Probing Visions 2

Chapter 5 (Part 4)

     A closet door creaks and slams shut with a resounding thud as Oliver grabs a black tailcoat with golden buttons. He then drapes the coat around his broad form and turns to face Josephine and Gregory. Situated in the centre of the bedroom, Josephine and Gregory look back at Oliver, sharing a steady gaze. With fierce and resolute faces, the three stand before each other, facing one another.

"Our son's life is at stake again..." Gregory stated with a deep voice.

"Therefore, we must act immediately before he does the unthinkable," Oliver said, continuing Gregory's statement.

     Oliver steps back, examining Josephine's ensemble. She dons a striped beige overcoat that falls into a long skirt that reaches her mid-calf. Creating a harmonious vibrancy to her attire, she pairs her white gloves and bowtie with a brown leather belt. Leather boots with silver buttons adorn her feet, her high heels thudding against the floorboard. As she is about to venture into a rough journey, she allows her hair to cascade and flow with the breeze.

     With a subtle glance, Oliver studies Gregory's attire, seeing him wear a black coat that reaches his knees. Around his burly frame, he sports a waistcoat that blends the colour of maroon and tangerine. Finishing his outfit, he dons black trousers that hurry down his legs, playfully touching his polished shoes.

     Meanwhile, Oliver wears a black tailcoat with golden buttons that catch the light. Around his neck, he sports a black ribbon while a pine green vest embraces his figure. Completing his distinguished ensemble, he dons black trousers and shoes, ready to embark on their mission.

     Oliver, Josephine, and Gregory head downstairs, descending the grand staircase. Under the chandelier's lustre, the three stand and face each other. Seeing Kevin and Gabriel by the doorway, they approach them, their senses racing with anticipation.

"I advise you boys to stay here while we're gone," Oliver suggested, his words directed to Kevin and Gabriel. "It's far safer here than going out."

"Mr Oliver...? Jean had a vision that if you were to come after the witch, she would sense it and inflict you immense suffering. Are you sure you can handle this?" Kevin inquired, his worry etched in his voice.

"Don't worry about it," Oliver replied. Looking at Gregory, Oliver continued, "It's just another plain battle... like before, right?"

     Suddenly, far away, deep within the lair of the witch, the witch, Christina, senses Oliver's impending quest. In response, she smirks and closes her eyes. With a flick of a wrist, she giggles and afflicts him a dark curse.

     As if a sword is slicing through his body, a sharp, excruciating pain hits Oliver like a lightning bolt. Flinching, he screws his eyes shut and pulls back. With his knees on the verge of collapsing, Oliver lets out a piercing grunt and buries his hands on his heart. The pain becomes intolerable, nothing like before—as if he is being torn apart alive.

"Ugh!" Oliver groaned, his voice sharp and deep.

     Gasping in surprise, Josephine and Gregory reach out and catch Oliver before he falls to the floor. Oliver musters his remaining strength, urging himself to keep upright. However, he cannot manage the stinging pain anymore, his head throbbing like lightning in a stormy sky.

"Oliver!" Gregory gasped, his eyes widening with shock.

     Executing a precise and careful move, Josephine and Gregory hold Oliver and bring him into the dining room. And there, they pull out a chair for him and allow him to settle. As Oliver sits, he lets out a deep, heavy sigh through his mouth. With tears glistening in his eyes, Oliver glances at Josephine and Gregory, a tight frown forming on his quivering face.

"Goodness! Oliver, what's happened to you??" Josephine asked worryingly.

"I feel like I'm being torn apart. My head is aching," Oliver complained, his teeth clenching with agony.

"T-t-that's what Jean predicted! He said the witch would feel Mr Oliver and come at him with a greater pain!" Gabriel exclaimed, his voice choked with apprehension and concern.

Oliver panted, his eyes fixed on Josephine and Gregory. "You two... please come after Jean and stop him," he ordered politely, his voice weak. "I shall stay here, as I can no longer move..."

"We understand your suffering, Oliver. If you want to rest, you have the right to rest..." Gregory whispered, offering kind words amidst the misery.

"Please make sure Jean will be alright... and put a rightful end to that witch..." Oliver commanded. "Please... please! I beg you, keep Jean safe before I pass... I can feel my time coming to an end... the pain is unbearable, and I fear I won't last much longer..." he choked out, his voice trembling with emotion.

Infuriated, Gregory's eyebrows furrowed deeply. "What...!?" Gregory gasped, his eyes widening in disbelief. "This can't be your time. Don't even think for a second that you won't last! It's not the end, I refuse to accept it!" His voice quivered with a mix of shock and determination.

Josephine knelt before Oliver and reached out. "Hold my hands, Oliver," she ordered kindly.

Oliver grasped Josephine's hands, their fingers entwining. "Hm..." he mumbled.

"Now, I'd want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath," she requested calmly.

Obeying Josephine's orders, Oliver promptly closed his eyes and took a deep, quivering breath through his nose. "Hm."

"Now, tell me. How will your younger self think about you if you accept this is the end...?" Josephine questioned, her eyes fixated on Oliver's golden pupils.

"...I believe we'll share the same sentiment... what will be, will be," Oliver replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Josephine remained quiet, unable to speak, as she stared at Oliver. As a few seconds passed, Josephine breathed in and said, "Alright... you may open your eyes..." She then let go of Oliver's hands.