"You wanted to see me?"

  Mayor Wilson looked up from his desk to see him standing there. Maestro, they all called him. His hair was tied back, unlike the last time the mayor had seen him all those months ago. He wore a blood red button down shirt with the same black dress pants. As he stood awkwardly in the doorway, Mayor Wilson could tell that Maestro was afraid. His dark eyes portrayed his confusion, his pain, and his fear. Of all people, Wilson never thought that he could actually feel fear. He remembered what Maestro could do-what he has done.

"Yes," The mayor said, breaking the awkward silence. "Have a seat."

  Mayor Wilson watched as Maestro hesitantly took a seat in a big, cushy gray chair to the left of him. For a moment, he watched the younger man cross and un-cross his legs before he spoke.

"Now," the mayor started. "I know that I don't quite understand what happened-"

"-How can you not?" Maestro interrupted, looking up at Mayor Wilson. "I'm sure everyone here knows what happened. Or at least, they know what they want to think happened."

"I wouldn't know," the mayor said. "I haven't been told anything."

"That's a lie. That's a lie and we both know it."

 Mayor Wilson was taken aback at Maestro's outburst. He looked at him to see that Maestro was staring at him with a fierce anger in his eyes.

"Well," the mayor stammered. "Either way, it's not like I would believe any of it. I mean, I never saw or heard anything-"

"They tried to kill me."

"We don't have any proof of that just-"

"What kind of proof do you need?!" Maestro shouted, suddenly standing up. "I know for a fact what happened. Because it happened to me. Not any of them, but me. I have bruises. I can prove what they did! My window is still broken because of what they've done."

"That may be true," Mayor Wilson reasoned. "But-"

"I have the stones,” Maestro whispered so low, the mayor couldn’t quite understand what he said.

"You what?"

"I kept the stones," Maestro repeated. "I haven't had the chance to get rid of them yet. What other proof would I need?"

  Mayor Wilson sighed. He knew that whatever Maestro did, no one could ever believe him. That he could be locked away-or worse-and no one would give it a second thought.

And to think, he thought, that it’s all my fault.

"Back to the circus, you freak."

Freak.

A word that I first heard so many years ago. A word that hurt me more than any of them could understand. A word thatI've heard so many times, it's almost been embedded in my brain.

But that won't stop me. I won't let it stop me. Not now.

Play it off, Maestro, a voice inside my head whispered. If they want a circus, they'll get a circus.

"And do yourself a favor, okay?" The mayor went on. "Don't force us to get rough with you. Because we will if we have to."

Oh, a threat. Is it a threat? I don't feel really threatened. Everyone else seems to think that he's serious. I see right through his big words. Either way, this is my chance. Now it's time to show them what I can do.

"You're trying to scare me," I said, making it more of a statement than a question, "aren't you?"

He didn't say anything. He just sighed.

And so, the show begins.

"I'll tell you what," I said. "We'll play a game. Anybody here like games? Hello!" I clap my hands, trying to add a dramatic effect.

"Game time!"

So maybe I got a little too carried away with that.

Oh, no, the voice said. The more dramatic, the better.

"The first person to get scared," I announced, pointing to the door, "has to leave. How about that?"

I hear one of the people volunteering to leave. I ignore them; I can't possibly stop now. And they just got here. There's no way they can go now.

The fun's just begun.

--

About an hour later, everything's great. I'd had my fun, and I think they've learned their lesson. Even the mayor, who I had the honor of controlling for a short time. But now, I've grown quite …well, boredwith them. So it only seems right to finally bring an end my performance. And the only one does that is with a simple bow.

As I came to face them again, I crossed my arms. The mayor, now clearly shaken, just stared at me.

"So," I said, breaking the silence, "you still want me to go?"

I could see most of the people shaking their heads in disagreement, but they and I knew that their word didn't matter. It was all up to the mayor.

And apparently, he had other plans.

"Yes," He hissed. "Yes!"

The people still shook their heads, hoping the eyes in the back of his head would see them. But it was no use. I have to say, his opinion of me was hurtful. It was one thing for him to dislike me, but a completely different thing for him to treat me as if I'm just too different for him. It's like I was some witch, like we were all back in the 1690's again. I had thought that maybe humans as a whole had become better than that. Obviously, I was wrong.

"Fine," I said softly. "I'll go."

I didn't want to have to do it. For some reason, it seemed like the only way at the time. I could have simply walked out, but the voice reminded me;

The more dramatic, the better.

So I did it. I sank to the floor, my hands balled up into fists. I slammed my fists into the cold, hard floor as hard as I could.

Excruciating pain racked my body as I looked down at the piles of flesh colored powder that was my hands. But it wasn't over yet. I struggled to get back to my knees, only to smash what was left of my arms. Hot tears streamed down my face. I couldn't move, but I had to. I try to lift myself again, but I can't. The pain is just too much. The only way to finish this was to bash my head.

After that was done, I couldn't even see. Everything was a blur. I just looked up at the last place I saw the people standing and stared as the rest of my face crumbled. What was left of my body disintegrated and I could feel myself slowly blowing away.

I was free.

--

You know that feeling you get when you're half awake and half asleep? For only a moment after smashing myself, it always feels like that. That's always been the only way I can describe it. My eyes snapped open seconds after my feet hit the ground again. I was in the hallway, right outside of the ballroom. The door was still closed, which meant I had a short amount of time before they found me.

Time for the encore, the voice whispered.

"Not now," I thought aloud. "If we go now, they'll forget me. They'll leave me alone."

But haven't I taught you better, Maestro? Now come on, we have a show to finish.

--

Everyone stared down at the floor, now almost spotless, save the coat of dust that covered it. They all thought the same thing; what have we done? The people themselves never intended to hurt this man-only to make him leave. Peacefully. Sadly, a part of every one of them knew the mayor would not let it happen. The children cried, sad that their dear friend had left them. And in the manner in which he did upset each of them even more.

The only person that didn't seem saddened in any way was Mayor Wilson. The one man who had created this encounter. The one man who hated this person with a passion. And why? For the sake of his image. If he had a freak like that running around the town, others would be skeptical of him. Word would spread nationwide. He would be a joke. People would stop visiting their town. Businesses would close. This whole domino effect would occur, and it would all be because of that freak. As the mayor of this town, he couldn't let that happen.

He didn't plan to kill the man, really. It just seemed to end that way.

Over-dramatic, maybe, he thought.

"Good riddance," He said finally. "Let's go."

Mayor Wilson turned toward the door, ready to finally go home and maybe get a Twinkie or two. As he was halfway to the exit, he turned to find that the people had hardly moved. They all stood in the same spot, mourning the loss of the eccentric stranger.

"Let's go," Mayor Wilson said firmly, trying to get the people to leave. Slowly but surely, the people finally moved, but this wasn't enough for the mayor.

"Let's go!" He ordered, going to open the door.

"I showed that freak," He muttered as he reached for the fancy brass doorknob.

"Hello?"

I watched as the mayor's mouth flew open as his eyes popped out of their sockets. I could even see sweat trickling down his face. It was hard not to see every detail when my eyes were the size of his head. I didn't think it was possible for my head to be enlarged to such a size. The rest of my body dangled in the air, rendered completely useless now that my head filled the ballroom doorway.

My eyes followed him as he tripped and fell, trying to run away. I could feel my head shrink back to its normal size as I listened to his shouts of terror.

"Good thinking," I murmured. "Now he won't come back."

Yes, the voice replied. Isn't it just delightful? Look at him run!

"But don't you feel bad?" I asked.

Why would I? The voice retorted as I walked back into the ballroom unnoticed. Everyone watched as the mayor ran out of sight and…

…Crash. Right into my window.

Great.

I managed to maintain a calm demeanor as the people turned around to face me. I leaned against the door frame, smirking at their reactions. Every single one of them looked completely shocked as far as I could see. Casually, I walked forward, hoping to say at least a few more words.

I took a breath. "Did I scare you?" I asked, putting on the cheeriest smile I could as I crossed my arms.

Everyone looked at me strangely for a moment before all voicing their affirmations. Every one of them seemed to have a different account of what they thought happened.

"But did we have a good time here?" I cut in, spreading my arms out dramatically and finally clasping them in front of me. That comment almost didn't feel like I said it. It was like the voice was speaking. But I decided to go with it, hoping to keep up the charade.

"Hello?" I said after a moment of hesitation.

Everyone once again agreed, going on with their own special story. I pretended to listen, crossing my arms again and forcing another smile. Dull pain fills the tips of my fingers. I knew that would happen.

I shouldn't be here. They shouldn't be here. If I knew this was going to start again, I wouldn't have done that. But it was too late now. I keep up the smile, hoping to make a short exit. Suddenly, I can feel something move behind me. Everyone fell silent.

"What?" I asked hesitantly. "What?"

What? The voice mocked. What? That's all you can say? Have a backbone. Turn around.

Slowly, I turn around to find myself face to face with a skull, wrapped in a dark cloak. The sight of someone-or something-being there causes me to jump back, startled. The mask is lowered to reveal one of the children, Jimmy, standing there.

"Did I scare you?" He said.

I couldn't help but smile at his little stunt. If there's one thing I knew about these children is that they were all very playful.

They were always telling me about their pranks and things when they came, and I couldn't help but love it. They all seemed so innocent and unaware of what their parents would say about me. They didn't think that I was weird or strange and I must admit, I loved them for that. But what do their parents do? They call me unspeakable things.

Snapping back to reality, I crossed my arms over my chest, acting as if I had been aware of them the whole time.

"No," I said, trying-and failing-to add a scolding tone to my voice.

"Well, maybe. How about that?" I added. "Maybe."

"Yes," Jimmy cheered quietly. Ignoring the remaining ache in my fingers, I lifted him off the shoulders of his friend, who was hidden under the cloak. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would. The two boys stood by each other, the older, Russell's, arm slung around his friend's shoulder. This is what kept me from actually leaving; the love of these children. It gave me hope; it let me know that I wasn't completely alone.

Oh, please, the voice spat. Just get on with this. You do remember what happens after you smash yourself, don't you?

"Excuse me," a voice called from the left of us. Slowly, everyone's heads turned to see who was speaking.

Oh, what could it possibly be now?

It was Mark, Jimmy's older brother. He was standing by the old clock, trying to catch everyone's attention.

"Excuse me. Yeah. Um," He continued, grinning wickedly. "Is this scary?"

--

And so, for not even a month, everything was pretty nice. The children came around more often and that made me happy. And because of that, the voice had almost completely faded away. Things finally seemed to be getting better.

That was, until at least three months after. The mayor decided that now was the time to try something new. He started saying unspeakable things about me. Things I don't ever want to repeat, or even think about. It's sickening.

They all shunned me. I couldn't even leave the house. Everything was set back to square one. I couldn't believe it.

And then, it happened.

Of course when something finally draws to a close, something else starts. If only I had known it would-if it could-go this far.

It was September; about 5 months after all of this had started. I had spent a good amount of the day staring out the window. When I look back at that, I'm not sure why I did. It was as if I was waiting for something. Or maybe just trying to avoid the voice again. All day, they wouldn't quit, going on about something that was about to happen.

"You're being ridiculous," I kept saying.

But Maestro, they said, they're coming. I know they are. And I think they mean to kill you.

"Now I know I'm crazy," I muttered. "There is no way that-"

I was cut off when something flew through the window, right past my head. Instinctively, I fell to the floor, hoping it wouldn't hit me.

Now do you believe me?

Slowly, I got back to my feet, thinking that everything was fine. Despite a broken window, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Then I turned around.

Another object flew through the window. It was clear that whoever-or whatever- was throwing these objects, they were aiming for me. I tried to run, but I was almost completely cornered now. On every side of me, there were people blocking any kind of way out. Every one of them was carrying some sort of rock. As I looked at all of them, I could recognize every one of their faces. One of them came forward, holding a particularly big rock. My breath caught in my throat as I saw who was holding it.

Mark.

"Maybe we shouldn't do this," I said nervously as we approached the mansion.

I shouldn't be here. I've been here for like two weeks and here I was, witnessing the whole town rally against this Maestro. From what I've seen-and what that lady told me-he wasn't that bad. Why would people want to do this, anyway?

I hear protests all around me. "We have to."

"He's evil."

"He's a liar."

"But does that mean we need to do this?" I asked.

"I knew you wouldn't be up to this," One boy sneered. "Now just go run back home if you're not up to it."

I could kids snickering in the crowd. Am I the only one that doesn't want to go through with this? Everyone else acted like Maestro was just plain evil now. I hoped that not all of them thought that, but every one of them had at least 3 rocks in their hands. I dropped mine three blocks ago. No one seemed to notice.

"Then, you know what? I will."

"Fine," The boy said sternly. He motioned for everyone to come closer. "So here's what we need to do.

We need to corner him. Make sure he can't get out. I go first, and then we all start. Got it?"

Everyone murmured in agreement.

"Well, are you leaving? Or did you change your mind?"

I watched as everyone disassembled and started towards the mansion. Mark turned back to me, still standing in front of the gates.

"Are you coming or not?" He snapped, turning everyone's attention to me.

I looked at him, completely shocked. This wasn't the boy I knew. Mark was too nice to do something like this to anyone. But here he was, with all of his friends, going off to hurt Maestro, someone that he used to idolize. I'd been here for such a short time and even I could see that.

I turned away from him and the rest of the kids and ran. I felt like I was running faster than an electronic rabbit. I needed to find her. She must know what they were doing. I couldn't let this happen.

How could this have happened? I knew the mayor had said some things, but this couldn't have driven everyone… even the children to do this to me.

Couldn't it? The voice taunted.

Now wasn't the time to listen to them now. Right now, I needed to figure out how to get out of here alive. How could they have even fit so many rocks in their hands? In their pockets, even.

This wasn't right. There was no way they could seriously be beating me to death with rocks.

What are you talking about? Get up. You're being melodramatic. Stand up.

I tried. I couldn't even get to my knees before being brought down again.

I don't understand what's so hard about having to stand up.

"It's kind of hard to when you're being pelted with rocks," I whispered.

Oh, you poor thing. You're more than three times older than most of them. Get over it.

"But there's something wrong here," I muttered. "This just isn't normal. They can't possibly be doing this alone."

"Is he talking to himself?" I heard one of them say.

Oh, great.

I burst through the door, trying to catch my breath. I ran all the way to her house. There was no time to spare.

"What are you doing?" Olive asked, coming down the stairs.

"They," I tried to say between pants, "Everyone…rocks…stop them…"

"Calm down," She said, a concerned look crossing her old face. "What happened?"

I took a deep breath.

"Everyone in town went to the mansion with a bunch of rocks and we need to stop them before they hurt Maestro because I don't hate him and they can't do this and I don't know what else to do!" I explained quickly.

Olive looked at me closely. I imagine I had that look on my face when she first introduced herself and told me about the mansion.

"Alright," She said finally. "Come on."

After what felt like an eternity, I was able to get away. I hid where none of them could find me, hoping they'd eventually give up.

I can't believe you. You just ran away, thinking they'll leave? They aren't stupid. They could do a number of things to the rest of the house.

He was right. Slowly, I opened the door, looking around to make sure no one else was in the hallway. All clear. With a creek, the door opened up, revealing that nothing but the window had been touched.

Good. So the only reason they were here was because of me.

Do you realize what you just said? That's not a good thing.

I looked down at the old wooden floor. What happened to them? What did he do to them? I clenched my fists, trying my hardest not to let this upset me. I couldn't help it.

The only people that actually listened to me, that even tried to communicate with me, had completely betrayed me.

And all I wanted to know was why.

Suddenly, I could see the door open downstairs.

"Hello?" A feminine voice called from the doorway. "Is anybody here?"

"I'll handle this," A familiar voice muttered. "Maestro, where are you?"

Olive. I struggled to my feet, slowly making my way toward the door. There she was, standing just at the foot of the stairs, a young girl close behind her. Olive stepped forward, her expression softening.

"Well, what happened here?" She asked.

 The last thing I wanted to do right now was talk to the mayor. Why would he want to talk to me, anyway?

He wants to know what happened. For the sake of his town's image, of course.

"You're probably right," I whispered, entering the town hall.

"But it's only been a week."

The sooner the better. They reminded me of the incident that brought this whole situation up when they said that.

 But they were right. That was the phrase that always reminded me of the mayor. If something ever went wrong, he had to be right on it. I see that as a great thing, but I'm surprised he even knew what happened.

I'm sure he's heard about it from everyone. This really isn't a big town, and you know how fast things spread around, especially when you're involved.

 They were right. Again. Every time I go anywhere, they're always whispering. They would shuffle away from me, whispering. Even if they were walking by themselves they would! It irked me to no end, but what could I do? It's not like I could ever change their opinion of me. I shrugged.

"Well," I said, exhaling slowly, "Here goes nothing."

I looked up at the sign on the mahogany door.

Norm Wilson

Mayor , the sign read.

Well don't just stand there.

 Slowly, I lifted my hand to knock on the door. Just as soon as my knuckles touched the wooden surface, a voice came from inside the office.

"Enter."

 Carefully, I turned the doorknob. As soon as the door opened, I was hit in the face with gray. Everything in the office was a dull, lifeless gray. Even the mayor was wearing his usual gray suit.

"You wanted to see me?" I asked timidly.

 The mayor looked up from his desk. The look of aggravation in his eyes suddenly softened for some reason.

Just an act. Don't fall for it.

 I stood in the doorway, messing with the buttons on the sleeve of my shirt.

"Yes," He said finally. "Have a seat."

 Slowly, I sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk. I almost sank into it but I managed to keep my composure.

"Now," He began, "I know that I don't quite understand what happened-"

"How can you not?" I asked suddenly. "I'm sure everyone here knows what happened. Or at least, they know what they want to think happened."

Very good. Very good, indeed.

 I didn't have much time to think about that statement before the mayor started speaking.

"I wouldn't know. I haven't been told anything."

 He was lying. I could tell he was lying. He was being way too straightforward.

"That's a lie and we both know it," I said sharply.

 He looked surprised. As if he wasn't expecting me to find out. 

It's hard to believe he still doubts you. And yet, in a way, it's still too predictable.

 I could only stare as the mayor tried to explain himself.

"Well," He went on, "Either way, it's not like I would believe any of it. I mean, I never saw or heard anything-"

"They tried to kill me," I snapped.

That's my boy.

"We don't have any of proof of that just-"

"What kind of proof do you need?" I shouted, standing up. I felt like I couldn't even control myself I was so outraged. "I know for a fact what happened. Because it happened to me. Not to any of them, butme. I havebruises. I can prove what they did! My window is still broken because of what they've done."

 Finally calmed, I looked down at the floor. What just happened?

Say something. Say something fast.

"That may be true," The mayor explained as I looked down. "But-"

"I have the stones," I whispered.

 The stones. The one thing that proved I wasn't crazy. The one thing that might prove me right for once. The one thing that could actually save me.

"You what?"

I looked up. "I kept the stones," I said slowly. "I haven't had the chance to get rid of them yet. What other proof would I need?"

 I felt hopeful, but the look on the mayor's face told me that I was doing something wrong.

"What?" I asked.

 He sighed.

"Nothing," He said softly. "Just… just go."

"What?" I repeated. "Why?"

"I know all I need to know, j-just go."

I think he wants you to leave.

"Really?" I asked. It seemed like a question for the both of them.

"Yes," The mayor said quickly. "I-I'll do everything I can a-and get back to you on it. Alright?"

 Nodding slowly, I turned to the door.

Well, that wasn't that bad.

"Wait."

I turned around to face him again. Slowly, he walked over to me.

"I'm sorry."

Well, that wasn't that bad.

I sighed. As I predicted, everyone that I passed was staring and whispering. It was times like these that made me regret walking everywhere. Then again, who in this town would sell me a car?

I'm sure if you asked, they'd give you a lovely white van.

I rolled my eyes. "I'd rather walk."

"Hey, Maestro!"

I looked around. Who could that be?

"Over here!"

Layla. The one person here that might not completely hate me. She's the kind of person that makes living here worthwhile.

I see. And how old is she? More importantly, how old are you?

That was one thing that made people suspicious for one reason or another. Layla moved here about a few weeks ago from Salem. From what I remember, she was only 16. It wasn't until that… event that I finally met her. Even if she hadn't saved me, I know she knew what people say about me. And she probably knows what everyone says about her, too. But it didn't seem to stop her from bouncing over to me. That always made me feel a little special.

I walked over to where she was just a few feet ahead of me on the sidewalk. She seemed to think that took too long and just ran over.

"I've been looking all over town for you!" She exclaimed. "I checked Someplace Else and it was literally dead in there. Even Olive didn't know where you were. Where have you been?"

I sighed. "I had to go talk to the mayor. Well, he needed to talk with me, rather."

"How bad was it?"

"It could have been worse."

"Well, do we know what's going on yet?"

This should be interesting…

I hardly knew myself, honestly. I can't tell if I was just seeing things, either.

"I don't really remember," I said. Technically, I wasn't lying. But it just didn't feel right. "But I think the mayor might have had something to do with it. Has he said anything?"

"Yes," Layla said firmly. "I would have told you, but you know, we sort of just met, and it probably would have made you mad. But since you asked, three weeks ago he just took control. Like more than he usually does. I thought he was possessed."

Well, would you look at that? I was right; this is rather interesting. Maybe she isn't so bad after all.

I paused. She seemed to notice my hesitation and leaned in closer.

"You don't think that can happen, do you?" She whispered. "Wait. Can it?"

I think it's quite likely, actually. What do you think, Maestro?

"No," I said out loud. I almost forgot I had to. "It's impossible."

Is it?

"I don't know, Maestro," Layla said. "I'd still check it out if I were you."

Couldn't agree more.

I sighed. "I'll try."

"Good," she said, happily nodding her head. "I'll see you around."

Nodding, I went on my way.

"Don't think I didn't notice that," I whispered. "You have a lot of explaining to do."

Why, whatever are you talking about? I didn't-

"Oh, and Maestro?"

I turned back to Layla. Her cheery expression had changed into one of worry.

"Good luck."

"What's going on here? What is she talking about? Is there something that all these people know that I don't?"

They didn't answer. The one time I actually wanted them to talk was the one time they remained completely mute. The rest of the house was eerily quiet. Usually, you could always hear something moving around. But at that moment, it was dead silent.

"Don't do this now," I tried again. "Something's going on and I need to know what it is. Now tell me."

Silence.

Sighing, I gave up. Apparently, I'm not going to get anywhere screaming at nothing. Or at my own head.

"This is getting ridiculous," I muttered. But when had it been normal? I hadn't had this… this thing for all of my life. All I know is one day, I woke up, and they were there. I never questioned it; I always thought it was just one of the several spirits that lurked around here. Over time, I realized that this voice was coming from my own head. And yet, I never tried to stop it.

In a way, the voice had become the only person I could actually talk to. Even if they gave me a sarcastic reply, it felt… nice, in a way. They never said who-or what-they were, but I never really seemed to matter. They truly had become my closest friend. Though there were times they would irk me to no end, but I still appreciated them being there. I probably sound mad for saying that, but it's true.

I'm not quite certain it would be wise to tell you anything, they finally said. It might be too…much.

All of the sentiment was gone. They were my enemy once again.

"What do you mean too much?" I snapped. "Are you saying I couldn't handle it? You and I both know that's not true."

It's not that, they interjected. It's just something you might find to be rather… shocking.

"Tell me."

I had no idea what they meant when they said that whatever was going on could be "too much." What could that mean, anyway? I was a grown adult. Certainly some sort of possession wouldn't be that shocking.

Would it?

If you must know, they started, I might have put in a word to the mayor about you… once or twice.

I was completely confused. "And how exactly did you do that?"

I'm not just stuck in your head, if that's what you were thinking. I do have the ability to move. Somewhat. I just like being here.

"And how exactly does that work? The rest of the family is stuck here. How come you can move?"

Oh, they can move. Normally. It's just that there's been a… change, if you will.

"What are you talking about?" I asked nervously. Now, I was slightly concerned. I knew that if they were ever serious like this, something bad was going on. Something really bad.

I waited for what felt like days for them to say something. Maybe I was supposed to say something. Was this some sort of game? I couldn't tell.

Well, it's quite obvious, they finally said. The truth is that you're keeping them here.

Now, that made absolutely no sense at all. "What in the world is that supposed to mean?"

Don't you see that? The only thing keeping them in this terribly unhappy state is your presence. Ask any one of them-Well, actually don't do that. They'll lie to you. They say they'd want nothing more than be completely gone. Gone to a place where they can finally be at peace.

"But they are at peace."

I could almost hear the sneer in their voice. That's what they want you to think. Face it, Maestro. You need to leave. Go far away from here. Do it for your family.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How could I have done that? There was only so much I could do. But there's no way that…

A feeling of sudden realization flooded me, bringing me to my knees.

"You're with him," I managed to whisper. This couldn't be real. How could this have happened? He was long gone, never to be seen again. Right?

Of course not, they said evilly. I am him.

Technically, Maestro didn't even live in Normal Valley. Actually, he didn't even live in any town. But, unfortunately for Mayor Wilson, Normal Valley was the closest town. And that meant Norm actually had to care about Maestro and his opinions, and he did not like that.

Normally.

Norm knew something was wrong the minute Maestro stepped through his office the day before. He wasn't… himself as far as Norm could tell. The Maestro he had seen that night just over a month ago was eccentric and much more… energetic. No matter how angry or hurt he had looked, Norm could see a spark of mischief in Maestro's eyes. As hard as he tried, Norm couldn't find that yesterday. Maestro's eyes had become a dull gray. Whatever happened, Norm knew it must have been bad. Really bad.

He slowed down as he approached the front gate to the Someplace Else mansion. He half expected them to open by themselves, as they had the last time he was there. After a minute, Norm pried the old, rusty gates open and walked the short path to the front door.

He looked around. Everything looked exactly how it did over a month ago. And yet, it looked like a completely different house. The whole place seemed to have lost its magic. It just looked like an old abandoned house.

"Maybe it is," Norm thought out loud. "I'll just go, then."

Just as he turned around, the old, wooden door opened with a loud creak. Norm sighed.

"Should've known," He muttered as he stepped in.

Norm was surprised to find what he assumed was half of Maestro's ghost "family" occupying the main hall. They all turned to him simultaneously. Every one of them wore the same expression on their faces; eyes of fear, worry, and sorrow were now locked on Norm. He felt like they knew what he had done. The feeling of guilt came back to him.

Suddenly, one of the ghosts stepped forward. She looked like she came from a time before the French Revolution, big wig and all.

"We cannot reach him," She said softly. Norm could hear the slightest trace of a European accent in her voice as she spoke. "Whatever it is, it will not let us through."

"And you know exactly why that is, Leona," another ghost cut in, stepping forward. Unlike the first one, Leona, he appeared to be from the late 20's in both appearance and demeanor.

"He's come back. He's got complete control of the boy, he does. Let's just hope he'll come out of this alive. Lord, help us if ends up like Charlotte-"

"Hush, Harrence," Leona snapped before turning back to Norm. "From within these walls, I have heard enough about you to know how much you loathe our Maestro. But please. We are not the only ones who will be affected, should he succumb to…" She paused. "Him. You know this. You are the only one that can help him."

Any other day, Norm would have pointed out that if Maestro did die, it probably wouldn't make that much of a difference to them. But this was serious. And who was he to ignore the wishes of a dead person?

Slowly, he made his way through the seemingly never-ending crowd of phantoms. Eventually, he found his way to the stairs. Norm looked back.

They were all gone.

"They planned this," He muttered.

Norm stopped in front of the door at the top of the staircase. The whole house was hauntingly silent as he turned the knob. Two things hit him as the door opened.

It was as if a brick was flung forward with the opening of the door. A brick aimed directly at Norm. He felt as if the whole room was surrounded by an impenetrable wall as he stepped forward. Startled, he stepped back.

Norm also felt that he was being watched. Not by Maestro, who he assumed was in the room, but by… someone-or something. It was as if they were expecting him. He tried to dismiss the idea as just silly thoughts, but the feeling would not leave him.

What am I doing? He thought. I'm not scared of anything. Just walk in the door and everything will be fine.

He couldn't leave now. And even if he did, he would be haunted for the rest of his life-figuratively and most likely literally as well. Puffing out his chest, Norm charged forward. It was almost as if the whole house sprang back to life, in turn destroying the imaginary wall. He found himself flying into the middle of the room. He looked around, trying to find Maestro.

It would seem that Maestro had been startled by Norm's rather dramatic entrance. He was sitting in the far left corner of the room, curled in a small ball. He was staring right at Norm, his eyes widened and bewildered. Upon further investigation, Norm jumped back in shock.

Maestro's eyes were no longer gray, but a sickly, glowing orange. Just the sight of it gave Norm an uneasy feeling.

No turning back now.

Maestro blinked as if he had just come out of a trance. His expression changed from tired to panicked as his eyes settled on the mayor.

"W-What are you doing here?" He asked quietly.

Norm didn't answer; he didn't know what to say. This was the last thing he had imagined would happen. Maestro stood up shakily.

"How did you get up here?" He went on, looking down. "They were… I told them… and… and he…"

He looked up.

"You can't be here," He finished in a voice Norm didn't believe was his. The mayor sighed.

"Well, I couldn't agree more," He said. "I'll just be going now, then."

As he turned to leave, Maestro grabbed his arm. Norm turned back around to face him. Maestro's eyes had returned to their normal dark color for the most part. Norm could still see a trace of orange in the dark iris.

"Help me."

 Norm blinked, unsure of how to respond. Maestro inhaled sharply.

“Listen to me,” He whispered hoarsely. “Please. You need to help me.”

 Norm shook his head. “I don’t know what to do.”

 For some reason, this caused Maestro to panic. His grip on the mayor’s arm tightened, causing Norm to flinch.

“J-Just listen to me,” Maestro said frantically. “You need to-”

 Suddenly, he fell to the ground, clutching his head as if he were trying to rip it open. Norm stepped back in surprise as the younger man writhed in agony on the cold, hard floor. The mayor could see Maestro’s eyes flickering between orange and black as he blinked. Without thinking, Norm ran out of the room, fell down the stairs, and sprinted out of the house.

 He didn’t get too far-When he was about 10 feet away from the old gates of the Someplace Else mansion, he couldn’t breathe and had to stop for a minute to pull himself together. As he stood, hands on his knees, greedily sucking in air, he didn’t hear the footsteps coming from behind him. He was startled when he felt the light tap on his shoulder, almost sending him to the ground. Now very frightened, Norm began to run.

“Wait!” A voice called. The mayor turned to find Maestro standing in front of him, arms crossed, staring at him.

“I don’t have time for this,” The young man began in a shaky voice. “I really don’t know how long I can hold him off.” Maestro cringed. “Just… go find her. She’ll know what to do.”

 Norm stared at him with a confused expression. “Who?”

 Maestro shook his head, inhaling sharply. “Y-You’ll know. I-I… I need to go.”

 And with that, he turned around and headed back to his home. Norm hardly noticed when Maestro brought his hand to his head again. Slowly, the mayor headed into town.

“Where do I start?” He asked himself. “Who was he talking about?”

 Walking down the sidewalk, Norm looked around the town square. Small shops lined the streets, selling things like old books and fresh sweets. The mayor was reluctant to add them, but he remembered that the construction of these shops had employed so many of the townspeople and improved the atmosphere of the town greatly.

 Snapping out of his thoughts, Norm remembered the situation he was in. He needed to find her.

“If only I knew who she was,” He muttered.

 Suddenly, the mayor noticed a familiar face. Stepping closer, the mayor realized to whom the familiar face belonged.

 It was Layla Emerson, the daughter of his assistant, Howard. Dressed in a simple lavender sweater and black pants, she strolled down the sidewalk, a cupcake balanced on her right hand.

‘Maybe she knows something about this,’ Norm thought, remembering how Howard would complain about his daughter visiting the mansion on the hill.

 Hesitantly, he approached the young girl. Layla greeted him with a confused smile.

“Hello, Mayor Wilson,” She said politely. “How are you today?”

 Norm cocked an eyebrow. She obviously knows something.

“Hello,” He said. “I needed to ask you something about this…Maestro.”

 Layla frowned at this. “What about him?”

 Norm sighed. “Look, I hardly know what’s going on myself, but I need to help.”

“And since when do you care?” The girl retorted. “You know, this is exactly what Olive warned me about.”

“Well, I’m sorry, but-Wait, who?” Norm asked quickly. Layla shrugged.

“Olive. She knows a lot about Maestro. She’s known him for a long time, apparently. If anyone would know anything, it’d be her.”

 The mayor smiled. “Thank you,” He said happily. As Norm opened his mouth to ask where to find Olive, he was cut off by a piercing shriek from behind him.

 Layla gasped and he turned around. Norm stared in awe as a giant black wave came over the town. It didn’t touch any of the buildings, but everyone was slowly being sucked into this wave, as if it were a black hole of some sort. People tried to run away, but they knew it was useless as the wave caught up to them, swallowing them whole.

“C-Come on,” Layla stuttered, grabbing the mayor’s arm and trying to drag him away. But it was too late. The wave came over their heads and crashed down, sucking them into a world of darkness.

--

 As I stroll down the empty roads of this ghost town, I begin to wonder what was so wonderful about it. What kept people living here for generation after generation. It certainly couldn’t have been the town itself. The homes are lined up in neat rows up and down the streets. The shops are built the exact same way; all the same square structure with a different name. It’s as if the person that built these buildings wanted everything to be symmetrical. It’s so very… strange.

 Oh, the irony of it all! In their quest to be normal, the people of this town have made it one of the strangest places in the world. Where else could one find such… symmetry and simplicity? No matter. I’m not here to go on about the wonders of what this town used to be. No, I must be returning home now.

 If it were up to me, I would have left town years ago. Gone on to the afterlife; lived the rest of eternity in peace. But then I discovered that I could have so much fun here! How did I discover that? Well, I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise. You’ll have to wait. Just like they did…

 And there it is. Standing in all its glory as it has for centuries. The Someplace Else mansion. I used to hate it here. I even tried to burn this place to the ground! But, times change, I suppose. However, the house has not. The same old cobwebs hang on the walls and the same old white sheets cover various pieces of furniture. I have no use for these things. When you’ve lived as long as I have, things like fancy furniture and old books are unnecessary. All you wish for is entertainment. And thankfully, I’ve found a lot of that.

 There are really only two rooms I ever bother to step into nowadays; the ballroom and the “mirror room,” as I like to call it. The ballroom as always been a favorite; even back when I lived here. When I actually lived and breathed in the house, that is. But, you see, the mirror room is a rather new addition to my home. An addition I added myself.  The mirror room is just that; a room with walls lined with mirrors.

 But why would I want a room of mirrors when the sight of my own reflection sickens me? Well, you see, these mirrors aren’t just any mirrors. These mirrors are my own creation. When I open the door and look around, I can’t see my reflection in the mirrors. Instead, I see the faces of everyone that lived in Normal Valley at the time that I took over. They claw at the mirrors, their cries echoing around the room. Music to my ears.

 But I’m not interested in any of them. I’ve only kept them here to keep them from causing trouble. We wouldn’t want the living to win again, now would we? I certainly wouldn’t. No, I’m only here for one particular person today.

 It’s been so long since I’ve seen Maestro. After I had freed myself from his mind, I really didn’t do anything to him. Just left him to his own devices as I went to capture the townspeople-his neighbors, his enemies. Our enemies. Thankfully, he hasn’t caused much trouble. Come to think of it, he hasn’t even spoken. It’s been some time, but he hasn’t uttered a single word. He sits behind the mirror, just staring. At what, I don’t know. It would be sad under different circumstances; now it’s just frustrating.

“Good morning, Maestro,” I call out cheerily.

 No answer. I step closer, tapping on the mirror.

“What is it?!” He snaps. I look at him, shocked.

“My, my, my, that’s the first word you’ve uttered since you got here,” I say in amazement.

“Since I got here?” Maestro asks, standing up. “Since I got here?! You trapped me in here!”

“Did I?” I reply innocently.”I don’t recall you protesting.”

 This causes him to scowl. I can’t help but laugh at him; he’s trying so hard to win a losing battle.

“You won’t get away with this,” He sneers.

 I chuckle. “Oh, Maestro,” I reply giddily. “I’m afraid I already have.”

"Just get out of my head!" I shout. He only laughs.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," He says, his voice echoing from within my ears. There's nothing I can do. Nowhere I can turn.

 Nowhere but down.

 I sink to the floor and bang my hands into the ground, causing them to turn to dust. I ignore him as he tells me to stop, smashing my arms into the floor like they were on fire. It's only a few seconds later when I realize why he told me to stop.

Nothing's happening. I'm stuck in sand form. 

 The rest of my body sinks, and I panic. I don't blow away. He doesn't leave. I'm nothing but a pile of ash on the floor.

--

I open my eyes to a world painted in the darkest hues of blue and purple. My only source of light is the full moon above my head. I try to walk, only to find that my feet won't move. I try again. My legs are blocks of lead as I tread through the grass.

 The moon seems to brighten, and I can clearly see the path laid out in front of me. I'm in the middle of a forest, that much is clear. I turn my head to the left. My eyes widen.

 To the left of me is a corpse. Upon further investigation, I see that the corpse was once the body of a small child. His skin is porcelain white, his hair ebony black. His body is splattered with blood, his eyes wide and unblinking, staring up at me. I can't help but stare back. The forest is dead silent. I don't dare to move, holding my breath as I look down at the child.

 Suddenly, his head snaps up. His eyes turn from a dark black to a bright, burning orange. I stagger back in shock and realization. As he approaches me, a menacing scowl plastered on his face, I can only think one thing.

That child is me.

--

 I'm in my own home, I can tell. I'm in the old study. The one room that always frightened me as a child. The whole room is lined with book after book, dusty and untouched for decades. The furniture is dusty and covered with white sheets. But here-now-all the furniture is uncovered, the room spotless. The books that line the shelves all have the same title. Charles.

 I stand up and try to walk forward. Even now, the room is unsettling to me. I find that I can't move forward. There's a wall in front of me. I can't break through. I scream, but there's no one around to hear. Until I hear their screams in reply.

 I look up to see that the shelves have turned into mirrors. But they look more like cages than they do mirrors. They're framed and decorated like a mirror, but each cage holds a person. A neighbor. A friend. An enemy. They all scream, clawing at the walls that confine them, trying so hard to escape.

 And then he walks in. Charles. The demon that haunts my thoughts every hour of the day. Or, haunted. The only thing that runs through my mind now is how to get out of here. He looks around, a smile tugging at his cruel lips. I fall to my knees, looking down. I refuse to acknowledge him. He taps on the glass.

"Good morning, Maestro," He says in a cheery tone. It was almost as if he was singing his words.

 I don't speak. I only stare at the floor. He taps on the glass again, harder this time. I look up.

"What is it, Charles?!" I snap. He looks at me in awe.

"My, my, my. That's the first word you've uttered since you got here."

I stand up quickly. I do not want to have to put up with this. Not now. Especially when I don't even know what this is.

"Since I got here?" I ask, trying-and failing-to keep a calm tone. "Since I got here?! You trapped me in here! You trapped all of us in here!"

"Did I?" Charles asks innocently. "I don't recall hearing any protesting."

 So this is what I'm supposed to do for the rest of my life. Waste away locked in a cage. A metaphorical mirror. I can't help the scowl that crosses my face. I ignore him as he chuckles. There's nothing I can do to stop him.

 But I can't let him know that.

"You won't get away with this," I sneer, almost spitting the words out. This sends him into a fit of laughter. The sound bounces off the walls, invading the room, causing everyone to cover their ears. It goes on for what feels like years. I only stand and scowl.

 The laughter dies down. "Oh, Maestro," He says perkily, "I'm afraid I already have."

 And with that, he stalks out of the room, the last of his cackling remaining seconds after he shuts the door. I sink to my knees once again, covering my head like I would when he took over. Trying to shut him out. Tell myself he isn't real. But there's no escaping the truth now.

 I'm stuck here in a room of mirrors.

--

 I'm back in Olive's house, laying on the couch as she watches over me. Just like when I was a boy. She smiles, but her expression is sad, yet understanding. I try to sit up slowly. My body feels like I've been put through a shredder.

"He's growing too powerful," She says softly. I can only nod.

"I don't know what to do," I reply. I hardly know what to say.

 She shakes her head as she stands up, attempting to fix the room. It looks like it was hit with a hurricane. Did I do that? I think.

"No, he did," Olive announced. She always knew what to say before I did. "Like I said, he's becoming too powerful."

"And I say again, I don't know what to do," I snap. That came out of nowhere. She seems to realize this as she comes over and places a calming hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry yourself, Maestro," She says soothingly. "We're doing everything we can. Just close your eyes."

 Without question, I do as she says. I open my eyes to find myself in my ballroom. I'm on the floor again, my hands now flesh colored ash fanned out before me. I look up to find that the strangest thing has happened.

 Before me is everyone I know, alive or dead. They all stand before me in a circle, some crying, some looking around the room awkwardly. I can't move from my place on the floor and I know enough that moving my head could leave me with a new chin. So I close my eyes once again, hoping that this will soon be over.

"Isn't it wonderful?" She says in the darkness. "They're there to save you. They know it's the only way. Every one of them cared enough to be here. The whole town is in that room, you know."

But why am I still stuck as ash?  I ask.

 My eyes open again and I'm on the couch once more. Olive looks at me knowingly.

"Because you're still stuck in here," She says, pointing to my head.

"And while you are, so is he."