The two investigators silently stared at each other; their conditions were vastly different. One, a broken Investigator who has lost all will to fight after experiencing true fear. While the other, a smug investigator who had just stretched her feet from a long day of sitting around.

  Tilting her head slightly, Katherine smiled softly as she asked if he could stand up; clearly mocking him. The investigator didn't respond, only looking down at the ground with terror in his eyes. Pouting, Katherine stood up and crossed her arms.

  "Boring... Get up or I'll have to carry you~!" Katherine whined, not happy she had to work.

  The sound of Sebastian's breathing stopped for a moment before being replaced with laughter. Katherine narrowed her eyes, but Sebastian glanced back at her with even more contempt.

  "Must be fun right? Not doing anything while others are suffering?" He said with venom in his voice.

  Katherine's lackadaisical personality suddenly faded, replaced with an ice cold glare. Even for a man filled with hatred, Sebastian couldn't help but get scared.

  "You know I came here looking for survivors right? You should be grateful I'm even helping you. Actually... What if I don't bring you back?" Katherine said, the way she said it conveyed to Sebastian that she was being serious.

  The man's demeanor softened, although it was more out of fear than relief. With his head down, Sebastian begged Katherine to help him.

  "Please... Please help... I can't move... I- I'm... I'm too scared" Sebastian said, clenching his fist tightly.

  Katherine stared at him with her empty eyes. It was as if she wasn't looking at a person at all. She crouched down before wagging her finger mockingly.

  "Wrong. You're not scared. You're just extremely weak...." Katherine said as if she was correcting a calous mistake.

  Sebastian's eyes widened with anger before he began yelling at her.

  "I did what you asked to do, and you're still insulting me?! I've never met such a horrible person in my entire life!" Sebastian exclaimed.

  Katherine stared at him with a blank expression, as if confused by his reaction.

  "Why are you so pissy? I just told you the truth. You're overdosing on medicine right now. Your body is effectively going through descent energy poisoning." Katherine explained.

  Sebastian became even enraged after hearing that.

  "But I paid so much money to get these made! Why would-" but before he could finish his sentence, Katherine interrupted him.

  "Do you think that just because you threw some money you're exempted from the worlds laws?" Katherine retorted.

  Sebastian became silent, before looking at the ground with shame. Seeing such a sight, even a woman like Katherine felt pity. She helped him up, then began dusting his clothes. Sebastian was confused by her sudden kindness, but he was too prideful to say anything about it. All he could do was give a very weak thumbs up.

  Seeing him less miserable, Katherine smiled. She then gripped his shoulder extremely tightly.

  "Also don't tell anyone a single word I said to you... Otherwise you're dead. Got it?" Katherine said, using a much more serious tone.

  Sebastian sheepishly nodded, however deep down he hated every second of it. Being forced to submit just to live. Was this really the life he wanted to live?

  "Please live proudly... That's my final request"

  Remembering those words, Sebastian cursed to himself. Holding his face, he began verbally apologizing. Witnessing this, Katherine's expression turned somewhat softer, though something crucial was missing. Guilt.

  "I'm sorry too I guess..."

  Seeing Katherine's personality change so drastically in such a short time, Sebastian felt disturbed. He wondered to himself which personality was the real Katherine? Was it the lazy one who didn't want to work? The scary one who'd kill you with just a glare? The cold one who lacked any emotion behind her eyes? Oe the playful one who just wanted to have fun? In any case, he realised it would be for him to forget about it and move on. He was at her mercy after all.

  Walking through the empty streets of Leighbourn city, the two male investigators were silent. On occasion one of them would try making conversation, however would cut themselves off before they spoke a word. This had gone on for more than an hour, the two now desperate for some sort of distraction.

  "This is so awkward! I was acting so cool earlier, but I'm so fucking nervous now!! Argh I wish there was-" Oliver thought to himself, shaking slightly.

  "What do I say to him?! Should I apologise for trying to kill him? No that's too late... Why can't there be-" Ren thought, smiling awkwardly.

  "Someone to interrupt this awkwardness!"

  As if at that moment someone was watching and listening to their thoughts, their prayers were answered. In the distance Oliver noticed a horde of Festers, all huddling around what seems to be some corpses. Oliver's eyes lit up momentarily, but before quickly dimming after realising that the Festers were consuming the corpses.

  "They really are monsters..."

  Looking beside him, he noticed that Ren was undeterred by the barbaric sight. Ren clutched his attachment unit, preparing to fight, however the moment he made a move, his body failed him. Wincing in pain, Ren began suffering from the injuries he sustained earlier.

  "Damnit... I can't fight..." Ren said, loosening his grip.

  Making a guilty expression, Oliver rubbed the back of his head as he apologised for going overboard. Ren shook his head, saying that it was his fault for attacking him in the first place.

  "Well whatever... it's time to exterminate some pes- hey what's up with you?!" Oliver said, sounding pissed as Ren grabbed his wrist, stopping him from putting on his driver.

  The pained look on his face already made him feel bad, but his pleading made Oliver's guilt feel even worse.

  "Please don't use that armour... Every time I see it.. I'm reminded of that time I practically tortured you... I know it's a selfish request, but could you not transform when I'm around?" Ren asked.

  Oliver looked at him for awhile before clicking his tongue and putting away his driver. He crossed his arms before pouting.

  "Fine... Geez I'm looking out for another guy's feelings? Olivia would have a field day" Oliver joked.

  His joke made Ren laugh a bit, which lightened the mood in such a tense situation. Oliver didn't have time to say anything witty though, as a Fester came charging at him. Blocking the Fester with just his dagger, Oliver found himself still being pushed back.

  "What the?! This feels way different outside the suit!" Oliver thought, gritting his teeth as he held his dagger tightly.

  He sliced horizontally, forcing the fester to leap backwards. Hyperventilating, Oliver then felt something cool trickling down from his forehead. He wiped it off, seeing that he was sweating.

  "What the? I could punch through a super class Fester with ease when I was in the suit... But just this advanced level fester is making me sweat?" Oliver thought, watching the creature's movements.

  It growled at Oliver before heading in for another attack. Oliver prepared to counter it, however the monster did something curious. Realising that attacking Oliver head on would be ineffective, it attacked Oliver's legs instead. Swiping with it's claws, it left a nasty gash on Oliver's leg. The pain caused him to stagger, giving the Fester an opportunity to strike. It headbutted Oliver straight to the chest, sending him flying backwards.

  His body scrapping against the road's asphalt, Oliver coughed up some blood.

  "What the hell? It was smart enough to use a different tactic? Why is this thing so strong?! Or maybe... I'm just weak?"

  While he was too preoccupied with that thought, the Fester howled, calling its pack for back up. The sharp eyes of the animalistic plant Festers turned towards the two investigators, their collective aura even shaking someone like Ren. Seeing the Festers slowly approaching the motionless Oliver, Ren's face was filled with guilt.

  "If I don't do anything... He's gonna die. Die because I was too much of a coward.... Die because I let my emotions get the better of me... I won't let anyone else die because of me!" Ren thought, gripping his attachment unit tightly.

  Releasing his weapon, he screamed out, trying to withstand the pain. His screaming averted the Fester's attention to him, the creatures rushing towards him. He pointed his blade at them, ready to lay down his life.

  Fortunately, he was given one more chance to live that day. From above, a rain of arrows poured down. The charging festers were quickly subdued, curiously fading into descent energy instead of leaving a corpse. Surprised, Ren looked towards the direction the arrows came from. It was then he saw a hooded figure holding a bow. An attachment unit bow at that.

  He put down his sword, relieved to see an investigator had survived and helped them. Stepping forward to greet the unknown investigator, he was instead met with an arrow pointed at his face.

  "Don't move..." A feminine voice spoke out behind the hood.

  Ren was shocked, but quickly put his hands up.

  "Is she... Not an investigator? That can't be the case... Only investigators are allowed to use attachment units for safety reasons... So why is she pointing it at me?" Ren thought, confused.

  It was then when Ren noticed that the motionless Oliver's eyes had lit back up, as if he was extremely happy. Suddenly, he ran up to the hooded woman, hugging her to Ren's shock.

  "You're alive! You're actually alive! I'm... Sorry...." Oliver said, his voice shaking a bit.

  Lifting down her hood, the figure revealed herself to be Tabatha. Her face was bright red from embarrassment after being hugged by Oliver, however she quickly shook it off.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

  "I'm glad you're alive too, Oli!" Tabatha said smiling.

  Oliver's sad expression quickly disappeared as he took a step back then looked at Tabatha with a dissatisfied glare.

  "Who the hell gave you permission to call me Oli?" Oliver said, sounding cold.

  Tabatha blinked a few times before exclaiming her confusion.

  "Weren't you just about to cry because you knew I was alive...?" Tabatha asked.

  Oliver stared blankly at her, before denying her accusations in a monotone voice.

  "My voice was shaky because I got hit just a while ago. Are you stupid or something" Oliver retorted.

  "Then why did you say sorry?!" Tabatha yelled.

  A guilty expression was plastered on Oliver's face before he sheepishly pointed at her uniform.

  "I accidentally got my blood on it..." Oliver explained.

  Looking down, she saw a red stain on her uniform. She dropped her bow before looking up at the sky.

  "Do you know how much it cost me to commission an elegant lolita style uniform? It costed me three months of my pay... I had to starve for some days to afford it..." she said, her voice was hollow.

  Oliver laughed awkwardly before placing a hand on her shoulder. This caused him to accidentally smear more of the blood, ruining the uniform even more. Oliver perked up before slowly backing away. Suddenly, he felt Tabatha holding his shoulder. She gripped it extremely tightly before mumbling to herself.

  "I'll kill you..." Tabatha said softly.

  "Hmm what was that tabby?" Oliver asked, sounding scared.

  "I'll kill you Oliver Rand!"

  Surprised by her statement, Roland couldn't hide his relief. There was a slim chance, but at least there was a chance for the man who saved him to be alive. Seeing him smile enthusiastically, Olivia scratched her head.

  "What's this guy so happy for?" She thought to herself.

  Roland then turned to Olivia, encroaching on her personal space. This made her back away slightly, looking a bit uncomfortable as his face was inches away from hers.

  "What're you waiting for? Let's go find Oliver and beat up that disaster class Fester!" Roland exclaimed passionately.

  Olivia stared at Roland for a moment before chuckling. She rubbed the back of her head before gesturing for him to follow.

  "Right, let's go!"

  The two began exploring the forest, trying to find a way out. With each turn and dead end though, it seemed as if the woods were endless. Olivia theorised it was due to the abundance of plant growth caused by the Festers, but Roland was more convinced that Olivia was a bad navigator.

  "A- are you sure you don't want me to take over?" Roland offered, sounding slightly scared.

  Olivia glared at him, causing him to whimper and look away. Olivia rolled her eyes before gritting her teeth.

  "I'm an amazing navigator! I won a competition for it in middle school you know! Everyone praised me because I was that good!" Olivia exclaimed.

  Roland laughed wearily, worried by Olivia's reaction.

  "Are you... Okay?" Roland asked.

  Olivia stopped for a moment, before smiling.

  "Of course I'm okay. I'm the best. Why would there be any reason to worry?" Olivia responded.

  Her response made him feel even more concerned, but he knew it wasn't his place to intrude. All he could do was give a smile and shut up. Something he was great at doing.

  Half an hour had passed with no changes in their situation. All their effort had only brought them exhaustion. Resting beside a nearby river, Olivia began looking at the fish swimming through the stream. She watched as they forced themselves to go against the strong waters, just to avoid being crushed down by the pressure. Seeing them struggling saddened Olivia. However there was nothing she could do. It was their journey. Not hers.

  Pouting a bit, she sighed before being inadvertently jump scared by Roland.

  "When have you been here?!" Olivia yelled, backing up slightly.

  Roland tilted his head before explaining that he had always been beside her.

  "R- really?" Olivia asked.

  "Yeah... You were just caught up in watching the fishes I guess. But I get it, sometimes I get lost in such beauty too" Roland said, before turning back to the stream.

  He smiled softly as he watched the fishes swimming up stream. His smile made Olivia feel sick.

  "So you're those types huh? You're probably gonna spit out some bullshit about how even the smallest of fish fight against the current to survive or something right?" Olivia retorted, sounding vindictive.

  Her vindication turned into worry as Roland looked at her with an innocent, yet empty smile on his face.

  "Huh? Why would I believe something stupid like that?"

  Olivia's eyes widened before asking him why he said the fish's actions were beautiful. Hearing her question, Roland stood up. He walked to the river before placing his hand in the water. The water's current bent, as if it was making way for him. It was then a fish came up to his hand, taking refuge in the still water. Seeing the sight, Olivia was intrigued. Roland's gentle movements were captivating, yet something felt off. It was like watching a rabbit graze through a field... Where a wolf was hiding. It was then Olivia realised, Roland was that wolf.

  Crushing the fish in his hand, it's bloody and organs turn the water red for just a brief moment, before being swept away by the current. As if his sin was being cleansed by the world. Roland slowly turned to Olivia, his expression was the exact same as it had always been. A mixture of pathetic incompetence and fear... Like his face was a mask.

  "I find it beautiful, because it reminds me that effort never brings anything good. Even if you struggle, you'll still end up being crushed by someone more important than you. That's why... I wanna try to live as simply as I can. Otherwise I'll end up being crushed and swept away. Never to be remembered" Roland explained.

  Olivia struggled to find words to speak. Such nihilism coming from someone like Roland... Was terrifying. Her outlook on him would have forever changed, if what happened next didn't happened. As she took a step back from Roland, Olivia was now able to notice the shaking trees in the distance. The shaking came closer and closer, until a bear jumped out from between the trees. From it's grotesque appearance, she knew it wasn't a normal bear. Thinking on her feet, she trapped her attachment unit, releasing it then pointing the weapon at the bear.

  "Stay right where you are you damn bast-" but before she could finish her sentence, the bear's head was crushed.

  Lowering her sword, she looked with wide eyes as the bear Fester fell down into the river. It's body caused a giant splash, making an entrance for it's killer. A pale investigator stepped on the bear Fester's corpse, adjusting her mint green hair. Not a single drop on water hit her as she approached Olivia, as if the water was scared to even touch her. Glaring at the female Investigator, Olivia raised up her sword once again.

  "So you're still alive huh, Elizabeth?" Olivia snickered.

  Elizabeth glanced at her before looking down at her legs. Her eyes narrowed even more before pointing at something.

  "Why's he holding your leg like a koala?" Elizabeth said, sounding annoyed.

  Olivia raised an eyebrow before looking

  where she was pointing. Holding her leg tightly, Roland was sobbing and whining like a child.

  "WHY DOES BAD STUFF ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME?!"

  took 20 minutes to convince Roland to latch off of Olivia, and the only reason he did let go was because Elizabeth threatened to cut off his fingers.

  "You guys are mean..." Roland said, sitting in the fetal position.

  The two women looked down at him with annoyance, scaring him even more.

  "I'll just go then..." He said meekly, walking away in a hurry.

  Watching him walk off pathetically, even noticing him trip on the way, Olivia clicked her tongue in frustration.

  "I really should have left him..." Olivia said crossing her arms.

  Elizabeth glanced over at her, as if looking at a cockroach she just stepped on.

  "Seriously? And here I thought you were some paragon of kindness... Turns out you're just an asshole too" Elizabeth retorted, smirking slightly.

  Olivia rolled her eyes before turning away from Elizabeth. She scoffed, finding Olivia's response practically confirming her suspicions.

  "So you love to act high and mighty, but in the end you're just a fraud who likes looking down on people aren't you? People like you make me sick..." Elizabeth said, trying to get a rise out of her.

  Strangely, Olivia didn't respond to Elizabeth. Usually she would yell or insult her back, however this time she chose to stay silent. Believing it was her victory, Elizabeth smirked before walking away. As she passed by Olivia though, she heard Olivia mumbling something.

  "I never said I was good person" Olivia said softly, clenching her fists tight.

  Glaring at her, Elizabeth held her by her collar.

  "Speak up"

  "I said I never said was a good person! I know I'm not a good person! I make mistakes... I hate when other people are better than me... I always think that I'm right, even when I'm proven wrong... I know I suck! But everyone still thinks I'm so great... So I have to be great... If I don't then... Then they'll leave me.." Olivia exclaimed, putting all her emotions into it.

  Elizabeth held her position for awhile. Staring her down, it seemed Elizabeth became even angrier after hearing her cries. Olivia couldn't help but feel scared after seeing such annoyance and displeasure in someone's eyes. Her breathing became exasperated as well, like she was being choked by Elizabeth rage. Eventually, Elizabeth sighed before letting Olivia go.

  "You're even more pathetic than I thought...

  Nobody's forcing you to be perfect... That's your choice... Be the person YOU want to be" Elizabeth said, walking away with her hands in her pockets.

  Taking a few moments to catch her breath, Olivia looked at Elizabeth with confusion.

  "What the hell was that?! First you insult me, then you try to be some motivational speaker???? What's your deal damnit!" Olivia yelled at Elizabeth.

  She stayed silent, before giving a middle finger to Olivia and quickly walking away. Olivia was about to chase her while yelling profanities, but strange noises coming from the river diverted her attention. Looking over at the flowing stream, the only unusual thing was the fester corpse laying unceremoniously in the water. Though, the corpse's condition excited her. Slowly approaching the river bed, a smile danced on her lips.

  "Maybe I'll use this thing instead..."

  Somewhere in the forest; a soft patch of grass perfectly divided so that one side was illuminated by the moonlight, while the other shrouded in darkness. On the illuminated side of the grass, Roland laid with his back on the ground, staring at the night sky. Even though he was practically lost in the beauty, he could still hear the sound of footsteps heading his way. The footsteps then turned into a thud as Roland looked over to see Elizabeth kneeling.

  "I apologize for such threats just now, young master. I as your servant shouldn't have acted that way..." Elizabeth said, her informal way of speaking suddenly turned proper.

  Roland waved dismissively before patting the side of the grass next to him. Elizabeth quickly laid down next to him, expecting punishment. Instead, Roland patted her head with smile.

  "It's fine. I know I'm over the top sometimes and besides, we still have to maintain our cover. We can't let people know who we truly are..." Roland said, his voice sounding more relaxed.

  Elizabeth nodded, but her face was still racked with guilt.

  "But... I feel extremely guilty... I must repent immediately" Elizabeth elaborated.

  Roland sighed before putting a finger on his chin.

  "Hmm.... How bout you treat Olivia nicer. She's a nice girl you know, just a little lost" Roland offered.

  Elizabeth's face went sour for a moment before shaking it off and nodding.

  "I'll try my best..." Elizabeth said, sounding like she was going to throw up.

  Roland smiled before standing up. He stretched before looking at his watch.

  "Hmm... Olivia's probably a bit lonely right now... We should head back before things get suspicious" Roland said.

  Elizabeth laid up slightly, nodding her.

  "Understood"

  Roland scratched his head a bit, asking her to drop the robotic accent.

  "Robotic? What do you mean, sir?" Elizabeth asked, confused.

  "You can talk normally when other people are around, so why can't you talk normally when we're alone...? It's kinda scary..." Roland said, sounding a bit exhausted.

  Elizabeth stared deep into Roland's eyes, her empty red eyes piercing his soul a bit.

  "I don't know what you mean" Elizabeth said in a monotone voice.

  "THE MONOTONE ISN'T HELPING!!" Roland whined, tearing up a bit.

  Elizabeth tried to console Roland but he quickly dropped the act and explained to her he was joking.

  "My apologies... I still don't understand your jokes sometimes, young master..." Elizabeth said, scratching her head.

  Roland laughed awkwardly before noticing that Elizabeth was holding two attachment units in her hands.

  "Where'd the other one come from?" Roland asked.

  Elizabeth looked at the extra case, before telling him it's probably Olivia's.

  "Oh yeah ok th- WAIT WHAT IF SHE'S IN DANGER?!" Roland asked, panicking.

  Elizabeth shook her head before reassuring him that she exterminated any festers on her way to him. Roland facepalmed before looking at her with a guilty expression.

  "Well there's actually one more..."

  Back at the river, Olivia sat by water, looking at the bear Fester's corpse. It was odd that it hadn't begun decomposing yet, so she wanted to watch it to confirm her suspicions. Like clockwork, the corpse began to write and move before eventually a hand popped out of the bear's back.

  "I knew it! If a fester's Ulteir isn't extracted immediately, it'll slowly begin decomposing... So you were waiting for the right time huh you beary bastard?!" Olivia said, smiling a bit.

  A creature emerged from the bear's back. It resembled a demonic hybrid between a tree and bear, with bones protruding out of its skull like horns. Olivia actually felt really excited seeing the creature, since she had her kill stolen by Elizabeth earlier. Reaching beside her, she smiled before pointing her weapon at the bear.

  "Time to finally test out what this sword can really do!" Olivia exclaimed excitedly.

  The Fester tilted its head slightly, confused by the "weapon" she was referring to. Olivia looked at what she was holding, seeing it wasn't a sword, but just a really long stick with a note on it.

  "Yeah took your sword cause it looked cool

  - Lizzy" the note read.

  With an innocent look on her face, she blinked a few times, unsure how to react.

  "When did she-" but before she could finish her sentence, the monster threw her against a tree.

  Crashing into it, the damage was cushioned by her coat, although barely. Coughing up blood, she cursed Elizabeth for dooming her to die.

  "Like hell I'll actually die tho... This is an advanced level Fester at best. It can't even-"

  "Impressive... You survived that attack. You're a strong human" the bear Fester said in an eloquent manner.

  Olivia gulped before laughing awkwardly at herself.

  "Damn... I'm fucked..." She said with a scared expression on her face.

  The bear Fester nodded before striking her down with its claws. As the claws came closer and closer at her, Olivia's nervous expression slowly turned into a smirk.

  "Gotcha"

  Her hand was enveloped in a dark and light blue energy before uppercutting the bear. It was sent flying backwards, half of its face mutilated by the energy. It staggered slightly, giving Olivia enough time to gloat.

  "Come on then... You think I'm so weakling who can't fight without her sword? Come at me!" Olivia threatened.

  The Fester tried to fight back, but then it noticed Elizabeth and Roland arriving at the scene. At that point it had lost all hope.... Like hell it would be that easy. Curling up into a ball, the Fester began laughing. The three investigators were confused by the sight, wondering what it was doing. Then, they noticed that it was drinking the water from the river. The more it drank, the more the Fester's body expanded. Elizabeth attempted to stop the Fester from drinking any more, but Roland stopped her.

  "What're you doing you little shit?" She said coldly.

  Roland held her arm tightly, not wanting to let go.

  "No it's too late... It's already in it's second form..." Roland explained.

  Looking back at the beast, Elizabeth eyes widened seeing it had grown four times in size. Gritting her teeth, Elizabeth looked over to Olivia, yelling at her to do something.

  "You have that descent energy thing right?! Use it!"

  Oliver paused for a moment before whistling and looking away. Seeing her reaction, Elizabeth's eyes filled with rage.

  "What do you mean you can't use it?! I saw that flash of energy on my way here, I know you can use it!" Elizabeth said, annoyed at her unwillingness to cooperate.

  Olivia looked down, clenching her fist tightly. Her clenched fist then turned into open palms before covering her face with her hands.

  "I... Didn't unlock my descent energy properly..." Olivia said, her face was redder than a tomato.

  The two investigators beside her looked at her with disappointment before saying in unison.

  "Really?”