A giant skull in the middle of Hallowsville’s towering gate stared at the small group of future invaders, as if daring them to take one step inside. Those dark, soulless eyes somehow spotted them, even though they were standing with the trees fifteen miles away.

  And those black holes lined up perfectly with Sunshine, which made her bones rattle even more.

  There was tons of crazy stuff Sunshine had placed herself into, but now this was like willingly entering the fiery pits of the underworld. She envied the permanent emotionless expression her dad had, and the horse head Jesus wore that hid any semblance of a human face.

  In contrast, the girl purposely had to forge a mask of bravery when around these two powerful behemoths, and it was becoming tiring to wear.

  The two men were wolves in sheep’s clothing. If she had to compare herself to anyone else in the team, and this truthfully hurt to say, it’d be Benji. It was hard to tell if he’d gotten out of his funk. His random words of encouragement every five minutes might've been a good sign if it wasn’t for the beads of sweat exposing him, along with that artificial smile.

  Emmy was a naive, open book. She had shown off her Radius Ability one time to both Sunshine and Jesus, and while potentially useful, it was clear she wasn't taking it as seriously as she should've. Even now, Jerome had his bulky arms around her waist, trying to stop her running towards the town.

  The woman was nice to her, so Sunshine didn't want her to get killed. Benji deserved to live too. She didn't particularly care about their past wrongdoings as long as they were on their side now.

  If Sunshine had to protect them, then she'd do it with all the strength in her little body. That was the mindset pushing her forward as the group quietly made their way to the hell on Earth, speeding through the bushes to avoid any watching eyes.

  When they arrived, the sense of madness in the atmosphere made Sunshine’s face drown in her perspiration. Hallowsville’s gate was wide open, leaking all of its insanity into the world, inviting anyone to come inside. The bad feeling didn’t go away, even when they all moved to the wall on the right side of the entrance.

  She wiped the sweat off, but her dad’s fatherly eyes couldn’t be fooled that easily.

  Jerome put his reassuring hand on her head and said, “Everything’s gonna be fine, ok? You’re the strongest little girl I know, after all.”

  Sunshine struggled to smile back at him. She hated how easy it was for him to read her mind with just a glance. At this rate, even keeping secrets will be a tough task. Even so, she gave a thumbs up like nothing was wrong.

  “I can already tell this is about to be some real Nightmare on Elm Street nonsense,” her father said sternly.

  Jesus’s arms rested on Jerome and his daughter’s necks. “Remember guys, do not engage in any battles tonight. We’re about to enter unknown territory in a few moments. Not even I’ve been in here, so don’t do anything stupid.”

  “And why are you repeating this to us?” Jerome asked, taking offense to the Horse Man’s orders.

  “Because you two have a tendency to do whatever you want, and those choices tend to be reckless,” Jesus replied.

  “Well, if I do or say something smart, then give me a pat on the shoulder.” The radion chuckled. “Buuut, I always win…or at least survive to see another day.”

  “Don’t you mean ‘we always win’?” Jesus asked, tilting his head to Sunshine. “You’re not alone here.”

  “I didn’t say I was,” her dad said, playing the comment off as a joke. “Obviously, you and I will be the main players. And we’ll keep the others on the bench. Put them in when I think it’s ready.”

  Her head jerked up. “Dad, you said we were gonna defeat Jason as a team.”

  Jerome scratched his head, as though he was about to drop a hard truth. “Benchwarmers are a very important part of any team, Sun. And after what happened in the gym, maybe that’s the safest option.”

  “And where’s the other girl in all this?” Sunshine asked with a tinge of anger.

  She had assumed absorbing Sunflower back in his body meant he was more worried about the teen’s safety than hers. No matter how you sliced it, the truth wouldn’t change. She cheated. Sunshine could’ve beaten her if the sparring was done fairly.

  “Well, Sunflower’s body now isn’t really… human like yours is, so having her with us isn’t that much of a risk.” Jerome playfully pinched his daughter’s cheek. “That doesn’t take away from your strength. That Mind Trick power is going to do a lot for us. I’m sure of it.”

  Sunshine nodded in understanding, though her fists told a different story.

  “Just in case your memory doesn’t function properly, I told you people about my severe lack of interest in participating in this,” Emmy informed the whole group. It was hard to take her seriously when Jerome had her wrapped around his arms. She didn’t seem bothered about that.

  “Aaaah,” Jesus groaned, shaking his head. “This girl and her long sentences. Has anyone ever told you that you’re like a walking computer? Es un co?azo.”

  Emmy squinted at him. “No me odies porque soy listo, pendejo.”

  “What the fuck?” Jesus exclaimed quietly.

  “Frankly, I gotta agree with greeny,” said Ricky Saints. It was truly impressive how someone could still wear sunglasses in the hour of darkness. “You’re supposed to have a proper meet-up with the boss. There’s no way in hell he’s already h-”

  “Hey, forehead,” the radion interrupted. “Keep the voice down, or I’ll make sure you don’t talk for the rest of the night.”

  Ricky spat on the ground. “If I get whacked, the boss’ll make sure your brat never talks for the rest of her life.”

  Sunshine glared at the Corleone member, and he noticed it. There were many things she wanted to say, but the words remained chained up.

  The man smiled cheekily. “Well, don’t keep it bottled up, kid. C’mon, say it,” Ricky said, practically begging. “Or do you need daddy’s permission to spe-”

  Jerome chucked a pebble at Ricky’s forehead, nearly causing him to fall on his butt. It wasn't hard to do so considering how impressively large his forehead was.

  “Horse Head, isn’t it a little dumb to go through the front gate?” Jerome asked. Emmy nodded immediately after the question. “What if it’s a trap?”

  Jesus patted her dad on the shoulder. “You’re right to think like that. That’s why we won’t be going the same way.” He pointed to himself and Sunshine. “While the rest of you will go through another entrance on the other side of Hallowsville, we’ll be going through the front. Oh, and forehead comes with us too.”

  Sunshine’s eyebrows raised. She didn’t remember that part being in the plan. Paying attention was one of her strong suits, so was this a last minute change she wasn’t told about?

  “That plan itself is so obviously a trap,” Emmy suggested, giving Jesus a mean look. “You’re clearly leading the majority of us to a possible demise so no one can stop what you’re about to do to the Type Two’s offspring.”

  Sunshine hid her twitching hand inside her pocket as her heart began to race.

  “Emmy, don’t be so pessimistic,” Jerome said, giving the woman a noogie to the noggin. “We’re going different ways ‘cause we have different tasks. He told us this a while ago, remember?”

  “I can’t take a lifeform who wears that silly display of foolishness around their head seriously. And I see no reason for the fool to bring your hostage with him unless he planned to negotiate with the enemy by his lonesome.”

  Ricky snickered. “Aaah, I love a good slice of drama.”

  The swordsmans neighed quietly. “Hey… he’s our hostage. And nothing bad is gonna happen to anyone.” He looked at the Type Two. “Can’t say the same for you though.”

  Sunshine felt a tight grip around her heart.

  “Hey, you’re the one who told me Consequences was stronger than Jason,” Jerome said. “Physically, at least. With his strength, I’ll be good.”

  With that said, her father grabbed Ricky and began rushing to the other entrance of Hallowsville. Benji looked as if he didn’t know which side to follow, but eventually decided to run after Jerome. Jesus and Sunshine went the opposite direction, and that feeling of uneasiness only grew the moment she stepped through the gate.

  The world slowed to a stop, including her body. The air cracked, and everything else followed with it until nothing was left.

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  ******

  The room was unfamiliar to Sunshine, but the sophisticated vibe it radiated prompted her to put on something nice. Suits for boys could almost always be worn by girls, so that’s what she went with. The time on her watch read 3:05 pm. She’d been alone in this empty space for nearly fifteen minutes, and the session was supposed to start five minutes ago.

  “He’s late,” Sunshine muttered angrily, grabbing one of the magazines neatly stacked on the table in front of her.

  Mother’s Day wasn’t due for another couple months, so why the heck did the front page read ‘What To Get Your Mother on Her Special Day’? Something about the smiles of the mom and her two little girls lit a fire inside of Sunshine. Damage to private property was wrong, but she couldn’t stop herself from ripping the page out and stuffing it in her pocket.

  “If you wanted to keep the magazine, you just had to ask.”

  Sunshine quickly turned around, and the sight of the man calmed her down a bit. Was wearing a horse head supposed to calm the crazies down? “Um, sorry about that. I just, uh… really wanted some Mother’s Day recommendations. I’m not good with gifts.”

  The suited man patted her shoulder and chuckled. “This is your safe space, Ms. Hunter. There’s no need to lie.”

  “Oooo, I like Ms. Hunter,” Sunshine exclaimed, sliding her hands together. “Sounds grown-up.” She squinted at his chest, trying to read the name tag on it as he walked to the other chair. “Dr. Hernandez, is it? How’s your day so far?”

  Dr. Hernandez sat down, crossed his legs, and then stared at her for a moment. He didn’t answer the question or exchange in any other pleasantries, as if talking to his clients wasn’t literally his job. At this point, was his suit really necessary anymore?

  After some quick watch checks and awkward silence, Sunshine finally decided to speak up. “I thought therapy sessions involved more talking than whatever this is. I mean, that’s assuming the definition of therapy implies that.”

  The therapist nodded, clasping his hands. “And what do you personally think therapy is?”

  “An easy way for weaklings to make up excuses for their weaknesses, but not actually solve any of their problems.”

  “Then what does that make you?”

  Sunshine raised an eyebrow at that response, scratching the back of her head. “Look, I’m only here ‘cause my dad suggested it. You might know him. Jerome Hunter—the talking zombie that everyone either loves or fears…” She looked at the magazine she tore up, noticing an advertisement for an upcoming eclipse in four months. “I’m not weak like your other patients, ok? I’m different. I’m strong.”

  “I find it amazing how a little girl like you could master such confidence. However, there’s nothing wrong or cowardly about going to therapy, and talking about what you’re feeling. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do. As a person, as a human being. I’d rather anyone come here than put themselves in harm.”

  Those argumentative words that came out in a soft, parental tone gave Sunshine the heebie jeebies. “Trust me. I’m not interested in taking a morning dive off a cliff or pulling the trigger. Alright? I’m normal and happy. Guys who come here… probably think about ending it every day. Weak-minded. Me? I’ve been holding guns since I was an infant.”

  Dr. Hernandez nodded, leaning in to softly hold Sunshine’s hand. “That must’ve been hard for you.”

  Her head cocked back a little. She chuckled and asked, “What do you mean?”

  “Loss of innocence as you were forced to be thrusted into a world where kids have to mentally grow up faster than they reasonably should. I’m sure your Radius Ability doesn’t help with that.” Sunshine stared blankly at him while he sat back in his chair. “You must’ve killed lots of people in your nine years of surviving.”

  “No, no, no,” she replied, waving her hand. “I don’t kill. Not ever since… my mom. I, um, had to… put her down. Other than that, I’m clean.”

  “Where was your father during this time? That hard task usually shouldn’t fall on the children. Especially infants.”

  “Dad was out finding a cure to save her. But he failed. He was probably devastated knowing his own daughter killed the love of his life. Not to mention, that was his first time meeting me.” She looked at the man’s bare feet. “I had these dreams where a monster would chase me in a forest. Either dark or burning down. It would catch me, and then I’d realize it was my dad. He’d blame me for Mom dying, and scream at me. Then I’d wake up sweating.”

  “The blame for your mother’s death shouldn’t only be on you,” the doctor replied with concern. “Yes, you pulled the trigger, but you were a child. You’re still a child. Your father, Jerome, was an adult who ran away just long enough for you to do all the dirty work.”

  Sunshine furrowed her brows. “What? No. I got over that a while ago. Dad’s always been good to me. I wouldn’t be here right now without him.”

  “Right now? Ms. Hunter, you are aware that you’re about to be in a life or death battle, correct? Many life or death battles, actually.”

  “I want that,” she said, smiling awkwardly. “What’s wrong with fighting if it’s for the sake of my dad and my survival? After all the stuff he’s done for me…”

  “Textbook parental manipulation right there, little lady.” Dr. Hernandez took out a small notebook from his chest pocket and flipped through a couple pages until he stopped. He began writing and went on. “Your father gives you this idea that because he’s done all these ‘wonderful’ things for you, that automatically means you have to do things for him. That can be a very unhealthy relationship, especially when you’re so young and your mind can still be easily manipulated.”

  “Hey, no one manipulates me,” Sunshine replied in a low voice. “I love my dad, and I appreciate everything he’s ever done for me. That’s why I fight. That’s why I want to get stronger. See, this is why I hate this therapy stuff. You’re trying to manipulate me with these new ideas, trying to get me to think what me and Jerome have is-is-is toxic. It’s not.”

  He nodded again, continuing to write. “How did you feel when he introduced another member to your little family?”

  “What?” Sunshine readjusted herself, crossing her legs. “You mean Sunflower? I-I couldn’t care less about her, honestly. ‘Cause at the end of the day…I’m the first daughter. The favorite daughter. And every time she slips up, or gets angry, or tries to kill one of us, that just gives me more points.”

  The man stopped writing and stared at her for a bit. “It’s interesting you use gaming terminology to describe what should be a familial relationship. Do you believe that if Sunflower didn’t slip up ever again and continued to be a harmless individual, you’d ’lose points?”

  The girl decided not to answer that question. “She’s not my sister. And I know she’ll slip up eventually.”

  “And if she doesn’t? Are you afraid that if you make a big mistake some time in the near future, and Sunflower doesn’t, that you’ll lose the ‘favorite daughter’ title? Maybe Jerome will replace you entirely once that happens. And if that happens, you’ll lose the one person who probably loves you unconditionally.”

  Sunshine’s lips trembled as her eyes shifted to every spot in the room, avoiding eye contact with the doctor. An almost reassuring rub on her shoulder only worked to make her heart race more.

  Then, the dreaded question came out as he reached for the box of tissues. “Are you ok? You can always cry here if you need to. You’re allowed to.”

  She lightly pushed it away from her face, and Dr. Hernandez gave an understanding nod. The girl took a deep breath, and then glared at the man. “You know what? Everything I said about Sunflower was bullshit. I hate her. I hate everything about her.”

  “Hatred… is a very strong feeling.”

  “There were a few people I almost killed this month. Flash—Moonlight’s dad, Ricky Saints, Roddy Richman. I spared them. Sunflower?” Sunshine swiped at her neck with her thumb. “There wouldn’t even be a second thought.”

  “Do you know what all four of those people have in common?” Dr. Hernandez asked, leaning in. “They all had or have the ability to take away something dear to you.”

  “Yeah, obviously,” Sunshine snickered. “They all tried to kill Jerome or someone I liked. Is there something wrong with wanting to protect people I like?”

  “So then why did you spare them, but Sunflower is someone who you wouldn’t give a second of thought to before killing her? This isn’t just about your father or friends. There is something deeper. What was it really that all could have or still could take away from you?”

  She pondered that question for a moment until the answer hit her like a semi truck. “Flash accused me of being a danger to Moonlight, and then took her away from me. My first… real friend. Someone who actually liked me. Ricky and Richman were the same, but Lyra and Benji were there. More people who were beginning to like and respect me.”

  “And you feel Sunflower is on the verge of stealing Jerome away, and becoming the favorite daughter. Perfectly reasonable for a child to think like that—especially you. I mean, you created a virus that could kill thousands of people. Everyone would hate you if they found out. Probably want you dead.”

  “The virus kills enough people. What do I look like purposely adding more to the high number?” Sunshine looked at the eclipse in the magazine again. “Give it to me straight, doc? I’m a needy bitch.”

  “A girl like you has so much pressure on her shoulders… You require and want an excessive amount of love, attention, and reassurance, often due to insecurities and a lack of self-wo-”

  Before he could finish, Sunshine smacked the book off the glass table, sending it flying to the other side of the room.

  Dr. Hernandez kept his eyes on her. “Face it, little lady. You’re prideful and envious. A narcissist maybe. And let’s be honest, you get it from your father…” Once again, he put his hand on her hand. “But that’s why it’s his fault you’re feeling these strong emotions.”

  “Huh?” Sunshine exclaimed, sounding offended.

  “Jerome knows how he is, but he’s able to accept and relish in it because he’s a zombie. But you’re a human. Combine that with your unique powers, and you got a kid who needs to be treated with as much care as possible. And yet, he wants to share the love and attention with someone else. Què mal.”

  Sunshine shook her head. “Doctor, Jerome’s my dad.”

  “All it takes for you to be fully replaced is for that man to see that one daughter is less of a hassle than the other. She’s older, stronger, and doesn’t have a disease he needs to find a cure for. Besides… he’s going to abandon you soon anyway. You and I both know that. So what’s wrong with getting the first hit in?”

  The girl nodded, pursing her lips.

  “These sessions are usually a little longer, but I think we’ve made some fine progress.” Dr. Hernandez stood up and walked to the back of Sunshine’s chair. “You can check under your seat for something I prepared for you.”

  Sunshine blinked, confusion creeping in. Her hands trembled as she reached beneath her chair. Cold metal brushed against her fingertips. She pulled it out slowly.

  A handgun, heavier than she expected.

  When she lifted her eyes again, someone else was there. Sunflower sat calmly across from her, though Sunshine was certain the chair had been empty just moments ago. She had this calm, natural smile on her face—so natural that it almost felt like she was being mocked.

  “What do I do with this?” Sunshine asked, glancing at the doctor.

  “Do with it what you will.”

  Sunshine slowly aimed the gun at the girl who would never be her sister as a flash of images entered her head—images of Sunflower dead on the floor. All she had to do was pull the trigger, and everything would be over.

  So why the hell was her “sister” still smiling? Death was moments away. She could bitch and moan to Jerome, but this gun didn’t mean shit?

  She thinks I’m weak… Just like last time. I’ll show her. I’ll show this prick.

  Sunshine’s finger twitched, but she didn’t do it. No, she couldn’t do it.

  Why am I not shooting her?

  She couldn't tear her eyes away from the future possibilities that could come about upon the death of her “sister”, and in every instance, Sunshine would get the opposite of what she truly wanted. It was at that moment where she was reminded that this world wasn’t real—some kind of dream-nightmare place.

  Nothing would really change if Sunshine pulled the trigger. Or would it?

  It felt like the blind trust she had in her own happiness was about to be ripped away by the overwhelming anxiety that enveloped her. Sunshine glanced at the horse man’s eyes looking directly at her, and a powerful nausea and dizziness came about.

  The room began to break apart. Dr. Hernandez’s suit vanished into the air. A katana appeared in his hand. The sound of scratching filled her ears.

  And she held back a sense of evil.