Hello There! It's MoNoChRoMaDdiCt! (・ω・)ノシThankyuu to all my wonderful readers, reviewers and favoriters! :D Review reply is after chapter. PLEASE feel free to answer the question at the end!
Chapters will be dedicated to someone who answers the questions at the bottom!
This chapter is dedicated to~ MaddyTheAwesome
Answer to last chapter question: The Wolf That Fell in Love With Little Red Riding Hood
AND
Kaai Yuki
Rated T for Murder Mystery and DEATH
Disclaimer: check other chapters.
Enjoy! ~
Chapter 10: Inevitable Succession
Two blonde children with akin semblance, sat side by side on the greenhouse floors. Flowers bloomed beautifully in many colors, yet yellow blossoms stood out amongst them. The female of the teens hummed a small tune as she tended to the flowers around her.
The boy watched her with interest in his eyes, noticing how gentle she was. Little things he had not detected before, others amplified. The movement of her hair, her scent of oranges, the smile that played on her lips, the sparkle in her eyes that matched his own. It all made him want to smile as well.
He couldn't help but feel relaxed near her. He was finally able to be so, now that they were even closer. As she repotted a particular plant he watched with interest. This girl in front of him could never harm a being, you could tell just by looking at her. She was just that innocent.
Rin had always been that way. Len didn't want to corrupt that pure soul of hers with his misdeeds. Though he convinced himself he was doing what was right he couldn't erase the sick feeling it gave him.
"Sorry Len, are you bored?"
"Huh?" Len looked up realizing her musical voice was directed towards him.
"Am I being boring to you? Would you like to do something else?" She bit her lip frowning slightly.
Len's eyes widened in surprise then he shook his head "No it's alright, I'm fine." He assured her.
Rin tilted her head, not fully believing him after all she had dragged him there, after having returned from school. She glanced around thinking then a thought occurred to her.
"Heehee I know what we can do.~"
Len peered at her confused as she gently lifted up some garden sheers that were near her and began cutting some tiny flowers free. Len didn't understand why she would deliberately cut her flowers. After gathering a pile of them she began weaving them together. Len tried to figure out what she was doing but had no idea.
Without warning his eyes shifted to the shears left unattended on the ground. His breath hitched as he saw the similarity they held with scissors. His hands twitched inside the pockets of his hoodie. He bit his tongue trying to calm down. But they were staring at him, sparkling in the rays of light emitting from the windows.
It became intoxicating, suddenly they were all he could see and he wanted them so badly. One hand slipped from his pocket as he thought about how odd it was for anyone to be so infatuated with something such as that...scissors really?
His fingers inched across the grass, crawling like some creature towards the sharp tool. It was so close now.
"Len! All done!"
Something was plopped onto his head and he blinked out of his reverie. He tore his gaze from the scissors to stare at the girl across from him. She giggled pointing excitedly at the object on his head. He lifted the same hand to feel around and gasped as he noticed the softness of it.
"The flowers?" he asked her, with a puzzled expression.
"Yup! It's a flower crown just for you Len!" She clasped her hands together.
Len's cheeks reddened and he tried to stare elsewhere then at Rin. His gaze was caught back onto the shears. He gulped and clenched his fists, forcing himself to look back at Rin.
"I-it's lovely Rin" he stuttered.
She smiled then frowned "Len, are you okay?"
Len hesitated, not knowing what to say. He wanted to get out of the greenhouse. It was making him dizzy. Even though Rin had done her best to fix it after that...event, he could still smell the smoke...What was making it worse were those stupid shears just lying on the ground.
"Len?" Rin's voice was full of concern, snapping Len from his thoughts.
"I'm fine...re-really." He said with a reassuring smile. Rin grinned and threw her arms around him. Len melted into the hug and forgot his troubles for the moment. He rested his head on her shoulder. Engulfed in her warmth, he wondered
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
How long would this happiness really last? (1)
Chapter 10
She couldn't get there fast enough, but yet she still tried. Running with all her might, she may have skipped a few of the stairs. Why did they feel so…never-ending? She wondered as she continued in that downward motion up to the boy's body. Shockingly there was no blood. How was that possible If he fell THAT far?
She paused on the step, stopping herself from tipping over. Then her eyes opened in surprise as a red light over-took the boy's body. He was glowing with it, and something about it had a familiar feeling. Engulfed in the light, the boy suddenly became hard to see. She wanted to shout at the light, willing it to go away and leave him alone.
Though it only lasted about a millisecond, it felt like much longer to her as she watched. Then her eyes widened, the figure in the light shrunk to a much smaller size. He gained fur and lost that "boy" look he had just seconds before. He was now a stuffed bear and not just any.
Her legs gave out and she brought a hand to her mouth in a silent gasp. Lowering it she touched his head. The head of her darling teddy bear
"He was telling the truth"
She bit her lip, regretting having run away from him, and not listening to what he was telling her. Len had somehow become human, and in that same unexplainable way became teddy again. She was convinced now having seen it happen right before her eyes. Though she wouldn't think it was possible.
"I'm sorry Len, oh I'm so sorry"
Tears filled her eyes as she pulled him into a hug, stuffing fell from the rip in the seams on his head. She noticed his always-open eyes were now closed. There was another slit along his left arm. She dried her tears with the back of her hand wondering how if he had fallen as a boy why he was torn as a bear.
Realization crossed her face as she came up with a possible answer. Maybe just maybe, he turned back because he got hurt. Wanting to fix what she had done wrong (which was running from him), she stood up from the stairs and walked down the remaining few.
She held him tight as she searched for something useful. Finally she spotted an unoccupied bench. With a small smile she walked towards it and sat upon it, then got to work. Rin removed sewing needle and thread from her orange-shaped bag. She unwound, attached the needle and thread and then began to sew up the bear.
At first she was slightly hesitant, jumping once wondering if he would be hurt by the needle. Seeing as he was asleep, she decided he needed it. Holding back her fear and breath she pressed the needle through the fur. She paused to see if he had reacted. He didn't….
Feeling more assured of his safety she continued to sew him up as if expecting him to become human once he was fixed. It wasn't the surprise she wanted as he remained still she began to think he was really broken-beyond-repair.
Putting away her things she picked him up while she stood from the bench. She decided it would be best that she headed home. Rin squeezed Len tightly, fearing the worst.
"Len..'"
She murmured his name sadly as she set off.
"Len.. wake up"
She hugged him tighter trying not to cry, but her heart was hurting in fear that he'd never reply.
"Len please…"
Tears spilled over her face and onto the bear's fur.
"Len…"
"Nn..Rin?"
She halted, her foot stopping in mid-step. Holding her breath she turned her bear around. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Both of his eyes were open and he was looking up at her with a confused expression. She laughed and sobbed hugging him tighter.
"R-Rin!"
Alerted by his voice she released him a bit and held him slightly above her. He blinked and looked at himself, then frowned. Len's eyes widened and he looked back up at Rin, realizing how she held him. Wasn't she supposed to be repulsed? Where was that scared face? He blinked again. Why wasn't he dead?
And then she gave a soft laugh, like a beautiful bell chime. With that Len knew, that she would keep her promise. She would still accept him. He wanted to cry but didn't think it was possible for him. Instead he smiled back.
Rin brought Len back down to her level "I'm sorry that I didn't believe you before Len...I guess just waking up with you there as an unknown-boy, kind of frightened me eh heh"
Len blinked and shook his head. "It's alright anyone would be shocked to have something like that happen to them" he assured her. It was entirely his fault, she need not take any blame.
"But, still. It wasn't very nice of me to act that way..." she trailed off and changed the subject. "But it's awesome yes? that you can talk and move, right? I'm not like crazy or anything and imagining it."
Len chuckled "Of course you're not crazy Rin"
She smiled again and looked up, "Hmm I think we should go home, and like idk celebrate. How about we share some "cake" ne?"
Len's eyes lit up and he nodded happily. Maybe his wish had been answered, maybe the voice was right. Still as they began walking again Len couldn't help but want
To be human again.
Rin rounded the corner amiably chatting with Len, only to nearly crash into a monster. Rin jumped back clinging to Len in surprise. Both turned to face Rin's parent's car. Rin stood stock still for a moment before grasping the concept. They were home.
Her face blanched and Len peered up at her in concern. Their carefree moment was gone. Rin's hands trembled as she tried to keep a good hold on Len. With a gulp she stepped forward past the giant vehicle, and up to the stone pathway. She held her breath and slid Len behind her hair as she always had before. Closing her eyes tight she reached forward and turned the knob flinging the door open.
There wasn't any sound. Slowly Rin's eyes opened and Len lifted his head to peer through her hair. The front hall was empty of everyone besides them. Rin sighed in relief and continued down it to her room. Just as she was about to pull Len from her shoulder. She gasped. Len's eyes shot up to where she was looking and horror crossed his features.
Rin's room had been destroyed.
Books lay misshapen and torn, free-pages flying everywhere and on top of over turned boxes whose contents spilled out. The futon was against the opposite wall the blankets on the other side of the room. Every article of Rin's clothing was lying at some random place. The makeshift-dresser was mixed within the boxes that matched it. The bookshelf was titled the majority of the books missing or joining the others along the floor.
Worst of all was the old fashioned box that lay upon smashed remains of Rin's tea set. Rin didn't speak just stared at the madness that had become of her room. Len knew that he hadn't done it. When he left, only the bed had been unmade. Then who could have possibly...
The answer came to Len in a second as he recalled the vehicle outside
.
'Of course it was them'
Leon and Miriam, Rin's so called Mother and Father. Len came to the conclusion they or their rotten daughter, Lily were the only suspects to such a crime. Finally Rin moved. She took a step into the disaster-zone and began picking up and dusting off books. Without a word she started to fix the mess like it wasn't a problem.
Anything that was broken Rin placed into a separate pile, other things she straightened out, working endlessly. Len watched her surprised at how she could remain so calm when he was nearly fuming with anger at the perpetrators.
Yet Rin...Was it because she was so pure? She seemed so unaffected, as she continued to straighten out the room. Len didn't understand but he didn't want her to suffer. Lifting a paw he gently touched her cheek and she froze.
"Yes?"
"Let me help you"
"N-No It's alright"
"...please, I don't want you to do it alone."
Rin hesitated thinking, before gently lifting Len from her shoulder. "I a-alright"
They worked well into the evening until the room had more-or-less returned to its normal state. Rin sat against her newly made bed patting the spot next to her. Len climbed onto the blanket and settled there.
"I'm sorry about your tea set"
"It's ok, it was going to break eventually. Besides, I still have all the memories!~" She tapped her chest just over her heart.
"Y-Yeah" Len nodded.
"And you…I want to thank you. For always being there for me, especially now" She smiled her eyes sparkling.
The smile that Len loved.
"Anything for you" he said.
Oliver rubbed his eyes and blinked looking at his surroundings. It was pitch black. Where was he? He noticed a slight pain in his side as he started feeling around the room for and exit or at least a light source. Finding a doorknob, he pulled himself to his feet and nearly fainted with the effort.
Once he was standing, he pushed open the door and almost fell into the hallway. As the light hit his eyes, he hissed throwing his arms up in defense. After a moment, he realized he had been inside a closet.
He dropped his arms confused, but not before catching something surprising. A few bruises lined his thin arms. Oliver wondered if his side had bruises as well, but didn't look. Instead he tried walking and found the pain there was different. He immediately felt stupid.
'When was the last time I ate?'
He thought hard and was unable to come up with an answer. Being a clever enough boy, he figured he should eat something. He began walking towards the kitchen, but was stopped by voices. One he knew and the other was a similar one but different at the same time.
'How confusing.'
Curious he changed course and inched towards Rin's room. He remembered being there earlier that day, but for what he couldn't recall.
"—nything?"
"Whatever you want."
A creepy feeling filled Oliver, telling him not to turn the corner and look into the room.
"AWW Len that's so Sweet!~"
Oliver froze. Len? Wasn't that…the bear's name?
"I just want you to be happy."
THAT definitely was not Rin's voice. Then Who? Oliver's answer came in the form of a misplaced step. He stumbled, catching himself on the doorframe before he could fall into the room. Rin sat on her bed with the bear next to her, held up by no means. Oliver paled as he watched the bear open his mouth and knew where the voice came from.
"Because it's Rin.."
Oliver threw himself back against the opposite wall.
'She's…she's talking to the bear….and…he's talking…back!'
If it weren't for the fact that Oliver was paralyzed with fear, he would have screamed right there. Then, things got worse. As if sensing another's presence, Len turned his head towards the door. Oliver gulped.
"Eh heh, well goodnight Len"
Rin's voice made the bear turn away giving Oliver a chance to escape. He regained the ability to move his limbs and dashed up the stairs and to his room. He flopped himself into a chair, breathing hard, and began typing and writing like a maniac.
Completely forgetting he was starving.
Len opened his eyes and smiled at the sleeping form of the girl on the bed. She looked so peaceful. No one could believe someone like her could suffer so much. She breathed softly, smiling and Len pondered what she was dreaming of.
"Len…"
He jumped then blushed. "W-wait…me?...She's dreaming of me?" he looked at her smiling then smirked like a child who just won a game.
"L-Len!" Rin's eyes popped open and she shot out a hand inches from Len. She gasped. "Len! You're a boy again!"
Len raised an eyebrow confused. "Wasn't I always?"
"I mean…Look!" She lifted something, which Len saw was a hand. His hand.
"I'm Human!?" She nodded giggling at his expression as he began feeling around his face. "But how?"
Rin thought, "Hmm, maybe you become human during the day like…like A SUPERHERO!" she said excitedly striking an odd pose.
Len was confused, but agreed with her statement, it made sense…somewhat. Then again, Did it really matter? He was human again.
'Just like Rin.'
His thought made him grin which Rin took the wrong way. "Are you laughing at me?"
"Eh wha?"
She frowned. "I thought that was how they did it…"
'What is she talking about?' He tried to piece the clues together, when Rin suddenly stood up.
"OHMYGOSH! SCHOOL!"
He watched as she nearly flew from the room, uniform in hand and rushed off to that 'mirror-room'. Len just sat there thinking about what he had said to cause her smile to disappear until she returned.
She jumped at first seeing him then remembered her bear had become a boy. "I'll see you after class Len." She turned then paused. 'Where am I going to hide him? He's a boy now, it's not as easy as hiding a bear? What if mother and father find out… or Onii-Chan or Onee-san(2)? What if something bad happens?'
She turned to face Len who was still staring at one spot. Unsure of how much time she had remaining before the start of school she decided she needed to hide him quickly. Without a word she ran towards him and grabbed his arm, jolting him out of his thoughts.
"Wha? Rin?"
She held a finger to her mouth and pried him off the bed. She looked around then ran to a pile of boxes pulling Len along. She peered behind them, and saw that there would not be enough space. Thinking, she ran towards another pile and pulled out a box placing it over Len's head. That too was too small and made a very confused Len.
'What's going on?'
Rin thought hard again and peered out of her room, seeing the hall vacant she proceeded to drag Len from the room to the hall. He didn't resist, just followed along with the same expression of bewilderment. Walking stealthily through the hall, Rin brought Len to the bathroom. She pulled Len in and pointed to the shower. Len just blinked at her.
"You have to get in" Len didn't reply, staring confused. "Len, it's important"
He couldn't think of why. Len just stared from her to the shower and back to her without speaking.
"Len, hide!" Rin pleaded.
"Why?"
"I have to go to school, My parents can't find you"
"I've always been fine before"
"Yes but. Now you're human!"
"…oh" Len had forgotten that it would change things.
"So stay in here and I'll come back later. Kay" She turned to leave the room.
"W-wait" but she was gone already. Len's shoulders slumped as he heard the front door close. What was he supposed to do now?
Rin returned home from school after a very anxious day. She felt bad for having just told Len what to do, but was so scared her parents would find him. She didn't want him to have to suffer. She opened the front door and sprinted to the bathroom. But when she opened the door no one was in there.
Worry overcame her and she tried to think of the positive. Len would be fine. Maybe he got hungry or wanted some fresh air. Being in a shower all day had to be boring. With an air of confidence she left the room and began looking in possible places. Her room, the living room, kitchen, but Len was in neither.
Passing a window she saw something odd. Smoke. Rin squinted and looked closer. It was coming from a distance in her backyard. Her eyes widened, and she turned from the window running to the back door. What if someone was in danger? Her mind went to Len, but she didn't want to think of him in trouble.
She threw open the door and ran into the back yard. In the distance she could clearly see the smoke, rising into the sky. Without thinking she ran towards it. As she neared the area, she began to smell the smoke. Coming closer, she saw two figures.
Leon and Miriam stood by the side of a burning building. They were laughing and watching it like it was a show. Rin stepped closer, keeping out of their sight and took a closer look at the building. It was her greenhouse. She gasped then coughed. The entire thing was ablaze.
'How could they speak so calmly next to a burning building…or is it my imagination?'
But Rin knew it wasn't, with the smoke and unbearable heat. It was entirely real. She couldn't tear her eyes away from her precious childhood memory. She coughed again, louder. The smoke was obscuring her senses. Rin fell to her knees coughing so hard she started crying. The noise she made alerted her parents.
"Oh so it did survive…" Leon said with a blank expression.
A window exploded in the background and Rin's eyes went wide as she continued to cough. Miriam just stood by smiling and watching, like it was a fireworks display. Leon looked at the crumpled girl, kicking her onto her side.
"You're a nuisance! A monster! You shouldn't exist!" He stepped forward kneeling over her. Rin tried to move but the coughing made her too weak. She lifted her head and shook it, disagreeing with his statement. Leon glared and slapped her.
Rin flew across the yard, landing nearer the greenhouse. Flames licked at her clothing and she gave a hoarse scream, trying to crawl away from it. Seeing this Leon smirked and picked up a piece of burning wood. Miriam turned her head as Rin screamed again. Leon held the wood in front of him.
"A monster…should look like a monster"
Rin knew what he would do. "MOTHER!" she cried pleading to Miriam and reaching out a helpless hand. Miriam acted as if she hadn't heard her and just turned away.
"She's not your mother, freak!" Leon laughed as Rin slumped too weak to move anymore. She closed her eyes waiting for her fate to come.
'Please be safe, wherever you are Len'
Suddenly there was a giant splash, and Leon yelped. Rin opened her eyes slowly and found her face was wet… water was pouring from the sky, though the sun was still out. Rin squinted trying to decipher the cause as Leon threw the wet wood on the ground and chased after Miriam, who had run off freaking out about her clothes.
Rin flopped over and stared at the no-longer-ablaze greenhouse. The 'rain' had stopped. She smiled as colors lit up her vision above her enveloping the building her grandmother made.
"Such a pretty rainbow…thankyuu Kami-Sama…"
And she dropped into a faint.
*Earlier*
Len lifted his head from the tub side and sat up groggily. He felt crammed in the tiny room, and had fallen asleep out of boredom. He knew Rin had meant no harm in leaving him behind but he really just couldn't stand it. It was too boring!
He wanted to be with Rin, but she was at school. He sighed which turned into a groan. How was he going to stand this every day? He didn't have much patience. In fact he had already paced about the room, and explored it.
Len stood and looked into the mirror for the umpteenth time, giving another sigh. He slapped his palms against the sinks hard surface. He had reached his limit.
'No one is home anyways.'
He knew it was true because he had heard them each leave. He threw open the door and went out of the tiny room. Finally he had a breath of fresh air. He stretched his arms and set off to look for a clock, hoping Rin would be home soon.
He wandered into the kitchen where he knew there was a clock but something caught his eye from outside. His eyes grew. THAT WAS IT! The perfect hiding place, Rin's greenhouse. It was big enough, and had interesting plants and flowers. He wouldn't get bored and he could be helpful by taking care of her plants for her. She'd be so happy.
Without a moment to spare, Len dashed from the room and to the front door. He sprang into the yard and ran around the side of the giant house. He wanted to create something great for Rin when she got home. A slamming noise echoed behind him. He stopped and twisted around.
'Is Rin home already?'
He grinned and ran back the way he came. As he rounded the corner he remembered…Rin comes home by walking, not a car. He stopped mid-step as he spotted two of the evils, Leon and Miriam.
His happy expression was wiped off his face, turning dark as he glared at them. Leon turned as if sensing his stare. Len took a few seconds to realize he was being looked at and ran towards the greenhouse again. He didn't expect to be followed. Being a bear for so long, he was used to not being seen.
Leon caught up with him halfway across the back lawn. He grabbed his shoulder yanking him backwards. "Running away are we? Tsk Tsk how disrespectful!" Len's expression hardened. Leon glared. "I don't like the look you're giving me" Leon drew back a hand ready to slap him but he only met air.
Len ducked and leapt away. Leon blinked and growled. "Oh so we're playing games now? Come to daddy Rin." Len stared at him, disgusted at his tone and word choice. He thought he was Rin.
'Must be because we look alike'
But Len wasn't Rin, he wasn't going to let Leon hurt him. Too long had he seen Leon torture his dear girl and was unable to do a thing. He would make sure it ended. Len backed up causing Leon to follow. He continued backing up forming a plan. Eventually his back hit something the door to the greenhouse. Len smiled waiting for Leon to move.
Soon enough Leon raised a fist to punch. Len dodged again slipping inside the door. Leon's fist collided with the wood as Len clicked the lock into place. Len gasped, he escaped, and he defied Leon. Leon thought he was Rin.
Plan: Rin stands up to Leon, stopping him from hurting her.
He smiled thinking it was all over.
His naivety told him that.
It was mere minutes later when Len smelled something off the normal amongst the flowers. He followed it to a window and jumped back with a yell as a can of liquid smashed through the window. He knelt close to it.
'Gasoline…what's that?'
He tilted his head in confusion as he examined the large can. Then another odd smell joined it. Len leapt back again as the area exploded into flames. He stared horrified as the fire began scorching the plants. He flipped his head around wildly, backing away from the flames, searching for water.
The fire was increasing, catching more and more plants in its grasp. Len left the area running along the walls until he discovered a tap. His eyes darted around searching for a hose, but he spotted none. The flames were getting closer, taking with it, more and more of Rin' precious garden.
In an attempt to get water fast, Len began kicking the tap trying to turn it on. He could feel the heat of the fire as it sped around, using the carefully arranged flowers to guide it. He gave another kick and the tap shot off, water blasted from it. Some of the fire disappeared and Len sighed in relief.
But the building was still burning from the outside. Len knew he needed to stop it there. He darted out the back door, where the fire hadn't reached and jumped outside. The flames were stronger. He ran along the length of the building searching for another tap. Len stopped as he heard a scream.
"RIN!"
His voice was drowned in the roar of the fire. He ran to where he heard her and his face twisted in horror.
'SHE'S GOING TO DIE!'
He looked around for a way to stop them, or to save Rin. Water, he needed water. His gaze fell on a tap, similar to the other one. Like before he began kicking it. Flames shot up his arm, catching his sleeve on fire. Len paid it no mind kicking at the near frozen tap. Leon was getting closer to Rin with the burning wood.
'COME ON! COME ON! BREAK ALREADY!'
Rin was screaming, Leon was laughing, and Len couldn't think straight he needed a clear mind. He gave the tap another kick, and at last… it flew off. The water shot over the area dousing Rin and her parents and spraying the greenhouse.
Len huffed leaning against the wall to catch his breath. He ran to Rin and dropped to his knees next to her. She looked so small, so helpless. He lifted her in shaking arms, exhausted. kicked open the door of the greenhouse, holding her tightly to him. He carried her inside the no longer burning building.
Rin rubbed her eyes and sat up. Len was sitting with his back to her, curled into a ball. She crawled to him, lightly touching his arm.
"Len?"
He twitched and lifted his head then threw his arms around her. "You're okay!" Rin blinked but returned the hug, confused. Len stared at her his eyes shaking as if he were going to cry.
"What's wrong Len? Did something happen?" Rin peered around. "And why are we in the greenhouse?"
Len couldn't believe it. How could she not know? His expression changed alarming her. "THOSE PEOPLE tried to kill you!"
Rin blinked again. "Huh?"
"You're mother and father!" Len spat shaking. "Why do you let them do that?!" he had enough.
Rin flinched at his tone playing with a button on her clothes. "I-I…." She wasn't sure why, just the she had always done so. 'Should I being doing something else?' She wondered looking up at Len who was waiting for her answer. She saw his scorched hoodie.
"LEN! Are you hurt!?" Len looked at her questioningly. She pointed at his coat and he looked at it. "Let's go get you patched up Kay" She stood and grabbed his arm. Len tried to protest, explaining he was fine, but Rin just continued to tug at his sleeve.
Len gave in and followed her.
Len held out his arms looking at the new patches Rin had sewed onto his hoodie. They looked the same as the others, but somehow were different. He turned towards her as she was putting her sewing items away.
"OH!~ You're so CUTE!" She squeaked. Len blushed and crossed his arms pouting. Rin slipped off her bed and walked past him. "Wait here, I want to draw a picture of you." She said simply and slipped out.
Len blinked and rubbed his head confused, then turned to sit on the bed but stopped. The scissors lay against the bed sheets sparkling in such an enticing way that it made Len want to hold them. He glanced at the door as his hand drew closer unconsciously.
Closer
Closer
Closer
At last, his hand closed over the handle and he slipped his fingers into position, testing them out. There was a noise behind him and Len stood up fast expecting Rin. However, the doorway was empty. Len put his hands in his pockets as he curiously walked to the door.
"Rin?"
He pulled it open seeing the empty hall. He began walking from the room stopping as something snapped. He lifted his foot and saw a broken crayon under it. Len knelt to inspect it, when he heard a cry.
"NO!"
Len jumped up. "RIN!" He stepped around the corner and saw two shadows on the wall. His face drained of color as the taller of the shadows tossed a smaller against a table. The glass cracked as Leon came into Len's sight.
"Please …stop" Rin pleaded from the table as Leon stepped closer. Len gripped the wall. He thought he had stopped him. He thought it was over and that Rin was safe. Why wasn't Leon stopping, why was he STILL hurting Rin? Len had truly believed that Rin wouldn't suffer anymore. We're his thoughts childish? He wanted Leon to be punished. He took a step then froze.
'What could I honestly do?'
Leon fist shot down and Len's fingernails dug further into the wall. But it wasn't Rin who screamed in pain. Leon held a bloodied fist as Rin rolled off the side of the table and began crawling away. Len gasped at the sight of Leon's knuckles.
The color was mesmerizing, but Len had no idea what it was. Rin pulled herself to her feet and tried to get away, but Leon recovered and grabbed her by her hair dragging her back and throwing her down. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!" He screamed and began throwing his fists, blinded by rage.
"RIN!"
Len couldn't stand still anymore, he would do anything. To get Leon away, regardless of how small and weak he was. He ran down the hall. Leon's Mad laughter rang through it bumping off the walls. Len pushed himself to run harder.
Rin fell to the floor not moving. Leon stood there laughing as he stared at Rin's still form. She was splattered in red.
Len couldn't get there fast enough. (3)
Miriam entered the room and gasped. "What in the world is this mess?"
"It was a burglar, get some cleaning supplies"
"A burglar!" She looked disgusted and hurried off. Leon took another look at Rin then followed his wife. Len backed from the hall and ran to Rin as soon as the room was clear. He shook her.
"Rin, Rin!"
She gave no reply. Len lifted her body. She was badly bruised and bleeding. Len started shaking as he drew back the cloth of her uniform and pressed two fingers to her wrist.
BA-BUMP
Relief flooded him as he realized she was still alive….barely. Looking back he figured they would be back soon.
'Those monsters! This is too far! How-'
He shook his head standing, Rin needed to be brought to safety. He could worry about them later. Picking her up carefully he rushed out the door, though he didn't know where the hospital was, he did know where Gumi lived.
He would bring her there.
Sonkia opened the door hearing frantic knocking. Due to the lateness of the night she was irritated by the un-timely visitor.
"WHAT!" She asked annoyed.
A boy stood there, but she couldn't make out his face. "H-Help" he said lifting his arms. He held a girl she recognized as her sister's friend.
"Oh My Gosh!" She gasped and threw open the door. "What happened?!"
The boy ignored her question saying only "H-hospital." Sonika nodded in a flash grabbed her keys from their holder and ran out the door to her car. She opened the door and the boy put Rin in.
"Hey what ha-" Sonika cut herself off, The boy had vanished. Shaking her head she jumped into the driver's seat and sped off to the hospital.
He couldn't stop shaking, he couldn't stop running. He just continued on unceasingly.
'Rin's hurt! She's hurt so badly! Why didn't I do anything?!'
His feet hit the ground harder.
'How could he do that? SHE COULD DIE! He needs to PAY!'
Len halted breathing hard clutching his chest. He cried in agony and fell to his knees. His fists clenched as he tried to think clearly. Then something shined in his vision. He lifted his head and saw a vehicle. It's giant wheels loomed over him. Len knew who it belonged to.
His fist clenched tighter, and he felt something in his pocket. He put a hand in and withdrew Rin's scissors. A look crossed his face, and he began slashing at the large tires. Air rushed out of it and the car sunk. Len grinned and stood up stabbing mercilessly at them one by one. An alarm went off but Len continued with his punishment.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?"
Len lifted his head from another wheel and saw Leon in the doorway of the house. He vanished for a second then returned holding something. Len gulped and jumped from his spot as Leon shot at him.
Len gripped the scissors and turned and ran from the vehicle. Leon wasn't done. He raised the gun taking aim and shot at Len again. Len gasped nearly tripping as it hit near him. Gun shots resounded through the night as Leon pursued Len. Len ran faster, charged with adrenaline.
Leon shot again, getting closer. Len ran into a forest clearing, he gasped as a bullet grazed his arm tearing his newly sewn sleeve. He winced falling to his knees.
'No not now!'
He thought as his body began to shake. He would become a bear because he had been hurt. He closed his fist tighter on the scissors waiting for the change. It didn't come. He looked up hearing a clock ringing in the distance. It was day time, the cycle had restarted. Len didn't have time to celebrate though, Leon had found him.
The man raised the gun pointing it directly at Len, as Miriam slipped behind him. Len gulped staring at the man he hated for years. His anger and resentment strongly overpowered his hatred. With the streetlight shining on him, Len's face and hair could be seen by the adults.
"You just won't die will you?" Leon said, proving he thought Len was Rin again. Seeing as how Len's hair tie had snapped in the chase, he probably looked more like her. His expression stayed cool as he stared at Leon who raised the gun. "Don't know how you escaped last time but this time you won't."
Miriam let go of Len and dodged away as Leon shot. Len, free of her bind ducked and kicked the weapon out of Leon's hand. The gun flew into the dark woods behind them. Leon cursed rubbing his still-hurt hand getting distracted for the moment. Len's anger boiled over.
"You don't like pain? Thought you would because you always hurt her! Does it feel good to do that? What the HECK is wrong with you?" Len huffed clenching his fists tightly as he stood by the tree. Confusion crossed both of the others faces. "She's not just some toy you can throw around! She's a FREAKING HUMAN! SHE'S YOUR DAUGHTER!"
Leon didn't reply still staring. Miriam spoke stepping in front of Len with crossed arms. "Yeah so?" she said coldly.
"What?" Len blinked surprised by Miriam.
"So what if she's my daughter, she's an evil vile creature who shouldn't exist. She's lucky I kept her." She laughed speaking more than Len had ever heard. "I should have gotten the abortion, after I found out. Now look at how she thanks me. Ruining my fame ha! She deserves this."
Len was astonished. All this time Miriam knew what she was doing. From everything before he thought that Miriam had no idea of Rin's existence. But…she knew…and she allowed it, her own daughter, own flesh and blood. Such a sweet and innocent girl knowingly hurt by her OWN MOTHER!
"She needs to pay" Miriam smiled laughing.
An intensity like fire raged through him and he was overcome by wrath. He dived forward wanting to do anything to shut her up. Miriam gasped her eyes went wide in terror as Len crashed into her. She fell over backwards, Len with her.
"SHUT UP!
SHUT UP!
SHUT UP!"
Miriam was hit repeatedly with each word. Len lifted his head and looked at her. Her eyes looked lifeless and she gave one last laugh. Len blinked and noticed she was covered in the red liquid he had seen on Leon and Rin.
He backed up pulling his hands away from her chest, he gasped. The scissors were stuck, embedded in Miriam's chest which pooled out the redness from many spots. His face turned white as he pulled them from her body. He stood and stumbled.
'Why isn't she moving? What is this red…? Did I?'
All at once it dawned on him. He had killed her. Miriam was dead. Len didn't know what to feel he looked from the scissors to her impaled form, shaking. Dead…killed….gone….dead…dead…dead.
Suddenly something hit his side hard and he lost his footing, he shot backwards and landed against a tree trunk. Len lifted his head dizzily as Leon appeared in his sight.
"YOU KILLED MY WIFE! YOU ROTTEN BRAT!" Leon roared diving at Len again. Len gulped and rolled out of the way. Leon was on him instantly as Len stood up and tried running. Len's side ached in pain, causing him to cry out and stumble. Leon raged behind him, Len could feel his hot breath.
Len jumped behind a tree, clutching his side in pain with his free arm. Leon thrust a hand behind the tree, nearly catching Len's hood. Len yelled and jumped back into the darkness of the forest. Leon was bigger and stronger than him. He caught Len as he tried to run behind another tree.
Leon slammed the boy's head into the tree trunk causing Len to slip dizzily to the ground. Two hands wrapped around his throat and Len couldn't breathe. He choked as Leon gripped tighter. Len lifted a hand prying at the man's larger fingers helplessly.
His legs flailed but Leon steered clear of them, his hands locked on Len's neck. "I'll kill you and then I'll kill that girl, wherever you're hiding her. I'll torture her first, tearing her body limb from limb so she can know just what pain is. Want that boy? Since you obviously care about a MONSTER like her!?"
"y-you…re-"Len choked.
"What was that?" Leon smirked.
"You're the monster!" Len cried bringing up his other hand fast. The scissors slashed a deep gash in Leon's arm. Instantly he dropped Len yelling and grabbing it. Len coughed and gasped as Leon moaned about his bleeding arm. Still coughing Len stood and dived at Leon scissors held tightly in hand.
Due to Leon's distraction Len managed to knock him over. Leon stared up in shock at Len's void eyes, showing no mercy. Len wanted him to pay, be punished, and experience everything he had put Rin through. He raised the scissors.
"PLEASE!" Len's hand stopped. Leon looked at Len with a petrified expression. "Please, don't kill me!" Len glared gripping the scissors tighter as Leon continued. "I promise I won't hurt her anymore, I'll treat her just like Lily!" Len's hand shook. "I'll apologize, I'll fix it, I promise I'll love her, isn't that what you want?"
"You…you'll… stop hurting Rin?" Len asked his eyes hopeful.
Leon nodded and winced. "P-Promise, I'll be a good Father." Len dropped his arm to his side, almost letting the scissors slip from his grip. He stood. "Help me up?" Leon asked. Len nodded and held out his other hand to him. Leon lifted a hand taking it in Len's with a smile.
Then it vanished. "Stupid boy" He pulled Len's arm and flipped him onto his back laughing manically. "Did you really believe I'd be willing to do that? Oh please that girl is a mistake." Len realized he had been tricked and felt like an idiot. Leon laughed and locked Len's hands above his head, prying the scissors from his fingers.
"Don't worry I'll be sure to tell her you killed yourself to get away from her." Leon laughed as Len's eyes widened.
'NO RIN!'
Len struggled in Leon's grip proving more forceful than Leon had expected. He kicked as Leon tried to restrain him. Leon couldn't hold both him and the scissors. They flew into the air as Len kicked Leon in the gut. Both of them gasped as the weapon was freed.
Leon leapt off of Len and made to dive for them, Len crawled to his feet trying to catch them as well. Leon fumbled the scissors as they fell and Len jumped trying to catch them they flew past him, landing in an upright position on the ground.
Len dived as Leon yelled. "NO YOU DON'T!" Len hit the ground and slid, his fingers were inches from the handle. Leon charged at Len leaping to pin him to the ground again. Len urged himself to reach further knowing Leon was coming. Finally he grasped the handle just as Leon landed. Len shut his eyes turning. Leon gave a choked sound.
Len opened his eyes and gasped. Leon's eyes rolled to the back of his head as red spurted from the wound in his neck. Len pushed at Leon's chest, who fell like a dead weight next to him, splattering blood in a circle around him. Len gasped and crawled backwards. Leon's body jerked, twitching madly. Len lifted his hands to his head pulling at his blond hair that was soaked in red.
Leon's body continued to jerk until it just stopped. The last drop of blood fell from his neck into the puddle on the forest floor. Len gasped and gasped as if he couldn't breathe, he felt dizzy and nauseous, terrified and horrified. He pulled at his hair harder and screamed.
"WHAT DID I DO? WHAT THE HECK DID I DO!"
The red was too much for him, he wanted to get away. The sight of the two bodies lying near each other was haunting. Len pushed himself back, his heels digging into the ground. He continued to gasp and pull at his hair. Red was everywhere.
"AUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHH HHHHHHHH!"
Len screamed again as his hands met the pavement. He looked down and scrambled to his feet, backing away from the scene. He turned and ran from it like a child. Above him thunder clapped and a torrent of rain began pouring down. Len slipped but continued running, gasping and coughing as the rain soaked his cheeks erasing all traces of his crime from him.
Mother and Father were gone.
"She's recovering wonderfully"
The nurse said to the green haired woman sitting on the bench outside the door. Sonika looked up from the phone she had been staring at.
"Are you her mother?"
"No her neighbor"
"Neighbor? How did this happen, where are her parents?"
"I'm not sure, a kid I think it was a boy just brought her to my doorstep near midnight. I didn't see his face it was too dark. He didn't say what happened just 'help' and 'hospital'."
The nurse wrote something on a clipboard. "Really? That's odd. You have no idea where to find her parents?"
"I've never even met them. She never talked about them when she came by. I just assumed maybe they were just busy."
The nurse wrote more. "That is rather peculiar. You would think at that time of night a parent would be home with such a young child."
Sonika didn't answer just stared at her phone screen.
Len closed the curtain, listening to the ladies outside the door. He turned back to the bandaged girl lying on the hospital bed, staring at her sadly. How could he tell her what had happened? She was so pure. Would she be able to handle something like that? The information that he held, it was so much to bear.
He wasn't the same anymore. Could she still accept him…knowing he murdered her parents? Len's chest hurt at the thought. What if she couldn't take it? What if she hated him? What if she rejected him? After all he was corrupted. Len sat in the chair beside the bed.
"No…"
He couldn't tell her, he couldn't lose that smile, that innocence. He wouldn't destroy that. He knew it was selfish, to continue living with that, but he couldn't give it up. Rin would remain oblivious to it, for as long as he could hide it. Len reached across the space and touched Rin's cheek, she smiled in her sleep.
Len smiled faintly back and looked down at his lap. He slipped a hand into his hoodie pocket and withdrew the scissors, staring at them for a second. His hand hesitated over her soft golden locks. After a few seconds he closed an empty fist withdrawing it.
No, he couldn't taint her with hands that had done such wrong. He decided what to do. The scissor blade scratched against his finger cutting it. Len watched as instead of red, stuffing poked from it, he didn't have to wait long for the change.
'I'll erase my childish excuses together with the light.
If I can no longer touch your hair, then I shall also tell lies.'*
The nurse opened the door to check on her patient.
"Huh? When did a bear get here?"
.
.
.
So Leon and Miriam are dead, for some that would be FINALLY! For others that would be why not Lily? Well I'll just say I'm going with the song. This was my first attempt at writing a murder, especially through the killer's eyes. I hope I did well. And nothing against Fans of Leon or Miriam, they just fit the parts of parents to Rin. orz So This was a REALLY long chapter, as apology for the short last one.
Review Replies
Guest-San: That is the correct name of the song! Thankyuu for reading and reviewing
OtakuHeart-San: Orihime and Hikoboshi? Hmm I've never heard of that, but I looked it up after reading your review. It is in fact a Vocaloid song :O VY1 and VY2 sing it. Called "Fools Among the Stars" It would make a nice song for Rin and Len ne? Yes! Len is human. (Everyone was waiting for that eh?) One of Favorite stories? Why thankyuu! Here is the update! Thankyuu for the review~
MaddyTheAwesome-San: That song is correct and he did meet Yuki Kaai, meaning this chapter is dedicated to you! You answered both correctly (though they weren't both required) Aww, I'm sorry I myself am too busy to draw a cover that's why I made it a contest. Yes! Len is finally human :D Thankyuu for the review.
Darkflower123-San: That song is correct! Thankyuu for the review!
KimmyG15-San: Yes! Indeed she was convinced. Thankyuu for the review!
Mitsu-San: Well I'm happy I helped anyways ^^ Yes Len did become human, and yes I fully intended for him not to stay (always) a bear until the end.
The chasing moment… I liked writing it, Len was kinda stalker-ish. What happened to Len was he fell down the stairs and turned back into the bear, as you should see explained in this chapter. It was meant to be a little confusing.
I hope I can update fast too. My professors don't like me typing in class Dx that's why they keep getting later to wait (longer than once a week)
I bet your knowledge is fine! There are soooo many songs I have never heard of. I heard that Len had over 100 by himself. Idk if I even know 45 XD Yuki is correct! Thankyuu for the Review! ww
Ownitlikeaboss-San: Yes Len met Yuki. Really I thought the chapter was well meh.. filler-like. But thankyuu for the enthusiasm, here is the update! Thankyuu for reviewing.
ChibiLove-San: Nice to meet you (if we haven't already met) Thankyuu for reading. Lovely and touching? Why thankyuu and Len's Yandere/Possessiveness is very awesome! :D
You reacted the same way to the story/song/play-thing as Rin. Aww I feel like that is the way it should be reacted to. Len could never be mad at Rin. Saying the same thing at the end of each review adds a nice touch, and makes me smile. So thankyuu and here is the update!
RadiantCherryBlossom-San: Both those answers are correct. However Maddy-San got them first. I like it when people answer the questions though thankyuu. yes poor Len :(
Nakao Yamashita-San: Lol Charlie the Unicorn, Yes Rin's parents are good as killed death. (after this chapter) Oliver meet Len? You will see. The end? Something disgustingly strangely awesome? Hmmm I do have this all planned out I wonder if it falls into the category. Thankyuu for reading and your review! Here is the update!
2awesome4u11-San: Don't worry he's not dead! Thankyuu for your review
And Thankyuu for reading, favoriting, following: NaokoYamashita. 2awesome4u11 and anyone else who read!
Footnotes
(1) This is the first chapter where the beginning scene is not a memory, but after the start of the chapter.
(2) Onee-San: Rin calls Lily Big Sister, but says san instead of Chan because they are not close.
(3) I almost ended the chapter here, to make it a two parter, but I just couldn't stop writing. So it's a VERY long chapter.
Constructive criticism is welcome, but please don't flame me. I'm new to this
Review please! Please! PLEASE
Thankyuu
P.S. Which Len and Rin song is being referred to in Len's last line? (please don't look it up)
CONTEST! Attention Artists! Who thinks they can draw a good cover picture for this Fanfic? Winner will receive a RinxLen one-shot of their choice. MORE INFO ON PROFILE! PLEASE JOIN! :D
~ MoNoChRoMaDdiCt