Despite losing his skin, losing his humanity, and everything else he held dear, Dr Phosphorus never forgot. No, his memories clung to him where his flesh should be, haunting forces that wouldn’t leave him alone no matter what he did.

The Belle Reve Correctional Centre had been tough to escape from. The shock collar attached to him had been torture, sending high amounts of voltage through his system until he finally got through to the core, melting the repressing device clean off.

And now, there was the question of where he should hide.

Traversing through the woods was strangely peaceful. Birds fluttered through the trees, chirping and breathing sounds of life into the dense thicket. Crickets could be heard buzzing, stopping when Phosphorus stepped too close to the tiny insects.

The night provided good coverage, and the foliage even more so. He had no clue where he was headed, but it was away from the dreaded Belle Reve. And that was enough.

Tranquility didn’t last long in his life, however. A high-pitched wail brought him out of his reverie, breaking the serene silence that he was quickly adjusting to. Up ahead the birds quickly startled, fleeing from the source of the screech.

With a sigh, the skeleton parted the leaves. But what was in front of him startled the man.

A child.

A little one, so lost and alone in the harsh wilderness. He didn’t know how a child had gotten so far into the woods, nor why they where making such a cacophony, but he had to stop it.

His cover would be blown. That’s what he told himself. He didn’t care about this tiny thing, all alone and defenceless.

But try as he might, he was still a father, he still adored children. “Are you alright, kid?” His voice was gruff, but his outstretched hand told a different story.

Damn it. No matter how hard he tried, he was still soft-hearted for the youth.