Michael hears the words ‘I never wanted any of this to happen.’ before he opens his eyes once again to wake up in a grassy field. He sits up and grabs his head in pain due to the extensive use of his energy in such a short time. As he does this he notices Jazmine sitting up doing the same. He turns his head sharply and looks at her almost unsure what to say. Trying to seem unaffected by what just happened so she doesn’t feel so bad but also trying to process everything he just learned. She looks back at him the same for a moment before tears begin to well up in her eyes. She begins crying as she gets up and runs away. He stands quickly chasing after her.

Michael “Wait! Jazmine, wait!”

He runs behind her and as he does he thinks to himself.

Michael ‘Please. Please don’t go. Everything will be okay. Just please stop and turn around. Don’t run away.’

As he thinks these thoughts he sees her through thickening tunnel vision as she gets farther and farther away. As he tries desperately to catch her and stop her from running away he begins remembering many times in their lives when they were happy together. From when they first met when they were 6 to birthday parties and simply being happy kids. The harder he tries the further away she becomes until his vision is too blurry to be able to see anything. He didn’t realize but blood began coming from his nose. He expelled too much energy and is now feeling the repercussions of it. He collapses right onto his stomach about ready to pass out. He reaches out for her.

Michael “Don’t go… Jaz...mine… Please.”

Right before he passes out he sees her look back at him for just a moment. Then everything goes black. When he begins to wake up again he’s being carried by someone back home. He looks up.

Michael “Dad..?”

Marcus “It’s okay Michael. Let’s get you home to rest.”

His dad, Marcus, smiles warmly at him. Michael starts crying and grabs onto his shirt. Marcus looks surprised as Michael puts his head into his dad’s chest.

Michael “I lost… *sniff* I lost Jazmine… She left...”

Marcus looks sympathetic.

Marcus “It’s okay. We’ll talk about it later, let’s just get you home.”

Michael cries as they walk away. Later that night Michael is in the bathroom taking a back, still thinking about everything that happened. Then his phone buzzes on the counter next to the tub. He reaches over and grabs it. He got a text from Kevin.

Kevin “My parents told me what happened. I’m sorry you had to watch her go”

Michael puts his phone down and sighs a bit. He then sinks into the warm water a bit until it is just below his nose.

Michael ‘Why?.. Why did you have to leave?..”

On the next day of school, Jade stands at the entrance where they always meet before going in together. She looks like she has been crying. Michael and Kevin approach her. They all just kinda stand together not doing or saying anything, unsure of how to react to the situation. Suddenly, Jade hugs Michael and starts crying. He hugs her back and Kevin hugs them both. 

Jade “I know she’s not dead or anything but… *sniff* Why did she have to go..?”

Kevin nods crying as well. 

Later that day, the three of them are called to the Principal’s office and stand before Principal Paulie. The same Paulie from their dreams.

Paulie “I got calls from all your parents and they’ve told me how you would be feeling about the situation. It seems you are taking the moving of your friend quite harshly.”

They stand there holding their heads low. 

Paulie “I understand you 3 were extremely close with Ms. Vex. So I am going to offer you this: one day off to compose yourselves as well as group counseling if you desire. It may seem like the end of the world to you kids, but it will get better. I promise.”

They nod. As they leave Jade bows and Kevin waves goodbye. Michael is already in the hallway on his way out. As they are walking down the hall they begin to talk.

Kevin “Mr. Paulie is really nice.”

Jade “Yeah. We should get him a gift for this.”

Kevin “That’s a great idea! What say you, Michael?”

Michael stops. The others stop as well confused why he suddenly stopped after not saying anything and walking ahead of them so briskly. 

Michael “Yeah. Yeah, let’s do that. But let’s settle this right here and now.”

He turns and smiles at them.

Michael “We’ll show her. We’ll prove to Jazmine that superpowers can be useful and a blessing to this world! We’ll show her that superheroes can really be great!”

They look confused for a moment but then smile determined as well. 

Kevin “That sounds like a real plan to me!”

Jade “We’ll earn her trust again and get her back!”

Michael nods confidently.

Michael 'Just you wait Jazmine. We’ll show you that we will be great superheroes and will save lots of people! We’ll be your hero, I promise!’

Michael “Let’s do our best! For everyone! For her!”

Jade/Kevin “Yeah!”

They raise their fists to the sky. The 3 of their fists in front of a slightly cloudy sky on a bright warm day. Fists filled with determination. Michael looks up to the sky with eyes filled with passion.

Michael ‘Wait for us, Jazmine!’

Artum Infernum will return.