"Hey Scott, where's Kim?"

I looked up from my guitar, a confused look on my face. I didn't really hear what Stephen was asking. That was probably because I was paying more attention to the riff I was playing than to him.

"Wha?"

He rolled his eyes, repeating his question.

"Where is Kim? She was supposed to be here already."

"You mean she isn't here yet?"

Stephen sighed, rubbing at his face in frustration.

"Yes, Scott. Why would I be asking where she is if she were here?"

I shrugged, continuing to play.

"Aren't you at least a little bit concerned?"

"Not really. She's probably just running late or something. She might still be upset over that fight we had yesterday."

"Its not like her to be late."

I started playing louder, purposely trying to tick him off. After a few minutes, I glanced back up at him. He stood there glaring at me, his arms crossed.

"Are you done?" he asked, obviously annoyed.

"Maybe."

"Whatever, Scott. Wait 'till I tell Kim you don't care about her."

"I'm sure she'll be here soon. You're making a big deal over something stupid."

"You'd better hope you're right."

Three hours had passed, and still no Kim. Now I was starting to worry. Kim wasn't late often, and when she was, it was only by a few minutes.

"Do you think she's alright?"

Stephen shot me an exasperated look.

"Oh, now you give a shit? Three hours later?"

"Do you think we should go look for her or something?" Young Neil asked from his spot on the couch.

We had almost forgotten he was there, since he hasn't said anything until now.

"No, maybe she doesn't want to be found. She might want to be left alone or something."

"Well, I'm going home. Let me know if you guys hear from her," I said, grabbing my parka and slipping it on.

"We will."

The walk back home was awful, the cold air and icy snow whipping against my face. It stung like a million wasps. I've never actually been stung by one, but I'm guessing this is what it would feel like.

By the rime I got home, I was so numb I couldn't get my keys out, since I couldn't feel my arms. That's when I notice a piece of paper taped to my door. It had my name on it, written in black ink. I took it off of the door, unfolding it, and began to read.

Scott Pilgrim,

Hey buddy, how's it going? Its been quite a while hasn't it? A year, right? Anyway, I just thought that you'd find this interesting. You see, I was casually taking a walk around town, and 'accidentally' ran into your little redheaded friend (you know, that hot drummer of yours). Aw, what the hell, might as well cut to the chase.

I kidnapped your drummer, (an evil plot of mine), and if you want her back unharmed, come to The address printed below. Oh, and don't bring anyone with you, or the hottie gets it. See you soon.

Sincerely,

Gideon Graves

What?! That asshole is back?! And he took Kim! How the hell? I kicked his ass! He turned into like a million coins!

I had no time to wonder about those things though. I had to get Kim back. I swear if he hurt her...

I wasted no time, crumpling up the note and shoving it in my pocket, running in the direction of the address. I just hope I'm not too late, who knows what horrible things he might be doing to Kim.