A/N: Hey guys! Third chapter is up! The next chapter will most probably be the last one, and if you guys really follow the series in all facets, you may be able to figure out exactly what the tribute could be ;) Any guesses?
"So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company today?"
Both Zaden and Dawn shifted uncomfortably in their seats as the young woman looked between them, a warm smile on her face. Zaden decided that it would be better if they were blunt and straight to the point, so he said hesitantly,
"We wanted to come see you because of what happened to your daughter at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza a couple of weeks ago." As soon as he mentioned the name of the restaurant, she stiffened and her smile faded. She looked away pointedly and both Dawn and Zaden looked down. The silence grew more voluminous with every passing second, and Dawn was about to say something when a voice said, "Her name was Cynthia." Both of them turned around to see a young man with a curiously sad expression on his face. Zaden and Dawn watched as he walked around them and pulled up a chair, sitting opposite to the young couple. "What did you want to come here to talk about regarding her? Anything related to the trial?" Cynthia's mother looked at them with hopeful eyes, and Zaden had to look away. He couldn't stand the piercing gaze that was being directed at him. Dawn said, "Well…..it's nothing related to the trial or anything like that….we just came to say that we're sorry…." Dawn looked away, her eyes screwed shut. Zaden took a deep breath and said, "My mother just told me the story of what happened. I didn't know the details up till now." Cynthia's parents remained silent. Zaden continued, "Our school talent show is coming up. I'm going to pay tribute to all of the victims of the attack. So that's why I came here to ask you for a small favor….."
"Zaden, what exactly are you planning?"
Zaden looked at his girlfriend and grinned. "You'll find out, eventually. Right now we need to head to the next house." Dawn sighed and said, "I swear, if this is some half assed plan that you didn't think through, I am going to kill you." Zaden snorted and said, "Kill me? I mean, you could always try – but I'm not expecting much from the girl that hurt herself by trying to punch me." Dawn glared at her boyfriend and said in a shrill voice, "That was different! I wasn't REALLY trying to hurt you, which is why it backfired like it did." Zaden laughed and shook his head. "If you say so. Now, onto the next house." Zaden sped ahead of Dawn, leaving her in the dust. She grumbled and was about to accelerate herself when she noticed a piece of paper in front of her. Curious, she got off her bicycle and picked it up.
It's only a nightmare, and soon we'll be set free.
Recognizing Zaden's handwriting, she resolved to ask him about it later. Folding it and shoving it in her pocket, she got back on her cycle and sped to catch up to him.
"Well, that's the last house, isn't it?"
Dawn nodded. The pair had gone to 5 houses that were spaced at quite a distance from each other in the space of 45 minutes, so understandably, they were both very tired. The emotional toll it had taken on both of them didn't help either. Dawn had come close to breaking out into tears many times, but somehow she had held it all in. As they were getting their bikes to the main road, Dawn tapped Zaden on the shoulder and said, "So…what was the purpose of this, again?" Zaden sighed, and motioned for Dawn to sit on the sidewalk. Confused, she complied and Zaden started explaining.
"After I got home, I asked my mom for more details about the killings that took place at the restaurant. I thought that being a lawyer, she would know more about it. But what she told me rocked me to my core….it was unlike anything I've ever heard. They…they were children, Dawn! And they were murdered in horrible ways! I….I almost puked – it was awful." Zaden looked away, not wanting to meet Dawn's eyes. He took a deep breath and continued, "You were right before – the person who did this…he deserves to burn. He should be executed, but before he does, he should look into the eyes of each of the children's parents and see what kind of anguish he has caused them." Zaden's voice held venom that Dawn had never seen before. "The bastard should feel remorse and beg for forgiveness before his damn head is chopped off."
"Zaden…"
Zaden turned toward Dawn, to see her wide eyes staring at him with an expression akin to fear. He quickly realized what happened and shook his head. "Sorry about that – but what he did makes me so mad. Sometimes in order to beat monsters, one must abandon their humanity. Do you really think that this man deserves any form of humane treatment?" Dawn shook her head and said in a small voice, "No, and I agree – he should be punished for what he did, but to hear you say it with such venom and hatred….it's kind of scary." Zaden chuckled and reached for Dawn's hand. Grasping it warmly, he said in a gentle voice, "Sorry it frightened you – I guess I got carried away in the moment." Dawn smiled and nodded.
"Oh, by the way, what's this all about?"
Dawn reached into her pocket and pulled out the piece of paper that dropped earlier. Upon seeing it, Zaden's eyes widened and he frantically searched his pockets before groaning. "I knew these pockets weren't secure at all….(sigh) I'm gonna have to get a new jacket." He motioned for Dawn to give him the paper, and she handed it over. He said, "This…well…you could say that it's the cornerstone around which my entire plan revolves." He folded it up and kept it in his pocket before saying, "Trust me – you'll see more on the day of the talent show. And hey…thanks for coming with me. Honestly, I don't think I could have done this alone." Dawn chuckled and pulled him in for a kiss. Zaden was surprised, but kissed her back, nonetheless. They soon broke apart and Dawn said, "No problem, doofus. Now you'd better get going before your mom gets worried – it's already late and we have school tomorrow. Speaking of, my mom is probably already calling yours, so let's head back." Zaden nodded and the young couple sped off.
