Into the Void

We need help

“This should keep Anti from finding ye. Keep it on ye, and it should disrupt most electric frequencies that Anti can use. It can only do so much, so try and take any precautions ye can.” Marvin held up a small cat statue with a diamond, club, heart, and spade on it. “Keep this coin with ye. When it starts ta glow, that means I’m ready. Hold it against a large mirror if ye can find one.”

The mirror started shimmering, almost turning to liquid as three objects came through. I grabbed them before they fell and held up a small leather bracelet with a little black stone in the middle. “What’s this for?” I asked him.

“That’s ta calm yer friend’s mind. This is no time ta panic, and ye’ll need his help. Stay safe, Mark. If anything else happens, contact me immediately.” Marvin disappeared, and my reflection returned.

I put the small statue and coin in my pocket and walked over to Matt. He was still sitting on the ground, but now he had his knees up to his face with his head in his hands. I snapped the bracelet around one of his wrists, and the muttering slowly stopped. I squat down and pat his shoulder, causing him to lift his head and look at me. He didn’t look as panicked as before, but I could tell he was still coming to terms with what was happening.

“Hey man, we have to get going. We need to find a hotel to hole up in for the next few days and plan our next course of action.” I say as I stand up.

Matt nods his head and slowly starts to stand. “So, this is all pretty wild.” 

I open the bathroom door and walk towards the car. “Are you ok to drive, or do you need me to? I understand if you need a little more time to come to grips with the situation. I’m not sure how long that bracelet is going to work on you, and I don’t want you to be driving if it wears off.”

“I have no idea where to go next or what we need, so it’s probably best if you drive.” He hands me the keys and gets in on the passenger side.

Two hours later and we were in a cheap hotel. All the electronics were unplugged, but it was only 2 in the afternoon, so we had plenty of daylight to plan things out. Matt was in the bathroom, taking a shower while I got us some food. When I left the room, I could hear Matt trying to keep quiet as he had another breakdown. I thought it best to give him some privacy, and I drove to the store for a few things we might need.

This day seemed to worsen by the minute, and everything I did only seemed to make it worse. Maybe I should just let Dark take me? Would he leave Bri alone if I gave myself over to him willingly? It was all my fault she was in this mess. I could leave Matt safe in the hotel and just keep driving. Would that work?

I was dragged out of my thoughts when I returned to the hotel to the hotel room. Matt was sitting on a chair on the balcony. He was lost in thought and never even budged when I set the grocery bags on the table. I sighed and put on my best smile before making my way over to him. 

“I got some food for us. I don’t know how long we’re going to be stuck here, so I think it’s a good idea if we come up with a plan and get some rest.” I was leaning on the railing as I looked out over the city. I waited for a response, but I never got one, making me turn around to face Matt.

Matt continued to stare out at the city and never looked at me once. It was almost like he was in a trance….Or he was completely ignoring me after everything that had happened. “Hey man, I’m sorry. No matter what Marvin said, you can just walk away, and no one will think any worse of you. I’d understand completely if you did exactly that.” Still no acknowledgment.

I gave Matt a small pat on his shoulder as I walked by. If I were Matt, I would have walked away from this mess the moment things went to hell. He has a family he has to think about. Something I should have thought about before dragging him into this.