A Guardian Angel
Chapter 125
The Grand Finale
Part 1: Let's Play A Game
The sound of shoes echoed on the cement as Declan walked through the empty stadium. He was looking around for places to hide, and things to use. It had been quite a while since he'd been here, and he knew giving himself a refresher of the area would give him the advantage over Kate.
Walking by the edge of the stage he knelt down marking areas that she could crawl under with a thick line of chalk. Standing he walked over to a group of men.
"I want you two to check for areas of possible security breach in the lower levels that lead back stage. You'd be surprised how many drunk fangirls can slip through a small gap in the fencing before someone notices." He said earning a laugh from the guys.
"You three, come with me to my office." He said walking down the hall not even bothering to see if they'd followed. He knew they would, they were his men after all. Once in the office he pulled out a folder for each of them.
"These are the dossiers for tonight, inside are descriptions of potential matches for buyers. Commit this to memory, then burn it." He said sliding the files over. "You're dismissed."
The trio walked from the office with their folders in hand. Closing the door Declan smirked. Tonight, he was going to win. He had the sole intention on following through with his every desire. He was planning on showing her the real monster she'd been playing with these last two years.
Sitting in his chair Declan kicked his shoes up on his desk, his thoughts going to last night. At the recollection of her scream, he couldn't help but laugh at the thought, relishing it. While he'd let her go before, that meant nothing now. It was time to collect.
Pulling out a key he unlocked the desk drawer removing a worn leather roll. He unrolled it on the desk, and inside gleamed dozens of knives. Some old, bent, and chipped. Some were new, glistening, and still in the wrapper. All of their edges gleamed and glistened, sharp and waiting. He picked through them delicately, none of them piquing any particular interest he had. Finally one caught his eye. It was the same knife he'd cut her with previously.
Picking it out of the roll, he felt the weight of it in his hand. Finally he slid it into his pocket, patting it.
"I'll let you finish what we started."
o0o0o
"Thanks for coming." Mo said, closing the door after Ash walked in.
Kate was sitting on the edge of the bed, and knew she had to look as exhausted as she felt. As Ash walked in she glanced around the hotel room.
Marshall and Fionna had been the first to show up. Naturally the first thing Fionna had done, was ask if she was alright and then hug her. Honestly Kate never wanted to cry more as she hugged her friend tightly back.
Fionna sat on the sill of the window, and Marshall at the desk out of the sunlight.
Ignitus had come only minutes after, and he'd settled next to Marshall leaning on the desk.
Once Ash walked in, he leaning against the wall on the other side of the bed, Mo spoke.
"So the last day and a half has been horror movie status creepy to say the least. We need to talk about what happened yesterday, it was a lot." Mo said. Sitting next to Kate on the bed, he brought his arm around her shoulder now looking around the room.
"In the span of twenty four hours, Kate's been threatened, we've had a dead animal gutted and left on our door step, and had our house broken into. I think it's safe to say that whatever rules Declan had been following, were limited to our contract."
"And you think because it ends tonight that he's throwing the rules out the window?" Marshall asked watching as they both nodded confirming his thoughts.
"I promised Kate, we'd handle this how she wants to handle it. But we're going to need your help." Mo said looking around the room as he filled them all in on the events of yesterday.
Kate sat hearing, but not listening, her mind was working a mile a minute as they devised a plan. Her attention though was grabbed the moment Fionna spoke up.
"I don't have to sing for the first half of the concert, we can stick together near the stage." She said the boys nodding in agreement.
Kate wasn't fond of this, but sat there silently as all the boys agreed. She knew more than anything that Fionna just wanted to help. At the same time though, she was afraid of whatever retribution could end up happening, especially with the babies.
"On the songs where we can actually get away with having less band members, I'm planning on stepping off to help do what I can to keep her safe." Mo said as Ig and Marshall nodded in agreement.
"Same. We should all leave our backup instruments at home." Marshall said with a grin.
"That's a good idea, I was planning on scoring the strings again on mine to make them break." Mo said.
"I'll do the same." Ignitus said. "I need new strings so I'll hop in that boat right there with you. What we should do is what we did last time. Stir up the pits and cause enough of a problem for security to be sent out."
"That's a great idea. I feel like I have zero ability to offer any support, and I feel like a jerk." Ash said looking around the room.
"Dont." Kate said softly saying nothing else.
"Kate you okay?" Fionna asked softly. They watched as she shook her head.
Standing Kate walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Everyone glanced at each other, but clearing his throat Mo continued.
"Okay, so this is the plan right? We rotate during songs, and sabotage our equipment?"
"We do whatever we have to, to keep her safe. It all sounds very doable to me." Marshall said as the rest of the guys nodded in agreement.
"Is there anything else that needs to be discussed? On or off topic?" Marshall asked looking around the room. After a beat of silence, Ignitus spoke up.
"Actually yeah. Can we talk in the hall Marsh?" He asked pushing off of the desk and walking towards the door.
"Sure, everything okay?" Marshall followed along as he walked out into the hallway. He waited for Marshall to close the door behind him before he spoke.
"No actually, it isn't. Marsh I have some really bad news." Ig said now turning to face him. "We lost Simon last night."
Hearing this Marshall leaned against the wall. He felt like the world had just shifted. "That's- that is really bad news. What happened? I thought he was okay." He asked watching as Ignitus shook his head.
"He had a stroke, the night before last. The same night we came home. He just kept going down hill these last two days. Marcy was with him, she never left his side. Apparently he said something about wanting to dance with his wife?" Ignitus asked watching the sad smile on Marshall's face.
"That sounds about right." Marshall said softly. "I- I need a minute Ig, please?"
"Yeah man it's not a problem." Giving his shoulder a squeeze Ignitus left him in the hallway. "I'm really sorry Marshall."
Marshall listened wiping his eyes, as the door closed. Moments later though it opened again, Fionna walking out, taking his hands in hers.
"Hey, come here." Fionna said softly pulling him into her arms and holding him tightly. "Ig just told us what happened. Marshall I'm so sorry."
"Fi, I knew this was coming, I did. But this is really, really, hitting me hard." Marshall said with a sniff, wiping his eyes.
"You loved him Marshall, I know this has to be breaking your heart." Fionna said feeling as he rested his head in the crook of her neck.
"It is, it really is." Marshall sniffed holding her tightly.
0o0
Kate took another soothing breath as Mo squeezed her hand. He'd come to check on her after they'd wrapped up, and found her sitting on the edge of the tub holding a tissue.
"Are you sure you wouldn't feel safer anywhere else? Dessa's, Hunson's anyone's place?" He asked squeezing Kate's hands in his. "A hotel room, a motel, a twenty four hour bank vault?"
"I don't feel safe when you're not around. I want to stay with you." Kate said firmly.
'If it's just me by myself, he'll kill me. There'd be nobody to stop him, nobody to see anything, nobody to-
"Okay. Everything in my power Baby, I promise. That's what I'll do for you. Everything in my power." Mo said softly feeling as she leaned against him. While he didn't like her decision, Mo was willing to do whatever he needed to for her.
o0o0o
The afternoon flashed by in what seemed to be the blink of an eye. He didn't want to admit to being worried, but he was...But now wasn't the time to worry about the girl who seemed to have zero sense of self preservation. Oh no. Now was the time to focus on getting the band performance ready.
There were last minute costume alterations, hair and make up, pre session photo ops to prepare for. But most importantly, he had to get the band set up for their final concert with BloodRain.
The morning had been filled with last minute errands. Now that the bands were due to arrive, Lucas was ready for the most part.
"You look worried."
Hearing the familiar voice he turned seeing Mei, and breathed a sigh of relief as she entered the room closing the door behind her.
"Look Mei, I realize that you more than most people are completely capable of handling yourself. But that doesn't mean I don't worry about you. That's just my nature." He said with a shrug.
"I know. But I'm not doing this for some stupid or petty reason. I'm gonna see if I can get Lich gone for good." Mei said sounding more than determined. Lucas just wasn't sure how she was going to manage it.
"What's he said about you not sleeping at home? He had to have mentioned something after yesterday." Lucas asked now setting up his make up and brushes.
"He's such a pig. All I have to do is grovel and act submissive and weepy, and he laps it right up." She said with a shrug.
"Just be careful Mei, you know I care about you. If it's too hot, jump out of the fire while you still can." Lucas said still setting his things up in the room.
"Thank you Lucas, for being the big brother I never got to have." Mei said softly from behind him.
Hearing this Lucas smiled and turned to reply, but saw that he was now alone in the room.
Moments later the door opened again with an assistant leading the members of the Scream Kings inside, a bouncing blonde leading the way.
"Lucas!" They wasted no time hugging each other as the guys began setting up in the room.
"Fionna! Oh honey how are you? How have you been? Oh sweet heavens what did you do to your hair?!" Lucas asked sitting her down in the chair and pulling her hair from it's bun.
"Motherhood...motherhood did this to my hair" Fionna said as they laughed falling back into their usual routine.
"So how's the family?" He asked now motioning over one of his stylists.
"They're great. When this is all over you should come over and visit us." Fionna said smiling at him.
"I'd more than love to, send me an invite whenever you're ready." He said turning to his assistant.
"I need three of you, she needs to be washed, deep conditioned, detangled, dried, and ready to style in less than an hour."
"Will do Lucas!" The assistant took off rounding up two others before leading Fionna from the room, she leaving with a wave to Kate, Lucas and the guys.
Now turning he headed in the direction of the boys taking over where his assistants had left off. Mo needed his face matted, Ignitus needed his hair sprayed, Ash was nearly done, and Marshall needed to be topped off with setting powder. The boys in his opinion always had the easier route when it came to make up and costume. Their makeup was never as dramatic as Fionna's nor their costumes. It was more than obvious that Fionna was to be Lich's show pony for as long as he could have her.
Everything had been going smoothly until a stage hand entered the room panicking about their lack of back up guitars. None of the boys though seemed to be worried or even phased at this news.
Lich though was furious over this and had stormed in to let them know. Among their updates was a note that there had been a change in the lineup of songs.
Lucas had been listening, watching their reactions as Lich spouted off. He noticed that at the mention of the line up change, they all seemed to have exchanged glances with each other.
Lich though hadn't seemed to have noticed, and walked from the room slamming the door shut behind him as he did.
Everyone continued on in a muted silence, Mo moving to sit with Kate.
When Fionna returned, and it was once again solely just the band, Kate, and Lucas, they began filling her in on what had happened with Lich. Everything from his rampaging tantrum, to how their plan for she and Kate to stay together for the first half of the set had been foiled.
Again the stagehand returned, this time beckoning the group to come with them for the pre show meet and greet and photo ops. Everyone stood and began following the stage hand. Mo took Kate's hand, lingering behind before he left.
Fionna also stayed behind, but for a different reason. Waiting until they were alone she reached into her pocket, pulling out a small metal canister pressing it into Kate's hand.
"It's pepper spray. Stay safe, we'll be back as soon as we can."
Kate nodded accepting the can from Fionna. Sliding it into her pocket, she slid the hem of her shirt down to cover it. Turning she walked back over to her chair. She hated this, and felt like a sitting duck. She felt vulnerable, and afraid. Her intuition was telling her that tonight was going to be the be all end all of this nightmare. What scared her was that she didn't know if she was going to survive the night.
Mei had been in and out of the room now, running errands for Lucas and various other stagehands. On her most recent round she stepped into the room sitting on the arm of the chair next to Kate.
"How're you feeling?"
"I'm scared."
"Good, that's how you know you're still alive."
"Mei, I don't know if I'm going to live or die tonight." Kate said watching as she shook her head.
"Neither of us are dying tonight." She said firmly watching as Kate nodded her head. Both heard as her phone rang, and pulling it out Mei swore before she walked from the room leaving Kate and Lucas alone.
Just as he was about to speak, the door opened and Declan poked his head in. He looked around, his eyes training on Kate before he stared her down. Smiling he closed the door.
"You don't have to stay and play these games with him Kate. You can leave if you want to." He said watching as Kate shook her head.
"He'd find me, I know he would." She said closing her eyes and resting her head in her hands.
'Momma, Daddy, please...keep me safe tonight.'
o0o0o
It was a game of cat and mouse, this much Kate knew. When the band was brought out, she knew it was time to make herself scarce. Making sure to keep an eye open for the slightest movement she kept alert. It was all uneventful, and that was everything she could hope for. Keeping an eye out for cameras and scoping out where members of security were, she slipped down another hallway back stage.
Just as she was about to turn down the hall, Mei rounded the corner from the other side first. From the look on her face, Kate could tell that this was not where Mei wanted her to be right now.
Immediately Mei grabbed her shoulders pushing her into the dark, empty room. She turned continuing on as if she hadn't done anything at all.
Kate's initial confusion faded, for the briefest moment she'd wondered what Mei was doing, but ducked behind the door. Obviously she wouldn't have wanted her to hide for no reason. Keeping still and quiet, she was breathing slowly, trying to slow her racing heart. She could hear footsteps approaching. Seconds later Declan passed with another security member in tow.
"I want you to take over for the rest of the show as lead. I'm off the clock early tonight. I've got business to attend to. Did you fill the quota?"
"Yes, and then some. Three of each. The buyer will have their pick of the crop, the rest we can split unless we decide to drop them down the pipe line." The other said, their voices fading away.
Kate waited a moment listening to the silence as their footsteps faded away. Again she crept off, this time running into Fionna coming back from her sets. She had one final song to sing, but that was to be at the end of the night. The whole time it felt like she was both a human spot light, an endless chatterbox. Everyone was looking at them.
How are you? Stressed, very very stressed.
Is everything okay? No! I know everyone's trying to help but please stop asking me that.
Has anything happened? No, and I don't know if it's because I'm one step ahead of him, or because he likes hunting me. I won't know until something happens. Either he'll mess up, or I will.
They'd returned to Lucas's room. Entering it looked as if he were putting the final touches on her costume. Lucas hadn't even had the chance to do more than greet them when they heard footsteps.
Hearing the familiar sound of his shoes coming down the hallway, Kate slipped into the costume closet beside Lucas pulling the door shut. The moment she did the door to the room opened.
"Can I help you?" Lucas asked. He and Fionna watched Declan he looked around, scoping out the room.
"What are you doing here?" Lucas asked glowering as Declan began rummaging through everything that could be a good hiding space.
"Hey do you mind!? I have a system here and you're messing it all up!" At Lucas' sharp voice, Declan glared at him.
He looked from him, to Fionna, before looking towards the costume closet behind them. He stalked over, but the moment he reached for the handle, the door to the room opened catching his attention.
Mei walked half way in before slamming to a stop with a gasp. He turned immediately to face her, and the moment they made eye contact Mei looked over her shoulder.
"Run!"
0o0
Mei slammed the door shut and ran down the hall listening as the door slammed back open behind her. He'd taken the bait just as she hoped he would. Slipping into another room with one of the opening bands, Mei watched as Declan passed by the door.
"Hey Mei. What's going on?" Hearing this she turned around with a smile at their opening act.
"Hey guys! How're things going? Anything BloodRain can do for you all tonight?" She asked going through her spiel.
"Nah we're doing great, thanks."
"Awesome, I'll get out of your hair." She said slipping out of the room and heading back to Lucas'. When she arrived she was surprised to find Kate and Fionna having a heated discussion.
"Kate all I want to do is help- Fionna said holding on to her arm. Kate though yanked her arm out of Fionna's grasp, and turning she snapped at her.
"Fionna I don't want your help. Don't you realize that you have babies?" She asked, her eyes burning with tears. "Don't you see how dangerous he is?"
Fionna could only stare in hurt confusion.
"Kate I'd never be able to forgive myself if I didn't do what I could to help you."
"I know. But please, you can help me by staying out of it. I can't lose anyone else Fionna, I can't.
"Okay." She said softly. "Okay."
Walking to the door Kate looked out checking both halls.
"You know I love you guys right?" She asked looking back.
"Of course. We love you too. Please be careful."
"I will." Kate said heading off in the other direction.
o0o0o
Marshall had been the first one off. He was surprised it hadn't been Mo or Ignitus with how hard they'd been playing. Heading to the back in the guise of grabbing some water he headed to makeup and wardrobe. He was hoping if anything Kate would stick with Fionna, but he had the feeling that it wasn't what Kate wanted.
This whole situation had gone completely wild. He peeked into the room spotting Fionna and Lucas talking, she sounding frustrated and upset.
As much as he wanted to let them know he was there, Marshall left. With Fionna and Lucas together, she was safe. The bigger worry was Kate. Turning he hurried back towards the stage, he didn't have long left before the next song started.
Just as he made it to the steps leading back to the stage, he spotted Kate. She was racing down one of the hall ways leading back towards the rear of the stage.
Looking around Marshall quickly spotted the water cooler set up near the door. He raced over, meeting her the moment she'd come through the threshold. In a glance he could see Declan in pursuit, and made a split decision.
Grabbing Kate around the waist, Marshall pulled her against the wall to get her out of the way. Once she was clear he turned, kicking the watercooler over as he did.
Kate wasted no time, and grabbing his hand she continued pulling him along with her.
The sound of Declan crashing into the water cooler was incredibly loud. Marshall looked over his shoulder and grinned as Declan pushed himself to his feet, dripping wet.
They rounded another corner bumping right into Mei.
"Your songs about to start, I've got this." She said quickly motioning for Kate to follow along.
"Stay safe."
"Thank You." Kate said giving Marshall's hand one last squeeze before she let go, heading off with Mei.
Marshall hid out of view watching as Mei and Kate made it away safely, Declan following after them minutes later. Once he was gone, Marshall made his way back to the stage making it just in time for their next song.
0o0
"Run up those, don't stop. Just keep going until you can't." Mei said motioning towards the metal stairs straight ahead of them.
Kate made her way up the stairs climbing higher with each level. There was no where left to go. She could see the upper level. Cautiously she walked out, looking down through the catwalk grating stretching out over the audience below.
The grating she could feel was sturdy, and secure. Feeling the increasing vibration of someone climbing the stairs, Kate knew it would be best to go.
On the walkway were bundles of wires, and rope. There were plenty of things to trip on, and get tangled up, and caught in. She wondered briefly if maybe Mei and Declan were on the same side, but pausing and checking behind her she understood. Now Mei drilling her focus on her footwork made so much sense.
Declan was having more than a difficult time following her up here. Her nimble cat like reflexes got her through the multiple clusters of cords, wires, and ropes, much faster than Declan. Making it to the stairs on the other side she raced down them.
Declan stumbled through a cluster of cords, and watched Kate climb down and get lost in the crowd.
Angry didn't cover it, he was furious. Furious he'd lost her, and enraged because he never thought she'd go up here. Grabbing his walkie he pushed the button.
"Attention security personnel, I'm putting out an APB..."
o0o0o
Mei stepped back approving the next set of light cues and pyrotechnics for the upcoming song.
She watched as the lighting lead directed the staff to their places, when she heard an alert come through on a security member stationed nearby.
Recognizing Declan's voice and knowing it was for Kate, Mei crept closer listening in.
"...to be detained until I arrive. I repeat she is to be detained until I arrive."
Hearing this Mei headed off in search of Kate while keeping her eyes peeled for Declan and Lich. She hadn't been searching long when she heard the sounds of a struggle. She began heading towards it and hurried hearing Kate scream.
"No! Let go of me! Let me go!"
"Boss we have the APB detained in the south west corridor. Waiting on your return."
She could hear Kate struggling and peeking around the corner Mei saw two men. The larger of the two had his back to her, and was restraining Kate. She Mei was happy to see, was putting up a hell of a fight still. The other was pacing the hall while they waited.
"Received, ETA less than five minutes."
Running over Mei sent a full on kick to the side of the man's knee. It was impossible not to hear the sickening crunch as they both dropped to the ground, the man screaming.
Kate freed herself, and grabbing Mei sprinted down the hall.
"Thank you, thank you."
"Don't thank me, the night's not over yet." Mei said, a frustrated scream echoing down the hall. That they knew was Declan.
Again they took off being trailed, and tried to slip into the crowd of people back stage. Eventually they ducked under the stage.
Sitting in the darkness Kate panted trying to catch her breath. They'd paused in the middle, sitting back to back, each of them facing an entry point.
"You don't have asthma or anything do you?" Mei asked feeling as Kate shook her head.
"No, I just got comfortable these last few months." She said still panting. "This is my first real breather that I've taken." She said looking at the blurb of white dust on her capris. She wiped it off looking at her hands, they felt chalky.
"You're sure he hasn't seen us?" Mei asked as Kate shook her head.
"I'm not sure at all. I just needed to rest and breathe."
"Okay. We'll stay for thirty more seconds, then we need to see if we can get a visual on him."
Kate nodded, and closing her eyes she focused on her breathing.
"Ready?"
"No, but let's go anyways. We've been here long enough." Again Kate led the way as they continued on. Just as she lifted the stage covering to peek out, her arm was grabbed in a painfully tight grip. She was dragged from beneath the stage, Declan holding on to her with an iron grip.
Panicking and trying to pull away, Kate began scrambling as he dragged her half way out in a single pull. Her heart was pounding violently as she tried failing to push herself back.
Mei though grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back as hard as she could. To her surprised she and Kate both fell backwards into the darkness beneath the stage, Kate scrambling over her.
The light flashed and the darkness returned as the curtain dropped.
"Come on we have to go!"
"Wait." Mei said softly.
"But-
"Trust me." She said quietly now crawling back to where he had been only minutes earlier. Lifting the curtain Mei peeked out. He was gone.
"I figured he went to the other side to cut us off." She said crawling from beneath the stage. After a quick look around, she motioned for Kate to follow. The pair of them taking off heading back towards the wardrobe and green rooms.
"Mei there you are! Mr. Lich has been looking for you, it sounds urgent." Hearing this Mei and Kate shared a look before she nodded.
"Thanks I'll go find him." She said watching as the stage hand walked off.
"Are you really leaving?"
"For what I'm trying to do I have to keep up appearances. Stay here." She said opening the door and looking in.
"I'll be back quick. Stay here for as long as its safe to." Mei said heading to Lich.
Entering the room Kate closed the door behind her. Not wanting to be a sitting target, she decided to hide in the closet with slatted doors. That way at least, she could see out. Taking her phone from her pocket she pulled up her texts finding Mo's number. Pressing and holding the little microphone she began recording.
o0o0o
The moment his string snapped Ignitus grinned, hopping off to have his guitar restringed. This cut him completely from the next song and a half. With that thought in mind he headed off looking for Kate.
At this point the final set he knew was more than half way over. Walking past a drying wet patch he headed down the hall. About to round the corner he paused peering around it instead. Declan was at the end of the hall walking into a room. Seeing this he decided to investigate.
0o0
Kate had just watched as the last message changed to sent, when she heard the door open. It closed softly, and the sound of the clock clicking shut sent a chill down her spine. Not once had Mei locked any of the locks.
"Here kitty kitty. Why don't you come out and play with me?"
Kate felt her breath catch as he approached her closet.
"I know you're in here, and I'm getting closer." Covering her mouth she watched as he passed by. The sound of him wrenching the closet door open made her flinch as she tried desperately not to make a sound. Closing her eyes she tried focusing on her breathing, taking slow and steady breaths.
Opening her eyes the first thing she saw was Declan staring at her through the slats on the door. Kate shoved the door as hard as she could, putting all of her weight into it. If anything, she was hoping to knock him off balance and escape. The door though didn't move an inch.
Declan had been holding it shut. She pushed against the door again watching as he smiled. She realized too late what was about to happen. He stepped out of the way releasing the door, Kate letting out a startled gasp as she fell.
Hitting the floor hard there was only a moment before she was grabbed. Kate saw stars as she was slammed against the wall. Immediately she began struggling, kicking, and pushing at him. She was determined not to let her fear show. That she knew, what he was looking for. Her front though didn't last long.
After a sharp hit to the stomach she was dropped to the floor gasping desperately for air. Again he grabbed her by the throat, teasing her with breaths of air.
At this Kate couldn't help her panic. This was one of his 'games', one she hated the most. Kate tore at his hands desperate for air. She was allowed one gasping breath before he cut it off again. Struggling beneath him, Kate could feel her heart beat slowing. The clawing of her hands on his was starting to grow weaker. She was desperate for air, and starting to black out.
Darkness had begun to creep in at the edge of her vision, when she remembered. Digging her hand into her pocket in a last desperate attempt, Kate pulled out the mace spraying him in the face. She listened to Declan's scream of pain as he released her, rubbing his eyes. Swinging his arm he knocked the mace from her hand, slapping her in the process.
Kate shoved him off before running, choking and gasping for air. She stumbled out of the room crashing into Ignitus. To her surprise the first thing he did was grab the door holding it shut.
"Go somewhere." He said quickly as the door began rattling.
Kate flinched at the slamming sound on the other side of the door.
"Kate, look at me." He said sharply. Watching as her eyes snapped from the door to him. "He's trying to break this shitty door down. You need to go."
"Thank you Ig." She said taking off down the hall listening to the slams as he continued holding the door.
From the feel of things Declan had started kicking the door. Ignitus began timing it, listening to the sound of the kick and the shuffle as he adjusted his stance to kick again. By the third kick he had the pattern down. By the fourth kick, he had a plan.
Hearing as he adjusted to kick again Ignitus opened the door pushing his weight into it. He watched with vicious satisfaction as Declan slammed into the door, crashing to the floor. With a laugh he slammed the door shut again heading off in the same direction as the stage, one of the crew waving him back with his bass.
o0o0o
Looking quickly around and spotting the steps to the upper level, Kate hurried up them. With Ignitus' help she'd been able to put a great deal of distance between she and Declan. This she was more than thankful for, but now she was absolutely exhausted. Walking up the stairs and feeling the railing begin to vibrate, Kate looked down through the grated steps.
She recognized him four flights away, and began sprinting up the steps. She had no idea how he'd found her, but the one thing she was certain of was that up here she had the advantage. Quickly she squeezed through a bundle of cables, making her way to the other side.
It was easier now, going through the spaces he'd already been. Kate realized that this, though wasn't a good thing. If she was having an easier time getting through, then so was Declan. Turning she saw him closer than she would have liked. With a gasp Kate stumbled, her foot sliding on a cluster of wires.
"I have to get out of here, I have to-
Suddenly the cords shifted, dragging backwards knocking Kate to the ground. Scrambling to her feet, she tried climbing over them. She could see the audience below her, and hear the people screaming. She feel the vibration of the music in the air around them, and feel the strong grip clamping down on her ankle as she climbed through another cluster. She was caught and she knew it.
o0o0o
Tossing his guitar to the stage hand Mo ran off the stage looking around. They had three songs left and he wasn't needed for them. For the briefest moment he thought he'd seen the tail end of who he believed to be Declan heading up the stairs on the second level. With a quickness he headed for the stairs.
0o0
'I didn't take the wrong stairs, I did not just do that.' Mei thought scathingly to herself as she climbed the steps leading to the stage lighting. From where she was she could see Kate working her way through the collections of cords, and wires on the lower level. She was furious with herself for having misread the sign. The worst part was that Mei knew if she were to race to the bottom, to climb back to the top she'd be no help to Kate if she needed her.
Mei's side didn't go onto the lighting access struts where Kate was, but climbed to the higher level where the stage lights were. She was looking around for better vantage points, and a way down.
Pausing in her search she found an electrical cord the width of her thumb. Keeping an eye on Kate from above Mei began tying it off. Watching Kate maneuver through a mass of cordage, hopping over boxes, and ducking underneath wires she felt a hint of pride. Kate was keeping her distance and using her surroundings to her advantage just like how she'd shown her, and for that Mei was proud.
She began working on tying the cord to the railing. As long as Kate could keep her head, and kept track of her footing, Mei was sure she'd be able to make it out no problem. She worked quickly glancing over occasionally as she did. She looked away again but Kate's panicked screaming caught her attention.
0o0
Declan had caught up with her, tackling her to the floor, and Kate was completely melting down. She was panicking, kicking, crying, and screaming trying desperately to escape him.
"Did you really think I'd let you escape me again? That I'd let you get away this time?" He asked while Kate scrambled trying to pull herself away from him using the grated floors. Declan pulled her back pinning her down.
"Kitten, you're not going anywhere. I've waited two years for this." He breathed dragging the knife across her cheek watching the glistening beads of red drip down like rubies.
Kate cried harder struggling beneath him. She screamed for help but that only made him laugh.
'I'm gonna die tonight, I'm really gonna die.'
"Do you think anyone can hear you up here?" He asked his tone vicious and mocking. He flicked the blade against her arms, her chest, and her neck making nicks of various depth on her skin.
"The only one who'll hear you begging not to die, is me, and Kitten? You already know I'm the executioner." He said smirking digging the knife into her skin again making her scream.
0o0
Mei saw the whole thing as she worked as fast as she could. She watched Kate get caught, and could hear the ensuing struggle below her, and Kate's sobbing scream for help. Declan she could see was toying with her. He was taking his time slowly picking her apart, Kate trying her best to fight back as he did.
She'd almost finished, and tying off the cordage Mei pulled it tightly, feeling as it slipped. It needed to be much tighter than this or it'd be a suicide jump. Mei hurried watching as Declan pulled Kate to her feet, Kate having tried desperately to cling to the metal grated floor.
Hauling her up by the neck of her shirt he forced her backwards over the rail, her feet coming up off the ground.
Mei looked desperately around for something she could use to help. Seeing the cluster of wires loosened and messy from Declan forcing himself through them earlier, she got an idea.
0o0
All Kate could hear was her heart beating in her ears. She had no choice but to hold tightly to his arm, trying to prevent falling to what would be a very certain death. The only thing keeping her alive right now was her grip, and Declan's willingness to allow it.
'If he lets go, I'll fall. If I let go, I'll fall. I don't want to fall, please I don't want to fall...'
"You know, I've given this some serious thought Kitten. I really have. I think ending this here, would be an absolute mistake on my part. So I'm going to bring you somewhere new tonight." He said with a grin. "And I can't wait to leave."
At this Kate felt pure panic. There was no way she could let that happen, none. If it did? She knew she'd be as good as dead. But still, she was frozen stiff, and afraid to move. Afraid to set him off. Afraid he'd change his mind and drop her into the crowd of people down below.
From here she could see the stage, but Mo was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he'd come to protect her like he'd promised. Of all thoughts to be having, all she could think of was he coming to her rescue. Anyone coming to her rescue...It was so stupid.
'I should have listened to him. I should have stayed at Dessa's. I shouldn't have come-
He yanked Kate back over the rail holding her tightly to his chest as she stumbled into him.
With a gasp, Kate looked down at the needle he'd just pulled from her leg. She struggled against him, trying to push him away. She'd almost succeeded, but could feel herself growing discernibly weaker and tired as the seconds passed. Simultaneously she felt as if she'd been both sucker punched, and was bleeding her life out. Whatever he'd injected her with was stealing every ounce of energy she had.
"Go ahead and struggle, you're just making the inevitable happen faster." He crooned wiping her cheek.
"What- what-
"I gave you a shot of Thorazine." He said angling her face towards his. "In slight enough over doses you won't be able to move, or think, but you'll be able to see, and feel. You'll be completely aware of everything happening to you, and around you. So I'm really hoping I hit that sweet spot." Declan said with a grin feeling the familiar tremor of someone coming up the steps.
Pushing Kate to the ground he slipped the thick plastic cuffs over her wrists. He tightened them greatly, strapping her to the lower rail of the walk way. Declan stood looking over just in time to see Mochro ascend to the landing.
o0o0o
Mo climbed the steps as fast as he could. He'd been half way up when he heard Kate screaming, and more than half when that screaming stopped. This terrified him more than he could ever say.
Making it to the top, he slid to a stop seeing Declan standing next to the rail.
Kate was on her knees beside him, pulling at the restraints on her wrists.
"Ahh, and here he comes to save the day." Declan said grinning resting his foot on Kate's hip watching as Mo approached looking furious.
"Get the hell away from her!"
"You're not in much of a position to be making demands. How about you and I play a little game instead?" He asked watching as Mo glared at him.
"I'm not playing any of your damn games." He snapped.
"That's too bad, because she was the prize." He said shoving Kate through the gap and off the walkway with his foot.
To Mo's horror Kate fell with a shriek. She swung precariously through the air trying desperately to hold on. Her arm was around the pole holding most of her weight, but still she was slipping.
Mo lunged towards Kate, desperate to help her.
Declan though came at him with the knife.
The first thing Mo felt was the stinging burn of the knife as it slashed up his arm. He was quick to pull back, trying to avoid the sharp blade. Looking towards Kate he gasped, feeling the air as the knife whipped by his face.
Sending out a kick Mo connected managing to gain space. Glancing around he looked for anything he could use to get an advantage as they went at it. He knew he needed to get rid of that knife, he'd gotten cut several times now already in just these few moments.
Declan lunged again. This time Mo grabbed the hand holding the knife, and felt as his feet flew from beneath him. Declan knocking him to the ground as they struggled over control of the knife. Mo on his back trying not to be stabbed, while Declan was on top of him, trying to force down the blade. Mo pushed as hard as he could, gasping as something heavy slammed into them.
0o0
Mei tied off a section of rope pulling it tightly watching as this time it barely budged. Taking a breath she took a running jump, swinging down and kicked Declan, knocking him into the mess of cords and wires.
Declan rolled with the hit and jumped to his feet launching himself after her. Each time he lunged at her with his knife, Mei dodged and hit him.
Her goal was to make him his own enemy. As he began getting tangled in the cords, she saw her plan coming to fruition.
Losing her grip, Kate gasped grunting at the sharp pain in her wrists and arms as she fell further. She was held by the cuffs dangling above the crowd. She could see Mei and Declan violently going at each other. It was obvious even to Kate that these two were experienced fighters. He attacking with his knife, and she evading, ducking through the now tangled masses of cords throwing hits between slashes tangling him further.
Seeing that Mei had him distracted, Mo hurried by rushing to help Kate. Declan lunged for him the moment he did, missing his attack. He tried moving now and couldn't. He was he was tangled in the cords, and every movement he tried to make was stopped by the cords he was tangled in.
As he began yanking the cords trying to free himself, Mei made her move.
Grabbing the cord around his neck, she pulled it, wrapping it around the railing watching as it tightened around his throat.
0o0
"I've got you. Hold on to me." Mo said reaching down. Grabbing her arms he began pulling her back up onto the walk way. His arms though were slick with blood, and he could feel Kate slipping from his grip. He was bleeding heavily from a few significant cuts on his arms, and knew that if he were to let go to get a better grip, he'd lose his grip entirely.
"Please don't let me fall. Please!" Kate sobbed as he pulled her higher.
"I promise won't." Mo said straining as he pulled. She was slipping and he knew had had to get her up fast. Pulling as hard as he could, he finally got Kate high enough to where she could grip the grated floor. Reaching down he grabbed around her waist pulling her back up and onto the walkway.
0o0
Lunging for Mei again, Declan choked himself in the process trying to reach her. Digging his fingers into his skin, he tried removing the cord from his neck.
Mei though refused to allow that and proceeded to pull it tighter, watching as he choked.
He dug his nails into his flesh trying and failing to free himself from the cord.
To her fear and utter horror he began slashing at the cord with his knife not caring as he cut himself in the process of trying to free himself. It seemed as if he'd realized for the first time that he was losing his game, and could very well lose his life. He started sawing with an animalistic aggression on the cord. It was do or die, and he wasn't ready to die.
Seeing this as the last ditch effort to get to the end of the night alive, Mei made a choice. Knowing that he'd never stop, she began kicking the cords over the side of the rail. She watched as they pulled Declan back, weighing him down.
The moment his back hit the railing, Mei kicked him square in the chest as hard as she could. She watched as he tumbled backwards over the rail. Immediately she ran to Mo and Kate helping to free her from the railing.
The cord around Declan's neck was still tied to the rail. They watched as it shook violently at first before finally growing still. None of them wanted to watch, but none could look away either. They need to make sure he was dead and stayed that way. After watching for any signs of life and seeing none, they descended the stairs.
Declan's body still hung swaying back and forth above the crowd of concert goers.
"What do we do now?" Kate asked looking from Mo, to Mei, before glancing back up.
"We, are getting the hell out of here." Mo said taking her hand in his looking around quickly.
"Good. You guys get lost, I have some things I want to find." Mei said heading off without another word.
Mo headed down the hall in the opposite direction. Walking through the doors, Kate stayed quietly beside him, her hand holding his tightly. She felt sluggish and so tired.
They stepped into the night air together, Mo hurrying her to the car looking over his shoulder as he did. Nobody had been following them, he'd been making sure of that. The moment they got to the car he began checking every inch of Kate that her could see.
Kate though was more worried about him. Her eyes lingered on the still dripping wounds that littered his arms. She thought his hands were shaking because he was hurting, but that didn't seem to entirely be the case either. Looking up she saw the tears streaming from his eyes.
"Baby are you okay?" He asked, his fingers trembling, gently touching the cut on her cheek.
"Are you?" Kate asked taking his hand and looking at him seriously. He was pale, and his forehead was slick with sweat.
"I'm fine." He said leaning heavily against the car.
"You need stitches, you're not fine, you're bleeding."
"Kate, are you okay okay? Like okay to drive okay?"
"I am." She said feeling her concern grow.
"Good. Kate I'm sorry, but I'm about to pass out." Mo said opening the back seat and sitting down.
That was the only warning she got. The moment he'd sat down, he slumped backwards going silent.
"Shug!" She ran around to the other side patting his face. Getting no response Kate closed the door going back around. Buckling him in the back seat Kate grabbed the keys. Whether she drove him to a hospital or found an ambulance, she was getting him some help.
0o0
Mo opened his eyes looking around blearily. His body ached and he could see a faint glow from above him. Looking up he could see the ceiling of what he could only assume was a hospital. Looking around just from the curtains he could tell he was in the emergency room. Spotting Kate sitting in a chair beside him, Mo breathed a sigh of relief. She was safe, and she had to be okay if she wasn't in a bed like he was.
Rubbing his face, Mo looked at his bandage covered arms. He had an IV in his left arm, and his right hand was in hers. Squeezing her hand, he felt as she squeezed back murmuring in her sleep. He could see bandaids and butterfly stitches on her arm.
His thoughts was disrupted as he felt something vibrate against his leg. He could see Kate's phone lighting up with each buzz of the phone. With a wince he reached down grabbing it. It was full of unread messages from the last hour and a half, all from the band members.
This nightmare he hoped was finally over. Only one question remained in his mind.
'What happens next?'
ThankYou for reading and reviewing! This is part one.
As I've been extra busy lately I haven't had much time to write, so I'll be updating on a bi weekly schedule to lessen the pressure. Because of this I made this chapters ending not clifhangery at all though I'll bet you can imagine where I'd originally intended to end it lol. I know you guys always tell me to take my time, I just hate dissappointing you all, as you can see.
Thanks guys! Till next time.