Our Reflections

Smiling Friends

*Breaking News*

"Recent reports have come in of a forest fire just outside of Jung. Witnessses reporter seeing Jeff the Killer in the fire, fighting some very tall inhuman creature, as well as a young woman standing close by. Fire-fighters have been called to the scene."

Jeff held his knife steady as the boys-all looking around sixteenish- bickered among themselves. He assessed them one by one- trying to figure out who to kill first. The hooded-

A feral snarl shut the boys up, and they reflexively jumped back, away from the noise.

"Fuck!" The boy with a mouth mask said. "Jeff, get back. The dog-"

A huge, blood-stained dog entered the cabin, prowling towards Jeff. It's teeth were numerous, razor sharp and long, and his claws were much the same. His mouth was...

Stretched into a huge smile.

Jeff touched his own smile, and dropped his knife.

The smiling dog stopped just in front of Jeff.

"Don't...move..." The boy with a mask in front of his mouth warmed. "I'll grab Ben-"

Jeff stretched his hand out to the dog. Murmurs broke out among the others.

"You're dead."

"Fucking damn-"

"Someone get Ben-"

The dog leaned forwards and sniffed Jeff's hand. Silence fell, a dark tension that solidified the air.

The dog stood up and did something very strange. It pointed a paw up its own smile.

Jeff touched his. "I have one too."

Smile Dog let his tongue loll out, as he rested his head on Jeff's lap.

The other boys didn't seem relaxed. Jeff stroked his head. "It's okay. He's just like me, aren't you my friend?"

"He's...done nothing but attack us since he arrived...bleeding and dying. He was supposed to be locked up... and you..." The white masked boy said, disbelief colouring his tone.

Jeff picked up his knife again. "Now, where the fuck-"

Smile reached a paw up and pushed the knife down, looking up at Jeff with white eyes. Nothing to worry about, he was telling him. They're friendly. He got up and sat next to Jeff, who stood up.

"You're in our little camp, Jeff. I'm Ticci Toby, this is Hoodie and Masky , and Ben, Clockwork, um, Laughing Jack-"

Masky snickered. "He's an interesting fellow."

"-and um...Jane. Who is equally interesting.

"We're all here because were the same. We all have a bad start, but we're going to stick together to make it better. Oh, and if you kill us, just know that Ben has a sword and can use it."

Smile growled, a short burst of sound that made it clear- no one touches Jeff.

Toby shrugged. "We're also all murderers. But, Jeff." He stepped forward. "You're the oldest of all of us. We all think you can be our leader. What do you think?"

Jeff snorted. "I say fuck you."

Toby laughed. "Okay. Well, let me know man." He flashed a wink at him through his yellow tinted glasses.

Jeff shook his head. "Well, I need to go, okay? I'll take Smile, but I'm gone."

Hoodie laughed.