The Belmont Mansion Inside Belmont's Office
Dum!
Belmont's fist thundered down on the mahogany desk, papers leaping from the shock. His jaw clenched so tight it looked like it might shatter.
"How? How on earth did he escape that attack? That useless Mayor… maybe I should kill him myself. What's the point of keeping a man alive if he can't even carry out simple orders?"
"Now, now, Master," Alfred replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Don't blame the Mayor for Black Mask's strength. From what we've heard, they had him surrounded… but the young man was far too powerful to restrain."
"I've tried everything, Alfred" Belmont's voice cracked under the weight of frustration. "How can a man just walk into my city and steal my title from me? And it only took him one day. Just one damned day to unravel a city I've spent thirty-two years building from the ground up."
Alfred's expression darkened, his tone low and deliberate. "Have you really tried everything, Master? Because from where I stand, you're still underestimating him. If you don't start treating this threat with the seriousness it demands… this situation will spiral. In fact" he paused "It already has."
Belmont slowly turned his head, eyes narrowing as they locked onto Alfred's, the silence between them steeped in tension. "What do you suppose I do?"
Alfred stepped closer, his voice now laced with gravity.
"A power move. One so decisive… that only a single outcome remains possible... Victory."
****
Sophie and Jaxon stood at the front of the class, every pair of eyes fixed on them. Sophie's voice rang clear and elegant, echoing softly off the walls.
"And that is why prevention is better than cure," she concluded, giving a graceful bow.
The room erupted into cheers and applause, students clapping and shouting in excitement. Jaxon couldn't help the wide grin stretching across his face knowing fully well they crushed their test.
Their teacher stepped forward, a beaming smile on her face.
"Bravo! Bravo! That was absolutely wonderful. Both of you get an A."
"Yesss" Jaxon exclaimed.
****
Jaxon and Sophie strolled side by side down the hallway, still riding the high from their presentation.
"Not gonna lie," Jaxon said with a grin, "working with you these past three days has actually been fun."
Sophie let out a soft chuckle, brushing imaginary dust off her shoulder.
"Well, I am kinda awesome, aren't I?"
Jaxon burst into a light chuckle.
"So I guess that's the end of our group work, huh? Meaning you'll be seeing less of me. I know these last three days were unbearable for you."
Sophie's smile faded, her expression dropping subtly as the realization sank in.
Jaxon, still riding the joke, continued, unaware of her shift.
"From now on, you're free from me."
Jaxon halted as he reached the glass hallway doors, only then catching the shift in Sophie's expression. His brows furrowed. He stepped closer.
"What's wrong?"
Sophie forced a smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"It's nothing. Just a slight headache, that's all."
"You want me to take you to the clinic?"
"No, it's fine." She turned, her voice soft. "Goodbye, Jaxon."
As she walked away, her posture sank slightly, the sadness returning to her face the moment she turned her back.
Jaxon stood there, silence wrapping around him like a chill.
"…Goodbye, Sophie," he whispered.
****
Milo and Jaxon stood atop two different ladders both dressed in their blue prisoner-styled outfit chatting as their arms moved up and down a paint brush in their grasp slowly turning the wall to white.
"And when I asked she said it was a headache... so I bet she headed over to the clinic"
Milo huffed in frustration. "Even a five year old would've figured this out."
Jaxon's brows furrowed. "Figured what out?"
"She wasn't having a headache she was sad because she realized she isn't gonna be seeing you as much as she did these past three days so practically speaking she likes you Jaxon."
Jaxon's eyes shot open. "Really? Then why didn't she tell me?"
"Cause that's not how it works you're meant to figure it out I mean imagine she says 'Hey I really like you and would want to spend more time with you' that would be dumb."
"Who the hell makes all these rules" Jaxon mused.
"I have to go her house"
Milo shot a glare at him. "The Belmont Mansion? You wanna go to the Belmont Mansion this late at night? they won't even let you in."
"Well I have to try" Jaxon shoved his paint brush towards Milo immediately climbing down the ladder.
"Ahhhhhh!" He fell off the ladder.
Thud!
Back slamming on the concrete floor.
Milo chuckled. "Go get em tiger"
"Shut up man."
****
The Belmont Mansion
Jaxon stood before the towering Belmont Gate, his eyes wide as he took in the sight of the grand mansion beyond. The intricate stonework, the majestic spires reaching toward the sky, it was a sight to behold. Wow. He couldn't help but whisper the word under his breath.
Focus, Jaxon. He shook his head. "So... do I knock or...?"
Before he could make a decision, a figure emerged from the shadows of the courtyard. The silhouette was tall and imposing, moving with deliberate, measured steps. As he drew closer to the gate, the light revealed him fully—Alfred, the butler.
Jaxon's eyes narrowed, studying him carefully. Who is that?
"Who are you?" Alfred's voice rang out, steady and calm, his gaze fixed on Jaxon.
"I'm here to see Sophie," Jaxon replied, his voice flat.
Alfred's eyes locked onto his, searching for a reaction. But Jaxon's face remained unreadable—unflinching, unmoved.
After a long pause, Alfred let out a low chuckle. "It's been a while since anyone came around asking for Sophie. I suppose she's made some new friends, then. Come on in, young man."
With a graceful motion, Alfred turned, and the gates slowly creaked open, splitting apart in the center. The heavy iron doors groaned as they moved, revealing the grand courtyard beyond.
Jaxon stepped forward, his boots crunching against the gravel as he followed Alfred into the mansion grounds. The courtyard was vast, framed by towering columns and manicured hedges. But Jaxon barely spared a glance at it. His eyes were still locked on Alfred's back, studying every movement.
Alfred halted before the massive white wooden doors of the mansion. "She'll be here shortly," he said, his voice calm.
Jaxon nodded, though he hadn't seen Alfred make any calls or send word. Still, he had no reason to question him.
"What's your name, young man?" Alfred asked, turning to face him once more.
"Jaxon," he replied, his voice as steady as ever.
Alfred's eyes lit up at the name. "Jaxon..." he repeated, the emphasis on the 'Jax' lingering in the air. "A very familiar name. It's been a long time since I've heard it. Reminds me of an old friend of mine." He chuckled softly, glancing up at Jaxon, who stood unmoved. Alfred's smile faltered.
"Tell me, Jaxon," Alfred continued, his gaze intense, "where did you say you were from again?"
The door opened came out dressed in her light night outfit covering herself with a sweater against the cold. "You called for me Alfred" She said oblivious to Jaxon whom stood behind him.
"Yes" Alfred said slowly turning around. "You have a visitor" He took a step leftward immediately Sophie's eyes lited up on seeing Jaxon. "Jaxon" Sophie called out.
Alfred slowly walked away excusing the two the echo of his shoes slowly fading away. Sophie slowly stepped down the small steps before her coming a bit closer to Jaxon.
"So what are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here... Interesting question" Jaxon's gaze wondered figuring out what next to say.
"I'm not really good at Math and Bio and other stuffs we learn in class so I'd really like for you to tutor me"
Sophie's eyes lited up "Yes!" She yelled in excitement. "Mmmm mmm" She coughed coming back to her senses. "I mean yeah I could schedule you in"
Jaxon laughed on noticing what she just did. "Alright alright... Well I'll see you tomorrow"
Sophie nodded in excitement. "Goodbye Jaxon."
Jaxon smirked slowly turning around walking straight ahead.