Two sides of one coin.

???: Ah hello there, I was beginning to think you weren’t going to call me. You saw the show last night right? Oh but of course you did, after all you were sitting in the front row calling all the action. Yeah what happened to Corey? That was me, just thought I borrowed a trick from an old "friend" of mine. I thank you for your kind words sir, come now you're making me blush heheh. Well I figured someone had to do something about Upper Limit's antics. What's that? Oh really? That's very kind of you. Wait what? What!?!? You mean Brandon is the ref and Corey's the timekeeper? Who allowed this? Uhuh.........uhuh........I see. No no that's not an issue for me, I think I can take care of it. Don't worry about it; I'll see to it that Corey get's what is coming to him. Very good sir, bye bye.

Before the voice could respond, I heard a knock on the door. Kurumi is out training and the sisters are busy shopping. Brian is staying with some relatives and god knows what Sean Libby is doing. So I was wondering who would be bothering me during this time. I opened up and there was Duke Dice standing out there with a sad depressed look on his face.

Duke Dice: Hey man, think I can hang out with you today? Me and my girlfriend had a fight last night and I left to give her some time to cool off.

I ignored the voice and allowed him in; he sat down on the couch while I walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge.

Yuko Shemamora: Can I get you something to drink?

Duke Dice: Soda if you got any.

I grabbed two cans of Dr. Pepper and closed the door, I then tossed one can to Duke and plopped down on the opposite chair. Duke carefully opened the can and started drinking.

Yuko Shemamora: So tell me, how did you two get into a fight?

Duke Dice: Well she got laid off from her job at the Wall Mart downtown. It also didn't help that I was making a joke out of it.

Yuko Shemamora: Now why would you do that?

Duke Dice: I don't know, I guess I wanted to cheer her up or something, but I ended up causing more damage. She just flew off the handle and I decided to just leave the house for a bit.

Yuko Shemamora: Smart move on your part.

Duke Dice: Well I didn't want to upset her anymore than I already did.

Yuko Shemamora: Did she at least explain why she got laid off?

Duke Dice: I don't know, something about one of her co workers spreading rumors to her boss about some nonsense. She was too upset to really talk about it and I wasn’t making her feel any better.

Yuko Shemamora: Hmmm perhaps I should go over there and see if I can get her to talk about it.

Duke Dice: Don't bother man, once Linda tells you that she doesn’t want to talk about something, she really means it.

Yuko Shemamora: Still......it's kinda messed what you did.

Duke Dice: I know.....I should have handled it a bit better, however that's not the only thing that I came to talk about. Have you been to Springfield lately?

I could feel my blood run cold when he mentioned that word, Springfield.......it's been almost two months since I've said what was to be my last goodbye. I calmed myself and titled my head to the side.

Yuko Shemamora: Not really why?

Duke Dice: I don't know what is going on, but my dad has just moved out of there less than a week ago. He said that people's crops were being stolen away during the nighttime. It's past the winter season and many families just barely have enough food to last them a few days. People are starving and some are even forced to sell off some of their personal possessions just to get by.

That got my attention, Springfield is known for having lots of food due to richness of the land that they have. They have everything from carrots, potatoes, eggplant, wheat, corn, tomatoes among others. So for them to have a huge shortage of food means something is wrong.

Yuko Shemamora: Any idea who could be behind this?

Duke Dice: Not sure, my dad said that many people are now moving their crops to the church for safe keeping. But other than that I'm not sure what's going on there.

Yuko Shemamora: I don't understand though, why would you tell me this?

Duke Dice: Well you told me about how you saved those children when the church burned. I figured you can help them out again.

Yuko Shemamora: That was nearly three years ago Duke.

Duke Dice: Well.......I just thought I tell you that's all.

He went quiet for awhile; I just didn't know what to say at this point. After my last encounter with Father Terrance and that stunt he pulled, I didn't want to have anything to do with Springfield or its people. However I still harbor feelings for Claira even though I still very loyal to Kurumi and preferred her over Claira any day of the week. I still can't help but feel entitled to lend out a helping hand, as a way to redeem myself for the time I broke her heart.

Yuko Shemamora: Listen to me Duke.......why don't you go back and tell Linda how sorry you are? Help her out, she needs you right now.

Duke Dice: Are you sure? I mea-

Yuko Shemamora: You can't just run away from your problems Duke, sometimes you have to confront them head on. Take it from me Duke, go back to Linda and support her through this tough time. It's the least you can do for her.

It took some time for Duke to respond, but he smiled and nodded his head. He then gets back up from his chair and puts on his fedora.

Duke Dice: You're right man; she needs me now more than ever. Thanks for your help dude.

Yuko Shemamora: No Duke......thank you.

He then shakes my hand and heads out through the door, leaving me alone.......well not really alone.

Dark Archangel: So......what now?

"You said that we should work together right?"

Dark Archangel: Yes.........

"Well I think it's time we do just that, help me and help you sort of thing. How's that sound?"

Dark Archangel: Sounds like a plan, so what do you have in mind?

"Well I think we should pay some old friends a visit."

Dark Archangel: I might have a few ideas in store.

"I'm listening."

Dark Archangel: Well.......our first task is to regain a valuable ally.

"You don't mean......."

Dark Archangel: Yes..........her.

I sat there in my chair with a smile of my face.

"My dark side......this could be the start of a nice long relationship."

With my mind set on what I was going to do, I got dressed and drove down the road I never thought I would be on ever again. I could never escape this place can I? Twice I've vowed to never set foot here again and twice I've broken that vow. However unlike before where I was brought back out of self guilt, this time I came back because I have need of this place. I looked around the long grassy fields that seem to stretch on forever, down to the old houses and barnyards and stables. It was a perfect place for I have in mind; however I didn't come here to put my plan into action. Rather my purpose here is to rebuild some of bridges that I thought I've destroyed for good. That and to investigate on what Duke was talking about.

I noticed something was out of place the moment I stepped into the town, there were seldom any food markets around and the people seemed worn out and having any energy. Even the children were not as active as they used to be, some of them staying indoors as opposed to playing outside. I could see the church out in the clearing, not nearly inviting as before. The very presence telling me to "stop and turn around" however pressed on, passing by house after house until I found a familiar place near the left side. Claira's house sitting by with the gates locked away, I could see something out of one of the windows. I hesitated a bit before the voice in my head spoke to me.

Dark Archangel: Come now you've came this far.

"What if she doesn’t want to see me again? I made it pretty clear to her last time we met."

Dark Archangel: You never know until you try; besides we need her for this.

After standing there for god knows how many minutes, I slowly made my way towards the house.

Claira could feel the emotion just building inside of her, "he forgives me" were her thoughts. She wiped a tear from her eye and held the letter close to her chest.

Claira: Oh Yuko.......if only you were here right now, I really needed this moment.

Little did she know that out the corner of her window was a hooded man looking at her while she embraces the letter. Yuko with smile immediately turns away and heads for the church, all the while keeping the hood on his jacket as he tries to attract as little attention as he could

"I really hope we're not pushing our luck by involving Claira into this."

Dark Archangel: You worry too much, she'll be fine. Right now our plan is working to perfection; now let's see what papa John is up to.

"His name is Terrence."

Dark Archangel: Whatever.

I was about to enter the church when I noticed something strange going on in the background. I walked around the outside when I saw a black car. I took some cover under some haystacks on the side and peeked out, I saw Father Terrence with some large bags next to him. In front of him stood three guys in black business suits, they look like they are from downtown or something. I moved in closer without blowing my cover and could hear the voices; they were loud enough that I could hear them clearly.

Man 1: Are you sure this is it?

Father Terrence: Yes this is from the last harvest.

Man 2: So how much are you asking for?

Father Terrence: The same amount, just like before.

Man 1: Is this some kind of joke? You expect us to pay out $700 for 3 bags of wilted cabbage!?

Father Terrance: I have debts to pay.

Man 3: So we've heard, the people that loaned you the money to rebuild your church have been knocking on your doors lately eh? Tell you what; we will give you $550 for the whole thing but no more than that.

Father Terrance: But that's barley enough to cover the minimum payment!

Man 2: Take it or leave it.

Father Terrence stood there sweating bullets; he thought about it for a moment and lowered his head.

Father Terrence: Alright......I'll take.

Man 1: Very wise.

The two men took the bags and loaded them into the trunk of the car; the third guy pulled a large wad of money and started counting it. He then hands the amount to Terrence who puts it inside his robe.

Man 1: Nice doing business with you Father Terrence.

With that the three men get inside the car and drive away, leaving Father Terrence by himself. I turned away and ran a hand through my hair as I tried to process what I just witnessed.

Dark Archangel: Well now....I think it's safe to say we found the reason for the food shortage.

I just couldn’t believe it, Father Terrence is selling the people's crops? They trusted him with that food and he is just selling them off that it's going out of style. But why? Why would he do such a thing? Before I knew it, I could hear footstep coming towards me. I moved out of sight and watched as Father Terrence heads through the backdoor. I followed him as he goes into a cellar that takes him downstairs. I followed him down there into what appears to be a storage room. Here I could see piles of bags being stacked on top, each one with a logo of what was inside of it. Some had carrots, others had squash, and many other kinds of crops were in here. I noticed a large painting of what was the old church before it burned to the ground a few years back. Father Terrence removed the painting and reveals an old makeshift safe. He opens it up and I could see a huge pile of dollar bills just sitting there. He takes the money that he got from those guys and tossed it in the pile. I could then hear him talking to himself as he sighs.

Father Terrence: So that makes it $ 6, 750 now, that should be enough for me to get out of this place. It's just not the same anymore, I used to love this church, but now there is nothing for me here. I think it's about time now that I take all this and move out of this place. Perhaps move out of the state and into a place quieter......hmmm I do feel bad about leaving all this behind though. However I can't stay here much longer, it would be best if I wait until nightfall when everyone is asleep. I can take all this food and travel to somewhere the debt collectors can't find me.

I just couldn’t believe my ears; he's going to abandon his own people! Not only that but he's also taking all their food with him. My anger was reaching a boiling point and my dark side sensing this, spoke to me.

Dark Archangel: I can handle this, shall I take over?

"Go ahead, make him suffer."

Dark Archangel: Death is too good for one as soulless as him. I won't kill him if that is what you are implying.

"I don't care what you do to him; I've lost whatever respect I had for that man."

Dark Archangel: Not to worry, I have something for him.

"Just go easy on the guy; he's more fragile than he looks."

Dark Archangel: I make no promises, but I'll do what I can.

I closed my eyes and allowed him entry into my mind; I then put my hood up and moved away while Father Terrence closes up the storage room. He then makes his way out into the chapel when he sees a figure of a man standing in front of the large row of candles. The man holds out a candle lighter, as he lights each of the candles on the altar. Father Terrence then walks up to where the man is; he is just a few steps away when the figure blows the lighter putting out the fire, leaving a thin trail of smoke behind. He then replaces the candle lighter and bows his head before speaking.

Yuko Shemamora: Forgive me father, for I have sinned.

He then turns to Terrence, showing his smirking face to him.

Yuko Shemamora: I have sinned.......greatly.

He could see Terrence's eyes just grow wide with shock, he then steps back while Yuko takes a couple of steps towards him.

Father Terrence: You......your back.

Yuko Shemamora: Surprised to see me again father? I figured you would be, we last meet back at the cemetery wasn’t it? Ah yes I remember now......when you tricked me into thinking that Claira was dead. You didn't think I forgot about that?

Father Terrence: Oh god.

Yuko Shemamora: Regardless that's all done and over with now. I didn't return to reflect on your past mistakes; rather I'm here to confront you on your more recent ones.

He then takes one last step down the altar and looks at Terrence in the eye.

Yuko Shemamora: So why not tell me about those men I saw you talk with? You know the same ones who you sold the food to? The same food that you were suppose to keep for the villagers?

Father Terrence: I don't know what you are talking about.

Yuko Shemamora: Don't lie to me! You had no intention of returning the food back to the people did you? In fact I would even go so far as to say that it was you who stole from their crops! That's a new low for a priest to sink don't you think?

Father Terrence: You have it all wrong Yuko! I'm a minister of the people, I am-

Before he could say another word, Yuko lunged with his left hand and grabs Terrence by the throat. He then pushes him towards a wall, showing the amazing strength that he's known to have.

Yuko Shemamora: You are a hypocrite is what you are! Not only that you are a wolf in sheep's clothing, deceiving these people and tricking them into giving everything they have. Only to turn tail and run away with all their precious resources.

He tightens the grip on Terrence's throat, who attempts to pry his hand off of him with no success. He struggles to breathe as he attempts to reason with Yuko.

Father Terrence: *In between breaths* Please..........listen........I'm only..........trying to......help...........help this church........and it's people...........just.......please..........please let me be.

Yuko then releases his grip allowing Terrence to take a deep breath. He coughs and grabs his throat as he's tries to standup and find his voice.

Yuko Shemamora: What were you planning to do with the storage?

Father Terrence: I......don't know........what your talking.......about.

Yuko Shemamora: Stop lying.

Father Terrence: I said that I don't kn-

Yuko once again lunges at him, only this time he grabs a handful of Terrence's upper robe and pulls him, slamming him back first into the wall. Yuko then gets into his face, his eyes burning crimson.

Yuko Shemamora: And I said stop lying!

Father Terrence: Please Yuko......be reasonable.

Yuko Shemamora: I AM BEING REASONABLE!! You are stealing food and wealth from your own people, your own people mind you. You attempt to take what you have and leave them to starve with just enough to last them a week. You are a poor heartless sinner ain't you, I will see to it that you will be punished dearly.

Father Terrence: Don't do this.......I have debts to pay.

Yuko then yanks him out of the wall and with a grunt, lifts him high into the air. Terrence is helpless while Yuko smiles at him, enjoying his fear.

Yuko Shemamora: I shall bring you into the light; you will confess your crimes to your own people.

Father Terrence: Wait please.......there is so much to be done still.........I can't-

Yuko then throws him across the room; he lands on the hard floor, having all the air knocked out of him. He tries to get up but a strong hand grabs him again and slams him against the wall once more. Pain shoots through Terrence's body as he stares into the boy he once knew, who now shows a side that he has never seen before.

Yuko Shemamora: I'm doing god's will now, he is the judge, the people are the jury and I........am the executioner.

He then drags Terrence with him as they go outside the church. Yuko then yells to get the people's attention; they soon gathered wondering what is going on. Many of them are shocked to see the battered form of Father Terrence who is at the mercy of his tormenter.

Yuko Shemamora: People of Springfield, I have found the one responsible for your troubles.

He then repositions Terrence and pushes him forward.

Yuko Shemamora: Tell them.

Terrence looks at the many eyes that are focused on him as he works the courage to speak.

Father Terrence: I......I am the one to blame......

Some people covered their mouths in shock and others narrowed their eyes at him.

Father Terrence: You see I was in debt with some people; I needed money to repay them. So I took your crops so that I could sell them to get the money to pay my debt. However I intended to take the money that I saved up to leave this place.

Now the crowd is angry, and shouts can be heard.

Yuko Shemamora: Tell them where the food is.

Father Terrence: In the cellar.........next to the altar.

Yuko Shemamora: You heard him people.

Now the crowd moves forward while Yuko looks down at the fallen priest.

Father Terrence: You've ruined me.

Yuko Shemamora: Should have thought of that when you took advantage of these helpless people.

Yuko then walks away towards the crowd; they move aside letting him through as he passes by. He then turns back to them and takes one last look at Terrence.

Yuko Shemamora: He's all yours.

The crowd gathers around Terrence while Yuko makes his way back to his car, he then closes his eyes and reopens them. Just then the voice in his mind talks to him.

Dark Archangel: Now that wasn’t so bad now was it?

"You didn't have to hurt him that badly."

Dark Archangel: It pales in comparison to what those people will do; besides justice had to be done.

"Very well put, so what about the match this week?"

Dark Archangel: Hmmmm that's a good question. Perhaps we should talk to some of the techs backstage.


*The Shoot*