Jessica's POV - no fate but what we make

As you stand there in shock, the magnitude of it all just sinks in. From what you understand, Jimmy somehow became you by wearing your skin and somehow David got involved. Evidently, this wasn't all that uncommon because another person also ended up wearing you as well and even took a bunch of photos to prove it. As it sunk in, you finally felt the chilliness of being naked and you quickly got dressed in whatever you got your hands on first. You sat on your bed and finally begun the video.

Your face appeared with a stern expression plastered all over it. It was like looking into a mirror but there was something about the expression that you'd never seen or made before. It was far more stoic and weary than your usual self.

"Jessica," your face on the screen said, "If you're listening to this, it means you're finally starting to believe me or your curiosity got the better of you. Either way, I've got your attention and that's all that matters. I need you to go to the place where you hide your diary. Pause the video and go look."

You put down the phone, get up and then pull out the bottom drawer on your desk. But you don't stop there, you pull the entire drawer out from the slot and find your diary and a set of pens next to it which you've never seen before. You take the pens and then replace the drawer back into your desk and continue the video.

"You're probably wondering how I knew where your diary was. Well the simple answer is those pens. One of them allowed me to turn you into a skin and wear you like a disguise. Another one of them gave me your memories; everything from your crushes, feelings, hopes and dreams, I know them all. But don't worry, I only needed to find a place which only you knew. Somewhere safe in case someone wore you before you regained consciousness. I have little interest in your memories or what you know; I only care about saving you."

You shake your head in disbelief; your golden hair swaying gently. You wonder what this person's motive was. First they wear you, then they claim to want to save you. And then they give you these pen things which seem unbelievably powerful. Right now, you have no idea what to think or who to trust.

"There's a strange occurrence in this universe; in every alternate reality, there are only really two common threads. There's the existence of the Costume set, C-set for short, which I've just given you. And you. You are a common thread to every reality in this universe. But the unfortunate thing is, you are never you in any given reality. The C-set is a powerful thing. It's an absolute power and absolute power corrupts absolutely. For some reason, people who possess the C-set are drawn to use it on you. To become you. Permanently or temporarily, but there's almost always someone inside you who shouldn't be. I want to fix that. I want you to stop being a common thread."

The Jessica in the video looks like she's ready to cry. There's this downcast look to her which looks absolutely miserable and pitiable at the same time. If she were in the same room, you'd have an incredible urge to just give her a big hug. She wipes at her eyes and continues.

"I've been following an individual through many realities. This person has been corrupting every reality that I come across and is always one step ahead of me. I've tried recruiting the David's of these realities to help me but it never seems to have any effect. This time, they got to David first so I want to try something else. I'm asking you Jessica to help me. I'm betting that this time, your assistance might finally be able to turn the tides.

If you're willing, I want you to use the yellow pen. It's a special pen I've modified which should make it a lot harder for someone to wear you. Remember of course, that you're still a target. But the effects of this pen will mean that you get a sort of one time shield. Anyone who tries to zap you with the black pen will experience a feedback pulse which will stun them momentarily. You will turn into a skin if they shoot you a second or third time but it'll give you that slight advantage over your opponents. The choice is up to you. As I said earlier, I'll be in contact either way."

The video ends there and you sit there reeling from that lengthy explanation. It's all very hard to believe but the evidence is overwhelmingly in their favour. It'd be stupid of you not to believe it. You could choose to take it safe and figure out what all the pens do before heading out or you could rush out after David.