In Search of Epsilon

Randomness

Jack gave them a kind smile.  

But kindness was not seen behind those eyes.  

“Zoe, dear. You should really learn how to pick your allies” said Jack.  

“Francis, I have a somewhat strange power that lets me control temperature and fire,” she said.  

As her hands lit up in fire, she sent a massive fireball at Jack.  

But Jack snapped his fingers, and the fireball disappeared. Suddenly, the entire plantation was burning. It had randomly appeared behind them. 

Francis was still analyzing the strange magic that Jack used. Everything in this universe is tied down to a rule, a principle that could not be ignored. That was what the lady had told him.  

The only thing that can create matter out of thin air are angels. Hunters create and use their abilities through energy. It was as if they absorbed the calories of their prey, and through that energy, they used their abilities. It followed Einstein’s famous equation. 

There must be rules to his usage of magic.  

The teleporting fireball, the pinky being destroyed.  

Why did he attack only the pinky and not the entire body?  

Francis decided to stop thinking for a bit and went on the offensive. More smoke came out of the pores of his body, and spread around, carefully avoiding Zoe. 

“Zoe, do not touch the smoke,” said Francis.  

She nodded and started to slowly distance herself.  

Jack stood there, watching with an amused face.  

“No offensive will work against me” 

Francis pounced towards Jack. Jack slowly took off his white velvet gloves and touched him with a finger. He had turned Francis into a giant eyeball.

Jack started laughing.  

Zoe was staring at Francis in disbelief. He was an eye now.

Terror crept into her lungs.  

She had no idea what to do. She extended her hand, with the palm looking at Jack, and a continuous stream of fire was unleashed towards him. 

Jack snapped his finger, and the fire was sucked into what seemed like a miniature black hole. 

Zoe kept going, not seeing that the fire was being sucked in.   

“I’ve grown bored now,” said Jack. 

With a fluid motion, he quickly reached Zoe.

And he touched her in the neck, transforming Zoe into a shoe.  

“That is quite unfortunate, mister," said an unrecognized voice.  

Billy stood there, a couple of feet away from Jack. 

“Why, hello there, good sir,” said Jack.  

Billy took off his hat and saluted in response.  

“Mind telling me why you have turned my good guests into a giant eye and a shoe?” asked Billy.  

“Well, seeing as you are quite the gentleman, I am very inclined to do so. I have done such an act because, quite frankly, I am bored” said Jack.  

“Bored?” asked Billy.  

“Yes, bored” 

Billy nodded and gave Jack a sad smile. 

“I’m sorry about what I am about to do, mister,” said Billy.  

“Oh ho ho. I had no idea such an old man was able to fight” said Jack.  

Billy slowly took off his shirt, to reveal a strange mark.  

Jack stopped smiling.  

“How did you,” he asked.  

“We all have our secrets,” said Billy.  

Jack had a look of disgust on his face.  

“Just how deeply do your secrets lie?” said Jack. 

Billy said nothing to Jack, instead he turned to look to Francis. He told him what he would never want to hear.  

“I’m sorry that I could not give you a home for longer. Upon seeing my scar, he will turn you back into normal, but in exchange for my life. Maybe, one day you will understand. For now, forgive me. If you ever see this man again, just run. He is not worth the trouble"

Billy got ready.  

“Make sure to eat properly, I know you have a habit of not eating properly, especially when you're stressed or depressed. Make sure that you sleep well. Even if you are not human. Even if you are a monster, especially then, you should take care of yourself even more than the rest. Nobody else ever will. And remember, kid, in my heart, you will always be my son” said Billy. 

Jack then touched Billy in the face. 

And his entire head exploded.