Superstition

"By the way, Jack. Did you know that there's a superstition about this game?" Bella suddenly asked. What is she going on about this time?

"No. Haven't heard of that." I said, trying to sound indifferent.

"Hmm… That's a surprise. But anyway! There's this weird superstition about substitutes like you."

"Hey Bella, don't scare the guy," Juan whispered in her ears making her ticklish. "That's just after all, a superstition."

"Huh? Scaring him wasn't my intention at all. Am I scaring you, Jack?" she asked me. I shook my head in response. "See? Besides, like you said, it's just, after all, a superstition." Juan only shrugged at her.

"You see, Jack. It was said that a substitute is often treated as bad luck. They're riddled with misfortunes the moment they enter the game."

"What's the point of you telling me this?" I asked her. Because really, I don't see any reason why. I bet she's just messing with me. The other three in the room didn't do as much as to mind their own business. Leon is still reading his book. While Fred and Joe are practicing their hand signals.

"Nothing really. I just wanna tell you in case you didn't know. But hey! Hear me out first." She side-eyed Juan before continuing. "As I said, substitutes are often riddled with misfortunes. And oftentimes, the reason why they're subbing in the first place is that a sinister and curious thing happened to the original player. Like, say, might be related to a witch." And she shrugged. A small curve appeared in the corner of her lips.

"A witch?" I can't help but ask even though I want this conversation between us to be over as soon as possible. Because I know for a fact that witches are actually just a peculiar.

"Yes. A witch. A sorcerer. There's even one who was burned to death just recently." Yes. I remember very much. Very clearly. And it brought back memories of that day. "People speculated that a witch might be involved in the disappearance of the original player. Say, Jack. Tell me, why're you subbing for player thirteen?"

The moment she said that, the newspaper I read in the nap room back at the agency resurfaced in my mind. It was Joe Finn who was reported missing and was last seen around Cedar Street.

"I reckon you already know the answer, Miss Bella." I told her. Trying to hint with my tone that I want this conversation over. But she doesn't seem to get it. Or she probably did but decided to continue anyway.

"Right! Right! I saw it in the newspaper one morning. He was reported missing, right? Ah! I remember it too! Last year and the year before, some participants have gone missing too."

"If I remember t correctly, I think his name was Joe Finn. Hey, Joe! He's got the same name as you!" Juan chimed in but Joe didn't even spare him a glance.

"Seriously though, Bella. I don't see any reason why we should talk about this before the game. But thank you for entertaining me. I'm afraid I have to excuse myself."

"Already? Where are you going?"

"To take a piss. Why? You wanna come?"

"No, thank you."

"Then excuse me." I said as I shot her a wink. But I didn't linger in there any longer. I didn't want to get punched by Juan for what I just did. Those biceps are no joke.

I approached the woman who I thought was an organizer and asked her where the toilet was and she gladly pointed it to me.

While it's true that I wanted to get out of that tent as soon as possible, the other reason why I left is I needed a place to be alone.

I already expected this, but the smell is never pleasant in the toilet. Especially the public ones. But that's the least of my concern now. I immediately locked the door and headed to one of the cubicles.

"Ombre, get out. I need to speak with you." And in that exact moment, my shadow slowly squirmed as it morphed into the shape of a devourer.

"Yes, Sean? You calling my name is such a music to my ears. But I see that you didn't heed my advice afterall."

"What can I do? I have a job to do. And you didn't even explained to me why."

"I didn't because there are some things that are better left unknown."

"Ha! For once, stop acting mysterious. I have a question."

"Hmm?"

"You're aware I just became a peculiar. Mine is this illusion-casting thing. But I don't remember activating it or anything but I've been seeing these weird shadows who look nothing like their owners. Are you related to this somehow?"

"Oh no! Don't be mistaken, Sean. That's a part of your ability. You're just seeing past an illusion. You might not be aware of this, but aside from casting illusions, you also have the ability to see through illusions."

Wait! What does that mean? Does he mean to tell me that Madam Helen, that man in the tunnel, and Bella are only an illusion? That doesn't make sense!

"Why do you know so much about this ability, Ombre? Because if I remember it right,Iksha said that it was the first time somebody got this peculiarity." I asked. But he only shrugged.

"Like I said earlier, some things are better left unknown," he said before disappearing back into my shadow.