Eternal
The empty clicking of fingers upon keys reverberated throughout the heavy silence of the laboratory. A middle-aged man with unruly brown hair, coal-black eyes, and loose, baggy clothing sat calmly at a computer desk, a multitude of monitors and electronic equipment surrounding him. A low growling came from the back of the room.
"Hungry, boy?" the man chuckled. More growling was the only response he got. "Don't worry, you'll get to have your fun soon enough. I'm sure they'll come for you after all." More growling.
The man resumed his typing, sighing in appreciation as he completed his work.
"This outta work, I've copied the DNA patterns down to the finest hair. I'm sure your friends'll make fine subjects." The growling stopped, replaced with soft whines.
"Oh it's alright boy, they'll be in good hands. Just look at yourself!" From the shadows came a humanoid figure. It growled, revealing itself fully. It looked mostly human, a mop of unruly cinnamon brown hair and warm, chocolate brown eyes. A pair of goggles sat on its head. But extending from its hair were two pointed blue ears. A lithe blue tail trailed behind it. There were yellow marks, almost scar-like, ripping across its face.
"My masterpiece. You are very lucky, little one, to have been chosen for such a successful experiment." The creature flexed the long white claws adorning its hands and stared at the man in anger. It pulled fruitlessly at the chains bolting it to the wall.
"GGgrrghhHH…" the creature tried to speak, letting out only a trail of snarls instead. It blinked sadly, staring at its own claws.
"It's for the benefit of science." The man grinned. The boy only looked on sorrowfully, realizing the rest of its life was abolished…
"Has anyone seen Daisuke recently?" Miyako had called the team together to discuss Daisuke's absence as of late.
"No, actually. He's never missed a soccer practice in his life, but he wasn't there for the last two." Ken inquired, scratching the back of his head thoughtfully. Miyako absently noticed the fact the Iori was squirming uncomfortably being so close to Ken.
"Iori, come sit next to me." Miyako offered. Iori nodded gratefully and went to sit cross-legged next to Miyako on her bed. "This is a bit odd isn't it? No one's seen him; I tried to call his house but no one answered. Should we try going over there? Maybe he's sick or something?"
Takeru nodded. "That sounds like a good idea… I haven't heard from him either."
"Let's go then!" Hikari said, pumping her fist in the air. Miyako smiled.
"Okay, let's go. It isn't that late anyway."
Knock knock.
Mrs. Motomiya stopped abruptly. She left her rice to cook, and went to answer the door.
"Hello? Daisuke? Is that you sweetie?" the woman looked slightly disappointed to see the five children that were on the other side of the door. "Are you looking for Daisuke…?"
"Is that my 'Suke?" Mr. Motomiya came rushing from his study.
"No darling, its Daisuke's friends." Mrs. Motomiya answered, frowning softly.
"Oh. Hey kids! You seen 'Suke at all?" Mr. Motomiya obviously struggled to retain his cheery attitude.
"That's what we were going to ask you." Hikari answered.
Mr. Motomiya dropped the happy smile and let a troubled expression plaster itself on his face.
"I see." Miyako frowned at this.
"I'm sorry Mr. Motomiya." Iori whimpered, hugging himself helplessly.
"It's not your fault, Iori." Mrs. Motomiya comforted, resting a hand on Iori's shoulder. Iori smiled softly.
"I… I guess we'll just go then. There really isn't much else we can do." Miyako breathed, looking at her feet. Mr. and Mrs. Motomiya nodded, and the children left.
"Iori, are you fine going home by yourself? Your house is only a block away." Miyako glanced at the young boy next to her. "I can go with you if you want. It is starting to get dark now."
"I'm okay Miyako-san." Iori smiled at her, and then broke off in a run towards his home.
CLANG CLANG
Iori looked up, seeing the lid of a garbage can in a dark alley fall to the ground. What could have pushed it? It was probably just a stray cat, but Iori couldn't entirely extinguish his curiosity. Slowly, he crept towards the can; it was dark enough so that he couldn't see beyond it. Once he reached it, he quickly glanced behind it.
Nothing.
Iori shrugged and turned away, beginning to walk back to the sidewalk. A cold hand clamped itself over his mouth and nose, and an arm snaked around his middle. Desperately, Iori writhed against the person's grip, pulling at the hand covering his face, before finally running out of breath and falling unconscious.