"Well, this isn't good."

Anomalous was a game categorised under the supernatural genre so you'd expect there to be––well, supernatural elements. Apparitions and exorcists fill in that category. But this town? It was the very definition of supernatural. The way it ran was... interesting, to say the least. For those who resided here; some had become a shell of their former selves, aimlessly wandering the town and surviving rather than living. Others had developed all the necessary senses to survive no matter the moral compromises.

Even you didn't know the full details and how the place was populated and functioning. Albeit, not functioning that well. As always, you had theories and speculations, but the mysterious nature of the town was part of its charm in the game. Just a moment ago you were talking to Caleb. Yet, the moment your eyes were off him, silver curtains of mist obscured your sight. And now you were alone in an empty space. You could shout and scream all you like, but only silence would pitifully respond back.

These incidences, how would you put it... It's purpose was to trap an individual with their past. If the individual breaks down or loses their mind, they become the perfect victim for possession. Either that or they wander around forever in the mist until basic survival needs such as food and water catch up to them. It was creepy knowing that a supposed inanimate town was capable of manipulating people as if it were alive itself.

Why, how, when exactly does this occur? Who knows.

The air was thick with mist and broken fragments of light managed to seep through it, leaving you with minimal lighting. Anyone who wandered here alone would feel all sorts of negative emotions and the feeling varied depending on the person. For you? There was no one around, but you felt like many eyes were on you; intrusive and judgemental gaze hidden behind the dense fog that watched your every movement.

Being alone here would be a nightmare. Thankfully you don't have to be alone. With a snap of your fingers, you summoned Mochi. The wolf barked happily and nuzzled his face against your cheek. You laughed at the gesture. Already, you felt miles better.

Alastor, Sam, Alec, and Copper decided to show up as well. The twins immediately ran over to pet Mochi before they began to explore the area, trying to find something other than endless mist. When they found nothing, the two exchanged curious glances and ran back to you.

"Big sister, what is this place?" Sam asked.

"Will you be okay?" Alec held up his arm and smiled. "You can hold my hand if you want!"

Your heart melted at how cute the twins were.

Alastor glanced around. "Welp, this is a predicament. Sucks for you."

Copper folded his arms and groaned. "Ugh, this place feels creepy."

You sighed wearily. The responses sure vary, don't they?

Mochi gently bumped into you and licked your cheek. It was like his own way of reassurance. A smile on your lips, you patted him on the head. Sam was eager to join in so she ran into the wolf and was swallowed by his fur. Her brother joined soon after. It was hard to hold in your laughter. Copper rolled his eyes and mumbled something about the twins being childish.

Alastor sighed. "On a more serious note, I've never heard of this place before. Any ideas?"

"A few."

It would be a surprise if Alastor did know what this place was. Civilians always remained inside the city walls due to the dangers. In fact, most civilians don't think much of outside the city. Sure the occasional rumour and conversation would float here and there; people acknowledged it, but carried on with their lives as usual. Exorcists who thought they were strong enough have attempted to come here and explore far outside the walls, but never made it back for various reasons. And those reasons were basically the same; death. And only a few SF members have personally experienced this space.

In summary; information outside the city was scarce.

The twins eagerly tugged your sleeve and said in unison, "Tell us! We wanna know!"

"Think of this space as a manifestation of a past, a past someone wants to repress the most."

The twins gave you blank stares.

"Think of it as travelling back to a time that makes you most sad?"

Their stares were a little less blank.

"So, what should we expect a heads up on?" Alastor questioned.

"Depends on the person. The point of this space is to make the you feel vulnerable, ultimately trapping you here."

When you continued to elaborate on your knowledge, you felt like a big sister telling a story to her younger siblings. Even Alastor and Copper were playing close attention. The more you explained out in the open, the more real the dangers of the space became. No one has ever come back alive after reaching the town.

Well, besides Caleb. He came here with James and was the only one who walked out.

If things went according to the plot, Caleb should be fine. Physically. Of course, he would be shouldering a mountain of internal conflict, but he wouldn't get lost in the mist. Since you've played the game, you had an idea of what Caleb was going to experience. It wasn't like you could intervene or help no matter how desperate you were, everyone had their own space and their own past to confront. Just like how you were brought here alone.

First encountering his dead brother and now having to confront his past. Caleb really doesn't get a break.

"Isn't this bad?" Copper asked. "What if you don't get out of this mist?"

"Not if you know what to do... And have a little bit of luck. And some faith. A lot of faith."

"That doesn't sound reassuring!"

The key was to just keep walking and not give into your negative thoughts. Eventually, the mist would clear. Sounds simple enough, but obviously hard to execute when your mind is spiralling out of control.

Caleb was able to get through it since he always ran away from his problems, as depressing as that was to think. Whatever the mist threw his way, he managed by suppressing everything and ignoring it. Even after encountering his dead brother and experiencing a dreadful past all over again, he managed to maintain a cheerful persona.

Amias let out a sigh of relief when a familiar exorcist approached him. Caleb grinned and waved at Amias. "Hey, hey! Did you wait long?"

"A little, but it's fine! Caleb, are you okay? You took a while."

"Aw, did you miss me? Don't worry, from now on all eyes will be on you." Caleb playfully smacked Amias on the back. "The mist was a hassle, but who knew just forgetting everything solved the issue?"

Caleb was terrifyingly skilful at dodging the question, so you never got to pry any further into what happened. Plus, at this time of the game the player wasn't informed of the true nature of the mist. After all, Amias got out without encountering anything from his past. Instead, he met a certain character who would be integral to the plot later.

"It's okay, I'll protect you!" Alec huffed proudly.

His sister eagerly nodded. "Me too! Me too!"

"I'm stronger than both of them, so be grateful that I let you use my powers," Copper huffed.

Alastor shrugged. "I'll do what I want to make sure you don't die."

You laughed at the responses. "Thanks, guys."

A faint cry of a child drifted like the subtle flutter of a paper in the wind. Discomfort held a firm hand on your shoulders, causing you to stop walking. You tried to not look in the direction of the sound, however that was futile. Wherever your gaze was, you were bound to see it. That's how this space worked.

Shrouded in mist was a figure of a child, clutching a book tightly with one hand and holding it dear to her chest. The other hand wiped away her tears whilst struggling to muffle her sobs. You sighed. Yup, that was you. Well, to be more specific, you as a child.

For once, you were a little thankful of the cold because it gave you a reason to tear your eyes away from the sight and keep walking. You walked past the child, not even sparing a single cursory glance at her. Though, when you realised that your apparition companions weren't following you, you turned around and the words slipped by your lips like flowing water.

"There's no point in staying, c'mon." You smiled. "Unlike everyone else, my life was so mediocre that the memory the mist used was something simple. Every kid cries at some point. A character probably died in the book or something."

This time, you properly observed their expressions. To sum it up, no one was convinced by your words. The apparition twins had their eyebrows furrowed in worry and Copper looked like he was debating whether or not to approach the figure. Even Alastor's indifferent expression held a tinge of conflict.

"No, I'm being serious," you said. "It's really nothing."

What else could be said? You hurriedly file through your thoughts to think of another means of reassuring the apparitions.

Sam spoke up, "But I don't like seeing a smaller version of sister sad!"

Alec nodded. "Do you want a hug?"

Sam's words sparked gratitude and Alec's offer suffused warmth. However, the more you dwelled here and acknowledged the past, the more suffocated you felt. It was like continuously walking into an ocean, descending deeper and deeper into the depths of an unwanted memory. Just move on, that's what you wanted.

"Thanks a million." You ruffled both their ash blonde hairs and the twins giggled at the gesture. "But what's in the past stays there. Let's quickly get out of here. Amias is probably waiting."

"But––"

"Knock it off." Alastor flicked Alec's forehead. "It's rude to not listen to your elders."

Alastor must've gotten the hint. You shot him a thankful smile and he nodded in acknowledgement.

Alec whined at the harsh gesture. "You didn't have to hit me!"

"I didn't even hit you."

"You did!"

As the two bickered (well, it was more like Alec passionately continuing the argument whilst Alastor gave bland responses) you went ahead.

Keep a clear mind and keep walking, don't give into your thoughts. Of course, easier said than done.

The past can linger on your mind, the past can be suppressed, or the past can forever follow you. However, normally the past wouldn't be physically relived. That's what you kept telling yourself. Yet, this space laughed at your attempt to ignore its effects. All the things you managed to forget came back vividly. The mist stifled your movements, grabbing onto your shoulders and holding you in place and forcing you to look around and relive your past again.

"There must be something wrong with her. Have you seen the way she zones out? Her expression is..."

"Take away those books from her and get her enrolled in something––anything––to get her to socialise. What if she grows up wrong?"

"I'm afraid she'd end up as a social outcast at this rate. Just let her cry alone, she'll thank us in the future."

You bite back the urge to respond as the voices of your parents echoed loudly. You almost thought that if you turned around, they'd be standing there with their usual disproving gazes before turning their backs on you.

"You've been out of my life for a while," you mumbled, volume below a whisper. "So, I won't let you affect me now."

If only saying a few spiteful words were enough to get you out of this mindset.

You stopped walking, meeting face to face with an illusion of your child self yet again. It wasn't like it was actually you, it was just a fragment of your memory, something of the past. You sucked in a sharp breath and walked past her, but not long after she'd appear again.

Stop following me. Your hands clenched. I don't want to see––

Mochi suddenly barked, capturing your attention. He pressed his nose on your cheek and you blinked in confusion.

"Mochi...?" The wolf showed you a large smile and placed his head forward. "Is something wrong?"

Mochi barked again and suddenly jumped towards you, causing you to stumble, and nuzzled his head into you. At the wolf's fluffiness, you instantly felt calmer. You laughed and scratched behind his ears.

"Were you trying to comfort me?" Another bark, to which you took as an affirmative. "Thanks for that."

In the corner of your eye, you noticed Copper approaching your younger self. Gently tapping Mochi on the head as a sign to move a little, you walked towards Copper and touched his shoulder, holding him back.

"You don't need to do that." He avoided your gaze and didn't respond. "Copper, I––"

Sam suddenly rushed past you and Copper. She showed a toothy grin to your younger self and cheerfully exclaimed, "It's okay, don't cry!"

Your heart sank. "Wait, Sam. You don't need to––"

Alec joined his sister. "Do you want to tell us why you're sad?"

The sniffles of your younger self settled and she looked at the twins in confusion. She took a timid step back and cast an uncertain glance at them. The accuracy of her behaviour left an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach.

Then, she spoke. A quiet and fleeting voice, like the subtle flutter of a curtain. "It's nothing..."

"It's okay! We won't tell anyone," Sam said. She placed a hand on her chest and puffed it out proudly as the clockwork in her eyes made a 360. "You can trust us."

Alec nodded. "We're really good at keeping secrets."

Since you were distracted, you hadn't realised that Copper left your side and joined the twins. It was easy to stop the apparition children, yet something suspended your movements and you watched them interact with your younger self.

Copper flicked both of the twins on the foreheads. "Idiots. If she doesn't want tell us, then don't force her."

The twins both looked at Copper with exasperated expressions. If it weren't for the fact that your younger self was watching, you were sure they would've gotten into an argument. Actually, Sam was about to complain, but Alec spoke up before she could.

"Little sister, you should pet Mochi," Alec said to your younger self. As if on cue, the wolf showed up behind the children. "He's super fluffy and makes you feel better."

Seeing your younger self surrounded by company was... a surreal sight. And gradually, you could tell she was growing comfortable in the apparitions' presence. First, it was a light chuckle that was quickly stifled. Then, you were amazed when she began laughing.

"See? See? She laughed!" Sam placed her hands on her hips. "It's all thanks to me and Mochi."

Alec pouted. "Hey, me as well."

Copper rolled his eyes. "So immature."

You felt a tap on your shoulder and turned to see Alastor. "I won't pry since it's not my place too, but..." He looked over to the apparition kids. "I'm not opposed to listening if you need to vent."

Any means of response was unable to leave your lips, so all you did was silently nod. Comfort warmed your heart and the suffocating nature of the space was lifted. The mist gradually cleared up and you were beginning to see the town again.

"Welp, this is our cue to leave," Alastor said. "Laters. Don't die."

You playfully rolled your eyes. "Thanks."

Sam ran up and hugged your leg before giggling and running back to her brother. "Bye, bye!"

Alec waved at you. "Bye!"

Copper mumbled a 'see ya' and Mochi licked your face. After everyone sent their own means of goodbye, they disappeared right before the mist split asunder and vanished.

"Phew..." You let out a much needed sigh. "We're finally out."

A light feeling pirouetted around your heart, clarity refreshed your mind, and you couldn't fight the smile off your lips. Memories of just moments ago resurfaced and you found yourself being immensely grateful for the apparitions you befriended.

"Alright!" You clasped your hands and nodded to yourself. "Let's focus now."

It only took a few minutes of walking for you to find people of this town. Since it was very clear that you didn't belong here, there were some gazes of contempt and hostility that burned into you. For once, the frigid air protected you from something.

It should be around here... Ah-hah!

There was a building where Amias stood outside of and waited for Caleb to show up. While you didn't want to be reliant on the main characters for survival, it didn't mean you had to isolate yourself from them. You'll wait for them here.

The three of us experienced the mist roughly at the same time and in the same location, so this should be good. You leaned against a wall. Huh... I expected Amias to be here before me.

While waiting for Caleb and Amias, you observed your surroundings.

The world of Anomalous was generally monochrome because of the constant cloudy skies painting dull light onto the city. However in the main city, especially in the busier parts at night, the world had colour. Flashing billboards, neon signs, and fancy coloured lights all enhanced by the dark inky sky; the lively nature of the city wasn't forgotten. You loved the aesthetic.

On the other hand, this place? It was truly like a ghost town. Exploring the town behind a screen was one thing, but a personal experience was completely different. Sometimes, you'd look down at your hands and question if they were really yours. A dream-like and fragmented space, those were the words that came to mind.

"Miss Support! You got here quickly."

You snapped out of your thoughts. "Caleb?"

Why is he here before Amias?

In the game, the player had no difficulties navigating through the mist. No visions of the past, no internal conflict because of the past. All the player––all Amias needed to do was listen to a few whispers from lingering apparitions that gave some contextual detail on the town.

Caleb must've noticed your confused expression. He laughed and placed an arm over your shoulder.

"I thought of our hug earlier," he whispered before getting off you and grinning. "It helped a lot! I'll treat ya to dinner as thanks, okay?"

I was able to help him? That was why he was able to clear the mist faster? You sheepishly rubbed the back of your neck and smiled. I was able to help him!

"Aw, is Miss Support shy?" Caleb laughed. "How cute!"

You sighed. "You better prepare your wallet for that dinner offer."

"Yup~ Filled to the brim just for you."

"Good, good." You briefly glanced around. "So, I guess we just wait for Amias, huh?"

You and Caleb talked to pass the time, mainly discussing what restaurants to go to after the SF trial was over. Unsurprisingly, all the places he suggested were known for having really good desserts. Time continued to elapse and Amias was nowhere in sight. You were starting to grow nervous, your focus on your conversation with Caleb faltering. Where was he?

"Miss Support?" Caleb waved a hand over your face. "You still here?"

The words left your lips before you could process them, "Do you think he's okay?"

Caleb knew who you were referring to immediately. "Should I go fetch him?"

"Is that even possible?"

You've never done something like that before in the game. The mist was supposed to be a space that trapped an individual in their own past, their own mind. But then again... Alastor and everyone else showed up for me. So, maybe it was possible?

But then, how?

Caleb hummed in thought. "Guess we'll have to believe in him for a bit, huh?" He noticed your concerned expression. "Cheer up, Miss Support! Oh, wanna hear a story?"

"A story?"

"There was a time during an operation––you were there too, but you were busy actually doing your job––where his abilities accidentally electrocuted someone," Caleb said. "They didn't get hurt badly, but the reaction was hilarious. You should've seen what happened to their hair. I made sure to include it in the report in extra detail, but then got scolded by our beloved prince charming."

"Sounds like Elias. I heard about that––wait, why were you even at the operation? It was a small scaled one as well."

"I was bored and you were there."

You sighed and shook your head. "Such a free spirit."

Caleb was trying to take your mind off things. You supposed waiting for Amias for now was the best move. Well, it was kind of the only move. He'll be fine, right? In the game he didn't have to face anything... However, despite the light hearted conversation, your arms were crossed and your fingers anxiously drummed against it. Your mind kept wandering and worrying.

Caleb suddenly ruffled your hair and you shot him a confused look.

"Miss Support, you stay here. I'll go pick him up for you. And if I'm gone for too long, just leave without us," he said. "Don't give me that look~ There's no way I'll die here."

"... But what will you do?"

"Is a plan always necessary? Don't worry, I'm not an SF member for nothing."

You shook your head. "I'll come with you."

Even if you had no idea on what to do, there's no way you're going to just wait and not take action.

Caleb paused. "Miss Support––"

"Whoops, I'm already walking ahead."

Caleb sighed and playfully nudged you. "Getting cheeky now, are we?"

"I learn from the best."

You and Caleb began searching around the town looking for any potential clues that may lead to Amias. Asking around to get answers was as useful as wandering around aimlessly. The responses ranged from ignoring you guys to outright trying to deceive you two. It would start with a seemingly harmless smile and polite tone, then the moment you took your eyes off them, they would attack you.

It wasn't difficult to fight back and knock them out since nourishment in this town isn't exactly prosperous, so the individual wasn't physically imposing. And though you weren't the strongest compared to the main cast, you did train regularly and could overpower a regular person pretty swiftly.

"Guess they're after our clothes, huh." You sighed, carefully carrying the unconscious attacker's arms over your shoulder and settling them somewhere safe. "My suit isn't even that warm."

Aside from those instances, you came across nothing worth noting in your search. The more it continued, the more hopeless you began to feel.

C'mon, (Y/n). Now would be a wonderful time to come up with a good idea!

Your glances began to become frantic and even the littlest things began to agitate you. What would happen if you didn't find Amias? He was the protagonist of this story, events circled around him––they revolved around his existence. If he was gone, then what would be left.

No... It isn't just that.

Anomalous was a game, a world you experienced with Amias. Having him out of the equation... Granted, Amias only knew you for a few months. But for you, it felt like losing a very close friend.

There must be some way. You clenched your hands. I just need to think harder––I must know something, I know this game like the back of my hand!

"Miss Support!"

Two hands suddenly cupped your cheeks and you flinched in surprise.

"C-Caleb?"

"I called you about a million times now. I almost resorted to using your actual name."

It took you a solid three seconds to register just how close Caleb was to your face.

"Uh––I..."

"What's with the look?" Caleb grinned and he brushed his fingers over your lip to curve the corners into a smile. "Pft, now that's a sight to see."

For some reason, you made no moves to push Caleb off you. Instead, your eyes narrowed, unamused.

"Very funny, Caleb."

"Ah, there she is." Caleb backed off, a satisfied smile on his face. "So, mind telling me what's on your mind?"

... He seriously has interesting ways to cheer someone up. But you supposed that was part of Caleb's charm.

"I just––since we're not making any progress, I'm getting really worried."

You didn't realise that your nails were still digging into your palms. Thankfully, no blood was drawn. Caleb was quiet for a moment, but then he took off his gloves. A mixture of alarm and curiosity caused you to briefly knit your eyebrows together. However, what he did next took you by surprise.

Gently, Caleb intertwined his hands with yours. Green eyes watched your expression carefully, searching for any hints of protest. Your expression simply remained surprised and you didn't reject his advances.

"Miss Support."

Caleb's tone was softer than usual and any signs of playfulness had disappeared.

"... Yes?"

His voice almost came out like a whisper, "Does he mean a lot to you?"

"Amias?" You were hesitant to give a response. Why is he asking me this? "Yeah, you can say that."

Caleb's gaze lingered on your hands for a while longer before a small smile graced his lips. He nodded to himself.

"Okay." For some reason, it sounded accepting yet also bitter. Warmth suddenly enveloped your hands. Caleb was using his abilities. "Miss Support, relax for a moment."

"Relax?"

"Miss Support, I... Ahhh, this feels really awkward to say." Caleb chuckled sheepishly "But! I promised myself to be better at expressing my feelings. To be honest, I don't know what to do to help. I'd fire myself if I ever become a therapist. But you helped me back then just by being there. It's so simple, but I didn't realise it until now. Having someone by your side, even if they don't say anything, helps a ton. Of course, it's not like the problem just magically disappeared––wouldn't that be something––but it cleared my head. It made things a little more bearable. My thoughts don't pester me as much."

"That's..."

"Oh, no need to feel pressured to respond to me," he said. "I never really told you this, but I admire you. Especially your thinking. Your actions are strange sometimes and probably super suspicious, but I find that fun. It's like your cute little charm."

You couldn't help but chuckle at Caleb's wording.

Caleb smiled and his hold on your hands tightened a little. For a moment there, you were mesmerised by how his eyes conveyed such warmth. Almost, you thought he was lovingly gazing at a significant other.

"Alright~ Now, I want you to take a breather and clear your head. I'm sure once you're calm something will come to mind. But if there's still nothing, then that's okay! We can keep brainstorming ideas together. Whether things go well or not, stress will only make things worse."

You nodded and took a deep breath. The warmth from Caleb's hand really did help and his words quelled the storm in your head. Right, stressing will only make things worse. It was obvious, but having someone tell you that nailed it into your head.

"Thanks... I think my head's clearer now."

"Glad to be of service! Need some time to ponder things over? I'll stand guard and make sure no one hurts you. Just call me when you're ready."

You nodded, showing him a thankful smile. "Thanks Caleb. Really."

"Of course, of course." He winked. "Guess I can be a pretty good support as well, huh? Maybe a change of careers is in order."

You rolled your eyes and playfully pushed him forward. "Sure, sure. Now get out of here so I can think."

"Yes ma'am~"

After Caleb left, you leaned against a wall and gently exhaled. Alright... Let's calmly think things through.

The reason why Amias didn't show up, it must have been due to your involvement in the game. But, what exactly did that mean? Did Amias suddenly have a backstory now that you were here?

The reason I was brought here... it was to be an 'author.'

An author––God, that had so many interpretations. However, if you were to narrow it down, then you'd assume you were someone who was meant to change the plot, rewrite the ending or something. Otherwise, why else would you be brought here?

Now, what did that have to do with Amias's current situation?

This is getting difficult... I don't have any solid evidence, only speculation.

[ Oh. This quite bad ]

You almost gasped at the holographic screen that suddenly flashed in front of you. Immediately, you glanced towards Caleb. He was preoccupied with something, within range to see you clearly but not hear you if you spoke quietly enough.

There were several questions that were begging to be asked. A few would be: What the hell are you, a game system? What's your role in everything? Were you the reason why I'm not allowed to bring up that Anomalous is a game to Alastor? But your concern for Amias refrained you from asking them.

"... Bad? What's bad?"

[ Your existence ]

Did you just get insulted?

[ I supposed I'll clarify ]

[ If he does that then your existence will be endangered ]

"Wow," you said. "That clarifies absolutely nothing."

[ Who is he to you? ]

"By 'he', are you talking about Amias?"

[ Who else? ]

Since when did a holographic screen have sass?

You didn't appreciate the sudden interrogation. But if––whatever the holographic screen is––is asking you this, maybe there was a way to get to Amias. It was best to ignore any questions you have and just play along.

"He's a friend of mine."

[ What about before you came to this world? ]

Before coming into Anomalous? A simple and plain response: a character from a game. A more complex one would be: a character that you stuck with from start to end in a game where you loved and appreciated not only the storyline, but also the characters. Amias was someone you grew attached to even if you didn't know much about his backstory.

"He's––"

[ There's no need to answer that now. I believe I have a good idea already ]

"Oh..."

Could the screen read your mind or something? Creepy. But you assumed they must have some form of omnipotent... You know what. It was better for your mental health to not think too much about it.

"So, who is Amias?"

[ A person raised to have control of this world ]

That response gave you both questions and answers. "Control?"

[ His very existence contradicts your purpose ]

"My purpose... It was to be an author, right? What does that even mean?"

[ Information must be omitted, but you'll find out eventually ]

Thin trails of mist began surrounding you and the world around you became distorted. Your gaze flickered to the holographic screen, eyes narrowing and silently asking 'what the hell is happening?'

[ ... ]

[ Go save that protagonist of yours ]