“Kaden!” Temprist said, extending the N dramatically. “When are you going to visit me again?”

Kaden’s chair wiggled from side to side as he held the phone to his ear, whilst staring at his desktops wallpaper. A selfie of Temprist, Kaden, and Albert.

“I’m not sure. Works been light so I’m sure I’ll be able to go. I don’t know when that’ll be because if I go I want to stop by Venice.”

“You really fell in love with the place, didn’t you?”

Kaden put the phone on speaker so that he could place the phone down.

“Yeah.. It was pretty there, and it’s Albert’s home.”

Kaden could hear Temprist about to start but then he was cut off by his ring tone. Kaden lifted his phone to see that his boss was calling.

“Hold on Temp! I’ll call you back.”

Kaden accepted the boss’ call.

“Hey boss!”

“Hey Kaden. Sorry I know this is sudden.” The boss paused. “I have a job for you. A big one. Have you heard about the Smiles file?”

Kaden sat in thought. He remembers that he heard some rumors about it but he didn’t know too much.

“Just a bit here and there. Why?”

“I want to give you that job. It was given to us from the other company. Apparently nobody was able to figure anything out. But your a hard worker and I know you won’t give up.”

Kaden then thought about Temprist. He had told him that he might’ve been able to meet him. He’ll figure that out later.

“I’ll take it. Go ahead and just email me and I’ll start right away.”

The boss thanked him before hanging up. 

The email came through right away. Kaden never hesitated to say that his boss worked fast.

Name (s) : Robert Smiles , Diamond Eyes.

If more than one person what is relation : “It is said that Robert Smiles had been possessed by Diamond Eyes and forced to work for him.”

Extra information : Diamond Eyes is able to “use” any myth of its choosing. A disadvantage for it is that it is only able to use D ranked myths. Even so, many myth hunters abandoned this task due to Diamond Eyes and Robert Smiles being too powerful.

“Sheesh. Sounds like this myth has been passed around quite a bit.” Kaden mumbled.

Kaden leaned back in his seat. Getting back to work is what he wanted, not to be sent on a death mission. 

Stopping to see Temprist was a last minute decision. 

“Kaden! You actually came!”

Kaden smiled. Temprist was a lonely person. Kaden knew keeping him company made him happy. But, it was hard going over. His house held too many memories. Ones of the boy they never speak of.

“How have you been Temp?”

Temprist laughed. Kaden knew his answer wouldn’t be anything good. Anytime Kaden asked it always ended up being something sad. Tear jerker energy.

“Rumors are flying around for some reason. Some call me crazy, some say I’m the myth, and some say that he was never even real.” Temprist paused. “I feel like I’m going crazy. Sometimes I question if he was ever actually real.”

Kaden looked at the floor. Temprist didn’t deserve that. He was haunted by Albert, that wasn’t his fault. 

“Albert existed, Temp, I’ll give you that.” Kaden walked to the couch, the one Albert used to sit on. It didn’t feel cold to him anymore. Maybe because he missed that cold .

Temprist chuckled, “Well that’s a relief.”

Kaden sat there. Pitying on his friend. Whilst also managing to reminisce over his old friend. Kaden’s gone through what Temprist is going through. Where you just question if the good times are real.

“Kaden.”

Kaden looked at Temprist, “Whats up?”

Temprist had been scrolling through his phone. He looked up at Kaden.

“I didn’t say anything-”

Kaden was sure he heard someone say his name. Maybe Kaden’s just tired for the day. 

Temprist put down his phone down. His eyes now somewhat avoiding eye contact.

“You don’t think-”

“No. No.” Kaden interrupted. Knowing exactly what he was going to say. “Myths can’t come back.”

Temprist stood up.

“I feel something off, Kaden.” Temprist muttered. “Like someone else is here.”

Kaden put his hands onto his face and groaned. Temprist wasn’t understanding. But of course he wouldn’t.

“Just because you had one stupid myth following you, it doesn’t automatically make you an expert.”

Temprist looked Kaden dead in the eyes. Unsure whether he was talking to the same person he met six months ago. He knows Kaden is hurt about Albert but getting upset over it is too much. 

“If only he heard what you just called him.” Temprist scoffed. “Have fun on your trip. Take pictures.”

Temprist walked up his stairs. Once he made it to his room he slammed the door.

Kaden held his hand on his mouth. Nearly sobbing. So much was ruined in so little time. He just ruined his and Temprists' friendship. And he said the worst things he could about a dead man.

Take pictures?

Kaden doesn’t even remember where he was going. He pulled out the paper from his pocket. Printing it out made things easier than having to look in his files.

“Halem Island?” Kaden questioned.

It says a decent sized island somewhere just a bit from Florida. Kaden sighed. He pushed the paper back into his pocket. Flying over water always made him sick. But he knew he had to do it. Then, he’d come back and apologize to Temprist.

It was that easy.

Right?

It was beautiful, that's for sure.

Kaden had never seen such a place before. Usually he was just around the states, but this was really nice.

It was one big hill, with a house on top. There was another area near there that looked like a cemetery but he’d rather wait for that. Kaden took deep breaths, suddenly remembering that nobody else could do this task.

Kaden walked up the hill. The grass was green, really green. Halem Island must have good climate.

Once he reached the top his eyes followed as the house went up two stories. From the structure of being on a hill he could only guess that there was most likely a basement. Of course Kaden had to get involved with some rich dude.

“Kaden.?”

Kaden’s head dropped. He turned his head, looking around for the voice. Eventually his view was back to the front of the house. Kaden dropped his papers.

“Thats-- This isn’t possible.” Kaden uttered.

Maybe Kaden was going crazy. That would be understandable. He had to deal with the un-dead so many times he is now starting to see them again. Kaden hadn’t thought that he would have to retire before reaching fifty. But retiring seems like a great idea.

The figure walked up to Kaden. It actually walked. Its figure moved swiftly, like a human. 

It was then in front of Kaden.

Kaden lifted his hand, maybe smacking himself would stop him from imagining things. Before he could press his hand against his face the figure grabbed it. It was a human hand. But Kaden knew the figure wasn’t human. Not anymore.

“How are you alive..?” Kaden’s voice broke. Not even able to look in the figures eyes. The figure had brown chocolaty eyes. Like an actual human. “I watched you die..”

The figure looked around, before speaking there was a large gust of wind blow by the two. The figure’s expression then changed.

It left Kaden’s hand go.

“I really don’t know. But I’m alive! You felt it, I’m real.”

“Albert.”

The figure smiled. Kaden hadn’t seen it smile in forever but he was convinced that this wasn’t real.

“It took you long enough to even just say my name.”

Kaden sighed, “I’m not going to pump myself up. You aren’t Albert. I’m just going crazy.”

The figure laughed. The same laugh that Kaden could always get out of Albert. 

“Did you go see Venice?” The figure asked.

Kaden took a few steps back. There's no way.

“How- how do you know about that.?”

“Kaden.” The figure paused. “We were almost there.”

Kaden knew. They were so close. But he was so selfish about his own health that he couldn’t even keep the promise to his best friend.

Kaden walked up to the figure. He wrapped his arms around it. 

“I don’t know how your here.” Kaden mumbled. “But now I can apologize.”

Albert wrapped his arms around Kaden. Both of them remembering the memories they held together. Even the one where Kaden cried whilst holding Albert. Uttering apologies and gratitude.

“Why do you need to apologize?”

Kaden held on tighter. Taking advantage of the fact that he could actually do that. Albert was alive. Which Kaden didn’t know was even possible.

“For everything. For not being able to take you home. For what I said at Temp’s the other day.”

Albert let go, looking Kaden in the eyes, his real eyes.

“If you got to see it that's all that matters to me.” Albert paused. “What did you say at Temp’s?”

Kaden stood there. Had he been actually hearing things? Temprist had said he felt someone else there. So there could’ve been someone- but not Albert? 

“Nothing- uhm. I’m looking for someone. Can you help me please?”

Albert nodded excitedly. He must’ve been bored for a while. Who knows how long he’s even been alive for.

“Alright. I’m looking for two people but I think we should start small. Robert Smiles. I looked online and hes the one who owns this place. So lets look for him.” Kaden paused. “Please be careful Albert. These are some really bad guys and I don’t want you getting hurt.”

Albert laughed softly. A hint of worry in him. Kaden couldn’t blame him, he felt worried too.

“But I’m a myth too. I’ll be fine!”

Kaden put his hand onto Albert’s shoulder looking him in the eyes.

“You were a myth. For some reason you’re alive, which means you can get hurt.”

Albert sighed.

“Alright. So we’re splitting up?”

Kaden nodded.

They both then went separate ways. Kaden would check near the front of the house and the lower area, while Albert would check around the back of the place.

Kaden sat on the porch stairs, head stuck on how Albert was brought back. 

He chose to call his boss.

“Hey Kaden! Hows the job?”

Kaden fidgeted with his fingers while he used his shoulder to help hold his phone to his ear.

“I got here a bit ago, uhm- I have a question.” Kaden paused. “Can myths come back? Like fully alive?”

Kaden could hear distant typing from the call. He also heard his boss murmuring words under his breath to himself; likely.

“No, thats not possible. What level is the myth?”

Kaden put the phone on speaker then scrolled through his old emails. He then found it.

Rank of myth : D

“D?”

His boss began typing in his computer again. Kaden never understood why that man chooses to write down the whole conversation, but he won’t judge.

“Kaden that's not the real myth. It is who Diamond eyes is using or is going to use.” 

Kaden felt like his world just came crashing down. There was no way. He knew stuff only Albert could know, unless that was the point. Maybe Diamond eyes got into Albert’s head and is using him or something. 

“Right. Thank you.”

“Of course Kaden. Be safe.”

Kaden hung up. Obviously he couldn’t go chasing after Albert. He had to make Diamond eyes believe that he was falling for it.

Albert walked around the house. It was large. Albert doesn’t even remember how he got there. 

At the back of the house there was mostly just large rocks. Looked like a fancy decoration the owner made.

There was nothing there. Albert turned around to bump into a large black figure. Albert stepped back, to see what he had bumped into.

“Hello, Albert.”

The figure was large. It looked like some sort of demon, it even had black fog coming out of it.

“What are you-”

The figure grew closer to Albert. Albert kept inching away. Every step brought him closer to falling in the pile of rocks.

“Diamond eyes, I’m the reason your here.”

The figure finally stopped. 

“What-?”

Diamond eyes muttered words under his breath, they sounded like slurs. Slurs Albert could laugh at with Kaden once he goes back to him.

“Robert Smiles, do you know who he is?”

Albert nodded, “Some dude who owns the place. We’re actually looking for him.”

“Kaden will find him first.”

Albert stepped back, one more step away from tripping into the rocks. He felt extremely too close to the demon thing. Pearl eyes or whatever. He could care less about some silly name.

“How do you know Kaden?”

Emerald eyes smiled. His grin was scary, Albert could not believe that he was really the unlucky one. Why couldn’t the myth expert get stuck with Obsidian eyes.

“I know everyone that you know. Actually as a matter of fact, why don’t we visit Temprist together?”

Albert felt his goosebumps rise. He hasn’t felt that anxious feeling in so long. He really was alive. Apparently its all thanks to Sapphire eyes.

“Temprist?” Albert paused. “Well hes too far anyway.”

The demon scoffed. Albert was not enjoying its attitude.

“You think I can’t get to Florida?”

Albert. Felt. like. Screaming. 

“Can you like stop- whatever the hell your doing to figure that out- stop it.”

“Albert me and you are the same. We were both hunted for unreasonable reasons. Neither of us deserved it. You died when you could’ve lived longer. Long enough to see your home.” The demon paused. Letting out a hand. “Join me.”

Albert was now confused. Jewelry eyes wanted him to join some random cult thing he had going on.

“Uh, thanks for the offer but I’m team Kaden bro.”

“It wasn’t an offer.”

Albert stepped back. Tripping and landing into the rocks. The demon grew closer again. Albert tried lifting himself by pressing his hand onto the rock. The demon was now in his face. Causing Albert to slip, the rock cut his hand. It actually cut it. Albert looked at his bleeding hand as he backed into the wall.

“Well it was an offer to me and I decline.”

Albert suddenly got a headache. It throbbed. It reminded him of when he was younger and used to get sick often, not great memories.

“Kaden is going to be so disappointed when he finds out you won’t last forever.”

Albert looked up at the demon. The demon was causing his headache. Whatever he is, has power over him. But Albert won’t let him fully have him.

“What.?” Albert muttered.

Demon eye balls was going to tear them apart. Not again.

“I’ll turn you two against each other, slowly and mentally painful.”

Albert held his hand while trying to find an exit. He felt like his head was going to explode. 

“Kaden!” in that moment Albert had let his mind drift, having nothing to keep Diamond eyes from taking control. “Kaden.” Albert felt sick. He felt tired. He felt off. “Ka- Kaden..”

“You’ll be in control, don’t worry. I’m only going to influence you.”

Temprist sat on the couch. Feeling like nothing. He lost so much. 

There was a knock on his door. It had been raining in Florida. He thought it was the gods feeling pity for what he was going through.

He stood up. Grabbing his mask from the table. He didn’t put it on, but held it.

He walked to the door, debating if he wanted to open the door. But something told him it was important. So he did.

His mask fell to the floor. The rain blocking out the drop.

“Hey Temp!” 

“Albert?!” Temprist paused. “I told Kaden that I felt something. But he just thinks hes sooo smart.”

Albert looked at him with a confused expression.

“Sorry. Me and Kaden aren’t on the best terms. I guess.”

“What happened?”

Temprist ran his hand through his blonde hair. 

“I just guess he misses you. Speaking of him, have you already seen him?”

Albert nodded. He then walked to Temprist. He wrapped his arms around him. Temprist hesitantly put his arms around Albert.

“You’re human- that means-”

Albert hummed in response. Temprist then felt something off with Albert. Like if his aura changed. It was off. Maybe Albert missed him just like he missed Albert. That would make Temprist feel slightly better.

But that wasn’t the case.

“Temp..” Albert’s voice was shaky. “Forgive me.”

Temprist then felt a thin needle like object stab into him. His body then felt relaxed, too relaxed. Albert had put something into him.

“W-Why.. Al..” Temprist didn’t finish his sentence. His eyes shut and he relaxed onto Albert.

Albert lifted him over his shoulders and walked out. Albert was watching every bit of it. Not being able to control it. 

“All of your friends are vulnerable Albert. Just like you.” Albert uttered.

Kaden sat on the porch. The sun had been setting and Albert still hadn’t returned. Knowing Kaden’s luck he probably was under the control of-

“Kaden!” A familiar voice shouted. Kaden knew it was Albert. But he didn’t want him to come if he wasn’t actually Albert.

Kaden sat there, waiting, instead of searching for him. He then saw a tall male come up the hill. He worse black, with suspenders. He cringed, him and the real Albert will laugh at that later on. 

The male walked up to Kaden keeping a distance.

“Uh, hello?”

Kaden stood up, knowing he had to give a proper greeting, even though he knew that he was dangerous.

“Hello! I’m Kaden.”

Albert walked up to them. He stood next to Kaden. He stayed silent. 

“Do you happen to be one of those tourist to tend to come often- with their friends?”

Kaden looked at Albert he then saw that Albert’s hand had been bleeding, it was smudged all over his hand.

Kaden would have to ask what trouble he got into.

“Yup! Me and my friend Albert here heard there was this beautiful island and we thought we’d come. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you lived here.”

Kaden didn’t even bother to try and be nice. He would manipulate this myth into thinking that he didn’t know anything.

“Oh no don’t worry about it! My kids are staying with their uncle for the summer so you can go ahead and stay there. I’m in the progress of making a guest room. But until its done you guys can stay there.”

Kaden and Albert both nodded.

“I’m sorry! I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Robert Smiles, it’s great to meet you Kaden and-” Robert paused. “What was your name again?”

Albert grabbed the hand that Robert was sticking out. He looked at him up and down. Kaden could sense an off tension between the two.

“Albert.” He paused. “Kaden after this can we talk?”

Kaden nodded. 

Kaden then shook Robert’s hand as well, “Sorry about him! He’s had a long day.”

Robert smiled. His eyes focused on the boy in the red sweater and white shirt. Kaden’s eyes widened. It was just like the outfit that- the other Albert had.

“It’s alright! Flying all the way out here can get tiring. Why don’t you guys come in and look around while I get some drinks!”

Kaden and Albert nodded. Kaden had started walking up the stairs as Albert stood there, as if having a staring contest with Robert Smiles.

Kaden went back down and grabbed Albert’s arm.

“Come on Albert. It’s getting dark, don’t you think?” Kaden looked at Albert then Robert, trying to signal to Albert that he was going to blow their cover.

“Sorry.” Albert walked up the stairs, ignoring the pain that his arm felt because of Kaden.

The house was very old fashioned. It looked like the furniture dated back to the 90’s. Kaden wasn’t complaining though, it was nice.

The kitchen was a bit small but it was also nice. It had an old themed retro fridge. Kaden let out a small “whoa.”

Both the boys then walked up the stairs as Robert stayed at the bottom to get them drinks.

There were multiple rooms and stairs again. There must’ve been an attic. Kaden was really upset that he had to deal with a rich evil dude.

They walked into the first room, which had a bed, and that was it. Kaden shut the door, assuming that was the guest room that was in progress. Throughout their whole tour, Albert said nothing.

They then opened another door, there were three beds. A yellow one, a blue one, and a red one. The red and yellow ones were a bunkbed, luckily they were big. The blue bed sat against the wall on the other side.

Kaden shut the door and sat on the blue bed.

“Albert what the hell is your problem?!” He paused. “That’s Robert Smiles that your picking a fight with. He’s a myth, a dangerous one.”

 Albert turned away, his head still turned to see Kaden.

“Okay. And what am I?”

Kaden sighed. Unsure if his ‘friend’ understood what he was getting at. Whatever mess he got into really seemed to make him mad.

“You’re human Albert. Your hand is literally bleeding for whatever you did.”

“Well if you actually care I’ll have you know I tripped in rocks.”

Kaden stood up. His friendships really just weren’t meant to last. It makes sense. Being friends with dead a dead person would have never worked. Thats why Albert died, for making friends with someone who still belonged to earth. They no longer lived in the same universe. No matter how much their hearts wanted to.

“If you had listened to me and not have been so careless you wouldn’t be bleeding that badly.”

Albert turned to face Kaden. Both of them looked like ordinary humans arguing. But they were everything but ordinary.

“Kaden!”

Albert put his hands on his mouth. His expressions switching between angry and worried.

“Are you-”

“Boys! I got the drinks, if you want to come down!” Robert shouted from the first floor.

“Let’s just go.” Albert muttered before storming out of the room.

“What the hell is going on.?” Kaden whispered to himself before walking out of the room. Making sure to respectively close the door. Once he made it to the bottom of the stairs he saw Albert sitting at the farthest seat from Robert. 

Three cokes sat on the table. Kaden was more of a sprite person but he couldn’t pass up on an offer. Especially when he’s trying to make Robert think he doesn’t know whats happening. Kaden was sure the drink couldn’t have been poisoned, it was closed. Hopefully, he can drink the coke in peace.

“Oh, Albert. Your hand is bleeding.” Robert paused. “Would you like a bandage for that. We don’t really have doctors out here but I’m sure its not too bad.”

“I wouldn’t know. Haven’t bled in years.” Albert said, looking like he was zoning out. Which was weird for such an energetic boy.

Kaden’s eyes widened. He knew exactly what he meant. He had to throw that off.

“Oh yeah! Albert is a really careful person but I guess your fancy rocks caught him off guard!” Kaden chuckled.

Robert walked towards the stairs.

“You know about my rocks too.?” Robert asked. Worried if Kaden had witnessed the incident. 

“Albert told me what happened to him.” Kaden said. “I haven’t seen them though, I might go check them out tomorrow.”

Robert nodded, “It’s quite embarrassing. I used to collect rocks with my wife. Big and small.”

Kaden let out a small “awe!” While Albert just sat there. Looking like he was going to murder the poor man trying to help him. 

Robert went up the stairs to go get the bandages. Kaden left out a sigh of relief.

“Albert. Not everyone needs to know.”

“Why? He’s one too.”

Kaden slapped his forehead, giving it a reddish colour.

“But you aren’t anymore. Then he’ll question us. We can’t trust him.”

Albert only shrugged. His attitude wasn’t making anything easier for Kaden. He didn’t even need Albert here. As much as he cares about Albert, it would’ve been better if he wasn’t there.

“Alright! I’m back!”

Robert had a roll of bandages for Albert. If Kaden didn’t know the truth he would’ve been more grateful to the man. But it was all simple manipulation. 

Albert stood up and walked to Robert. He held his hand out for Robert to see. The cut wasn’t deep, just a decent slice on the hand.

Robert wrapped it around his hand. Albert winced. After not being able to get injured, it felt brand new. As if he were a small child. 

“There you go!”

Albert looked at his wrapped hand.

“Erm. Thank you.” Albert smiled shortly.

Robert only nodded.

Kaden couldn’t sleep. He was tired but felt like if he slept something bad would happen. He walked out of the room, pausing in his steps realizing Albert wasn’t there. He then walked down the stairs quietly. He paused when he saw Albert and Robert at the bottom of the stairs. They were actually talking. Absolutely unbelievable.

“Boss, why are you using him?”

Albert stretched his arms. Kaden sat and listened.

“These boys aren’t normal, Robert.” Albert paused. “He’s a myth.”

Robert took a few steps back.

“I thought you killed him or something.”

Albert chuckled silently.

“I’m not that brutal.” He stopped. “And the other boy is a myth hunter.”

Robert’s eyes widened. Kaden would’ve laughed. 

“Does the boy know?”

Albert nodded.

“What all does he know?”

Albert sighed. The dark room made it impossible to see anything else. Kaden could’ve been dreaming. But he knew this was real. That Albert wasn’t the real Albert. That Robert was working with Diamond eyes. It was all clear.

“Everything. Well- almost.”

Kaden held onto the railings. Confused at what that meant. How did he not know all of their plans.

“Almost?”

Albert nodded, “He doesn’t know about T-”

A loud noise was heard from the stairs. The stairs had unluckily creaked. Kaden quickly ran up the stairs and into the bedroom. He plopped down onto the bed and tried to calm his breathing. He closed his eyes and got into a comfortable position. 

He needs to know what Diamond eyes was going to say.

He then heard footsteps. 

“Kaden?” Albert whispered. Kaden didn’t move. “Kaden are you up?”

Kaden lifted his head. His glasses had been left on the nightstand which gave him an advantage. He falsely yawned.

“Albert what are you doing up so late?” Kaden asked quietly.

“I couldn’t sleep. I feel like something is going to happen if I do.”

Kaden threw on his glasses.

“Do you want me to stay up with you?”

“No. I just wanted to apologize.”

Kaden sat up. He still tried his best to look tired.

“Why?”

Albert walked over to Kaden’s bed. He looked off into the distance where the door was.

“For messing up your plans.” Albert paused. “I just don’t feel like we should be nice to him if he’s the bad guy.”

Kaden knew he had to keep giving Albert fake plans. Telling him the truth would be the worst mistake he could make.

“Let’s meet at the cemetery tomorrow to talk about our plans. Robert has work so he won’t be here.”

Albert nodded.

It had been noon. Kaden had gotten up before Albert. He wasn’t going to the cemetery. He would leave early so that when Albert wakes up he’ll think that he is at the cemetery. Kaden silently got ready. He then went to the side of the house.

There was a way into the basement. Kaden knew there was a basement. Maybe he could get answers in there.

Kaden opened it, luckily it was unlocked. He walked down the stairs, each step he took it got darker. Finally once he reached the bottom, he closed the doors. 

He saw the string that turned on the light bulb. He pulled on it and light was given to him. He looked forward. His eyes widened. 

“Temprist?!”

This is what they were talking about. Kaden didn’t know about this.

Temprist looked up, his hair looking an absolute mess, making it harder to see his face.

“Huh..?”

“Temprist what happened?!”

Chains cuffed his hands, he sat on the floor, looking nearly dead.

“I don’t think-” Temprist paused. “I don’t think Albert’s been feeling himself lately.”

Albert. Or Diamond eyes. Why did he get Temprist involved? He has nothing to due with it.

“Albert!” Temprist shouted.

“I know Temp. I’m going to figure this out-”

Temprist got onto his knees trying to point at Kaden, or behind him.

“No Kaden! Albert!”

Kaden turned around to be met with a bat in his face. He fell onto the ground. His vision became blurry. How could he have come so far just to be easily knocked out with a bat. Terrible luck.

Kaden groaned. His head throbbed. He sat up. He saw Temprist staring at him. 

“How long?”

Temprist sighed.

“I’d say an hour. Not too long.”

A big light was then shined over Temprist. A TV. it then showed a video of Albert. It must’ve been sometime after Kaden fell asleep.

“He probably lied, boss.” Robert said. It was easily assumed that Robert had been holding the camera. “You said he knew about you. So he tricked you.”

Albert then grabbed onto his hair, looking like he was personally fighting himself mentally.

“Leave me alone! Just kill me! Leave Kaden alone! Please!”

Robert did nothing other than hold the camera.

“The more you fight the more I’ll rip your friendship apart.” 

Kaden’s eyes widened. That was what Diamond eyes was trying to do. And it had been working. Kaden had been so frustrated. That even if they had won, Kaden would still have the mentality that Albert did wrong.

“He’s to smart to fall for your tricks!”

Kaden’s eyes watered. He failed his best friend. His best friend believed that Kaden would be smarter. But he was foolish.

“Really?” Albert laughed. Or Diamond eyes. “He can’t stand you, Albert. And since you wasted my time. I’ll pay him a visit.”

The video then ended. At the end of the video there was a blurred map on the floor of the cemetery. 

Kaden studied it. 

“So thats not Albert?”

“For the most part.”

Kaden walked to Temprist. Near by him had been a large metal bar. Kaden grabbed it. 

“Hold your breath. And whatever you do. Do not scream.” 

Temprist nodded. Making a bubble with his cheeks. His eyes squinted closed.

Kaden slammed the metal bar onto Temprist’s arms. Kaden saw as Temprist winced. His eyes widened, as he breathed hardly.

The cuffs had broken off of him.

Kaden helped Temprist stand. He immediately wrapped him in his arms. Temprist pulled away.

“Sorry. Last time a friend hugged me I got stabbed.”

Kaden’s eyes widened, “He stabbed you?!”

Temprist chuckled.

“Just with a needle.”

Kaden sighed.

“I’m sorry Temprist. For everything.”

Temprist smiled, “Your going through a lot. Its okay.”

The TV then started again. This time it was just Albert.

“Ah, Kaden. You are a total fool.”

“I don’t care what you say Diamond eyes! Just let Temprist go.”

Albert laughed.

“I can’t just let go a valuable information source like that.”

“What-?” Kaden looked at Temprist, Temprist looked at the floor only.

“Well don’t blame him. Anyone who doesn’t have a death wish would tell what they know. I know there's more to Albert. That's why he’s here.”

“We’ll find a way out, Diamond eyes. Then, I’ll find you.”

Albert smiled. He placed his chin into his hands.

“Diamond eyes this, Diamond eyes that. I’m not even in this boys body. I just influence him. That's why he keeps fighting. But he can’t fight forever.”

Kaden threw the metal bar at the TV. It slashed right through, breaking the TV.

“Kaden I’m sorry.” Temprist whispered.

“Don’t apologize. Anyone would’ve gave out information if they were threatened. Besides you didn’t tell him everything.”

Temprist laughed.

“I did. But he thinks there's more to Albert. He said something about Albert was able to live longer than other myths. Something about eternal life. Its a blur.”

“I understand. But hes wrong.” Kaden paused realizing that Albert had left the basement doors open. He knew Albert did that on purpose. “Come on. I see our way out.

After both climbing out Kaden looked around. He saw an empty motor boat. He knew what he had to do.

“Temprist you have to go.”

Temprists’ eyes widened. 

“What about you?!”

Kaden looked around, making sure nobody was trying to attack.

“I have to settle things.”

Temprist nodded. He quickly ran down the hill. Kaden watched as he got into the motor boat. He then watched as Temprist drove away. 

Kaden then went into the house. There were three people. Or two and a large thing. Albert, Robert, and who Kaden could only guess was Diamond eyes.

In a blink of an eye they were back in the basement. How that happened? Kaden would never know.

“Albert!” Kaden knew exactly what he was doing. He was going to make it an even fight.

Albert’s eyes went from zoned out to widened. He looked up at Kaden.

“Kaden!”

Diamond eyes chuckled.

“Sorry boys. Having you both on the same team wouldn’t work out.”

Albert started floating, he was still completely visible but he floated like he used to. His sweater became the suit that both boys hated so badly.

“If Albert doesn’t want to play, we’ll just have to bring another one who would love to!”

“No stop! Even you wouldn’t be able to control that Albert!”

Diamond eyes only smiled.

Albert looked at his hands. The awfully familiar black vines crept up him. 

“Kaden! Help me!”

Kaden would’ve but he had been to worried about Albert, he hadn’t seen that Robert had appeared behind him and held him back.

By the time Kaden pushed out of his hold it was too late.

“You were wrong, Kaden. Both Albert’s are just as vulnerable.” The static voice gave Kaden chills.

Albert had charged towards Kaden. Kaden had no time to react and was pushed to the ground by Albert.

Albert held him onto the ground, ready to beat him to death.

“Albert. We don’t need to kill him. We just need answers.”

Kaden breath was shaky, being thrown to the ground is really nothing you can expect. 

“Answers?” Kaden stopped to breathe. “What answers?”

“On how Albert was able to stay around-”

Kaden kicked Albert off of him. Albert landing on the ground beside him. Kaden stood up and ran to the other side of the basement only to be tripped by Robert. They were playing as bullies. At least they weren’t fully trying to kill him.

He landed on the side where Temprist had been for who knows how long.

Diamond eyes grew closer bringing floating Albert who still was laid out, groaning in pain.

It was just like how it was with Albert. Both trapped, no where to go. 

“How did Albert get powerful? How did he survive for so long?”

Kaden held his side. He must’ve hurt something too. The floors ere extremely hard. Maybe cement.

“Why do you want to know?”

“Because if not I’m going to disappear! I’ve worked to hard to let it all be wasted!”

Kaden chuckled. Then started laughing.

“You want to know how he lived?” Kaden paused sitting up. “He didn’t! I held him in my arms as he died!”

Kaden stabbed the metal bar that had been left there into Diamond eyes. He groaned, getting farther and farther away. Robert chased after him, Kaden watched as Robert became clearer and clearer. Albert then fell onto the ground.

Kaden sped over. He picked up Albert and put him into his lap. 

“Come on Albert.” Kaden’s voice began to break. “I can’t watch you die again.”

Albert’s eyes opened slowly. They were back to the brown colour they used to be. The vines loosely hanging onto his arms. His hair messier than usual.

“Kaden. Shhh.” Albert said.

Tears fell down Kaden’s face.

“I’ve seen this already. Please don’t make me see it again.”

Kaden grabbed onto Albert’s hand. It was cold. It was too late again.

“I’m so sorry.” Kaden mumbled. “I knew he was using you but I didn’t stop it.”

“Kaden.. I have a question.” Albert whispered. “What you said about me to Temprist, you didn’t mean it did you..?”

Kaden choked on his sob. 

“Of course not. I was mad. I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry.”

Albert wiped a tear that fell down his face. He was smiling. Why did he always have to smile?

“Do me a big favour, Kaden.”

Kaden nodded. His vision blurred from all the tears.

“Tell whoever you work for, tell them about all the rules you broke..” Albert eyes slipped shut. His smile loosened. “Tell them the whole story. So they can know how amazing.. A myth and a myth hunter.. Can be.”

Those were the last words Albert told Kaden. Kaden would do it. Just for Albert. Whether he got fired or not.

“So you, Temprista or whatever your name is, and Myth #222 all took down Diamond eyes and Robert. And are also all friends?”

“Its Temprist and Albert, sir. But yes.”

A paper came out of the printer. Kaden’s boss grabbed a picture frame and pushed the paper into the frame. He turned it over for them to see.

A picture of Albert smiling was there. 

“Alright. This is a picture that will go on the wall of our greatest saviours.”

They all walked down the hall of many pictures of people. There was one that stood out to Temprist.

“This ones a myth too.”

Kaden walked to where Temprist was. 

“How do you know?”

Temprist shrugged.

“He’s right. This was my friend. I met him back when I hunted. Similar circumstances to your first encounter with Albert.”

“Oh boss I’m so sorry.”

The boss put his hand up, stopping Kaden.

“No Kaden, I’m sorry. I knew the feeling would happen to someone else but I still selfishly made those rules. I was just scared that someone would feel as awful as I did. But I only made it worse for you.”

“Thank you boss.”

“As for you, Temprist. Guessing he was a myth was incredible. How would you like to become a myth hunter with Kaden. I can put you in the myth finder group but you’ll be able to go with him.”

Temprist and Kaden’s eyes widened.

“Sir, I appreciate your offer, I really do. But I live out in Florida. It would be too far to keep traveling.”

The boss laughed.

“Your getting a house with the job too!” The boss said. “I know lots of my workers live far.”

“Wow! Thank you so much!”

The boss pulled out three sprites from a compartment within the wall. 

“A toast. A toast to Albert.” Kaden said.

Temprist and their boss followed, “To Albert!”

“To my best friend, that always was.”