Chapter 7: Let The Games Begin

Eight months later who knew eight months was all it took to start over and forget the past locking the memories of their great escape from their captors deep with in the confines of their hearts.

Their escape had started rocky as they had been walking for days until they reached civilization constantly moving for fear of running into the very demons that wanted them until they settled in a small town where strangers whose eyes turned red and became one with the shadows we're a mere myth.

They were poor, their clothes in shred, feet blistered from the constant running and no where to go if it wasn't for a kind stranger to take pity on the two girls he took them in and even let them work in his diner in exchange for living there if it wasn't for him they would have been wandering hopelessly around with no place to go.

Sashira and Anaira were hungry we're hungry not to mention their feet ached from the torturous journey they had just arrived in this small town called Tengoku and hadn't had a thing to eat since they escaped.

"We need to get a job if we want money to survive here." She said looking at her small friend.

"Yeah but, how do we get one when we have no job experience? We we're treated like princesses before this!" Anaira replied looking back at Sashira.

"What are saying!? We we're their prisoners! You just wanna head on back like nothing happened! " She yelled.

Sashira looked down at her bloody blistered feet.

"Heh.. My feet are bleeding who knows what other parts of my body will drip blood if he catches me.. There's no way in hell I'm ever going back.. ." She whispered.

"Hey my feet are bleeding too! I wanted to get my shoes but, no!" Anaira shouted

"Oh yeah! Well just imagine how pissed off Dante is right now! So forget about your damn shoes!" She yelled back.

"Please don't remind me.. ." She looked down with a hint of fear laced in her voice.

"Well what's done is done. There's no point in worrying about it now." Sashira said comforting both herself and her friend.

"True." Anaira answered sadly.

"But, what if they do find us? What do we do then?" She looked at her tall friend.

"They won't find us." Sashira said sternly.

"But, how do you know for sure?" Anaira asked

"Because we will do everything in our power to make sure they never find us again." She answered.

"How Sashira?" She asked confused.

"Simple from no on I'll stop singing." She said looking back at her friend.

"What? But, Sashira you love to sing!" She said in disbelief.

"I know and that's what led Minoru to me in the first place so I don't want to risk it this time." She answered back.

"I see.. Well I guess I can stop dressing cute. I've always wonder what it's like to wear a t-shirt and jeans." She said as her mind wandered.

Leaning her head on Sashira's shoulder slowly closing her eyes her mind drifted to the nightmare the day they met the terrible two who dragged their normal lives into bloody hell.

Anaira held the book contently in her small hands smile dawned her features as she was close to finishing the last chapter of the recent bought book.

It was a typical romance novel girl meets boy, become fast friends, go through great hardship, girl eventually confesses her love and he return her feelings a happy sigh escapes her lips as she closes the book.

Hearing the door being open and closed she knew her friend was back from the grocery store.

"Welcome back Sashira!" She called.

"Good to be back." She said with a smile as she made her way to the kitchen carrying plastic bags.

"Sash-chan! Guess what?" Anaira asked as she followed her friend into the kitchen.

"What?" She asked looking at her short friend.

"I finished the book" She smiled proud of herself.

Sashira only smiled more at Anaira.

"Wow really? You haven't had that book for a week yet." She said as she patted Anaira's head.

"I know I could't help myself." She blushed.

"Well now that you don't have any plans. We're going out!" Sashira grinned as she pulled out a paper out of her pocket.

Anaira blinked when Sashira put the paper directly in front of her face she read the colorful painted flyer.

"Martyr's Playground"

Where victims of rock can party hard

Come on down to our secret show

Starting time 8:00

Be ready to mosh with demons in diguise

"What's a secret show?" She asked puzzled.

"It's where underground bands play their own songs or cover songs from their favorite bands. Come on let's go! It's gunna be awesome!" She replied with a grin.

Anaira gave her friend a questioning look but, then agreed because she knew as teenage girls then hardly ever go out like normal girls do.

"Yay! Now change into something cute." She grinned evilly as she grabbed Anaira's arm.

"N-N-N-NO!" She stuttered as she was slowly being pulled into the bathroom.

After wrestling for a good ten minutes Sashira finally managed to change Anaira's clothes she could laugh as her short friend staggered to her feet a small gasp passed through her lips as she as she saw her reflection white strap corset that hugged her body a black slim skirt that reached her mid-thigh with fishnet stockings to cover her almost naked legs completed with her knee high Harley Davidson combat boots.

"Wow.. ." Anaira whispered as stared at her reflection.

She moved her gaze onto Sashira she had black eye liner on her eyes she was wearing her fishnet mesh top over a army green tank that showed her slim figure along with her dark blue ripped skinny jeans and knee high converse high tops.

Sashira looked at her wrist watch.

"Whoa! we should get going before we miss the opening band." She said looking at Anaira.

Anaira agreed with a nod they walked out of their apartment locking the door behind them as the walked into the night streets following the directions on the flyer to a dark, creepy, and abandoned looking warehouse with flashing bright red letters.

Martyr's Playground

It read there was already a small line leading to the entrance.

"Alright! The line not that long!" Sashira shouted with excitement.

Anaira smiled as her and Sashira steadily made through the line and into the supposed abandoned warehouse with the dim lightening revealed the stage with band equipment set the open floor was littered with typical rockers, goths and emos there also was a small bar that was quite occupied with customers legal and underage business was good.

"Whoa.. There's a lot of people here." Anaira said amazed.

"I know so much for it being a secret show." Sashira replied

As they made their way through the crowd Anaira couldn't help but, noticed glances that turned in their direction she felt self-conscious at their unwanted stares.

Why are they staring at us..

They finally made it to the center of the floor the lights immediately shut off everyone's attention completely turned on the stage waiting in anticipation it was completely silent.

"Now on stage Picnic On A Graveyard!." A voice boomed through the darkness.

A sudden barrage of guitar, bass, and drums echoed through the building spotlights flashed on stage as the band played a steady beat earning the crowds approval with head banging, cheering and jumping.

"Isn't this awesome!" Sashira cheered.

Anaira cheered along with her tall friend her enthusiasm was contagious but, she couldn't shake this feeling that someone was watching her she looked around but, only saw the crowd around them focused intently on stage with paranoia at rest she faced the stage and enjoyed the music with Sashira.

With the band finishing note they exit stage left leaving the crowd hungry for more as the next band entered the stage.

"Okay! Next we have Steel Caged Beast!" The voice echoed once more.

A guitar riff blazed loudly through the speakers at maximum volume followed along with banging of drums and the lead singer screamed at the top if his lungs.

"Oh crap.. ." Sashira breathed

She looked at the crowd behind her they we're really getting to the rhythm of the hardcore music the head banging got faster and the mosh frenzy started people started pushing and ramming into each other people falling over on the ground Sashira quickly grabbed her small friend wrist and lead her away through the crowd avoiding any moshing with ease they made their way to an open table.

"Damn.. That was close.. ." Sashira sighed of relief.

"I know that was crazy! Thanks Sash-chan." She smiled.

In the matter of minutes a waitress came up to the table and placed drinks in front of us.

"Here you go ladies. Drinks are courtesy of that man there." She smiled and pointed out the older looking man who sat at the bar who just smiled and raised his drinks to the young girls.

"Take them back." Sashira replied.

"Excuse me?" The waitress asked confused.

"I said take them back. We're underage." Sashira spoke more sternly

"Oh I'm sorry." The waitress picked up the drinks and walked back to the bar.

"Jeez! The nerve of that guy!" Sashira sighed.

"He was trying to be nice wasn't he? He didn't know we are underage." Anaira looked at her friend.

Sashira returned her friends gaze she was truly innocent in this tainted world we live in today.

"You can't trust guys like that. He could have laced that drink with drugs. and then we would be completely helpless. You can never be to careful." She said as she leaned back into the chair.

"Oh.. ." Anaira spoke amazed at her friend's caution about their well-being.

The table stayed silent.

"Come on Sashira don't let that creep ruin our evening. How about I get us some non alcoholic or drugged induced drinks." She said with a gentle smile.

"Okay just becareful." Sashira couldn't help but, smile back.

With that Anaira left the table and made her way to the bar she was about to place her order until she felt a heavy chill run down her spine and made the hairs on the back of her neck stand she instinctively looked back her brown eyes meeting emerald ones his large pale hand reached towards her face but, only to move it to the side to only have better view of her face.

"How many guys do I have to kill just to get your attention." He smiled darkly.

Anaira froze in place as she blushed she just stared at this tall handsome stranger from his dirty spiked blond hair, his green eyes, and his pale skin she was mesmerized and shocked that someone as gorgeous as him would talk to her.

Sashira sat and waited for her friend to return with their drinks she looked on stage the third band was already on stage ready to perform she listen to the slow paced beat and recognized the song was called "My Last Breath" by Evanescene she could only smile she loved this song she closed her eyes and began to sing along.

Hold on to me love

You know I can't stay long

All I wanted to say that I love you and I'm not afraid

Can you hear me?

Can you feel me in your arms

Sashira slowly opened her eyes meeting a pair of hazel eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the room the charcoal haired stranger with pale skin just watched her as if she was the only person in the room with him she felt uncomfortable under his gaze.

Was he watching me the whole time..?

Did he just hear me sing?

Which was clearly impossible he was on the other side of the room and the loud music plus crowd tuned her voice out completely.

A tap on the shoulder brought her out of the trance and she quickly looked up expecting her friend but, to only see the older man who ordered them drinks stood next to her.

"Hey cutie. Why are you here all by yourself?" He slurred and gave a drunken smile.

"I'm not alone. I'm here with my friend." She glared at the drunk.

Growing with worry Sashira decided to go search for Anaira as she got up to leave she felt someone grab her arm.

"Hey where are you going?" The older man asked.

"None of your damn business." she growled as she tried to regain her arm.

"Awww don't be like that." He smiled and place another hand on her the lower part of her waist trying to pull her close.

"THAT'S IT!" She yelled now pissed off

She swung her already balled up fist that made hard contact into the man's cheek that send him reeling backwards releasing her in the process she rubbed her knuckle as she saw the drunk trying to steady himself onto his feet with his now bruised cheek the man gave Sashira a deadly glare and he was about to charge at her until he was knocked over by a random moshing the drunk's friend jumped in his defense as he started swinging punches everything just broke out into an all out riot random fights, flying chairs, and broken bottles scattered across the floor.

Wow did I cause that..

Anaira was still locked in the gaze of the mysterious blond her eyes wander to the scene behind him to see a riot just appeared out of no where in the matter of minutes she left her friend alone.

OH SASHIRA!

Anaira quickly ran off in the direction where she last left her friend leaving the blond far behind searching for her friend's familar face she felt a tug on her arm that pulled her to the exit she looked up to see Sashira leading them to safety.

"Sashira! What did you do!?" She yelled at her tall friend.

"Hey! It's not my fault! I just defended myself!" She replied in her defense.

"Well what happened?" Anaira asked.

"Well after you left that guy who ordered us drinks thinks he can put his hands on me." Sashira huffed.

"Oh." She said softly giving her friend a sympathetic look.

"Yeah. I swear all guys can be such assholes." Sashira said with a sigh.

Anaira giggled.

"You think every guy is like that. That's why you never had a boyfriend." She said with a smile.

"Shut up! Like you can talk!" She blushed red.

"HMMPH!" Anaira pouted.

As they walked in silence Sashira couldn't shake the feeling that they we're being followed while walking through the empty dark streets she couldn't help but, feel paranoid she looked back and stopped in place.

Anaira noticed her friend stopped walking behind her she turned around to see that she was facing two tall figures she gasps as she recognized one as being the tall blond she met at the bar Anaira walked to her friend's side.

"Hey I didn't think we would see each other again." The blond smiled at Anaira.

"Uh yeah.. ." Anaira said a bit surprised.

Sashira remained silent as she saw the same guy that was staring at her from across the bar was standing in front of her.

It's him again..

"So you two cuties have names?" The blond asked.

"Oh I'm Anaira and this is my friend Sashira." She said with a small smile while Sashira only nodded at her introduction.

"I'm Dante and this quiet fellow beside me is my old good friend Minoru." He smiled as he place his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"It's nice to meet you both." Anaira said as she elbowed her tall friend for her rudeness.

"Yeah it's been a real pleasure but, we have to go home now." Sashira said through a fake smile.

"Awww why the rush? The night is still young." He slowly made his way to Anaira and placed an arm around her pulling her close.

"Why don't you lovely ladies join us we're going to get a bite to eat. Wanna come?" Dante spoke in his flirtatious tone.

"Um.. Sure.. ." Anaira answered with a deep blush on her face.

"Great!" He smirked started walking with Anaira close by his side.

Sashira glared at the blond with his arm around her small friend taking advantage of her personal space.

I don't trust that guy

"You have a beautiful voice." A deep voice spoke.

Being pulled out of her thoughts she looked to her side to see Minoru standing next to her she gave him a confused look but, realization hit.

He heard me sing..

She stared at his expressionless features he just stared back at her he was handsome she wouldn't deny that his hazel eyes seem to just travel down her form she was embarrassed at the fact that she felt vulnerable no one has ever made her feel like that for an unknown reason she felt an urge to look at Anaira but, she was no where in sight.

AWW DAMN IT!

Frantically searching for her friend Dante managed to drag Anaira away from her over-protective friend Anaira looking around at her surroundings she had no clue where he had taken her fear grew in the pit of her stomach as her heart sped up.

Dante couldn't believe his luck he finally had her all alone and all to himself now it's time for the fun to begin.

A mischievous grin slowly spread across his features.

Anaira turned towards Dante.

"Where are we? Maybe we should go back..?" She asked.

Dante chuckled darkly amused by her statement.

"I don' think so." His tone turning predatory yet alluring.

Anaira's eyes widen as he took a step towards her she saw every twitch of his fingers as if he grew impaitent.

"I w-wanna g-go back p-please.. ." She whispered pleading.

His grin only widen he knew she was afraid he could smell it let alone hear the blood rushing through her veins into her fast beating heart oh how he loved this moment.

Sashira turned to Minoru her eyes held fire of worry and anger.

"Where the hell did he take her!" She yelled.

Hazel eyes looked down at her amused by her change of emotion.

"Tell me god dammit!" She yelled again impatiently.

"I don't think you should worry about her. She's in good hands." He said with a charming smile.

With a growl Sashira turned away to search for her friend and that blond bastard who took her then she felt a strong hand grabbed her wrist turning towards the idiot who dared to touch her.

Minoru watched as worry for her friend seemed to eat away at her he mused at her loyalty for her friend.

How cute

Watching her struggle to get free from his grasp he knew better than to let a meal get away he needed to feed and if she escaped and disrupt Dante's dessert he would never hear the end of it grabbing her other wrist he watched as the dark embers in her dark brown eyes sparked with anger.

"Let me go.. ." She whispered lowly.

"Now now behave yourself I hate for you to make a scene." He chided with a smug smirk.

Sliping from his strong hold she ran but, it was useless for her with lighting fast speed her back was pressed against his chest one arm wrapped around her frame pinning her arms to her sides while one strong hand cupped her face and turned her head slightly to the side.

"BASTARD! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU!" She demanded as she struggled against him.

Slowly he made his way to her slender neck his lips lightly grazed her neck causing a shiver to run down her spine.

"You shouldn't have ran.. ." He answered his voice was enough to make her melt holding both power and danger.

He had her cornered licking his lips in anticipation Dante slowly approached the sweet morsel that stood in front of him Anaira's body trembled in fear.

"Please n-no.. I'm afraid.. ." She whimpered

A dark grin appeared on his face grabbing her and pulling her close to him he bent down to her neck.

"I love the fear across your cute face." He whispered into her neck.

With a quick attempted at freedom she pulled away causing Dante's fangs to graze her neck she managed to rip away from him licking his lips he tasted her blood was insatiable the blood tasted both pure and sweet.

It would be a shame to drain her all in one drop

Suddenly he came up with an idea a smirk crept across his features as he moved faster than the human eye could blink he knocked her unconscious carrying her in his arms he found his way to Minoru.

With a sigh he grew tired of her struggles pressing firmly a pressure point in her neck she became limp in his arms he decided to keep her.

My aren't you interesting

My little songstress

Looking up he saw Dante carrying the small brunette in his arms his eyes never leaving her sleeping face he raising a eyebrow towards him.

"Your keeping her?" Minoru questioned.

Walking past him Dante growled threatening Minoru to keep his mouth shut Minoru just sighed and followed behind him as they made their way back home with their new prized possessions.

Anaira opened her eyes to looked up at her tall friend who remained quiet as she was thinking suddenly a shadow covered them causing them both to jump and face the towards the figure.

"Wow. What are two cute girls doing here in the street by themselves." A voice asked.

Looking up at the owner of the voice they saw a tall blue eyed man whose blond hair shined in the bright sunlight he wore a plaid shirt and blue jeans to give him a causal look as he smiled at them.

"You look two look lost. Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked.

"Um.. We're new here and need a job do you know any places that might be hiring?" She asked hopefull.

He just grinned at both of them.

"Your in luck I happened to own a diner and I do need more help and by the looks of it you two probably don't have a place to stay so you can stay with me. What do you say?" He smiled sweetly.

"Uh yes thank you." Sashira answered shocked by his kindness.

"Great I'll lead the way!" He replied and started walking away.

The two young girls began to follow after the stranger.

"Do you think we can trust him?" Anaira whispered.

"Why not? We don't have much to lose." Sashira answered back.

They finally came across a diner in the edge of a shopping strip called "Silver Moon".

"This is it! Oh my name is Natsu by the way. And what's your names" He said while facing the two girls.

"My name is Sashira." The tall brunette repiled.

"And I'm Anaira." The small girl said with a smile.

"Okay Sashira and Anaira this is my diner. It was originally my parent's but, it was handed down to me after they passed away." Natsu said with a sad smile.

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that." Anaira answered her eyes giving him a sympathetic look.

"Yeah it must be hard without your parents." Sashira spoke.

"No worries I'm fine knowing that their in a better place." He said with a sad smile.

The two stared at Natsu they couldn't help but, feel sorry for him being here by himself with no help or family.

"Oh speaking of place my apartment is right upstairs from the diner. Which means there's no excuses for coming to work late. Natsu said with a grin.

As they walked into the small diner the walls was painted a deep red while tables and chairs were a charcoal grey dim lightening and clear vases for decoration completed the room.

"Wow the diner looks amazing." Anaira said looking at all the decorations in awe.

"You really think so? I designed it myself." He said with his cheek turning a light shade of pink

"Yeah of course." Anaira said with a gentle smile.

"Thanks." He replied smiling back.

"Ok Natsu what kind of job will you have us do?" Sashira asked.

"Oh right both of you will be waitresses and will be paid seven fifty an hour." He answered.

"Thank you for being so kind." Sashira smiled at Natsu.

"No problem. Ok now let me show you the apartment it has three bedrooms so you each have your own room." Natsu said leading the girls around.

They reached the top of the stairs down a hallway and opened the door to reveal a well furnished living room brightly lit by the suns warm rays he walked past the room.

"As you can see this is the living room and the kitchen is to the left also down this hallway leads to the bedrooms and bathrooms. My room is at the end of the hallway you can come in anytime you want." Natsu winked at both girls.

Anaira and Sashira who exchanged glances at each other.

"Yeah. No Thanks." The girls answered in unison.

"Okay offer still open though in case you change your mind." He shrugged stopping in front of a door he opened it he motion on the girls with his hand to enter.

"Ladies first." He smiled.

Sashira and Anaira walked in and looked around the large room with a queen size bed a large window with blue curtains was right beside a dresser complete with a mirror.

"The other room we have available is right across." He said from the hallway pointing at the other door.

Sashira looked at Anaira.

"Which room do you want Ana-chan?" She asked.

"I'll take the other room you can have this one if you want?" Anaira answered.

'Are you sure?" Sashira kept looking at her friend.

"Yeah." She nodded with a smile.

"K. I'll leave you girls alone so you can get settled in. Oh work starts at eight a.m." Natsu said as he closed the door behind him leaving both girls alone.

"Man.. It's getting late and we have work tomorrow." Sashira said while rubbing her eyes.

"Yeah but, um.. What if they find us..?" Anaira asked in a small voice.

Sashira gave her serious look and grabbed her shoulders.

"They won't if we stay hidden." Sashira answered.

"Your right." She said as she walked out of the room and across the hallway to the spare bedroom.

"Anaira." Sashira called out.

"Yeah?" She looked back at her tall friend.

"Don't worry everything is going to get better from here on out." She said with a reassuring smile.

Nodding her head Anaira walked into her new room before closing the door.

"Goodnight Sashira." She whispered.

"Night Anaira." she whispered back before Anaira closed her door.


Song: My Last Breath

Artist: Evanescence