Author's P.O.V:
It isn't easy for a child to grow up without friends, soon they would long for one or worse, fear people around them. Specially if you grow up to have no friends at all and not even your parents are by your side to keep you company.
But Y/n was different, she was a strong girl and even though she became an orphan, she kept her feet strong. Of course it's impossible for a person to have no friends, although her only friend could not talk to her or play with her, he was by her side through all the complications.
Yes, she wasn't completely friendless, her only friend in the world was a doll. She was different ever since she was born, quieter than most kids and thirst for imagination; she was often secluded by herself as other kids would look at her strangely. In hopes the loneliness wouldn't succumb her, her parents showered her with things to keep her occupied before they took their last breaths. One of those things was a doll. It wasn't anything special, a mere rag doll made of cloth that took the shape of a boy. Compare to all her other toys, you wouldn't expect a child to be so taken with a rag doll that barely breathed any life. However the moment Y/n saw the hand stitched doll she became inseparable to it
She would carry the doll everywhere and never leave it. Even at school they were inseparable and when she would be left alone, she would talk to the toy and respond to it as if it were communicating. her teachers would be concerned about her behavior, even called her parents, but whenever they asked her about it she would simply try to prove them wrong
~12 years ago~
Mom: Y/n dear what did I tell you about talking to that doll of your's. You can't ignore everyone, you need to make friends
Y/n: But I don't want to! They're all mean to me and they bully V (name of the doll)
Mom: He is not a real person, you need real friends. Now I don't want to hear another excuse, put that thing away and go out.
Y/n: But who am I supposed to play with?!
Mom: Don't you think about taking V with you. This is going to give you an excuse to make real friends
Y/n: V is not a toy! He's real and you made him angry!
Mom: Y/n enough !
Dad: Dear if she thinks her doll talks to her then let her be
Her dad consoled her mother
Mom: She can't be friends with a doll her entire life, she needs to see reality
Dad: Look you're scarring her. She's just a child, she'll learn when she's mature. Let her be for the time being
Mom: Fine! It's your fault if she never learns
And like that they would always fight, for both wanted the best for they're daughter who still believed her doll could talk. You couldn't blame the kids for being scared or annoyed by her either
-At school-
Random boy: Hey Y/n let's play together
Random girl: Yeah let's play together, it'll be so much fun!
Y/n: Okay but on one condition
The two kids looked at each other confused while Y/n smiled gleefully
Y/n: V will also play
The two kids started laughing at their class mate's delusional condition
Girl: Y/n that's a doll!
Boy: You're such a baby, still playing with dolls and believe they can talk to you
Y/n: I'm not a baby and V can talk!
Girl: Don't lie to us, dolls can't talk Y/n
Y/n: But I'm not lying! He can talk!
The two children exchanged looks and started to get scared
Boy: You know what, forget about us playing together
Girl: Yeah, you're weird
Y/n: W-well you guys a-are a bunch of meanies! A-and V doesn't like you!
That was always how things went. And just like that Y/n was left alone until high school.
~current time~
Y/n's P.O.V:
It's my first day of high school and I'm not looking forward to it. It's not like I don't like school, but I can't say the same about the people. Ever since my childhood no one wanted to be my friend, I can't imagine why but they always went away once I introduced them to V. I'm not delusional to think my toy can talk to me right? Although some might say that I'd gone crazy, and I'd believe them if I hadn't experienced it myself but this doll I've had such a connection with really did respond to me. V was my only friend who accepted me the way I am, he was there when my house burned down. When everyone left he still stayed back and that's why I love him.
My parents died when I was eight and I'm currently living with my grandma. She sometimes teases me about V but she was the first person to not mind about him and I'm pretty sure V had no problems with her. It was like him to hate whoever didn't accept or believe that he was real. The next thing I knew they disappeared as if they never existed to begin with.
Y/n: I really hate this but I can't skip school
V: Awe Y/n can't you stay back? Please stay back, we can play all day!
Y/n: Sorry V, but grandma will be mad at me if I don't go to school. Don't worry I will come back as soon as I can.
V: Well then take me with you, I can protect you from all the bad people!
It was adorable when he tried to act tough, but I know he just cares for me a lot
Y/n: I'm sorry V but I don't think the teachers would approve a doll in class
V: Y/n we talked about this
Y/n: Sorry, but my point is I can't take you with me. In high school you're not allowed to bring toys in school, you could get thrown away. Plus I worry you'd hurt someone
V: I don't hurt people for no reason
I rolled my eyes, sometimes it got exhausting to humor him.
Y/n: Sure, don't worry V I'll be fine
V: Well don't drink bad milk and don't use the toilets at school. Keep away from boys, they're nothing but trouble
Y/n: V aren't you a boy too?
V: boys other than I are monsters. You get my point now go before you're late
Y/n: Okay, bye!
I exited my room and went to the kitchen to find my grandma, she took care of me when I became an orphan and it'll kill me to lose her. She gave me a half smile that looked like it took a lot of strength to conjure, that's when I remembered how old she was. I was now worried how long she might last and it just got me feeling even worse.
Grandma: Y/n, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well?
Y/n: No I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you
Grandma: I know you don't like being around people but you can't ignore education.
Y/n: I know. I'm trying my best I promise
Grandma: And That is more than enough. Now have your breakfast and hurry up before you get late for your first day to high school!
I quickly finished my breakfast and headed out. It had been some time after dawn, the dew on the grass from the morning fog had condensed into sparkling jewels under the morning rays. I huffed a pent up breath before walking down the road. It was going to be a long day.
Y/n's P.O.V:
I reached my school and already many of the students were arriving. It was crowded, I started to feel sick. Keeping my head low I tried not to make eye contact with anyone. Once the crowd dispersed I headed for the office to get my schedule.
As I walked down the hallway I could feel eyes lingering with my every step. I held my breath, anxious to look up, my head hanging low. Every whisper felt directed towards me. I didn't know if it was paranoia or just the reality of it. Either way it didn't help my racing heart. Soon the thumping reached my ear and I felt like my body began to follow its beat. Before I knew it my feet started moving on its own. By the time I reached my maximum velocity I had lost all sense of direction, not looking at the path ahead would be one reason. But soon I was stopped, or rather pushed, on my tracks. Clenching my eyes shut I didn't wish to know what or who was it that I rammed into. A soft voice spoke up
???: Excuse me, are you okay miss?
I nodded hasitantly, trying my best not to start conversation. I heard a light chuckle escape from the person in front of me
???: Are you lost?
Now why would he ask me that? I shook my head hoping he wouldn't continue asking me further questions
???: I've never seen you before, are you new?
Just move already so that I can leave! I thought to myself. As I nodded trying not to voice my true thoughts, the sound of a meek laughter rang in my ears. What's so funny? I could feel my eyes swelling up, this person was probably thinking how clumsy I was and it made my eyes sting further.
???: Why are you just nodding? Can't you speak?
The voice was almost apologetic and even when I couldn't see them I could tell they were panicking for any offense they might have instilled. I gathered the courage to look up, to my surprise and much needed reassurance I didn't get quite the reception I was expecting. In fact I was left in awe. He was really handsome. His black hair accentuated his face perfectly, slicked back and parted on the side. He looked almost too young to be in high school. He bit his lips as he scratched his head in awkwardness, yet his eyes looked kind. I finally made an attempt to speak
Y/n: I-I... I d-dont talk much
With merely my words his eyes lighted up, the awkward tension in his body disappeared and he stood in a more relaxed manner. His lips curved into a smile, almost flirtatious as he spoke
???: Well that's a shame, such a pretty girl with such a sweet voice should speak more! I'm Park Jimin by the way and you?
Y/n: Y-Y/n
His smile widened, eyes smiling all the way as well
Jimin: Cute, nice to meet you Y/n. Let's meet again soon
And with that he left with a wink to leave behind. My cheeks were flashing hot, not because of the overly cute guy spoke to me without teasing me about how awkward I was but the fact the whole interaction was embarrassing. Luckily the halls were empty by the time I came back to my senses. It is then that I realised, I was late for my first class
~~~~~
Teacher: Ah! You must be the new student, please introduce yourself and we can start our lecture
Y/n: H-hello I-I'm Y/n, p-please take care o-of me
I bowed almost a 90 degree, biting my lip for stammering so much. It was the first class and I already felt like I was being separated from the crowd. Snickers and muttering filled the room as some boys started to mock the way I spoke among themselves. I knew it shouldn't bother me but with how the day started for me I already felt like I was at my limit. Thankfully the teacher took action
Teacher: Alright that's enough, Y/n please take a seat
I looked for an empty seat and sat down, lecture began without much of a hitch. The morning was lazy as I felt the drowsiness kick in. The quiet of the classroom with the white noises of scratching pens and flipping pages calmed my nerves, however it did not last. As I sat there thinking particularly about nothing something tapped on the back of my head. I looked back to see a boy, grinning and tossing pieces of erasers in his hand. At first I ignored the cocky grin and juvenile behavior but then it started to become unbearable. He kept on throwing the erasers, some even getting stuck in locks of hair and that's when I couldn't take it anymore
Y/n: Will you stop!!
I didn't realise how loud my voice had reached, I didn't even think I could lose my cool to this level until I noticed the numerous eyes staring. The whispers began almost immediately, the looks each person gave were even worse and I soon felt the hair at the back of my neck stand
Teacher: Ms Y/n what do you think you are doing?
The teacher did not look happy, his face was distorting into a vile look that left me cold and my hands sweating.
Y/n: I-I... I was ju-
Before I could calm my racing heart and explain myself, a shrill voice rang out from behind
Boy: Sir she was disturbing me
The boy that had been throwing erasers at me spoke out, smirking in his claim and taunting me with his malicious tone. My face twisted in disbelief but same couldn't be said about the rest of the classroom. Everyone seemed to be believing the boy
Teacher: What? Is that true?
Y/n: I-it's not I-
Boy: Yes sir it's true, she has been throwing erasers at me look at the erasers at her desk
Y/n: Stop lying! You were the one throwing erasers at me-
Teacher: Enough! If you can't sit quietly then get out!
Everyone laughed and I was sent out when it wasn't even my fault. I didn't know what I did wrong, in fact I wasn't even sure that it was my fault this time. I ran to the girls restroom, not knowing where else to hide. By the time I got there tears were already rolling down my cheeks. I didn't like that I was like this, I didn't like how I was so weak. It didn't help that I was always alone, I could never get used to my own shortcomings. First period was already over, breathing out a sigh I headed for my next class. First day of school and I was already on edge, the thought of anything worse made me feel sick to my stomach "a few more hours" I reminded myself. Little did I expect, my motivation was shot down as soon as it conjured.
???: That'll teach you, flirting with someone who isn't even your's.
Just when I was walking down the hallway to my next class a girl appeared before me, her face red with rage. Before I knew it, her palm was flying across my face with a bang. Coming back to my senses I looked at the girl clearly over her head, proud at her actions. My retort was short but there was still a hint of anger and frustration
Y/n: When did I-
???: If I ever see you with my Jimin again it'll be the last thing you'll do!
That was probably the last straw as the world seemed to come down to swallow me. The whispers and snickering were all being numbed out, my own fear and rage blocking everything else. I didn't know what else to do but run. I ran out of the school, I didn't care for the consequences, I didn't care I would get in trouble, I just wanted to go back to my safe place. I just wanted to hide. Subconsciously I had gone back home. Not caring about a thing I shut myself inside my room, falling between the comforting covers of my bed, silently weeping out my frustration. It was only when he spoke up did I remember V was there.
V: Y/n what's wrong? What happened?
Hearing the voice of concern and words of consolation, I let my frustration out.
Y/n: Oh V, it's horrible. I don't want to go to school anymore!
V: Why? What's going on?
Y/n: Everyone hates me! I didn't do anything yet people are mean to me. Why? Why do they hate me so much?
If I knew better I'd say I was already paranoid. Whatever words came out of my mouth didn't make sense yet I kept going. My complaints seemed even a bit over the top in my head, but seeing how V reacted with nothing but support made me feel a lot better
V: Don't cry Y/n, they don't know how special you are. You are the nicest, most prettiest girl in the whole world. Don't listen to what they say, those people are trash! I'll always be here for you, I'll love you, you don't need those filthy people.
I sniffled out a laugh as the only friend of mine gave me a reason to go on.
Y/n: Thank you V, I know I can always count on you.
V's P.O.V:
Y/n came back as soon as she left, but to my horror she wasn't smiling. I could only imagine what those savage people did to her. It was then when I felt this sensation I had never felt before; rage, anger, pain, sadness, I couldn't quite tell them apart, but one thing was for sure, I had an urge to do something about the situation.
V: Don't worry Y/n, from now on no one will ever trouble you. Just tell me the name of the person that troubles you and I will see the rest.
She looked at me with swollen eyes, half smiling before wiping the tears off her face. After that she never spoke, today was a tough day for her and I could tell. How I hated seeing her like this, I never thought things had to get to this point. I saw her suffer and She had treated me better than anyone in this world. I knew it was time I paid her back and maybe, my feelings would finally reach her. "I'll delete all that brings you pain"
Author's P.O.V:
As night time had arrived, you retired early. All the crying had drained you for the day and after helping your grandmother with garden work, you were at your limit. As you slept a ghastly layer of fog had settled in your room. The stench of rotting flesh had turned into a sweet sickly aroma that almost had a tantalizing effect. The temperature around your bed had dropped making you curl up for warmth. A green smoke seeped out of the rag doll's body, slowly solidifying into the shape of a figure; a boy with pale gray flesh and soaking wet clothes, as if the body was drenching in water for days, came into sight. His unkempt hair, tangled and wet hid his empty eyes as he looked at the girl sleeping. His gentle gaze was enough to show how much he cared.
V: They will regret everything they did to you. Don't worry Y/n, you will never have to see those scum's faces ever again.
A deep sonorous voice reverberated withing the walls, somehow helping you relax
V: I'll give it another day, but that will be the last
Soon the boy turned into mist again and vanished in thin air. The room was once again silent.
Y/n's P.O.V:
I woke up with my head hurting like anything, crying was always so tiring and it gave a horrible headache. Something felt off about my room, I couldn't shake this feeling that something was different. A sweet smell was wafting in the air but I didn't pay much attention when I greeted V
Y/n: Good morning V
I said, trying to smile as naturally as possible. V seemed to not notice as he greeted me like usual
V: Good morning Y/n, take this medicine for your headache
I looked where V directed and surely enough there was a glass of water and pain killers on my bedside table. At first I didn't think it through but then I realized, only V knew I had cried and had a headache. Hesitant to ask him directly I walked around the question
Y/n: Um, did Grandma bring them for me?
My question seemed to have shaken him a little but he answered me nonetheless
V: Er- yeah, she did
Y/n: But I'm sure she doesn't know I cried yesterday, how did you-
Before I could dig in deeper he cut me off
V: Y/n you're going to be late for school, get ready
Y/n: But-
Right then grandma called me for breakfast, I'm sure she didn't know plus, V couldn't really bring them, he didn't move and he never talked to anyone other than me. I'm sure grandma can't talk to him even if V wanted to, then how did those things get here? The question pondered me until I reached the kitchen. My head was still aching so naturally I dropped my curiosity to focus on breakfast. I reluctantly headed to school, although the thought of rising up did scare me I decided I needed to do something about everything if I wanted to survive the next three years. I decided, this time I wouldn't be such a pushover.
Today my first class was science and I'm glad the previous students from yesterday didn't have this with me. I picked a seat in the middle and sat down, the rest of the students soon began to arrive. Everything was going smoothly until I saw that guy again. The guy that I had so carelessly bumped into on the haIlway, Jimin was it? I prayed mercilessly he didn't remember me. Trying to act as if I didn't notice him I looked the other way, but to my despair he was headed straight towards my direction. What he said next made my heart rise to my throat.
Jimin: Excuse me but this is my seat
Y/n: O-oh I-I'm sorry, I'll sit somewhere e-else-
So much for not being a pushover. Trembling, I started to make my escape when he stopped me on my tracks
Jimin: No no don't, it's fine really! I'll sit on this chair, you can sit here Y/n.
I looked up in shock, I didn't realise how surprised I looked. To think such a small gesture would get me this worked up
Y/n: Y-you remember my name?
Jimin: Of course, I mean there's no seeing why not
The genuine smile and the reassuring voice made my heart leap. From the way my face twisted in disbelief, he probably realised how new this was all to me. Unfortunately his reaction wasn't what I hoped for as he began laughing loudly
Jimin: Are you for real? The way you're looking at me is like you've never met someone who wouldn't forget you after meeting you.
I didn't realise my expression had changed to a dark one when his voice became serious yet concerned at the same time
Jimin: You know, if you want, you can talk to me. Not th-that you have to or, I mean you don't have to if you don't want to! I mean we barely know each other.
He began to panic and trail off. With much debating I mustered the courage to speak
Y/n: It's okay, I appreciate your concern. It's just I don't know how to deal with people
Jimin: What? No way, I don't believe you. I mean you're so adorable. What about your friends?
Y/n: Well I do have a friend, but- he's, different
Jimin: Different?
Y/n: Promise me you won't laugh?
Jimin: uh okay?
Y/n: He's a doll
I regret talking to this guy, he was laughing loud enough for the whole world to listen. I just crossed my arms and turned the other way, I honestly hated when people didn't believe me.
Jimin: Okay okay sorry, but seriously, a doll?
He raised his eyebrows as of trying to see how far gone in the head I was. I knew whatever I said next wouldn't hold any weight. Naturally I turned my gaze away and gone quiet.
Jimin: Ya don't be like that, what are you getting upset for? Although it's cute how you think your dolls can talk.
Y/n: V can talk!
Jimin: V is his name? What kind of name-
Just then the teacher arrived interrupting his train of thought. Class began shortly afterwards. I didn't know why but for some reason I was a bit disappointed that we couldn't talk more, for the rest of the class we were just focusing on the work at hand. After class was over I tried to get out without grabbing attention. To my dismay that wasn't going to happen anytime soon
Jimin: Y/n-ah Wait!
I turned back to find Jimin running towards me.
Y/n: What?
Jimin: I was wondering if you wanted to get lunch together?
He scratched his neck in embarrassment, slightly giddy and anxious as he looked at me with pleading eyes. I myself felt anxious, a hollow feeling building up in my stomach as I thought things over. It was so sudden but then again a part of me felt like I was hoping for this all along. Hesitantly I replied
Y/n: Um sure.
Jimin: Great! So meet you at lunch?
I nodded and we parted on our own ways, to think I was actually looking forward to spend time with someone. I Guess today won't be that bad after all
Jimin's P.O.V:
Y/n seemed to be an interesting girl; she was different than any girl I had ever spoken to. I didn't know what was it at first but something about her tugged a very personal place within my heart. "like looking into your past." A breath of nostalgia, I sighed, my gaze moving distant. It was then that I felt an incredible need to protect something, maybe then I could finally move on.
Lunch time couldn't come any later, the entire wait made me restless enough to clumsily lose my way. Upon arriving I could already pick her out of the crowd, no one was as lost and confused as the girl in the pink hoodie. I quickly caught up to her and we sat down in a table secluded from the mob of students. It was a little hard to get her to open up but once she relaxed there was no pause to all the things she had to say. It was almost overwhelming, how she could make so many different expressions and have so much to talk about. Soon it became rather calming in its own way
Y/n: I'm sorry, I'm talking so much. I'm probably boring you.
Jimin: No! Not at all, I'm actually enjoying listening to you
Was that a blush I saw? At first I thought she was an enigma, but now I was beginning to understand her better. I knew what I wanted to say
Jimin: You don't have to be alone anymore, if there's anything that bothers you I'm always here to listen
And that was probably the first time I had seen her smile today. Maybe now, she could finally trust me.
Y/n's P.O.V:
It was nice to talk to someone other than V for a change. This was the most fun I had in school so far and I think I had to give the credit to Jimin. Sports class came right after lunch. I never really liked sports and I wasn't good at it either. I was last to be chosen every time but that wasn't the main issue.
It was decided by our instructor that we'd be playing dodge ball. The entirety of the class I was busy trying to find a way to hide, I didn't like the game and the thought of a flying ball was as terrifying as it sounded. I didn't realise when but while worrying about not getting hit, I was already locked on as a target. BANG! A sharp pain spread across my face, the impact threw me off balance. Heat soon took to my face, the burning sensation leaving me squinting in pain. I looked up to who had done it and it was the same boy as yesterday, the one who got me in trouble. He smirked, proud of his actions. The lanky boy glared at me one more time before leaving with a group of snickering boys. My mouth tasted like iron. I figured the impact busted my lip. The situation wouldn't have been as bad if everyone else didn't start laughing. One girl still tried to show concern but I was already too upset to see her face. I dashed out the gym not looking back to hide the tears rolling down.
The day just got worse, like putting oil on fire I came to the locker room to find all my things, clothes, books, everything smeared in chewing gum and soda. I felt my knees go weak, defeated I couldn't do anything but rummage around the sticky pile, eventually giving up. As if on cue someone came in, it was all too surreal for me to process. The girl from the first day, the girl that accused me of flirting with Jimin. She stood tall in front of me, glaring at me with hate and disgust. Her blonde locks bounced in the air as she flicked them to her side with a haughty gesture. Her makeup was too caked on that made her look twice as irritating. Two other girls, holding similar expressions stood beside her.
Girl: I hope now you'll learn to not mess with Me. The name's Seulgi, remember that
With that the group left. I didn't know why all this was happening to me, just when I thought the day was going to be bearable, it got worse in New levels. At the end of the day, when everyone else left smiling, I was the only one who did not
V's P.O.V:
I had understood everything when Y/n came home crying. This was the last time I overlooked something like this.
V: Y/n what's wrong?
Y/n: Why does this always happen to me? What did I do wrong? I didn't do anything to him and still he-
V: Who?
My voice was angrier than usual, Y/n probably felt so too as she hesitated to talk
Y/n: There's this boy, wh-who always bullies me. I don't even know him
V: What does he look like?
Y/n: He wears this Grey jacket all the time and has this mean glare.
For some reason Y/n seemed to be distant, not telling me everything clearly. Even so, I didn't push her anymore. There were more important matters I needed to attend to. We left things at that and she went to bed early.
Author's P.O.V:
While the world slept, a soul was busy at work.
??? : so you wish to gain power?
A ripple in the fragments of reality disturbed the the still surface; the line between the dead and the living never looked thinner. Was he taking it too far that he had to distort reality and taint the land even further? Humans are fragile, easily swayed by emotions and taken advantage of. Such was what was taking place, a restless soul waiting for peace and salvation.
V: whatever it takes to protect her
~~~~~~
An odd looking figure walked down the stairs and left the house without being noticed. The night was dark, clouds floated above like an ominous blanket. The figure drenched in murky water walked down the empty streets of the neighborhood, a strange conviction in his lifeless eyes. His skin was flaking off yet moist and damp at the same time. Nothing about the person felt alive, a putrid smell, sickly sweet with a hint of mud followed the figure everywhere. The smell was already off-putting but add to the horrifying appearance and it was like looking at death itself. A strange aura hovered around the man, one so evil you didn't need to see it. In the midst of all this a boy idly walked down the very street which this entity hovered in search for blood.
The boy in Grey hoodie seemed to be in a foul mood, kicking at the ground, displeasure written in every form of his act. "Darn it" he cursed under his breath, having been kept at a party for too long, he had to miss the last train.
Boy: Argh! Shouldn't have stayed in that party for so long, now I have to walk home. Good thing no one's home.
Unbeknownst to him, there were eyes watching his every move. Upon arriving to his home he noticed a strange irregularity to the feel of the place. A strange muddy, watery smell wafted through the walls, like the smell of lake water after a downpour of rain. Thinking that the rainy weather was approaching Jeiwon ignored the foul smell and continued his activities. It was then that stranger events took place. The lights switched off, rather all of them broke from the inside.
Jeiwon: Damn it, did I forget to pay the electricity bill?
Just then he felt an unwanted presence, a dark aura filled the room. He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand as a cool rainy breeze passed through the house, despite the windows being locked shut. Just then a sound echoed from the bathroom.
Bully: Hello i-is anyone there?
It was too quiet, enough for Jeiwon to hear his pounding heart ringing like a drum in his ears. Gathering up the courage he walked towards the bathroom, his hand dialing the emergency hot line while at it. Fear didn't sum up the feeling he felt, he wanted to run but his body told otherwise. Quickly he barged into the bathroom without a second thought to see-
Jeiwon: Huh?
The bathtub overflowed with water dirty enough to look black in the darkness, only the moon light from the window right above illuminated the object floating in the murky abyss. Confused, Jeiwon picked up the soaking rag doll from the water, examining it
Jeiwon: how on e
Like a slap, without warning his head was forced into the black water. He struggled, thrashing his arms in an erratic way but to no avail. The force pushing his head down was far greater, as if a giant slab of concrete was flattening his entire body. After struggling for less than three minutes the boy laid limp against the tub. His head still under water but there were no sign of fighting or even moving as a matter of fact. A figure conjured from the shadows and squatted next to the limp body
V: how does it feel? Did you see the light?
He didn't look back before leaving the scene, but not before flooding the house till knee-deep. This was only the beginning.