Hello, readers. This is my first story ever so all reviews and constructive criticism are welcomed.

Disclaimer: I do not own Corpse Party.

And now please enjoy

Escaping the Nehan

Chapter 01

I stand in horror as I stare down at his eyes. His dead grey eyes, which were once filled with determination, are now empty. I collapse next to his head, whimpers escaping my lips. I scream. Why? Why is this happening to us? I just wanted to have a fun time with my friends. But, now we're lost, trapped in this hell. Now, we're all going to die.

It all started at the end of school…. A flood of people rushed out the entrance. Conversations wafted toward me. I looked around the mass crowd. I had planned out a little hang out with all my friends. Jeez, where are they? I scanned the people again. The wind blew now, making my flaming mane of curls wave crazily. I sighed ignoring it. I've had sixteen years of getting used to my curly hair.

"Briella!"

I turned around to see one of my friends.

"Erin!" I called out.

As we closed the distance between us, I stood on my tip toes to give him a sweet peck on the lips. Erin Lauren and I have been dating for about six months now. We've known each longer than that though. We met in third grade and have been best friends ever since. Of course, now we're closer than friends.

"Have you seen the others?" I asked.

"No. I thought they'd be with you," Erin answered.

"Oh," I pouted, "they're supposed to be here. Did they forget about our plans?"

"I'm sure we can find them. Lenny and Joel might be at the basketball court."

"Yeah, let's go check."

We walked around the back to the basketball courts. Sure enough, we found the two boys.

"They're getting better," Erin noticed.

"For someone who's short, Joel is pretty good," I commented.

Erin chuckled, "I agree. Just don't let him hear you call him short."

"But it's true!"

That got him laughing. Lenny Higgins and Joel Kim are best friends. And I meant best friends. They've been best friends since kindergarten. I've never seen one without the other. Honestly, they're inseparable. I met them at middle school and we became good friends. Lenny is pretty popular for his extremely good humor. He always knows how to make a person laugh. Although, he does have a um… foul mouth, especially when he gets excited or scared. Joel is a lot like Lenny, funny and all, but a little more serious. He is shorter than most guys. About five foot one, I think. Everyone likes to tease him about it. His reactions are always hilarious.

"Hey! Lenny! Joel!" Erin yelled.

Both boys turned to see us.

"Yo, what's up!" Lenny greeted.

"Hey!" Joel waved.

We walked over to them. "Did you guys forget about our plans?" I reminded them.

"No, we just wanted to cool off a little with a game," Lenny confessed.

"Want to play?" Joel invited with a smile.

"No, I'm fine." "I'm good." Erin and I answered at the same time.

"Well, we have to go find Marie and Shelley," Erin said.

"They're not with you guys?" Joel asked.

I looked between the two boys, "Nope, that's why we need you two to help us."

"Okay. I need to stop by my locker though. Need to get my sweatshirt," Lenny explained.

I smiled, "Fine by me!"

We went together to the entrance of the school.

"Oh, hey Briella! Where are we going?" Joel asked.

"Well, I didn't really plan out anything too complicated. That's for winter break. So, we're just going to Starbucks then the mall."

"Oh. My. God. Starbucks! No way!" Lenny said sarcastically.

"I know right!" Joel joined with an equally sarcastic voice.

"Oh, my God. Girlfriend. We should like totally go to Starbucks and like buy everything," Lenny imitated a valley girl accent.

"I like totally agree," Joel copied his best friend while he twirled invisible hair.

"I know right! I have the best ideas ever."

"Oh, my God Britney. My brain just like totally exploded. What if we went to Starbucks AND Chipotle."

"Oh. My. God. Stacy. That is THE BEST idea ever."

"Of course it is."

"You know that's actually a really good idea," I cutted in.

"Oh my God!" Both boys shouted.

By now Erin was laughing so hard he was gasping.

"We were kidding!" Joel screeched.

"Still a good idea."

"I can't believe you. Are you serious?" Lenny asked.

"Dead serious."

We entered the school building.

"Okay, we'll go to our lockers, get some things, and put away some stuff then meet you up at the front," Lenny said as he and Joel walked toward their lockers.

"And help us find Marie and Shelley!" I called out.

"Got it!" Joel gave me a thumbs up.

I smiled, "Those two."

Erin chuckled, "Always laughing and joking around," he thought for a moment, "Do you want to put away our backpacks? We might as well since we're here."

"Sure."

We both went to our lockers.

I wondered aloud, "Is it going to rain?" Dark grey clouds had started to cover the sky. It was worrying me a little.

"I'm sure it won't," Erin assured.

"Hhm… okay."

I took out my jacket just in case then put my backpack in my locker.

Once I closed my locker I looked over my shoulder. Across the hallway I saw a familiar black ponytail swing back and forth, it's owner going around the corner.

"Hey! Wait up!" I shouted. I ran to catch up to the person.

"Briella!" Erin followed.

Huffing and puffing, I reached the corner.

"Briella? Where have you've been? I've been looking for you. And why do you look like you just ran a marathon?" The girl looked up and down at me with her hazel eyes.

I puffed, "I, oh I got to work out more."

"Marie. Oh, it's you. We've been looking for you," Erin greeted our friend.

"How, are you not, tired?" I huffed out.

"You're right. You got to work out," Marie patted my back. "We're still hanging out, right?"

"Yup," answered Erin.

"Okay, let's go."

Marie walked away. Erin followed while I groaned and walked behind.

Marie Francis is considered the most cynical and sarcastic person in our class. I mean, sure she can be harsh sometimes and she can be really blunt, but she's super nice once you get to know her.

Marie looked at us, "Where's everyone else?"

"Lenny and Joel went to put their things away. We're still looking for Shelley," Erin told her.

She nodded, then glanced back at me. "Seriously, Briella. What happened?"

"Nothing. I just ran across the hall to catch up to you," I wheezed out.

"You really need to start working out," Marie muttered.

"I know."

We reached the front doors. A girl with straight black hair and a brown backpack was just leaving.

"Hey, Shelley! Where are you going?!" I called out.

The girl turned around, the kind and gentle smile playing on her lips.

Shelley Cooper was the nicest girl in our class. Her gentle and kind smile always eased people. She would be really popular for that and her looks, if people didn't think she was weird. At random times she would stare at nothing without even blinking. She was even caught talking to herself. But, she's still really nice and caring. I couldn't resist but to become friends with her.

Shelley smiled, "Hi, Briella, Marie, and Erin."

Erin and Marie greeted her.

"Are you going somewhere? We're about to go now," I said.

A confused look crossed her face. "Going where?"

"Don't tell me you forgot," I whined, "Our hang out."

Shelley gasped, "Oh no! That's today? I totally forgot. I'm so sorry."

I giggled, "That's okay. You can put your backpack away."

"We're waiting for Lenny and Joel anyway," Erin added.

"Oh, but," She hesitated.

"But?" I asked when she paused.

"But, I promised my little brother I would help him with his homework today," She sighed, a worried look replacing her confusion, "Although, I could just call him and tell him I'll be a little late."

"A little? You might as well just tell him you'll be out for two hours or something. Not a little while," Marie told her.

"Yeah, you're right. I'll be right back," Shelley stepped outside taking out her phone.

I turned to Marie and Erin. "Well, now we're just waiting for Joel and Lenny. Again."

"No need for waiting," Lenny and Joel walked toward us from the right hallway. When they were near us they both posed, fist on their hips and backs against each other.

"The kings have arrived," Joel announced.

"Kings of stupidity," Marie countered.

Erin and I snorted.

"Oh, that's cruel," Lenny said.

Shelley stepped back inside, "Okay, I called him."

"Great," I smiled, "Do you want to put away your backpack, Shelley?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Well, okay. If you say so. Okay, looks like everyone's here. Let's go!"

"Oh my God," Lenny started.

"It's Starbucks and Chipotle time!" both Lenny and Joel screamed.

Our laughter buzzed in my ears as we set out for a great time.

Two hours later it started to rain. We all had to run back to school so we weren't completely drenched. It also helped that Marie, Shelley, and Joel had brought their umbrellas. By the time we got back to school, I was panting.

"Jeez, Briella. It was only a few blocks," Joel stated.

"Just a few blocks?!" I said in between pants.

Erin chuckled, "Come on, Briella. It wasn't that far."

"Easy for you to say! You're a track star!"

"I wouldn't say I'm a track star."

"Says the guy who won four medals in the state competitions," Marie muttered.

"Um, guys," Shelley smiled apologetically, "I kinda have to go home now. They don't like it when I'm out too late."

"Wait!" I said before she can go. "I have a surprise for all of you. Meet me near the staircase."

I ran toward my locker, leaving my friends standing there puzzled. I grabbed my backpack and the bag holding my "surprise." Once I had everything in my grasp I ran to the staircase, passing Erin heading to his locker.

"Don't leave yet!" I yelled over my shoulder as we crossed paths.

I pulled out my essential little details near the stairs. While none of my friends were here, I hurriedly prepared the "surprise". A set of footsteps came closer. I smiled to myself. This is going to be good.

"What are you doing?" Joel asked cautiously.

A set of white little candles stood together right next to the stairs. I wanted to bring the mood so I brought some candles. The lights were off in this area and the clouds helped it appear darker. The rain pattered on the windows. It felt eerie and that's just what I wanted. I smiled at them.

"Oh no, what are you planning?" he griped.

Shelley stood next to Joel. "I should have gone home."

A head popped up behind them. Lenny took a look around. Then walked away.

"Lenny!" I cried after him. I jogged to him as he power walked away from the staircase. Joel and Shelley stayed where they were, uncertain looks on their faces. We passed Marie and Erin as I continued to go after him.

"Hey! Lenny! Come on!" I said when I'm right behind him.

He turned around to face me. "I am not doing anything scary. You know I don't like scary things, Briella. You know I don't!"

I roll my eyes. "It's not scary."

He stared at me, not looking convinced at all.

"It's not!" I sighed, "Just get back over there!"

He rose his hands in the air. "Okay! Damn! No need to get snappy."

We walked back together, Lenny muttering the whole time. Everyone else was there talking quietly to each other. When we got back all conversation stopped.

"What're we doing?" Marie asked curiously.

I smiled widely and took it out, a cut out paper doll. "This here, is called 'The Sachiko Ever After'. It's a charm I found on the internet. We each say, "Sachiko, we beg of you," six times. One for each participant. Then we grab a hold of this doll and pull on it until it rips into six equal parts. It's supposed to symbolize how one group of friends will always stay best friends forever, or something like that."

"You do know that if you do some charms incorrectly you can become cursed?" Shelley mentioned.

"Hold up, what?" Lenny looked at Shelley with wide eyes.

"Briella, is there any curses associated with the charm?" Erin asked.

I stayed silent.

"Briella, why aren't you answering?" Lenny squeaked.

"Well…" I drawled.

Marie sighed, "Oh no."

"There might have been something about being spirited away to a haunted school, BUT…"

"Oh my God," Lenny said before I could continue.

"But it's just a rumor. Curses aren't actually real," I continued.

"You know what. Fuck this," Lenny turned around and started walking away.

"Lenny!"

He didn't look back.

"Lenny!"

He still didn't turn around. I went after him.

"Lenny, come on! It's just a rumor."

He finally turned around. "Just a rumor? What if it's real? What if we all end up going to a haunted school and dying the most gruesome deaths?! Man, I do not want to die now! And I DO NOT want to be spirited away to some haunted creepy school. Naw aw. No, thank you."

"Lenny, it's not real. I mean, how could people now about the charm being cursed if they haven't been to the school. I mean, I highly doubt anyone would actually survive a haunted school. Plus, the directions are easy. All you have to do is do the charm correctly."

Lenny stared at me, doubt gleaned his eyes.

He groaned, "Fine."

We both walked back to our group. Lenny stood in between Joel and Marie, his back slouched.

"No one fuck this up," He said pointing a finger to everyone.

"I don't know about this, Briella," Shelley hesitantly said.

"Yeah, seems kinda sketchy to me," Marie agreed.

"Come on, guys. Please," I begged.

I held out the doll, waiting for them to join. Erin grabbed the left arm. I smiled gratefully at him. Joel took the middle while Marie took the right arm. Expecting them to take the doll, I looked over at Lenny and Shelley. Lenny reluctantly seized the right leg.

"I swear by God, if we get stuck in some kind of haunted place, you are not going to hear the end of this," Lenny warned.

I giggled. I stared at Shelley.

She had her hands clasped in front of her. "I really don't think this is a good idea, guys."

Our eyes meet. Her eyes were black as midnight. Mine a green forest. I'm sure it reflected my excitement. Oh, how I wish I could take back what I said. What I did.

"It's just a charm. What could happen?" I said.

"Bruh!" Joel and Lenny shouted simultaneously.
"Do you know what you just did?!" Lenny gaped at me.

"You just jinxed it!" Joel answered.

"What?" Marie asked.

"Everyone knows something always happens after someone says that," Lenny explained. He looked like he was going to have a heart attack.

"Oh, would you two babies calm down," Marie snapped.

"Calm down. I will not-"

"Shh," Erin hushed.

I looked back at Shelley, silently begging her to do it. I wanted to have a fun time with my friends. That's all I wanted.

With hesitance in her eyes, she took the left leg. I squealed and smiled at her. I would have hugged her, but I was holding the head.

"Thank you guys. This really means a lot," I told them.

I looked around at my group of friends. They all smiled back at me. They were my friends. They always had my back.

"You guys remember how to do it?" I asked.

They all nodded, muttered, or said yes.

"Okay." I took a deep breath. "Ready, set, go."

Careful not to stumble, I silently said the words in my head. I looked up when I was done.

"You guys done?"

They all nodded.

"Okay. On the count of three, we'll all pull on the doll. One. Two. Three!"

We pulled on the doll. The sound of tearing paper echoed in the empty opening. I waited, as if I expected something to pop out of the darkness. Few seconds passed by, none of us saying anything. Nothing happened.

I laughed nervously. "See, nothing. Now you can relax, Lenny."

"Oh, thank God. Just so you know," Lenny addressed me, "I am not doing that ever again. Or anything like that."

Joel laughed and bumped his elbow to Shelley. "I think you should stop playing those horror games for a while."

He laughed again as Shelley's pale face turned red.

"Well, I have to go. Still have to finish that project." Marie waves at us and is about to exit the staircase area. Then…

The floor jerked. "Huh? Did you feel that?" I asked.

Before anyone could answer it started to move. I fell off my feet with a yelp. The vases of flowers on the shelves started to fall off. Glass shattered as the earth continued to shake. I knew exactly what this was.

"EARTHQUAKE!" Joel screeched.

I screamed as another vase toppled over, almost hitting me. Erin grabbed my hand and dragged me up the stairs. "Everyone! Over here!" Erin shouted over the crashes. A crack was the only warning we got before the window above us broke. Marie and I shrieked as glass showered us. Lenny and Joel got Marie and Shelley and lead them to the stairs. Another window broke and the glass showered us once again. Marie and I screamed while Shelley trembled in fear as the boys covered us from the falling glass.

"This, this is really big!" Lenny yelled.

The stairs were shaking violently, practically throwing us around. We held the railings for dear life. The floors creaked. A crack appeared on the floor. It slowly grew longer making it's way across the floor.

"That can't be good." Marie said over the rumbling and crashing. The crack stopped growing. I tried to steady my breath. A loud creaking noise boomed from under us. And then, there was no floor, no stairs holding us. Underneath us was blackness, emptiness, nothing.

"Ah- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

We all fell. Into the unknown darkness, unsure where it would lead us. I watched as Lenny and Joel fell in front of me, struggling to find something to grab. I heard Marie and Shelley's screams from behind. I involuntarily reached for Erin. I strained for his hand, while he did the same. My fingers were hurting me. What was happening? What's going on? I felt Erin's hand wrapped around mine. The world turned black. There was nothing. Just darkness.