Magik Online

Chapter 17: DLC: The Day it all came down

Whatever monster he may have been, Perse had to admit the late Mayor Brown had great taste in art.

This is a statue of the Aztec God Tezcatlipoca, Samantha explained, showing her off a stone representation of a humanoid jaguar. The precision astonished Perse. Each claw, each fang, had benefited from exquisite, masterful attention to detail. As if the sculptor had stood before the deity as if it was real. Stolen by the Conquistadors during the conquest of Mexico. My great-grandfather brought it back from Europe after the first World War.

She wore a new golden dress with a blue rose above the left breast, and was wearing a new brand of perfume. Perse was slightly jealous at how amazing she looked. So pristine, so pure. Like an angel.

Still surprised the scalies didnt confiscate everything, Maggie said as she walked next to the duo, her hands behind her head. In contrast to Perse and Sams keen fashion sense, she always dressed with whatever came to mind.

Sam bristled at that. Dont call them that. Even after they released her, she had confessed to Perse she still worried about being under surveillance. They froze most of Dads assets, and my employees left. I can no longer pay them even if they wanted to return.

So youre all alone there? Perse asked. Such a big place without anyone

No. Not alone. Not anymore. Samantha smiled at her friends. Kari is extending her stay now.

Where is she, by the way? Perse prodded, fearing the answer.

Occupying Matt, as agreed, Sam replied. We have two good hours ahead of us.

Perse didnt like it. Kari looked a bit too close to Matt for her liking. She had seen them exchange glances, as if communicating without talking, the same way old friends did. No, Perse, dont be the annoying jealous girl, that always backfires.

Unfortunately, her friends quickly caught on to her thoughts. Maybe I should poach Matt too, Maggie teased Perse. Hes got a lot more social value now.

Dont you dare, Maggie, Perse warned her. Mine.

Relax, Little P, girl code comes first.

Arent you dating Perses brother? Sam pushed.

Maggie grumbled, Big mistake. Hes grown sour and dull, and its getting on my nerves. I didnt sign on for that.

Perse let out a sigh. Her brother always found a way to fail the amazing girls she set him up with. I swear, hes going to end up alone for the prom.

Maybe he should date Sam instead, Maggie replied, hitting the blondes elbrow.

Maggie! Perse crossed her arms at her insensitivity. She just lost Jack, thats too soon.

Maggies face turned dark at her brothers mention. Why does she look so angry? Perse thought. Shouldnt she have been mourning her missing brother?

Its okay, Sam replied. Truthfully, we werent that close. We never went further than making-out.

Really? Perse could hardly believe it. But they had been together for months! You didnt

We didnt. I tried but, he never showed interest in that. I had to make the first move at every turn. I dont think he was into displays of affection, or affection at all.

My brother was an asshole, Maggie spat with venom.

Thats harsh, Sam said, although not with much feeling, Lets not speak ill of a missing person.

Maggie looked ready to blurt out something angry, only to restrain herself. Whatever. You would be better off with Perses brother. Hes halfway decent.

Feeling the conversation had taken a dark turn, Perse tried to move it towards more positivity. Sam, is the cake ready?

Its in still in the oven, she replied, glancing through a window to the garden outside. Ulysses and Perses mom had almost finished putting up the table outside in the garden. While her brother had accepted to come and help, he looked sourer than usual.

Whatever the hell happened between him and Matt, she hoped today would help mend the rift.

You sure we shouldnt have invited more people? Samantha asked. For her the few participants present at the party looked like a failed party.

Sure. Matt prefers family or small gatherings. He was adorably shy that way. The ringbell interrupted the conversation, Samantha moving to open the door without checking who it was. As a consummate organizer, she had monitored every participant to ensure they did their task; she had probably guessed who it was on the planning alone.

Hello girls. Mathias dad stepped inside or was it new stepdad? Perse wasnt so sure what to call him now. He carried bags full of drinks and snacks. I see that everything went well, Samantha.

Youre right on time, Mr. Martel. Only Gavin and Mr. Nicholae have yet to show up.

Solomon will come later. He told me on the phone he had a problem guest staying at his church and needed to accommodate him. Maggies head perked up at it, before picking up one of Victors bag to help him. Thank you.

He doesnt suspect a thing? Perse asked Victor.

He answered with a laugh. No. I cant believe my son forgot his own birthday. His eighteenth at that.

Perse wasnt surprised. Matt his the head in the clouds lately, with too much on his mind.

He should have tried something special for the occasion, though. Perses own party four months ago had been an epic, blazing trail of drunken revelry across Evermarsh even Ulysses and Matt had been pulled into the maelstrom. A special day like that meant playing harder than usual.

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Now that I think of it, Im older than Matt. Perse thought. People often thought otherwise, since he acted more mature than her. Acting being the keyword while Perse could be scatterbrained sometimes, she wanted to enjoy her youth for as long as possible.

She would have to play adult enough after graduation. Sam, since we have time to kill, perhaps you could show us that new room of yours? Her friend had pestered her with plans of redecoration for weeks.

With pleasure! Sam smiled, her hand grabbing her friends arm.

Ill pass, Maggie said as Mathias dad opened the large window to join the others in the garden. I would rather be outdoors. None of the girls tried to argue with Maggie; she was too stubborn

Perse looked on as her mom welcomed Mathias dad with a kiss on the mouth, smiling like a teenage girl. The sight filled her heart with conflicted feelings; happiness at her mom trying to rebuild her life, sadness at having not seen her real dad for years, and a slight dash of a strange, bizarre anxiety she could not quite explain. Perse wondered if children dating at the same time as their parents was a common occurrence.

Samantha looked at the couple too, but with decidedly less warmth. With renewed tension, she led her friend past an hallway and towards exquisite wooden stairs.

Thanks for letting us use your house, Perse thanked her best friend, as they climbed to the floor above. Her own place was too small to welcome a dozen people.

After the favor Matt showed us, I had to respond in kind. The first floor of the house held various paintings, mostly in the Renaissance style. Many of them represented angels, demons, and apocalyptic imagery. More of a fan of abstract art, Perse didnt like them. How odd we ended up growing closer. Not to criticize him, but I always saw Matt as your quiet, strange friend. I never really paid attention to him before.

Thankfully, or else she would have noticed his crush on her sooner. Perse had learned her lesson; seize the initiative whenever possible. He never made an effort to stand out much. Attention made Matt uncomfortable, unless he played a role. Then he shined brightly. Perse guessed a part of him yearned to be a different person, one that could express deep feelings he couldnt show under normal circumstances.

She wasnt so different herself. In fact, she had been as quiet as her boyfriend when she had been in grad school. It was only through effort that she came out of her shell. It takes time to realize that people often like what you have to say, she declared.

Samanthas smile didnt reach her lips. Like it was photoshopped. I understand.

Stop that.

Sams fake smile broke. Understanding?

Faking it. If you dont find it funny or dont understand you dont have to lie.

Samantha kept her face fixed. Im sorry, I do it on reflex now. Perse figured her asshole of a dad had drilled the need to appear impeccable in any circumstance. I didnt understand."

When youre shy, you think everyone will put down what you have to say. Because you think youre not interesting, and so neither is what you say. It takes effort to convince yourself otherwise.

Arent we all interesting in our own way? Perse could tell Samantha had grown uncomfortable with the subject. Does Ulysses play chess? I have a game in storage.

Ulysses does play online. Matt is more fond of go.

I know, he told me. I do not understand why though. I thought since he enjoyed tactical games, he would like chess.

Its because go is like guerilla warfare, while chess is like traditional warfare. Seeing Samantha fully absorbed in her explanation, Perse kept going. Her friends fondness for strategy games bordered on obsession sometimes. Chess is offensive, fast-paced, tactical, and attrition-based. Go is more strategic, more long-term. Its all about controlling territory, subtly encircling the enemy, and then moving in for a devastating offensive the opponent cannot recover from. I think Matt likes that way of thinking more than the traditional approach.

And it showed in the games he designed. Fucking goblin ambushes.

Samantha smiled, genuinely this time. You sound like a strategy book.

I cant let my boyfriend win too much, can I? So far victories were two to one in Matts favor, but Perse had gained ground. Although I prefer playing Poker.

Poker? It has nothing to do with table games.

Of course it does. Its tactical, psychological. You have to manage your funds, anticipate the enemy...

Its not a strategy game if luck is involved, Samantha insisted. She sounded like those internet purists on forums, decrying others over details. The contrast between her mature voice and behavior was adorable.

Of course it is, thats the whole point. I mean, life is so chaotic, with so many unexpected events. You cant control everything, and thats what makes it great.

I dont like the idea. Samantha stopped before her bedrooms large mahogany door. Not knowing what comes next.

Then why are you so interested anytime you notice something new?

While Samantha didnt answer, Perse knew her well. Her body language told her she had struck a nerve.

As Samantha opened the door and invited her friend in, Perse couldnt shake a strange feeling of wrongness. The musician prided herself in her intuition, which had never let her down, and right now she couldnt put a finger on that gnawing, ever-present feeling in the back of his mind.

Samanthas bedroom was, fitting with the rest of the place, a princess cherished retreat. Most of Perses apartment could fit inside. The bed was king-sized, the place perfumed and clean, and multiple portraits of butterflies adorned the walls. Closed velvet curtains gave the room a transgressive, sensual feel, far away from Sams idealized image of purity.

Why all the butterfly imagery? Perse asked, her eyes settling on Samanthas brooch among her golden hair.

Butterflies start weak and helpless. They are constrained by their very nature, until one day they undergo a metamorphosis. Then they take beautiful flight; they become beautiful, if only for a short time. I find the image powerful.

And Perse had thought she just liked the aesthetic. Sometimes she had the feeling she didnt really know Sam very well. Kinda stands out compared to the paintings before.

Dads. He had grown obsessed with angels and demons months ago.

Had it inspired his madness, or had it been a symptom? Perse didnt know. Why do you keep them?

Because thats all I have left of him.

Sam, your father was a monster. No good can come out of keeping reminders of him.

I know! Her voice broke a little. But he was still Dad.

Perse didnt push further. While her friend presented an air of calmness, she knew she was boiling inside.

Samantha turned around to face her friend, her eyes lingering on her makeup. Without a word, she let her fingers brush against Perses dress. You dressed so well for him. Samantha stared at her friend dead in the eyes. Like a birthday present.

Was that sadness in her voice? Sadness that Perse had made the first move? No, it was something else, something deeper.

Jealousy.

Sam. Perse slowly pushed her friend back. Sam, are you alright?

What do you have that I dont?

The tone alone made Perse take a step back, as if she had been slapped. Sam had daggers in her eyes.

Youre self-centered and whimsy. Pursuing one person and then dropping them for another within a week. So why do you get to have a happy boyfriend while my entire life crashes and burns?

The words hit Perse like a knife in the back.

Then, much to her astonishment, Samantha started sobbing. She fell on the bed, holding her face with both hands, looking destroyed. Samantha Brown, the girl who once had had everything, was crying.

Why does everyone like you without you doing anything to deserve it? Youre loud and brash, and still everyone looks at you! While I try so hard and still feel miserable

Shes doesnt mean that, Perse thought, trying to maintain emotional distance. Her parents are dead, she just needs time to process it.

Perses composure almost failed her when Sam looked at her with bitter, undying resentment. Why do you have a family left? Why? All of that practiced pristine had crumbled, revealing the envy and rage boiling underneath. Her shadow, the ugliest part of herself, spoke through her lips.

It hurt, a lot. Especially since Perse had done nothing to deserve those accusations. She had suspected Sam had issues, but could never break through her friends armor; now it had crumbled, and it was an ugly sight. Sam

Dont talk.

My parents divorced while I was still in grade school, Perse replied, her tone firmer and calmer. I cant pretend the situations are similar, but I know how losing part of your family feels. Its like losing a foundation you based your life upon. You feel rage and anger, and you try to vent it out however you can. Music was that escape for me.

Samantha replied with a glare. I always hated you, she said, her voice dripping with venom. Always upstaging me.

I dont think so, Perse replied. I think you hated yourself.

Hated myself? Instead of envy, anger had come to the forefront. But it still jolted Samantha out of her self-pity.

I never got the feeling you did anything because you actually enjoyed it. It was always one-upping someone else. Always for show. You never lived for yourself, Sam. You just put on a performance for others, especially your father. Thats why you feel miserable; because I remind you of that fact.

Perhaps Samantha had already came to the same conclusion before; whatever the case, Perses words resonated with her, the girl stopping to glare at her fellow bandmate to look at her feet, despondent.

Sam. Perse sat at Samanthas side, making the blonde girl tremble at the physical proximity. Youve got amazing talent, more than I have. Youre so smart, and youve got wonderful opportunities ahead of you. Just be genuine. Try to show everyone the real you, even the ugly parts. Like now. You dont have to smile all the time.

But father

Is gone! And Im sorry to say it, but he had it coming. You dont have to prove anything to that asshole, ever again. Start being genuine, Sam. It really does wonders, and I tell that to you as a friend.

Sam raised her head. Even after what I said, you still consider me a friend?

Eh, its okay. After so much drama in my relationships, I learned a little wisdom from it. I just dont show it often. She winked at Sam. Promise me you will talk to me about your problems next time, instead of bottling it up, and were good.

I I will try. She wiped some tears off her face. Im sorry. About what I said. Perse let her continue, muting out her desire to talk back to go into full understanding listener mode. I Ive been horrible. Youve always supported me, and Ive been ungrateful about it. Thats low.

Its okay. Now if you had done that two months ago I would be really, really pissed, but Im in a good place right now.

Someone coughed at the door, interrupting the heartfelt moment. Ahem. Victor waited at the bedrooms entrance. Am I interrupting?

No, Perse replied, standing up alongside Sam. The latter had regained her composure, although her tears had damaged her make-up a little. Were done.

Victor looked at both of them, yet didnt ask for an elaboration. Your boyfriend is waiting downstairs, Samantha.

I dont have a boyfriend. Samantha paused, a doubt settling in her mind. Wait, who is it?

Perse had guessed before Victor confirmed it.

Jack. Jack Powells. Very polite and cheerful for a missing person. Hes downstairs

The sound of a gunshot echoed from outside.

What was that? Perse panicked.

It came from the garden! Victor bolted out of the room, Perse and Sam hurriedly following him.

What the hell is wrong with you, Maggie!? Viviane shouted downstairs.

thats pretty effed up, sister, a familiar voice spoke, bemused.

The group went down the stairs and ran into the garden. The sight looked straight out of a western.

Maggie was on her feet, wielding a gun with murder in her eyes. A gun! Viviane had risen to try to take it from her, but stayed at bay, her face pale. Ulysses, that uncaring jerk, sat right next to Mom texting on his phone.

And standing farther among the gardens alien flowers, Maggies gun pointed at his head, was Jack.

He had changed since Perse last met him. Not much physically. He wore sunglasses over his eyes, and taken to wearing a crimson red shirt that showcased his muscles underneath, and black pants. He smelled of sour, rusted iron.

No. What had changed was his posture, the way he stood. It reminded Perse of those maddened roman emperor statues. Contemptuously looking down on everyone else like shit. His whole being put Perse on edge. Like she was a tiger among sheep.

Perse had no idea what happened, except that the situation was wrong and explosive. Jack, Samantha put her hands on her mouth in surprise, We thought you were dead.

No, no, not dead, sweetheart. Reborn, like a phoenix. His voice had grown deeper, like cackling embers. Good to see you, though. I wondered if I would feel anything when I saw you again. Now I know.

A thin, cruel smile spread across his lips.

Something in Jacks words set Victor on edge, as he pulled Samantha and Perse by the arm behind him. Viviane, Ulysses, behind me.

Vic, what

Behind me, Victor cut off Viviane. Taking a clue out of his firm tone, she grabbed Ulysses and forced him off his chair. Maggie didnt move, though, keeping her weapon aimed at her brother.

Why so afraid, Vic? If anything, the sight bemused Jack. I heard your son held his birthday party here, so I thought I might bring some candles. As a gift.

Very nice of you, Victor replied icily, pushing Viviane behind him like a bear protecting his cubs. The sight put Perse on edge too. What the hell was happening?

Where is my boy, Matt, by the way? Jack pushed. Breaking windows? Cant start the party without him.

I knew it would happen, Ulysses mumbled. I knew it would.

Ulysses, whats happening? Perse replied with the same tone. Why is he

You dont get it, Perse? Her brother glared back at her. Hes here to kill us all.

Smart boy. Perse flinched at the casual threat no, not a threat. He would kill them all, and that was it. Although I would have settled for Matt and my sister. The family set is just a nice bonus.

Shut up, you creep! Maggies finger twitched near the trigger. I wont miss next time!

Nothing personal, sis. Its professional integrity. Killings more than a job to me, you know? Its a passion project. I want a fresh start, a complete tabula rasa. Cant do that when you made a liar out of me. You not dying? Not cool, sis. Not cool at

She answered by pulling the trigger, making Perse jump in surprise.

The bullet bounced off Jacks forehead.

Guess well never be friends. He hadnt even flinched. You know, Maggie, I never really felt anything for you. Neither for you, Sam, sweetheart. Or anyone. I never felt that, what do you call it? Connection to a fellow human being? Empathy.

While Maggie stood there in shock at the sight, although not as much as everyone else, Jacks hand moved to his sunglasses and tossed them aside. The sight paralyzed Perse in horror.

Never felt it. Emotionally, physically. Not even with Dad. He tried father-son bonding time, but to me, he just was there. I didnt hate him, didnt love him, either. I always felt disconnected from the world around me, like a prop in my own life. A terrible feeling: incompletion.

His eye sockets were empty, a black emptiness lit by two blue, smokeless flames.

Im complete now. Flames began to spread over his skin as he spoke, his voice growing higher-pitched. Like cackling embers starting a raging inferno. When my better half slipped inside me and ignited the magic in my soul, it filled the void. Im half a man no more.

What came next happened in the blink of an eye. Victor rushed to tackle Jack, throwing the table back; Maggie emptied her gun at her brother, screaming in rage and fury; Ulysses pulled Samantha and Perse inside, Mom moving to shield them with her body.

And Jack...

Crimson Requiem!

And then Jack set the world on fire.

Spell of the Day