not noticeable at first if you’re not used to it, but once you see everything
around you begins to slow down, that’s a sign Havel has worked his magic.
Eventually, time stops and Havel lets out a breath.]

Havel: We can freely talk now.

Elaine: This about the cult?

Havel: Yes.

Elaine: Lay it on me. And keep it short.

Havel: They’ll have a mass gathering later. The leaders will be there.

Elaine: That’s a little inconvenient. I have to meet with someone later.

Havel: Who?

Elaine: One of the guys who accidentally started this whole thing.

Havel: How’s he now?

Elaine: Under protection of Everett Solutions.

Havel: Everett Solutions?

Elaine: They basically do what we do, but they’re officially recognized, and they
don’t usually use the under-handed tactics we use.

21
Havel: We’re considered under-handed?

Elaine: We function more in the gray area compared to the competition. Also
means we don’t have anyone breathing down our necks.

Havel: Now that I think about it, what happened to the other guy?

Elaine: That’s why I’m meeting Idiot One. Only he knows where the other hid.

Havel: Wait, they’re separate?

Elaine: Circumstances called for it. The people they attracted claim that their
combined presence enhances their magics.

Havel: Bullshit.

Elaine: Most likely unless we talk to them and they prove otherwise.

[Havel goes deep in thought, as if searching for an answer.]

Elaine: We done?

Havel: Oh! Right, right.

[Havel releases the place from his magic, resuming normalcy. Elaine turns to the
group playing near the counter.]

Elaine: Hey boys! I need a nap. Watch over for me for a bit?

Customers: Sure thing!

Havel: I’ll get going. See you later.

Elaine: Same to you.

[Elaine heads to the backroom as Havel leaves the store. She checks her phone
to see the message from earlier. It’s from Idiot One, asking if she’s sure she’ll be
dropping by later and if she’ll come by with trusted company. She reassures him

22
that she’ll be visiting, and she’ll be with trusted company. The exchange of
messages went into small talk as Elaine got to know the guy a bit better. He’s
currently 30-years old, lives alone but under protection of Everett Solutions Inc.,
and lives out his days caring for plants and animals. He’s done his best to cut
social media from his life given what happened but is not unaware of what is
going on to the world outside. She assures him once again that she’ll be with
trusted company later before actually taking a nap.]

Scene 5

[Elaine and Havel arrive at a quiet suburban area. It’s around 5:30 p.m. and
there’s an unusually high amount of activity happening around. There’s
apparently a neighborhood feast that’s well under way, hence the denser than
usual number of people. The two were directed to the far side of the area, where
the “trees glow bright green and animals frolic without a worry”. Elaine chokes a
bit on that, but the area does turn more and more natural as they ventured
deeper in. They walk down a forest path and spot a few clearings that seem to be
open for public use, as evidenced by the benches and tables. They finally arrive
at a gate that is covered with vines and flowers and is flanked by two imposing
gargoyles after a 30-minute walk. And just a short walk away is a large log cabin
that seems to have been made for more people than the one who currently
resides in it.]

Havel: You’d think the security would be less….. obvious?

Elaine: It’s fine. He’s deep in the woods anyway. Besides, no one is dumb
enough to fight whatever the Everetts have in place.

Havel: Good point.

[Elaine rings the doorbell and awaits a response. After a few minutes, she rings
the bell again. Minutes pass by again and she rings again.]

Havel: You said he’ll be home, right?

Elaine: Yes, and I’m taking things into my own hands now.

[Elaine coats the gate with what seems to be a counterspell against whatever
security was in place. She then ungracefully shimmies her way over and starts

23
picking the lock. As the gate opens, she feels a light tapping on her shoulders.
She turns to see a pale, lanky, baby-faced 30-year old with short hair and simple
clothes.]

Idiot One: Uhm, you didn’t have to do that.

Elaine: Well it took you too long! Remember what you guys said during that
breaking-in video?

Idiot One: I-I’d rather not.

Elaine: If no one responds to doorbell rings and/or door knocking within 15

minutes, you’re legally obligated to break the locks and bypass security!

Idiot One: P-please calm down.

Elaine: Oh, come on! Loosen up. We can talk business when we’re inside.

[She slings her arm around his waist, making look even more uncomfortable.
Havel gives Elaine a look of concern, but she assures him that she knows what
she’s doing. She leads the guy back into his house, making their way through the
small maze of potted plants near the front door. Once inside, they’re greeted by
the smell of freshly brewed tea and/or coffee. The inside of the house seems far
more lavish than what the outside would indicate. The living room alone contains
expensive-looking furniture and a large TV screen with the tea, coffee, and a few
pastries on a table nearby.]

Idiot One: Take a seat. I-I’ll need to prepare a few things. And fix whatever you
disabled.

Elaine: Sure! We can help ourselves to the pastries, right?

Idiot One: Y-yeah. Sure.

[He leaves the two in the room. Havel is now looking concerned.]

Havel: Aren’t you a little too casual with him?

Elaine: Trust me, I know what I’m doing.

24
Havel: I don’t doubt that. But it doesn’t seem logical.

Elaine: Havel. It’s fine. Besides, he’s allergic to authority figures.

Havel: That’s a little broad.

Elaine: He doesn’t like it when you boss him around. You have to treat him as a
friend to ease his insecurities.

Havel: It didn’t seem to be working though. I could see his face.

Elaine: That’s just his default facial expression. Don’t worry about it.

[Havel could not sit well with her answers, but he knows that she knows better
and chooses to end the conversation there. Elaine was chomping away at the
coffee and pastries the whole time they were talking. Eventually, the guy comes
back and looks a lot more relaxed.]

Idiot One: Ha. I feel much better now.

Elaine: Of course. You’re in good company. Did you know the cult will have a
gathering later?

Havel: Elaine!

Elaine: What?!

Idiot One: I know, I know. Did you know that they still try to recruit me?

Elaine: That’s expected. You and your pal did start the whole thing after all, albeit
accidentally.

[His face becomes gloom at that but shakes it off. Havel is unsure of what to feel
as he watches this conversation.]

Idiot One: We can’t help that now. The present is what matters.

[Elaine gives him a bright smile at that.]

25
Elaine: Good. Seems the therapy worked its wonders.

Idiot One: Mr. Everett himself told me you suggested it before the security
measures were implemented. A doctor’s been dropping by weekly ever since.

Elaine: And how were the sessions?

Idiot One: Great! Helped me sort out my life in ways I never thought I could do.
Speaking of…..

[He pulls out the tablet he’s been holding and shows pictures of the other half of
their pair, living a normal life.]

Elaine: These’re lies.

Idiot One: I know. And the cult was the one who sent me these.

Elaine: He’s still in hiding, right?

Idiot One: Yes, and I got to talk to him recently.

Elaine: Which is why we’re here.

Idiot One: He’s….. he’s gone down a path that’s expected of someone who’s
career was destroyed by one bad decision leading to another. He got so
desperate that he turned to dark magics for help.

Elaine: Do you know the specifics?

Idiot One: Well, based on our conversation, it seemed to be demonic in nature.

I’m not too familiar with that sadly. As you can see, I use nature magic.

Havel: Did you hear any word that was repeated during the conversation?

[He goes into his thoughts for a bit, trying to remember. After a few minutes, he
speaks up.]

Idiot One: Graxxus.

26
[Elaine grimaces at the mention of the name. Havel lets out a sigh.]

Idiot One: Is that bad?

Elaine: Nothing we can’t handle, just annoying. Graxxus is one of those high-
ranking demons that never learns its lesson. I’ll need to pull some strings to get
what I need to, well, save your friend. However, there’s no guarantee he’ll be the
same person. Understood?

[His face scrunches, as if acknowledging what is about to happen.]

Idiot One: I understand.

Elaine: Anything else?

Idiot One: No. We’re done.

Elaine: Cool. We have time. Can we stay for a bit?

Idiot One: Sure, I don’t get visitors often. The company’s fine.

Havel: I heard you’re off social media these days. How do you know what’s
happening outside?

Idiot One: The TV, of course. The Everetts have measures in place to ensure the
cult doesn’t just get their hands on me. It’s not perfect, but it’s safe here most of
the time.

[He turns on the TV to reveal the news channel covering the cult gathering that
will occur in a few hours. The leader, known as Father Bolton, takes center stage
at the camera focuses on him.]

Father Bolton: Brothers and sisters! Peace be with you.

Crowd: And also with you.

27
Father Bolton: In a few hours, we shall sing praises to our lord! Cry out his name
that we may be saved from this mortal coil when our bodies decay! Inspire the
unenlightened to join our cause! Denounce the non-believers!

Crowd: Fear the lord’s judgment! Sing his name for salvation!

Father Bolton: Let us pray! (long pause) Oh lord, we love you and we praise you.
May your blessings flow through us like a well-tuned machine. May your grace
guide us like a precise airstrike. May your light lead us toward salvation. You are
the beginning. You are the middle. You are the end. Your way is the way. Your
way is the truth. Amen!

[The small crowd sing praises and weep openly as the reporter wraps up.]

Elaine: They always say the same thing. Sad that it always works.

Havel: Remind me again how their cult works?

Elaine: They’re extremist technophiles. They won’t publicly show everything, but
they’re responsible for crimes such as insider trading, stock manipulation, you
name it, for the past decade or so.

Idiot One: But they’re most known for electronic espionage. They did get it from
us, after all.

Havel: Expound.

Elaine: To add to what I told you yesterday, the ATO Cult first made waves when
Idiot Two issued a challenge to their audience to make one of their videos as
viral as possible within a day. True enough, the video got over 50 million views;
far more than anyone would’ve expected. Turns out, the cult implanted certain
copies of the video with a specific type of mind magic, convincing whoever views
it to share it to anyone within a one-kilometer radius.

Havel: That’s….. harmless.

Idiot One: It was until those same people reportedly started hearing commands in
their heads, telling them to congregate and keep spreading the word. It
eventually evolved into what Elaine described. All in the name of their god.

28
Havel: There must’ve been a source.

Elaine: That’s the thing. Everyone suspects that Father Bolton was the one who
started it all, but there’re rumors saying that he’s merely the face of the operation.
There’s someone else pulling the strings here.

Idiot One: I suspect that too. There’s simply no way Father Bolton himself
would’ve done this much by himself.

Havel: I see. Hmmm…..

Elaine: You okay?

Havel: I’ll need to do some thinking. This feels….. familiar. (turns to Idiot One) By
the way, I never caught your name. Elaine only calls you Idiot One.

Idiot One: Heh. That’s fine. My name is [REDACTED].

Havel: ….. wait what? I didn’t catch that.

Idiot One: I told you, my name is [REDACTED].

[Havel’s face scrunches in confusion as Elaine simply giggles at the side. He

simply grunts and head to another part of the house.]

Elaine: Should I tell him?

Idiot One: He’ll figure it out. He seems like a smart dude.

Elaine: He’s far more capable than most people give him credit for.

Idiot One: I can see that. Though…..

Elaine: Yes?

Idiot One: He seems to be carrying a great weight on his shoulders. I can see his
aura. It’s rather dark.

29
[Elaine becomes gloom for a bit. For how long they’ve been working together,
she barely knows Havel.]

Idiot One: But. I can see a light in him. A lone light that keeps him afloat.

Elaine: Ha! Must be his girlfriend.

Idiot One: Oh?

Elaine: (squints) What do you mean “Oh?”

Idiot One: W-well, I thought you two were a couple…..

Elaine: Pfft! No. I’m not his type and he’s not my type. Besides…..

[She was going to say something, but it brought up memories. Painful ones.]

Idiot One: Uh, you okay? You don’t look good.

Elaine: O-oh!. No. It’s fine. Just….. just get me a glass of water.

Idiot One: Sure! Lemme head to the kitchen.

[Idiot One makes his way to the kitchen, leaving Elaine to swim in her thoughts.
Remembering that made her restless and fidgets about, trying not to cause a
scene. She tries to calm her nerves as she waited for the two boys to return. She
does so by entering a deep meditative state induced by magic. As she sinks
further into meditation, she could feel her soul being whisked away somewhere.
She knows her destination as she has done this multiple times. When she opens
her eyes, she’s in a beautiful garden. The sun shines not too brightly and gives a
soothing warmth. A gentle rainbow of colors surrounds her as various small
animals bounce and fly about. The breeze smells of early spring and the sounds
of unimpeded nature fill the air. She now only realizes she in a fancy gazebo in
the middle of it all. She’s also seated across from someone with a tea set on a
table covered in a patterned lace tablecloth. The figure is heavily obscured, but
she knows exactly who it is as it pours itself a cup of tea.]

???: My, my. Good to see you again Elaine.

30
Elaine: Hey.

[Elaine finally relaxes as she fills her cup with tea.]

???: I thought you preferred coffee?

Elaine: This is just a visit. I won’t be long.

???: Ok then. Make yourself comfortable.

[There was silence between the two for a while as nature sang its songs and the
breeze blew gently around them. The figure then speaks up.]

???: You remembered me, didn’t you?

[Elaine doesn’t respond.]

???: Sweetheart, you know you can’t keep doing this forever.

Elaine: I know.

[There was an awkward pause. So noticeable that even the surroundings seem
to be waiting for a response from either side.]

???: Alright. Besides, I can’t say anything that will change what happened.

Elaine: (slams cup onto table, almost shattering it) BUT I COULD’VE DONE
SOMETHING DAMN IT. I HAD THE POWER. HAD I DONE IT, YOU---

[She could feel tears welling up in her eyes. But she kept going.]

Elaine: YOU WOULDN’T HAVE--- YOU WOULDN’T---

[The figure calmly makes their way around the table, coming in to comfort the
distressed mess that is Elaine. She cries in their arms, carrying with it a tune that
only certain people would know. Her tears silence the area, as if out of respect
for the pain she’s letting out.]

???: That’s good sweetheart. Let it out. Let it all out.

31
[This goes on for who knows how long. Eventually, Elaine becomes so tired she
falls asleep. The figure conjures up a mattress from the nature around them and
they set Elaine on their lap as she recovers from the episode.]

???: I don’t know if you’ll hear me say this, but just know that I’m doing fine.
Where I am, it’s amazing. A little boring, but it’s far better than where we met.
And where we ended up. Also know that I’m always watching over you….. much
to my chagrin. Seriously, couldn’t you have picked a more decent side job? And
yes, I’m talking about your Secret Fans account.

???: But, if it makes you happy, I’m all for it. And take care of your workmate.
Havel, was it? Trust me, he has far darker demons to deal with than you think. I
mean, sure he’s in a relationship, but that shouldn’t stop you from being there for
him. In a platonic way, ok?

[The wind picks up. The figure knows what this means.]

???: Time’s up sweetheart.

[Elaine is thrust back into her body in one swift motion, jolting her awake. She
found herself sleeping on the couch, even though she began meditating on the
floor. Just then, Havel comes back.]

Havel: ….. did you cry? Your face is puffy.

Elaine: Wh-what? O-oh. No, no. I didn’t die. Just---

Idiot One: I’m back! Sorry it took me a bit. Had to wash the dishes too.

[As Idiot One sets the water, Elaine downs one and steps out of the room. She
tells Havel they need to leave soon to arrive at the gathering on time. She kept
walking away from the home, eventually stopping at one of the clearings. She
simply had an empty stare as she waited for Havel to arrive. He has two cups in
hand, steam escaping from the lip.]

Havel: You prefer coffee, right?

Elaine: ….. I don’t need any more.

32
[Havel sits a good distance away from her. He extends his hand, holding one of
the cups. Elaine reluctantly grabs the cup and takes a sip.]

Elaine: Huh. This is good coffee.

Havel: He said he worked as a barista for a bit before….. you know…..

Elaine: Of course he did.

[The two sat in silence as they finished their coffee. They disposed of the cups by
throwing them into the nearby bin, which literally snapped shut as they got inside.
There were chewing sounds as they walked away from what they now realized
was a mimic.]

Scene 6

Havel: What time does it begin again?

Elaine: 8 p.m.

Havel: It’s 8:15.

Elaine: Got the boys to scout the area earlier. There’re technical issues.

Havel: Ironic.

Elaine: Tell me about it.

[They’ve been waiting patiently and eating dinner in a nearby convenience store.
It’s been over an hour since they arrived and the employees have been bugging
them not with leaving, but with free product samples. Havel has been the one
taking it all and hasn’t shown any signs of stopping.]

Elaine: You’d better empty that tank before we head in.

Havel: Don’t worry. I’m wearing adult diapers.

Elaine: Wait what?!?!

33
Havel: I’m kidding. Good thing they have a bathroom here, which is rare for a
convenience store.

Elaine: Since when did you get a sense of humor?

Havel: I’ve been on social media, mostly seeing your so-called “shitposts”.

Elaine: Hey, it’s not as easy as it looks. There’s an art to shitposting.

Havel: Seems easy to me. Just repeatedly share these viral photos and hope to
get the same reaction from other people.

Elaine: Yes, but those’re baby steps. You eventually have to find the niche that
appeals to you and share only from that niche.

Havel: Really?

Elaine: Yes. It’s how one evolves from a fledgling shitposter to a bona fide
memelord.

[A few cars drive by their location, all headed to the gathering. The two take it as
a cue to leave. They head to the back of the store and Elaine opens a portal for
them to go through. They end up a short walk away from the Megalo Arena, the
largest sports center in the city.]

Havel: Must be fun to be able to afford to rent a place like Megalo.

Elaine: When you’re a cult, almost anything is possible. Start prepping. Party’ll be
starting soon.

Havel: What will you do?

Elaine: Do my part of the job.

Havel: Wait, what are we going to do again?

Elaine: Havel, this is an extermination.

34
Havel: Wait, we’ll kill everyone in there?

Elaine: Yes. It’s the job Idiot One gave me.

Havel: A little extreme, but ok.

Elaine: Besides, we can’t properly talk to Idiot Two while the cult is around.

Havel: What have they done to him?

Elaine: You’ll see soon enough.

[Havel’s gears are clearly turning in his head but can’t quite make heads or tails
of it. There are details Elaine is obviously leaving out, but he knows better than
ask too many questions.]

Havel: Alright. I’ll get in position.

[Two shadows suddenly form around the two. Once they materialize, Ozzy is
hanging by Havel’s shoulders and Yzzo is standing near Elaine.]

Elaine: Report.

Yzzo: A little too official there. But understandable. (pauses) Anyway, they finally
sorted out the technical problems but are still waiting for certain people to arrive.

Elaine: Havel, get to work. Good work you two. Once I’m done, do the usual
clean-up.

[Ozzy nods his head violently, getting everything covered in spit within a 5-foot
radius. Yzzo palms his face.]

Yzzo: Will do madam.

[Elaine nods and begins to put on the cloak the cult uses to identify themselves.
She walks towards the arena, trying to blend into the sea of people making their
way into the venue. When inside, she sees various stalls of cultists selling theme
merchandise. They’re designed surprisingly well, impressing her.]

35
Elaine: No one would think this is cult attire. They look like something teens and
young adults wear on a daily basis: black on green with a circuit-like design.

[She makes her way to the main arena, hearing murmurs as people wait for the
gathering to begin. The place is packed to the brim, seeing that some of the
members chose to stand rather than sit. She picked her spot in the back, near
the stairs. Soon enough, an announcer makes an appearance on-stage.]

MC: Good evening everyone. We deeply apologize for the delays. But, now that
they’ve been addressed, we can begin this gathering.

[The MC warms the crowd up by singing – literally – praises to the god of the
cult: Zerovoros. Elaine was quite surprised because she never knew that piece of
information. She always assumed the “god” they were talking about are the two
idiots.]

Elaine: So they’ve made a replacement for the two? Or was this always their god
and they just used the two to spread their message?

[Eventually, the crowd was alive enough for Father Bolton himself to make his
appearance. The noise transforms into a hush as he takes center stage.]

Father Bolton: Brothers, sisters. Peace be with you all.

Crowd: And also with you.

Father Bolton: We are gathered here today to celebrate the gift of our lord: the
gift of technology. A gift that has shown us the way and the truth. The truth being
technology is crucial to mankind as it evolves in this day and age. Can I get an
amen?!

Crowd: Amen!

Father Bolton: As we begin this gathering, let me tell you a story.

[An excited murmur goes over the crowd as Elaine’s curiosity peaks.]

Father Bolton: 25 years ago, I was a directionless child. My family was not rich
nor were we poor. But we got by. Sadly, my father and mother did not see things

36
the same way. Father was satisfied with our mundane life, but mother wanted
more. She wanted us to push past limits and grow beyond what we were. I didn’t
agree with her back then, but now I do. And when they could no longer repair
their relationship, they filed for a divorce. I went with my father and so did my two
siblings. However, father’s life immediately spiraled out of control as he was
taken by vices. This left us with no choice but to beg and steal for our survival. I
personally got by with pickpocketing unsuspecting folk and dumpster diving. As
most of you know, my life was always wrought with danger. My siblings
eventually died for simply trying to survive, leaving me as the last member of the
family. I was alone, scared, and needed guidance. Then I heard his voice come
over a drive-thru speaker as I was walking by my favorite fast food restaurant.

[Elaine had to stop herself from snickering.]

Father Bolton: He called out to me, saying “Child, you are to be my vessel; my
voice among your kind.” I asked it “How do I spread your message?” The neon
arrows blinked, as if saying a message. I followed them and it led me to a
random stranger watching something on his phone. I don’t remember what I saw
that day, only that the stranger looked at me and said “Praise Zerovoros”. The
stranger then taught me the way of manipulating technology to my will. And the
rest, is history.

[The crowd erupts into applause. But Elaine is not satisfied with the speech. She
doesn’t know how exactly the cult crossed paths with the two idiots. Father
Bolton hands the stage back to the MC and declares that it is now time for
testimonies to be heard.]

*****

Havel in an after-work party, hating every moment of it. He loves the creative advertising work
he’s in, but hates the people. He felt tricked by his boss. He said that they'll meet an important
business associate who has a crucial role in the project he was a lead on. Turns out that was a
lie his officemates made. He hates going home late. He sat near the boss, counting each
minute, still hoping for said business opportunity to come. He’s not a drinker so he just sat there
and internally criticizing his officemates as they lose all composure whilst in their corporate
attires. Three hours into the party and the boss gets horribly drunk. Havel, priding himself as a
righteous office employee, self assigns himself as the baby sitter of said drunk. This gets him
into a crossfire, as his boss challenges the singer of the bar’s live band over a song. Boss
throws a punch at the singer, and makes the singer really angry. The singer tries to throw a
punch but the boss was good at bar fighting so it lands on Havel. Boss intimidates Havel, telling

37
him to fight back, unfortunately calling him his “trained doggie” willing to go to any length to
please him. Havel, being rational counted to 10, trying to contain his anger. Both the singer and
his boss continue to diss , calling him a “pussy” for taking his time. Security comes in. The rage
in him swells. Anxiety attack. He gets up and kicks his boss in the crotch. Boss drops to his
knees. He gets taken out by security.

The next day, he wakes up almost gasping for his breath. Mother knocks and talks with her thick
muffled accent and full protective suit. He hears his father playing a lonely piano piece in the
other room. Late Morning Practice. “Eat breakfast already so the tables can be disinfected.
Don’t forget your medicine.” says his mom, who leaves before finishing the message. Havel just
stares at the ceiling, hating yesterday, and hating today. He hates being at home. He lives in a
half house, half laboratory that his mother runs. It’s their ancestral house, handed down from his
grand parents. The first generation claimed the laboratory’s critical role in overcoming the war
from decades ago. The second generation, his mother and two uncles, claims that they
transformed it into a profitable modern day business. His mother is a scientist, almost
unrecognizable because of the hazmat suit she's wearing. She's always been strange. His
father is a paraplegic pianist, who lost his chance to hit the big stage because of an accident
three years ago. Whilst failing a lifelong dream, thanks to his wife, still manages to live
comfortably and get the treatment he needs. Instead of nurses, the father is under the care of
resident scientists working for the mother. He has a gutsy twin brother who left home right after
he graduated from a science degree. His mother, his father, and his only sibling don’t get along.
Ever since his father’s accident, he took the responsibility of being the spokesperson for each
family member to keep peace.

38