Yeah that's right I'm updating already :D I owe it to you guys. Hope you enjoy!! Xx
- - - -
Daichi closed his eyes and tried to keep his breathing as steady as possible, though he could feel his racing heart beating against his chest like it were a terrified creature trying to escape. He tried to block the sounds of the room out, though nothing could stop the tortured screams and sinister laughter from reverberating through his ears. Sitting in front of him was the American transfer student Priscilla Deen, her long silky hair now limp and heavy with the weight of fresh blood and salty tears. Omen circled her like a lion, tormenting his prey and playing with her, waiting for the moment when he would draw that blade across her for the final time and put an end to her suffering.
Daichi flinched as she screamed again and Omen's low laughter followed, though there was something different in his laugh. Daichi opened his eye slightly and looked to the murderers face. Omen watched Priscilla with disgust.
"Does it hurt Priscilla?" he asked coldly, "I want you to suffer the way you made my Kyata suffer. Calling her a liar, a freak… How dare you."
He slashed her across the back of her shoulders and ignored the ensuing shriek.
"Kyata is fragile," Omen said quietly, "She is like my flower, and every nasty thing you ever said to her…"
Daichi saw Omen's hand trembling with rage as the words seethed through his clenched teeth.
"Every time you ever hurt her…"
Omen stopped in front of Priscilla who looked up at him through glassy, blood shot eyes.
"It killed her, little by little," Omen suddenly slammed his knife down through her wrist in into the wooden arm of the chair, "Now you're paying for it!"
"STOP!" Drake suddenly shouted from beside Daichi, his voice carrying over Priscilla's agonised cries, "Stop it Omen! She's suffered enough! Leave her alone!"
Omen pulled his knife out of her wrist and turned slowly to look at Drake, who stared back at him defiantly with the strip of duct tape which had been covering his mouth half dangling off his cheek. Omen smiled, his eyes darkened.
"Very well then, if that's what you want Drake."
Omen spun around and flicked his dagger at Priscilla, burying it to the hilt right between the eyes. She stared into space, her eyes veiled in death.
"NO!" Drake yelled but he knew it was too late for her.
Daichi could not fake consciousness any longer. He stared wide eyed at the corpse in front of him then to Omen who unceremoniously wrenched his dagger out of the girls head. Something in Daichi squirmed and he was suddenly taken by an uncontrollable rage.
"You sick son of a bitch!" he yelled, "How?! How could you… you be so cruel?!"
Omen raised an eyebrow at the child and smirked, "Cruel? You think that was me being cruel? Oh no little Daichi, no that wasn't cruel. You haven't seen me be cruel yet, but you will."
- - - -
Max quickly pulled his phone out of his pocket, though his hopes were dashed when it was Kai's name that came up on the caller ID instead of Shana. He sighed and answered his phone, resting his head on his pillow back in his own house.
"Kai, I just need some time to clear my head."
"It's Hilary, Max. I heard that Shana left. Don't worry, when this is all over, she'll come back. It'll be fine."
Max smiled, "Thanks Hil."
"Anytime. Oh, Max, do you know where Daichi might be? We figured he was probably with his friends but school is over now and we still can't find him."
"Did he even go to school today?" Max asked, sitting up a little on his bed.
"I think so," Hilary replied, "One sec… Oh my god… Tyson just remembered that Daichi left a note this morning saying he will be hanging out with a new friend all day today and will probably be late home."
Max laughed, hearing Tyson's sheepish apologies in the background, "Alright then, I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"Bye Max."
Max turned his phone off and set it on his bedside table beside a photo of him and Shana. He stared at it for a moment and sighed.
"I guess you and your parents drove there," he whispered, "If you caught a plane, you would have called me by now."
- - - -
The dark room was barely lit with the orange glare of the dying street light which filtered in through the thin curtains. The only thing that moved in the dark room was the pair under the cover of the blankets, shifting slowly and tenderly around each other and locked in the beginnings of a passionate tango. Hilary kissed Kai's neck gently and lay back on his pillow as he leaned over her, using his fingers to gently brush stray hairs from her soft face. She smiled and cupped his cheek in her hand, feeling her own heart melt as he pushed into her palm, like a cat craving the gentle strokes of his master.
"Kai…" Hilary whispered, feeling the heat building between their bodies, "I love you."
He smiled gently and leaned down, kissing her on the lips then trailing down along her neck. Hilary felt her skin tingle as he breathed into her ear.
"I love you too Hilary."
Hilary grinned and arched her back as Kai's hand travelled down along her side, though their romance was spoiled by the harsh ring of Kai's mobile phone which sounded from the other room. Hilary felt a spark of irritation and knew that Kai felt the same way.
"Leave it," he whispered.
Hilary smiled and half gasped when Kai's hand stroked the inside of her thighs. He grinned at her mischievously though it disappeared when they heard his phone start to ring again. Hilary sighed and put her hands on his shoulders.
"Go on," she said with a smile, "Go get it."
Kai looked at her for a moment before cursing vehemently and climbing out of his bed. Hilary watched him leave the room in nothing but his shorts and also climbed out of bed, instantly going to her school back and raiding it with a smirk.
Kai entered the kitchen and picked up his phone, his tone a little more harsh than usual.
"Who is it and this had better be good."
"Kai, that's no way to talk to an old friend now is it?"
Kai hesitated a moment before the voice registered to him, "Bryan?"
"Hello to you too."
"Bryan… What happened to you?" Kai asked, "I lost contact with you and Spencer months ago… Is he with you?"
"Yeah, he's here. You know, we like to explore and such. Anyway, this isn't a social call Kai."
"I never thought it was," Kai said with a thin smile, "You have never called me just to chat before."
"Ha ha, yeah, well that's me. Tomorrow night, you and Tala come to the park. You know the one I'm talking about. Bring Tala with you. This is important."
"Wait, Bryan, what is this about?"
"Tomorrow," Bryan repeated, "Ten o'clock."
The connection was lost and Kai stared at his phone, his expression hard as confusion washed over him.
"Kai…"
Kai looked up and felt as though his mind suddenly went blank. Hilary smiled at him, standing against the wall in skimpy, red see-through lingerie. She walked up to him and pushed him down into one of the kitchen chairs before climbing gracefully onto his lap. Kai smiled at her and looked at the outfit.
"What's all this?" He asked quietly, toying with the red ribbon tied around her neck.
"Just relax," she whispered, "I don't want you to worry about anything. Tonight, it's just you and me."
- - - -
Tyson groaned as the unforgiving sun hit his eyes through the window and the sound of computer generated mayhem reached his ears. He sat up groggily, his PS3 remote falling from his chest as realisation reached him. It was Friday morning and he had fallen to sleep playing God of War. He rubbed his head wearily and looked at his watch before standing up and heading down the hallway. He yawned again and banged his fist against the door to Daichi's room, assuming he had come back home while Tyson had been playing games.
"Daichi, get up." He called, "We have to go to school…"
There was no reply from inside the room. Tyson banged his fist on the door again before sliding it open.
"Daichi! Come on man, wake up."
Tyson blinked and noticed that the room was void of all life. Nothing had moved since the previous day, not even the bed sheets or the blanket.
"Daichi?" Tyson asked nervously.
- - - -
Ray held Mariah's hand tightly as they walked towards school. He could feel his insides twisting uncomfortably and the dark yet familiar sense of despair floating through his stomach. Mariah felt the same way as they walked through the barren streets.
"Ray," she whispered, "This town is a death trap."
"I know," he replied, "We'll stay for the memorial party tonight then we'll head back to China straight after. I refuse to let you stay here another day."
Mariah smiled a little and squeezed Ray's hand.
"I know how to handle myself Ray. You shouldn't worry so much."
- - - -
Tyson tore through his bag, cursing when he could not find his phone. He looked around his house, his mind racing and preventing him from thinking straight. He sprinted into the kitchen and seized the house phone, dialling Daichi's number and pressing his ear to the phone. There was no ringing, only a female voice.
"Sorry. The phone you are trying to call is either turned off, or disconnected. Please hang up, and try again later."
Tyson slammed the phone down, cursing angrily even as he slipped his shoes on. He ran through the house and out the front door, heading straight for the school where he knew Kai would be. He could feel his eyes stinging as guilt started to infiltrate his core. Why hadn't he called Daichi that night? Why was Daichi's phone turned off? Where could Daichi be? Why didn't he start looking earlier?
"Daichi…" Tyson whispered as he sped around the corner, "I'll find you…"
- - - -
Daichi watched the door to the stark room intently, waiting for the moment when Omen would walk in. He sat in his chair quietly, wiggling his wrists around and using his own blood like oil to slip out of the duct tape. He bit his bottom lip as his hand slid free.
"I'm out," he whispered to Drake who was working on his own bonds.
"Help me out," Drake whispered back, "My hands are bigger than yours, I can't get out of this tape…"
"One sec…" Daichi replied as he tore the tape off his legs and ankles.
He slid off the chair, his legs stinging and wobbly from lack of use. He gritted his teeth and staggered towards Drake, immediately setting to work on his bonds. His small fingers slipped over the bloodied tape but he was finally able to rip it off. Drake pulled his arms free with a triumphant smirk and looked back to Daichi, patting him on the shoulder.
"Good work mate!" He pulled off the tape binding his legs and stretched his limbs, "Alright, let's get the hell out of here…"
Daichi nodded and ran over to the door, taking the handle and pulling it open as slowly and quietly as he possibly could. Drake looked over Priscilla's body pityingly before turning back towards Daichi.
"The second we are out of here we have to call the police," he whispered.
"Fat lot of good that will do us…" Daichi whispered as he slipped out into the cold, concrete hallway. "Omen won't go down to police… Hell, they don't even register to him."
"Maybe they'll register when he's locked in jail and is forced to be someone else's bitch?" The idea made Drake grin nastily.
Daichi however, remained as focussed as ever.
"You can't lock up the devil," he said quietly, "Come on, this way."
Daichi ran down the hallway with Drake on his heels. Splatters and streaks of human blood decorated the walls, flashing in the visions of the two escapees and causing their hearts to race. Daichi turned a corner only to collide with something as firm and immovable as marble. He took several steps back, feeling his heart stop for a moment. Omen looked down at him with dark, amused eyes.
"I was wondering when you two would escape."
Daichi felt Drake grab him and drag him back and start running in the opposite direction. Omen smirked and took his dagger out of his belt, raising it above his head methodically and smiling as nostalgia washed over him.
"Oh the escape attempts, I do miss them. It just adds that extra drama to the capture…"
Daichi felt Drake release him and cry out in agony as he tumbled to the ground with Omen's dagger embedded in his calf muscle. Drake ripped it out and looked to Daichi desperately.
"Get out of here kid!" he shouted, "Run! Go! I'll hold him for as long as I can!"
Daichi nodded and ran as fast as he could, as Omen closed in on Drake with growing glee. Drake turned and held the dagger tightly, grinning as his captor stopped, practically above him.
"You didn't get very far now did you?" Omen said calmly, "If you think Daichi is going to get away you are sorely mistaken."
"As long as I have breath left in this body, I won't let you anywhere near that kid!"
Omen smiled and analysed Drake as though he were nothing more than a caged animal in the zoo, "Really? Well then, I should fix that."
- - - -
Daichi ran faster than he had ever done in his life, with determination spurring his movement and terror keeping his adrenaline sky high, he knew there was no way Omen could catch up. He keep his vision fixed ahead, however when a door opened there was no way he could stop. In less than a second Daichi was brought to a sudden halt as a fist buried deep in his stomach, completely sweeping him off his feet and knocking the wind out of him at the same time. Daichi fell to his knees and clutched his stomach with wide eyes, desperately trying to get air back into his lungs.
"Fuck! You little bastard! That hurt my wrist!"
Daichi looked up to his attacker, barely finding enough breath to choke out a single word.
"Y-you!"
"Yeah me!" Zane snapped in irritation, shaking his smarting hand, "God damn it kid!"
Daichi scrambled backwards though Zane kept up with him.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?!"
He grabbed Daichi by the shirt and lifted him off the ground with ease, storming down the hall back towards where Omen was. Daichi squirmed and kicked Zane as hard as possible in the shins, causing the teenager to shout in agonised rage.
"You little bastard!"
He raised his fist and Daichi closed his eyes, waiting for the pain.
"Now now Zane, just relax a bit man."
Daichi looked around and felt his hope dissipate. Omen walked up to them casually, but what caught Daichi's eye was Drake, who was being dragged by the collar like a broken doll.
"Why are you here?" Omen asked, as though he had forgotten Daichi's existence, "Shouldn't you be at school?"
"Pfft, why bother?" Zane asked, "Kyata is safe and happy, and there's no use learning all the crap they teach us anyway."
Omen laughed, "Touché."
"Besides," Zane pulled Daichi up, "If I weren't here then you would have lost this."
"Nonsense," Omen said, his red eyes resting on Daichi like a panther watching its next meal, "Even if he did make it to the front door," he put his hand into his shirt and pulled out something on a long chain, "He can't get out without the key."
Daichi watched as Omen returned the key to its safe spot under his shirt, relishing in the despair that the small, metal object caused.
- - - -
Tyson ran in through the school as the bells sounded for recess. He pushed past everyone in his way until he felt someone pull him to the side with almost unnatural strength. The moment his legs stopped running they gave way, leaving Tyson on his knees to gain his breath as Tala stood over him with a confused, and some-what irritated expression.
"Tyson? Where have you been and why the hell are you charging through the school like a mad man?"
"Daichi…" Tyson gasped, "He's… gone missing!"
Tala dropped to one knee in front of Tyson, "Gone missing? Are you sure?"
"I tried calling him but his phone it off!" Tyson babbled quickly, "I… I don't know what to do!"
"Alright, let's go check his usual hangouts," Tala said calmly, pulling Tyson to his feet, "If he got into a fight with one of his school mates then he's probably off venting his anger somewhere, it's not like he hasn't done it before. If we still can't find him, then we tell the others and ditch Kenny's memorial. I know it's hard but finding the living is always better than celebrating the dead."
Tyson nodded, "Should we tell the others?"
"No, they're already scared enough," Tala replied, "I would suggest telling Kai but it seems he hasn't turned up to school today either. I was just about to go looking for him when I saw you."
"You think he's okay?!"
"Kai?" Tala laughed, "You're honestly worrying about Kai?"
Tyson half smiled and shrugged.
"I guess he's capable of looking after himself."
"Exactly," Tala said with a smirk, "Now come on, let's go find the brat."
- - - -
Kai donned a pair of baggy black pants and a fitting black shirt as he thought over the phone call he had received that night. What was so important that Bryan wanted to meet in person instead of just talking over the phone like they usually did? It was not like him. Kai tied the laces of his boots and threw a jacket over his shoulders, heading for the door but not before throwing a quick glance at the clock. It was almost three. School would be out soon. He put a hand on the door handle and could smell the faint aroma of strawberries, remnants left from the moisturiser on Hilary's hand as she left the apartment that morning. He smiled and left the room, locking the door behind him.
There were two hours until Kenny's memorial party, yet Kai could already feel the guilt gripping him like an iron clasp. He could not ignore it, whenever he tried it crushed his insides and caused the pain to spread.
"I let him die," Kai whispered, "I'm sorry Kenny."
- - - -
Tala looked at his watch anxiously as Tyson scrambled through bushes, returning from the last of Daichi's hang-outs.
"It's almost four-thirty," Tala said quietly, "Was there any sign he was there?"
"None," Tyson replied nervously, "Where could he be?! He shouldn't be dead! That killer kills people in their sleep, they haven't taken anyone before!"
"Calm down," Tala snapped, his tone turning sour at the thought of what they were going to have to do, "You're no good to me if you're panicked. Looks like we have to go crash Kenny's memorial. Dammit. If that kid is just playing hide and seek I'm going to kill him."
"Daichi wouldn't do that," Tyson said angrily, "Especially today."
"Yeah yeah," Tala said, waving his hand, "Come on, we have to get to the school and find the others."
- - - -
Hilary and Trixie sat on the fence to the school yard, waiting for the others to arrive. Trixie looked around nervously, the idea of two girls sitting alone as the sun was setting frightening her more than she would ever admit. Hilary played with her purple dress nervously, then screamed as a hand landed on her shoulder. Both girls looked around and saw Kai standing on the other side of the fence with Ray, Mariah and Max. He smiled at them, enjoying the curses the Trixie aimed in his direction.
"Kai, don't sneak up on me like that!" Hilary said, holding a hand to her heaving chest.
"You're late!" Trixie snapped, starting to calm down, "Where the hell have ya been? And where's Tala, Daichi and Tyson?!"
Kai shrugged, "They wouldn't miss this. They'll be here."
Hilary climbed over the fence, trying not to rip her dress in the process. Trixie, who simply wore tight jeans with heels and a black clubbing top, threw her legs over it with ease and looked around, unable to see Tala anywhere.
"We should head in," Ray said, looking at his watch, "The memorial started five minutes ago."
"But Tala, Tyson and Daichi aren't here yet," Hilary said nervously, feeling unease begin to settle in the pits of her stomach. "Shouldn't we wait for them?"
"I'm sure they'll be here soon," Max said with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry. We'll meet them inside. It isn't safe out here."
Hilary sighed as the others headed into the school. Kai stood with her and put his hands on her shoulders.
"They're fine," he said calmly, "Come on. You look beautiful by the way."
Hilary blushed as they too entered the school, "Thank you."
They stepped through the open school doors, seeing streamers and balloons lining one of the hallways, directing them towards the party. The soft sound of heavy bass from music echoed through the corridors, causing the windows to shake slightly in their brackets. Kai looked to the windows. They all had bars across them, giving him the feeling of being locked inside a prison.
"Is that death metal?" Hilary asked, trying to analyse the music.
"Sounds like it," Max said with a grin.
"Inappropriate," Mariah said coolly, "Shouldn't this be a celebration of Kenny's life? He hated death metal."
"Look," Max said quietly, "On the floor in front of Mauve's office. It's an arrow, does that mean we should enter?"
"What do you think?" Trixie asked wearily. "Of course we do."
"Sorry," Max said, raising his hands disarmingly, "It's just weird is all."
Hilary pulled Max back and kept her voice low so that Trixie would not hear.
"She's just a little nervous," Hilary whispered, "Give her a bit of space."
Max nodded and smiled as Ray and Mariah opened the door to the principal's office. Kai waited for the others to enter first when a sound caused him to look around. Sprinting down the hallway towards them was Tyson and Tala and from a single glance, Kai already knew something was seriously wrong.
"Hey Kai!" Hilary called, bringing his attention back into the large, stylish room, "Look at this!"
Sitting on Mauve's table and around the same size as a large suitcase, was a wrapped present, complete with a frilly green bow.
"What is it?" Kai asked.
"I'd say it's a present," Trixie said, throwing Kai a pitying look, "Judging by its present-like appearance."
"I know it's a present smart-arse," Kai snapped, "I mean what is inside it? Who's it for?"
"Kai!" Tala gasped as he and Tyson suddenly stopped in front of him, "We have to go."
"It's for me," Max said in confusion, raising the tag, "See. Max Tate."
"Open it!" Hilary said with excitement.
"Kai," Tala gasped, "It's Daichi, he's missing."
"What?!" Kai stared him in the eyes.
Max ripped the wrapping paper off the large object and threw the lid off, nothing preparing him for what he saw next. Kai's attention was stripped from Tala as Trixie and Hilary screamed. Kai ran into the room and stopped, his eyes fixed on what was in the box. Bound and crammed into the box like a broken toy, was the mutilated corpse of a young girl, whose eyes stared straight out at Max as though she were pleading for him to rescue her. Blood stained her white sun-dress, almost completely drenching it.
"No…" Max whispered, putting his hand on the girl's cheek as tears sprung into his eyes, "It… it can't be… Shana?"
Before anyone else could move or say anything, Max grabbed her face in his hands and shook her.
"NO! SHANA! Wake up! You can't be dead! You can't be! Please!"
Kai ran to Max's side and grabbed his friend, pulling him away from the corpse of the girl he loved so much. Max fought and struggled though finally fell to the ground, gripping Kai's arm tightly as an agonised cry ripped through him and tears seared his cheeks. Kai looked around to the others. Ray was holding Mariah to him, not letting her look at the horrific scene as Tala and Tyson ran over to Trixie and Hilary. Kai nodded at Tyson who pulled Hilary out of the room.
"How?!" Max cried, "It can't be her! She left for Cairns! She was supposed to be safe! Shana! SHANA!"
Max suddenly ripped himself from Kai's grasp and ran out of the room, racing straight past the others and out of sight.
"Max!" Kai yelled but the blond boy was already gone.
Kai stood up and looked at Shana's corpse, feeling as though his stomach was about to claw its way up his throat. He put a hand to his mouth and approached the gift, noticing something in her hand. It was a letter.
"Kai!" Tala shouted from the hallway, "We're getting out of here!"
"I'll catch up!" Kai shouted back as he pulled the letter out of Shana's limp hand. He opened it, first noticing it was written in blood though that was not what made his hands begin trembling or the cold sweat to glaze his handsome features.
Oh, how I missed you Kai. Sure it hasn't been very long but that look of mixed terror and rage you always gave me was like my own personal brand of ecstasy. I just can't get enough of it! I trust Max liked the present I left for him? Cute isn't she?
You should have made sure I was dead before you left me Kai. You should have waited until I drew my last breath. Now it is too late. You are already deep in my trap and there is no escape…
"Kai!" Tala burst back into the room, "All the doors and windows are blocked, we can't get out."
Tala analysed Kai's pale face for a moment and walked over to him, reading the letter over his shoulder.
If you want revenge, then try and find me. Don't leave your friends alone though, because you never know who might disappear next. I'm going to do what you failed to do Kai, I'm going to make sure you're dead this time. I'm back baby, and this is a whole new game. Omen.
