Jubilee Mental Asylum
2120

“So…Tell me about your time after your first death.” I lifted my head to look at the doctor. My eyes were heavy as they opened half-lidded. I hadn’t slept in days due to my nightmares about Him. “Can I have a pack of cigars?” I asked wearily. Dr Williams seemed disturbed by the question. “I thought you quit smoking.”

“Smoking helps calm my nerves.”

“I can’t give you cigars in here.”

“C’mon Ark, for me?” 

Ark stayed quiet for a moment before he sighed. “Fine, stay here.” He got up and left the room. I smiled softly, knowing he would take a while to get the cigars. I looked around for any cameras but found none. For a mental hospital not to have cameras is surprising. Then I remembered that they had taken out the cameras in my room because I would always find a way to mess them up and take them out of the ceiling.

I snapped out of my train of thought when I heard the door open. A small robot came in, about the size of a baseball, and a screen projected from its head. I looked at the digital screen where the words ‘LUNCHTIME’ were. It faded showing a menu. I clicked on the sides icon and it opened the menu. “Fries are unavailable at this time.” I heard the automated voice speak. I chose the option of other.

‘Boiled potato and tater tots.’ I typed on the computer before heading back to the main menu. Most of the stuff here wasn’t good, so I chose my usual. I clicked on the nuggets and asked for 35. It would last me for the next two days. I clicked ‘FINISH’, and the projection stopped. The robot then rolled away and out the door with a soft clicking noise once the door shut.

I shut my eyes and got up, rolling my shoulders. I popped my knuckles in and out and just did a workout.

It was all to distract myself from the blaring train horn I could hear. I sighed and rubbed my eyes, annoyed. “God that thing needs to shut up.” I heard Keith say, clearly angered. I heard noises of agreement from the rest as I sat up from my 50 push-ups.

“Eleven…Eleven o’ Seven.” I murmured and then looked at the door. I was about yawn when I hushed myself hearing the doorknob jiggle and keys clinging. I perked up and walked to the door. Dr Ark Smith Williams opened it. I knew who he was, but Ark didn’t know that.

I smiled as he pulled the pack out of his pocket. I grabbed them hastily. “I have to stay with you while you smoke these, and then take them back until I see you next.” He explained as I nodded. He pulled out a lighter as I held out the cigar so he could light it. I walked over to the window and leaned against the windowsill as I stared out at the sunset.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” Williams murmured as I only nodded back in return. "You don't like talking much do you?"  I scowled. "No I don't. So what? No one even cares." I said coldly as I took a drag of the cigarette.

"You're gonna have to talk if you want to get out-"

"I'll stay here forever, I don't care." I snapped back. I tapped the cigar to let the ash fall out of the window.

"You're one of the most well behaved inpatients here. I'm surprised they haven't discharged you." He remarked as I only grinned. "You're an idiot. I hear shit. I see things. I'm nowhere normal enough to go into society." I tossed the bud out the window once it burned my fingers. Williams only sighed before he walked away. I closed my eyes, hearing the click of the door.

London

2001

I should be at my house to celebrate, but no one remembers, so what’s the point? Walking down Quadrant Arcade, I look down the streets to find specific stores. 15 years old is special. To me, at least.

I walked into Jamie's Candle Shop. It was the best candle shop in London, in my opinion. 

Jamie Johnson. Blonde hair, greenish-grey eyes, and a small smile. She has a tough act, but she's a nice girl once you get to know her. I’ve known her since grade school, and we're dating in secret.

"Mythiline? I wasn't expecting to see you." She gave a small giggle. I smiled and picked up a candle. "You get a birthday discount.." She added, walking over from behind the desk. I took out a pound.

Her candles were relatively cheap, so I gave her a few pence to suffice and then left. Heading home was relatively easy. It was a 5-minute walk from the Arcade.

When I walked inside my house, I saw my brother Francois on the couch reading the newspaper. "Food will be ready in 10, and get changed." He said sternly. I pulled out the candle and put it down on the table. He put the paper down and looked at it. "What's this?"

"It's called a candle. I got it from Jamie's Candle Shop." I explained as I put the bag in a small cabinet we put the rest of our bags.

He nodded and lifted the candle to his nose, smelling it. He hummed in approval. "Pumpkin Spice." He said and grinned at me. I only rolled my eyes. "It's my birthday gift," I said.

I walked away and headed upstairs to my room, where Francois and I sleep. I sat on my bed and opened the journal to find a small note.

"We know what you're hiding"

My blood turned icy as I tossed the journal on my bed. "FRANCOIS!" I yelled, panicking. He walked to the room and went to me, bending over slightly. "Hey, what's wrong?" He said in a low, gentle voice.

"They know.." I said shakily before it was Francois' turn to look in horror. "I can try and talk to them." He said quietly as he took my hands into his. "I'll make sure they won't hurt you, okay?"

Francois then looked away from me towards the door, where my father now stood. "Sabre, Francois." He said coldly as Francois put a hand on my head, not letting me go. "If you hurt him one more time. I will leave."

"Leaving Sabre behind? What a good brother you are."

Francois stopped to look at me and then got up. "Francois..?" I said softly as he went to my father. My dad tried to hit him, but Francois caught his hand. "You're a child abuser," He turned to my mother. "You're an alcoholic and a neglectful mother who does nothing to stop him." He then walked over and grabbed my hand, pulling me up.

I stumbled to my feet as I was dragged out of the room, only for my father to grab my other arm pulling me back. I tried pulling away but didn't have the strength. Francois pulled back on my other arm as the two pulled in their direction until we all froze. 

I felt a terrible pain in my right arm, but I couldn't move it. I began to tremble before I cried. "What did you do!?" Francois yelled as my father looked at him in shock.

"Me!? You did this! I was only trying to grab my son back!"

"His arm popped on your side, not mine!"

"Only because you were pulling!"

I couldn't help it anymore, and I screamed. "I CAN'T FEEL MY ARM!" I cried out in pain as I lowered my head. My father only grabbed my arm and pulled me up, making me cry even more. "You goddamn weakling. You're a Mythiline. Act like it."

Oxford University

2003

I spent most of my time studying, not socializing. Whenever it was due for group projects, I did all the work. My essays and writing talent got me past most of my work, science was more challenging, but I passed. I got invited to parties but went reluctantly due to my friend Nick.

Nick was a brown-haired, hazel-eyed and humorous guy. I enjoyed his humour, and he stuck with me even though I never said much to him. He was a real friend. I guess that's what you call it.

One day, Archer came up to us during lunch. He invited us to a party he was hosting at his dorm. I agreed because I knew he had a whole room dedicated to pool and Poker, the betting games.

I was the best Poker player in Oxford, I beat one of the teachers in Poker, and he was the champion. When I got to the party, some bitches swarmed me. I ignored them until I heard one say there was a new Poker Champion. I turned to them. "I'm the poker champion."

"Not anymore. Aleksander is the new champion!" They celebrated by doing a little dance.

"They won't be once I beat them." I gave a small grin. "Make sure not to get into any fights, Sabre," Nick said before he walked away. I walked to where the Poker tables were in the room. "Which one of you hoes is the so-called Poker Champion." I said sternly. Most people looked away quickly while one then stood up. Black hair with gold and red stripes, tied in a bun. With auburn-coloured eyes and a grin for days.

"So you're the high and mighty Mythiline?" He said, looking me up and down. I could tell he was checking me out while I walked towards him. "Best out of three, whoever wins is our champ. Confound it" I said sternly. He only giggled. "Sure, Mythiline," I growled lowly.

"It's Sabre. Not Mythiline."

"Well, Mythiline is your last name." He retorted as I sighed. "Name?" He fell silent for a moment as if he didn't know what I was talking about. "What is your name." He perked up. "Oh, my name is Aleksander Ivanova. My friends call me Alek."

"I see, Ivanova" I gave a small grin as he pouted. "Fine, Mythiline. Let's get this game started." He sat down and laid out the deck of cards. "Dealer, let's get this started."

Quadrant Arcade

2050

I fell to the ground. I put a hand on my chest from the pain.

Blinking a few times, I realized I struck someone down. "Oh, bloody hell. I'm so sorry, here let me help you." I grabbed his hand, pulled him up, and dusted him off. The blue-haired boy looked at me. "Oh, thank you." He smiled faintly.

Once he got up, his eyes widened. His voice was shaky, “Aren't you the Mythiline who di-"

"If you tell anyone, you're fucking dead. Now follow me." I grabbed his hand and held it tightly as I left the store and started walking. I remember walking to St James Park. I sat down on a bench. "I have died twice. You can't tell anyone," I said sternly and glared at him. The boy only looked away from me. "I won't. I promise Mythiline," He said softly.

I eased up and sighed. "I didn't mean to scare you, I'm sorry. You already know, but I'm still going to introduce myself. My name is Sabre." I smiled softly as the boy looked at me. "My name is Landon."

Jubilee Train Station

2117

I opened my eyes to see the cracked ceiling of the train station. I looked around to see nobody there. It was empty. I cringed and slowly got up, rolling my shoulders. "Hello?" I called out, only hearing my voice echo in the station. I stayed quiet, staring once I climbed back onto the platform. I slowly emerged into the brightness, but when I looked around, London was so different.

I knew one place that would be the same. Mythiline Manor.

My legs felt heavy while I trudged down sidewalks. People looked at me weirdly, and finally, someone spoke to me.

"You got somewhere to be, sir? You look like a mess." I looked around and realized it was a taxi driver. "Sorry, I need to go to Mythiline Manor."

Mythiline Manor

I stood in front of Mythiline Manor and stayed quiet. It was smaller than I remembered. I looked around for the gates, but they were gone. I walked to the door and knocked. "Francois!" I called out, hoping he was still around. Suddenly the door knob turned.

A boy opened the door. He looked around the age of 15. He looked up at me and squinted. "Hello there-, What? But it can’t be. I could’ve sworn I saw you in a painting. Get in here" He said, shocked. He grabbed my hand and led me inside. There were paintings everywhere.

I stopped at one. I stared at it and took a step towards it. "...Francois?" the boy stood by my side, looking at the painting. "That's great great grandpa Francois."

"Great Great Grandpa...he's.. gone." I let my hand run over the label.

'FRANCOIS ACE MYTHILINE 1976 - 2095'

"What's your name?" I asked, looking at him. He looked at me. "My name is Francois III."

"Sabre." His eyes perked up. "Great Great Grandpa Francois' brother!? We've heard stories about you! You're magical!" He grabbed my hand and dragged me up the stairs to another painting. It was an old painting of me. I was sitting on a chair, writing in a journal in the darkness with only candlelight as my guide.

'SABRE MYTHILINE 1986 - 2013, 2025 - 2030, 2048 - 2057, 2069 - 2079, 2094 - 2095'

I gave a small chuckle. "Oh wow, you guys dated everything."

"Of course! It's what grandfather Francois wanted. Do you not remember the last time you talked to him?"

I shut my eyes to remember. "Francois..."

2095

I walked inside and stayed quiet. John and Daniel were on the ground when they saw me. "Hey Sabre, here to see Francois?"

I nodded, and despite their smiles, I had a dreadful feeling as I walked past them, heading up the stairs. I grabbed the doorknob and slowly opened it; the air felt dead. My brother lay there, taking shaky shallow breaths.

"Hey, Francois," I said softly, walking to his bedside. "I came to see you." I grabbed his hand, intertwining our fingers. Francois opened his eyes and looked at me. "Sabre...you came back to see me." I glanced at the EKG. '45 BPM' My smile froze as a pained expression pulled over. I swallowed the lump in my throat and chuckled at him. "Of course, I came to see you, bro. I love you so much." I patted his hand as Francois took another shaky breath.

"I'm fading Sabre." My breath became shaky as I shook my head. "You aren't going anywhere man." My grip tightened.

'25 BPM'

He took a deep breath. "Tell John and Daniel to take good care of themselves. Tell my grandchildren that I love them..."

'0 BPM'

He took one last shaky breath. The shine in his eyes faded as the smile faded as well. My body felt like it was going to break. "Francois..?" I shook his shoulder gently. "Francois...you're not dead. C'mon man." I shook him again and then grabbed the EKG staring at it. The lines were flat, and the BPM was flashing red. I turned back to Francois. He looked like a blown-out candle. He was an empty husk of who he was.

I got up and slowly walked out of the room. Tears stained my face as I went towards the front. Daniel turned to me. "Sabre!" He smiled, but the smile slowly faded. "Sabre..?"

I looked away, not being able to look at them. My hands trembled before I pushed past them both. I began to sob as I heard John yelling behind me to stop. Francois was the last thing that kept me going, Aleksander. Landon. Roman. Francois.

Francois used to tell me that the moss that grew on our house was on the north side of trees.

Landon told me that the moss outlives him and me.

Roman said the world once had a palette of lovely blues and greens.

Aleksander talked about how our corpses lie on a foundation of insincerity.

Jubilee Train Station

I ran. I was broken. I was scared. I was done. I was so fucking done with everything. If there even is a god, he doesn't like me. I began to laugh to myself before I covered my mouth. I bumped into people before I took a deep breath, putting a hand on my eyes. An officer came up to me.

"You okay there lad?" I turned to them and wiped my tears. "Kill yourself." I mumbled before running off. The officer sighed. I stared at the barriers ahead of me.

I looked left and right, people all around me. They were waiting for this train. I shut my eyes hearing the faint horn of the train. I opened my eyes to stare at the sign. 'JUBILEE LINE STATION'

I jumped the barrier.

"I'll see you again. Francois." I whispered, closing my eyes.