September 21, 2011 - 9:13am — Cypher



Giggles and high pitched squealing echoed through the large living room. The group of young high school girls crowded around the television, absorbed in the magical wonder of the drama unfolding before them. Their eyes wide with anticipation, glued to the glowing screen. Gossiping in between the romantic action, "Did you see Mark Johnson today!? He looked so dreamy in his football uniform." "I know right! Ooooh I hope he asks me to the dance next month!" "Are you crazy!?" one chimed in, "He's totally gonna ask Tiffany. Duh!"

Out of the group awing over the movie, one sat awkwardly quiet. Holding onto her knees as she forced a smile. Sam should have felt happy - being accepted into the popular girls' group and being invited to Tiffany's sixteen birthday party - but she felt uncomfortably out of place in the group of gorgeous, rich girls. She had always admired them from the distance like the rest of school and was often made fun of for her bland style, but if they invited her, then surely they liked her. Right...?

Tiffany sat near the back of the room on the floor, leaning up against the edge of the couch. Jenny, a third girl, sat on the couch cushion braiding Tiffany's hair as the two plotted, "Do you think she knows?"

"Naaaah," Tiffany coldly replied as she looked herself in the hand mirror she held. Dabbing a thin layer of foundation on her flush cheek, "She's too stupid to suspect something and is too high on life just being here to notice. You call Will and Nick, yet?"

Jenny snapped her cell phone shut, "Sent them a text."

"Good," Tiffany sneakily smiled as she stood up and began to make her way towards the front of the room. Weaving between the sitting the girls who grew quiet when they saw her. She stepped in front of the television and rose her arms, "Everyone! Ready for a little fun?" The crowd grew restless. "Ok! Ok! We're gonna play a little game. A scary game called the midnight game!" She turned quickly and turned the light off. At the same time, she flicked on the flashlight she held in her hand, casting an eerie shadow on her face as all the girls gasped. Sam grew intensely nervous; being terrified of the dark made it difficult to sit there but she had to like the game in order to be accepted by the other's.

"Everyone, follow me," Tiffany commanded; they followed her to the front door. There sat a table with a small box on it filled with an assortment of things: some paper, a pen, a pin with needles, a lighter, and candles.

Jenny now stood at her side holding onto a digital watch. The two girls looked at each other before explaining the rules of the midnight game, "Ok. so here's the deal. We're gonna summon the midnight man but to there's a few things you gotta know first. Like, in order to summon him we need to all write our names down on this paper and then put a droplet of our blood on it. Then after he shows up, we gotta walk around in the dark and avoid him. If the candle flickers or you hear whispering, it means he's by you. If the candle goes out, you have ten seconds to light it ago or you gotta sit in a circle of salt until he leaves. If he catches you, then you have to live through your worst nightmare. Is everyone ready?"

All the girls seemed intrigued as they took turns poking their fingers. At least, everyone but Sam. She stood silently for a moment holding the metal needle to her finger, pressing it slightly to her skin. She wanted to be liked by them, but the dark was horrifying. However, if she did not do it, they would make fun of her. Biting her lip, she poked herself. Red blood trickled out from fresh wound as she wrote her name down and took the candle Jenny gave her. Shaking slightly, she watched as Tiffany began to knock on the heavy wooden door, saying about how she was calling for the midnight man to show up. A few frantic moments passed and Sam found herself alone in a dark room with only the small candle light to protect her from the shadows closing in on her.

Mean while, Tiffany and Jenny had tiptoed into the kitchen. Nick and Will were waiting by the back door. The girls let them in where the next part of Tiffany's plan was put into action, "The closet is on the other side of the living room. Just toss her in there. It won't be a big deal, ok?"



The boys nodded to each other as they obeyed her orders. Quietly, the slipped into the living room. Making sure to be careful to not bump into any of the other girls aimless wandering around the room. They hurried to where Sam stood shaking alone and grabbed her. Will blew out her candle as he and Nick picked her up. She screamed as they tossed her into the empty closet and locked the door behind her. She yelled for help as she banged heavily on the door; tears in her eyes. By now, the other girls had gathered around the commotion. The lights were turned on; Tiffany and Jenny stood before them, laughing but their laughter was cut short by the sound of yelling. Sam let out a bloodcurdling scream. The group of girls screamed with her and had a horrified look upon their faces. Confused, Tiffany turned around to see a pool of crimson blood begin to seep out from under the door.






Cypher laid across the couch still partly dressed in his daily attire. His vest and tie had been removed and hung in the closest after returning home from the Agency; right before he went to lounged in the living room. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows with the first few buttons of his shirt unbuttoned. Tired with sore eyes, he rested his right arm over his eyes while is left arm dangled onto the floor. Drifting off to sleep, the television softly humming in the background, playing one of his favorite black and white films. Meanwhile, Migisi explored the house. Glancing over once in awhile to look over at her temporary care-taker.

He was a strange creature. Barely ever speaking and often keeping to himself, which gave the off a cold impression. However, he seemed to be close to the opposite to her since he was not like the other two-legged creatures that kept her locked in a cage. He granted her freedom by allowing her to roam freely. She had spent most the day exploring through his home, gazing in awe at all the wonders it held. So many fascinating things to see and so many shinies she needed to collect and claim as "her's". She sat on kitchen counter with her legs spread out, slipping on the cool marble surface. Her head kept twisting as she tried to find a way to pick up a silver folk resting before her. Dropping it due to its weight, the folk made a soft cling as it hit the marble. As it refused to move, she began to grow bored with it.

'Tchyk' she angrily cawed at it, as if scolding it for failing to obey her. She hopped to the edge of the counter. Her head twitching side to side as she examined the room. Trying to find a new play thing to amuse her. Fluffing her feathers, her eyes fell onto the sight of the sleeping man lounging in the room opposite of her's. Her eyes seemed to twinkle with delight. Attention sounded like a good thing to her and despite only being his guest for a few days, Migisi knew how Cypher worked. She knew exactly what to do to get him to notice her.

She spread her wings wide. Pushing off of the edge with her twiggy legs, she took flight, gliding into the living room. Her legs stretched outward before her as she began to slow her speed. Resting herself down on his leg. Curiously, she looked up at him. Tchyak tchyak! She called up to him. The only response he gave her was an aggravated groan as he shifted the direction of his arm slightly. His lack of proper acknowledgement of her was unacceptable! Her feathers fluffed around her as she lowered her head, glaring at him with her blue-grayish eyes. It was alright though for she had another plan.

She hopped up long his body, going towards his head. Her body lifting and dropping with the steady movements of his chest as he exhaled and inhaled. As she made her way up him, she playfully pecked at his shirt buttons before reaching the 'V' shaped opening at his neck. The first three buttons of his shirt had been opened, exposing a part of his bare chest including the small, fine chest hairs that grew from beneath his skin. Her head twisted about as she examined them. Placing two or three close ones in her beak, she jerked her head quickly. Pulling them out.

"What the bloody hell!?" Cypher quickly sprung forward as he sat up. Causing Migisi to lose her balance and fall into his lap. He sat startled for a moment as he massaged the sore spot she had created, "What was that for?"

"Tchyak! Tch," she seemed to reply, looking up at him with innocent eyes. Clearly, she did nothing wrong.

Sighing with frustration, Cypher wiped his tired eyes and groaned. Gently, he began to scratch the side of her head with his index finger, sending shivers of delight down her tiny spine, "Happy now?"



He let out a yawn before the silence between them was interrupted by the sound of his cell phone ringing. Its unique chime filling the air. The phone glowed blue as the screen light up. Vrrrrrrrrrb! The vibration of the phone shook the coffee table he had placed it on. Surprised and shocked by the instant loud noise, Migisi flinched. Tchyak! Her wings smacking Cypher in the face as she leaped over to the table and began pecking at the phone. Trying to stab the electronic monster as its punishment for disturbing her.

"Migs, stop!" Cypher gently pushed her away as he reached for the phone. Beep! "Yeah?... Yes, I am off duty, sir... Well that is a shame but as I just said I am off... -sigh- Yes, I am aware of that it is only on the other side of town but... Yes, of course... Yes, sir...I will be right there." Groaning again, he rose to his feet. Migisi intriguingly looked up at him, slanting her head to the side as he passed by, buttoning his shirt as he walked. He disappeared into the dimly lit bedroom attached to the living room. Reappearing a few moments later, fully dressed with his fedora in his hand. He smoothed his hair before placing it on his head; then motioned for Migisi to come to him, "Come on. We have a job to do."





The red and blue lights flashed in the night in front of the two-story suburban home. The quiet neighborhood bustled with officers closing off entrance. Curious neighbors rubbernecked from their window. Their dull lives hungering for some action. Cypher sat behind the wheel of his silver Infiniti sports car. (An Agency owned vehicle, of course.) Migisi stood tall in the passenger seat. Cawing anxiously as she stretched her body full length in attempt to look out the window. She could see the reflections of the flashing lights and desperately wanted to see the source. Beside her, Cypher opened the driver door and stepped out. Slamming it behind him and leaving her behind. "Tch!? Tchayk!?," she leaped in the seat, scratching the leather material slightly with her claws.

"Calm down," Cypher said to himself as he walked around the vehicle to the other side. Pulling on the silver handle, he opened the door while standing tall next to it. He made a jester with his hand, mimicking a bellboy opening the door and speaking sarcastically, "Here you go, my dear."

Proudly she hopped out of the car onto the ground. Her head held high like royalty. As he closed the door behind her, she spread her wings and took to the air. Flying over towards the nearby police car to examine the bright lights closer. Cypher was close behind her until an officer stopped him near the yellow police tape, "Sorry, sir, only authorized personal are allowed pass this point."

"Oh but I am," He quickly answered as he pulled out his wallet. He held it before the officer, displaying a false I.D, identifying him as John Smith, detective. "Your chief granted me permission on my way here. "

The officer stood silently for a moment as he rubbed his chin, "Well, alright... The body has already been removed by the coroner. A CSI team is looking the place over and all the girls involved were sent home. They'll be questioned tomorrow morning when with their parents." He stepped aside, allowing Cypher to pass, but continued to walk beside him. After years of service, he had grown paranoid of new faces showing up on scenes and something about Cypher struck him as being odd.



The two men approached the front door. Before entering, Cypher turned to search for Migisi. Her black figure stood out against the red and blue lights she was perched beside. Drawing his lips close together, he gave a high pitched whistle beckoning her to come along. Her head twisted in his direction before she took off. Flapping her wings a few times, she soared over to him and perched on his shoulder. The officer gave him a strange look as he entered the home with a jackdaw on his shoulder, but the man said nothing. Instead, he pointed down the hall, "Samantha Turner was the victim. The body was found in the living room closet. Deformed and soaked with blood. "

Cypher cautiously walked into the living room. Looking around for any signs of paranormal activity, but he saw no movements in the shadows and had no feelings of being watched from a distance. However, the moment he stumbled into the living room, he knew the reason why the Agency called him in. Squoosh... Squoosh... The carpet beneath his feet felt softer and wet. He looked down to see that the beige fibers had turned crimson as blood soaked into it. The dried stream lead up to the closet door, which the CSI team left open. Inside, the walls were splattered. "What the bloody hell happened here?", he called back to the officer with no pun intended.

"Cause of death couldn't be determined here. Coroner said there was too much blood and the body was too cramped into the small space. So we should have an answer tomorrow. As for what happened, hell if I know! One of the girls - Tiffany Carter - said something about them summoning some demon that killed her. Ha! Can you believe that?"

The word 'demon' caused Cypher's head to spin. Startling Migisi who sat oblivious to the scene on his shoulder. He quickly looked the scene over again but saw no pentagrams or other demonic symbols written anywhere in the room, "Did she specify which one?"

The officer stood with his brow raised and a freshly lit cigarette dangling in his mouth, "Are you serious? Eh... Well if you're curious... Something called the midnight man."

"Ah, so they were playing the midnight game."

"The what?

"The midnight game. It is a Pagan ritual. No one is certain of where it exactly it originated from but it is believed to have been a punishment. As the victim laid asleep in their bed, those wishing for justice would summon the midnight man to the house unknowingly. The midnight man would then attack the victim in their sleep, forcing them to live through their worst nightmares vividly, almost as if it was real. Over the years, thrill seekers made a game of survival out of it."

"But how could a girl die from that...?"

"Have you never heard of the theories that if you die in a dream, you die in real life? This is one of the legends that spawned that theory."

The officer stared in a confused daze at him, "This is all crazy and impossible."

"Ah, but nothing is truly impossible."




The silver pocket watch read 11:47pm in his hand; gin and tonic in the other. Running his thumb over its smooth, glass surface he stared straight ahead, deep in thought. Was the risk worth discovering the truth? To most, it probably would not be but for a man with almost nothing to lose, it was an acceptable challenge. Before him on the coffee table sat his supplies. One plain white sheet of paper, an ink pen, a single candle and lighter, and a needle the Migisi mischievously picked up. Eyeing his pocket watch while she played with the needle in her beak. Its shiny exterior sparkling like a silver diamond but it was always attached to Cypher; she would have to think of a plan in order to snag it from him.

11:49pm - He lifted the glass to his lips. Letting the cool liquor run down his dry throat and hoping the faint buzz would help counter the deep emotional pain he was preparing to face. The ice inside clinged softly on the sides of the glass as he placed the empty drink on the table. Rising to his feet, he placed his arm down near where Migisi stood, "Come on." He motioned for her to get on his arm. Thrilled by the fact that he was offering her attention, she dropped the needle and happily crawled onto him. Her claws holding her firmly in place as they stuck to his shirt sleeve.

11:51pm - "That's a good girl," he praised while scratching her under her chin. The jackdaw cooed with pleasure until she found herself being placed inside the metal cage. Tchayk tchayk! She scolded as she grabbed onto the cage's door with her feet. Flapping her wings wildly in attempts to pull it open and gazing up at him with furious, sad eyes.

"It is for your own good, my dear," Cypher said while knelling down. Sprinkling a circle of salt around the base of the cage. "Hate me all you want; you will thank me later." He flipped his pocket watch open - 11:54pm.

Quickly, he rushed back into the living room where he stopped at the table. Cypher he wrote in cursive on the sheet of paper before retrieving the needle from the floor where it fell after Migisi let it go. He pressed the sharp point to his skin, pushing into himself. Blood oozed from the tiny wound; the flow stopping as he pressed it against the paper. (11:57pm. Not much time was left to prepare.) He light the single candle upon which he left setting on the coffee table. He stepped into the kitchen where he grabbed one of the dining chairs from the table. He sat it near the coffee table, facing the front door. 11:59pm. It was time.



Cypher stood before the front door. Making a fist, he lifted his hand to the wood and began to knock. Knock knock knock... he kept rhythm for the twenty-two knocks within the minute to summon the midnight man. Finishing the final knock directly as the grandfather clock in the living room chimed for the last time at midnight. A devious smirk embraced his lips as he backed away, allowing himself to fall into the kitchen chair. He leaned back and waited in the darkness. A few brief moments passed before the candle light flickered. A minute later, it blew out.





" Tch tch tchayk!," a familiar cry filled his ears but what was it...? He had heard it before but never in the asylum. " Tchayk tchayk!" It screeched again. The cries sounding like they in shock, striking Cypher with a stranger feeling of worry. While gasping for air he thought hard about where the source had come from, and then he remembered: Migisi. But what was she doing in a room filled with water and the sadistic doctor of his past? The idea made no sense to him but he lost his train of thought as she screamed once again. Confirming his suspicions that they were indeed cries for help.

"Migs!?" Cypher called out in return between his gasps. Adrenaline shot through him. Giving him an unusual sense of strength. He fought against the bonds as the water now almost covered him completely. Ignoring the doctor's commands to stop, he kept fighting. Something was wrong with Migisi and he had to get to her. "Do not worry, my dear, I'm coming for you!" He managed to break lose upon which he stood up. Instantly, the water disappeared. The room returned to normal and was completely dry as if it never happened. Dr. Hayes disappeared as well; not even the strangle marks were left on Cypher's neck. He was back in his living room; back in reality.

Still terrified and confused, he forced himself to run to the bedroom. There he could see a dark figure staring at the scared jackdaw in the shadows. It had a human-like body but was extremely thin and lengthy. It stood at the very edge of the salt circle, gazing at her with hungry red eyes. Migisi cawed madly, trying to chase it away as she flapped her wings violently behind the bars. The figured turned and faced Cypher when it realized he had entered the room. Glaring at him. It said nothing but only stared him down. Both out of anger and astonishment that he had managed to fight away the nightmare it had cursed him with. It remained motionless before disappearing into thin air, just as the pocket watch ticked away to 3:33am. Leaving the pair alone in the dark.

Turning quickly, Cypher turned on the bedroom light and hurried to Migisi. The moment he opened the cage door, she flew out and flew directly to his shoulder. Her feathers were a rustled mess as the tiny bird shook violently from the shock of seeing the midnight man herself. She pulled her wings in tightly around herself as she cuddled into the nape of Cypher's neck, taking refuge beneath his shirt collar. "Shh... Easy now," he whispered to her as he gently titled his head in her direction. Somewhat resting it upon her as she snuggled into him. He rose his hand around her, attempting to simulate a hug as he stroke her back to calm her.

There the two remained comforting each other. Even though she was just a bird, having another there with him helped ease him. It was nice to not be alone, but it was even nicer to feel a sense of being needed and wanted.