Soldiers of the DBC 2

15 months had passed since Mika's recruitment to the cult. During this time, Chlo and Mika had both been fully indoctrinated to the cult, their sanity and independence long since eroded. Now Chlo finds herself three months pregnant, and indebted to Mr. X. But the cult never stops recruiting, and soon enough, the ultimate target will reveal themselves.

It was another day with the cult, and the members were all still very much in service of spreading the word. In the corner stood Karla Bentham, two black hair bows in her ponytail, staring straight ahead like a statue. He looked around himself, smiled, and then slid his hand down the back of Chlo's skirt. She didn't react, by now accustomed to the illegal act. 'My little girl, so vulnerable, cold and empty.' He then ripped one of her hair bows out, causing Chlo to panic.

'My double bow, it's gone, I need it, where's it gone?' 'It's fine, I have it. I wanted to demonstrate to you the power that I hold over you. I'm glad to see your reaction though. It will be important when your child is born into the cult.' 'They will learn the way immediately.' 'Until then, you still need to perform your usual duties. Keep on the lookout for any new members.'

As Chlo and Karla left, Mika sat on her controller's knee, the brainwashing having quashed any resistance from her brain. Shortly after her recruitment, he had dyed her hair blonde. 'Still I have not found what I'm looking for. All of you, you are extremely fun toys, but you're not the one. I don't know who is, but when she appears, I will know immediately. And they will be subject to a reprogramming like no other.'

In the school

Following a hard day at school, Sambuca Kelly and Daneille Harker were leaving together. 'Did you see the look on Grantly's face when he realised everyone was asleep?' 'No, I was asleep, like that's why he was annoyed Dan. I wish they wouldn't have him take assemblies, they're boring enough without the stuffy old git.' 'It's not like they even talk about anything important there.' 'Don't I know it? The other day they took up an entire period just to talk about some gardening project, like I don't even care about that. What about me suggests I want to dig up some soil?'

Karla then walked past with her double bow tight in. 'I've seen a lot more of these double hair ties recently. I don't get it.' Danielle then looked at her. 'I heard there's some sort of cult going around. Some weirdo keeps kidnapping girls and doing somit to them.' 'That's well creepy. Wouldn't catch me doing anything like that.' 'Me neither. But I'm worried Karla's been caught up in it. She's bright but she's easily lead when someone "gets" her.'

'Well I suppose all we can do is try and talk to her?' 'I tried, but she was just rambling about life being awesome and needing to get back to "him". Really weird I'm telling you.' Sam then noticed that Karla was looking back at them at the gates. 'This is your chance to talk to her properly.' 'You coming with me?' 'I'd love to but I can't - I'm already three days behind on homework and if I get any more detentions I'll end up having a sleepover here.'

As they walked out of the school, Sambuca walked off home while Danielle went to talk to Karla, who started walking off, turning down a narrow side street. After she followed her, Karla stopped dead. As Danielle reached her, before she could say anything, Karla pushed her head through a car window, and then threw her head-first into the wall of a house. As the ginger lay dazed, a car pulled up, and Karla through her into the back, before getting in the passenger side as they roared away.

When they pulled up in front of the cinema, Mika was waiting outside. 'Take her to the Arcade, he wants to try out something new with her.' As they did that, Danielle started to wake up, and she was dumped on her backside as she managed to get her head together, just in time to see Karla standing over her. 'Karla, what's going on?' 'You're about to join the Double Bow Cult. Our master will see you now.' Chlo then came up behind Karla. 'Your master wants you prepared. You have been chosen to try and bear his fruit.' She responded by tightening her double bow, and loosening her skirt, ready. The door to the arcade then slammed shut, trapping Danielle with her fate. As her mind was tortured, she screamed in agony

Six hours later

Danielle was sat down, tied to a chair, with no expression on her face and her mouth wide open. Suddenly two purple hair bows dropped, seemingly from the sky, straight into her lap. Seeing them, she grinned. 'I am proud to have been chosen. I will grow my hair to truly become a double bower.' Chlo then walked up behind her, spreading her master's word. 'He wants you to help him build the perfect race. He has told you what he is looking for.' 'The perfect race. I know who to find.' She then stood up, put the double bow on her wrist, and walked out slowly, her brain completely under his clutch.

The next morning

As Chlo walked into the school, Tom ran to catch up with her. 'How are you finding the mentoring so far?' 'Yeah great. It's great to be back here.' 'Listen, I've got someone I need you to keep an eye on. Her name's Jodi Allen, she's been through a really tough time at home but she's really intelligent and has a great attitude when it comes to learning. Would you be able to… you know, just keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn't get into trouble.'

Chlo seemed reluctant at first, but then she saw Jodi running in with her beautiful blonde ponytail, and had a moment of realisation. 'Yeah, I'd be happy to.' 'Thanks.' He then signalled for Jodi to come over. 'Hey, is everything alright?' 'Absolutely. I don't know if you've seen Chlo around before?' 'Yeah, she's been around for a couple of weeks hasn't she?' 'Yeah, she's working as a mentor here. I've asked if she can give you some support, just, you know'

'Keep me out of trouble.' 'Exactly.' 'Nice to know you trust me.' 'It's not about trust, it's about general support. Even if it's just someone to talk to.' 'Didn't think you liked students talking.' 'It's not that we don't like you talking at all, it's just we'd prefer you not to do it in the middle of a mock exam. Anyway, are you ok if I leave you two?' Chlo looked round at him immediately. 'You go. I've got Jodi.' As he left, Jodi looked back at her.

'I don't need a babysitter.' 'And I don't need a babysitting job. If you don't need any support, I won't offer it.' 'Glad you get it.' 'Listen, when I was here, the last thing I wanted was "extra support". Didn't mean I didn't need somebody to talk to sometimes. I'm just here if you need anything.' Jodi looked at her, and smiled. 'Thanks.' As Jodi left for her first lesson, Chlo covertly took a picture of the back of her head.

In the staffroom

Tom walked in, finding both Grantly and Ruby there. 'Hey, is Rachel around?' Grantly briefly raised his eyes from his newspaper for long enough to answer. 'Nope, she's off until next week. Lucky for some, I haven't had a week off in seventeen years.' 'No, you just have the Cheltenham Festival off. And the Grand National. And the 1000 Guineas. Even heard you taking the Kentucky Derby off before.' 'Yes, well it's nice to watch the races that you waste your money on.' 'By which you mean sit around in the bookmakers' all day hoping nobody from the education board happens to walk in.'

Before this could escalate into anything approaching an argument, Ruby walked over to him. 'Is there a reason why you were asking?' 'I just want to discuss something with her. Chlo mentioned something the other day about some cult, she made it sound like it's been around for a while so I was wondering if anyone had heard anything about it?' Both of them initially looked clueless. 'Figures.'

Just as Tom was leaving however, Ruby said something that made him stop. 'Although now you mention it, I have seen something strange recently…' 'I'm listening.' 'Karla Bentham.' 'Karla? I thought she was doing really well.' 'She is… and that's just it. She's doing too well, she's been really ultra happy.' 'Well that's not an issue is it? Poor girl deserves to get some enjoyment.' 'Happy to the point of nauseating. And she's been going on about how she's so happy that she was "caught", and she's become obsessed with two of everything. It's getting frustrating trying to stop her writing with two pens.'

Ill-educated in the world of Autism, Tom gave a somewhat flippant response. 'Well it's the Autism thing isn't it? You know, obsessions and all that.' 'Yeah, with certain films or television shows or whatever, but not like this, this is just different. I can't quite explain it, but… do you ever get that feeling that something's just not quite right?' Listening closely, he seemed to agree. 'I trust your instinct Ruby, if you think something's not right then I think we should go and elevate this to Rachel.'

Just as he was about to leave the room though, Grantly had some bad news. 'I'm afraid that Miss Mason is on annual leave all of this week. So if you want to discuss it with her, you'll have to find a carrier pigeon.' 'Since when has she been on leave?' 'Since there was a large notice on her office door. I am presuming that you can both read still, what with these new fangled emails.' Tom was tempted to respond, but instead just left.

At the cinema

As Danielle continued to sit dreaming of her double bow, Chlo returned, walking straight past her to Mr. X, who was overseeing Karla writing out some false cheques. As she walked up to him, a sinister smile appeared across his face. 'Chloe, my favourite, what is it that you have for me?' 'I believe that I have found a potential leader of your perfect race." "I see. Well, I take it you have some… evidence?" She nodded, and enthusiastically passed over her phone.

As her master looked, his eyes widened, and his blood started to run cold. He sat there in silence, as everyone else looked around (with Danielle as an exception), waiting with baited breath. After a number of minutes had elapsed, he finally spoke again. 'She is perfect. The ideal leader of the race has been identified. Chloe, your job is now clear - you MUST bring her in at all costs.' Chlo smiled, having done her controller's bidding. 'Whatever you wish Master, she will see the truth.'

He then walked over to Danielle, and got her attention. 'I have work for you.' She immediately stood up, and stared at him. 'Welcome to our… gathering Danielle. I assure you that like the rest of my servants, you are most welcome here, but you must earn your keep. I am assured that you know of my desires?' 'Yes, you want to create the perfect race. I know exactly who I must find for you.' 'Good' he purred, while stroking her head, pulling her head towards his chest. She still looked on, with a totally zombified expression.

The next afternoon

As school finished for the day, Jodi was sharing some humour with Sambuca, when Danielle walked up to them, looking far more normal than she had previously, the two bows on her wrist. 'Hey Danni, this is Jodi, she' 'I know who she is. I was wondering if you wanted to come to the cinema with me.' 'What - now?' 'Yes, now.' Sambuca jumped at the opportunity for some leisure time after school, but Jodi held back.

'You not coming?' 'No, there's something about… never mind, you just go, I'm sure it'll be great.' Sambuca then stopped. 'No, if there's something you've got to say, say it.' Danielle then tried to encourage Jodi. 'Why don't we go and you can discuss this on the way?' Jodi though wasn't having it. 'Can you not hear the way she's talking?' 'Jodi, she's inviting me to the cinema, is that so hard to imagine?'

'No, the way she's talking. Her speech is all weird and slowed down, she sounds like she's on something.' The tall blonde stopped for a moment, but with some prompting from her friend, shut the issues down. 'I really don't get what you mean. She sounds perfectly fine to me, I think you're just afraid of actually having someone. Don't take that the wrong way obviously.' 'No no, you're probably right, you just go.' 'C'mon, it's more fun if you go as well.' 'Tell you what, why don't you two go and I'll find out how amazing it is and go next time? I've got some Maths homework to do anyway.'

Sambuca shrugged, but just agreed to go, Danielle looking back in annoyance and disgust as they did leave. Little did anyone else know that the brainwashed ginger had been fully willing to take Jodi by force, had she not been stopped by a message from Chlo through a concealed earphone. "Danielle, this is an executive order from The Great Liberator - do not try to take Jodi by force. I am in charge of recruiting her, do not jeopardise our mission."

An hour later, at Chlo and Mika's house

As Tom walked in, he was surprised to see Chlo already home. 'Oh hi Chlo, I was just' 'I know, you were giving Jodi a lift home because there's rain expected. She texted me.' 'Oh, ok, I didn't know you two had exchanged numbers?' 'Yeah, we did it earlier. Listen Dad, I know I've been a bit hard on you recently' 'You can say that again.' 'But, I really want you to know that I do love you. So, I wanted to ask you something.'

Suspicious of her intentions, Tom nevertheless let her. 'Go on then.' 'You know this new buddy program you were crowing about the other day.' 'I'm sorry, "crowing"? I do not "crow" about anything young lady.' 'You totally were. But anyway, the point is, I want to be a part of it. Mentoring Jodi.' 'Woah hang on a minute. Just two things, first of all, you're not a student, we've been looking primarily within the student community to see which of them volunteers. Secondly, I'm not sure about you taking responsibility for a vulnerable girl like Jodi. Especially after that cult thing last year.'

Hearing this, she rolled her eyes and groaned. 'I told you, that cult sh*t lasted like, a day. I ain't even heard of them in months, the last I knew the guy behind it was on the run somewhere in Greece.' 'Where did you hear that?'' One of the poor girls who was more wrapped up in it contacted me out of the blue. Told me it was my fault that he ended up being identified, and that she'd never forgive me. Think her name was Julia or something, I think she was from Eastern Europe.' 'Fair enough, I would never disbelieve you on something like that. All I will say is that I trust you.'

'So can I do it then?' Reluctantly, Tom gave a glimmer of hope. 'Listen, Ms. Mason is back in next week. I'll let her know that you want to talk to her about it, but I can't guarantee you any more than that, ok?' 'Thanks Dad, you're the best.' 'Thanks, but I'm not.' As she went to leave the room, he had one more thing to say that pricked up her ears. 'By the way, that cult isn't as dead as you think, there's been a number of students who have reportedly got involved with a very similar group, there's a report prepared for Ms. Mason when she comes back.'

Chlo just nodded, looking extremely disappointed. However this was all an act, as when she was far enough away, she quickly got on the phone to her controller. 'It's Chloe, the school are onto us. We need to act.' 'Return here Chloe, we need to advance our plans quicker than I first anticipated. Make sure you are not suspected yourself.' 'Yes my lord.' As she came off the phone, she faked another phone call, and made sure to be extremely loud about it. 'Hello? Calm down, speak properly to me. Right. Right. Oh my god, I'm coming, stay strong!'

Hearing this, Tom came over. 'What's going on Chlo?' 'It's Gemma, you know' 'Salon owner Gemma, yeah I know.' 'Yeah, she's been mugged while she was on a night out and she hasn't got any money for a taxi, so I'm going to run down there and meet her.' 'I'll give you a lift down if you like.' She smiled at him, before politely refusing. 'It's fine, I can get down there quicker by foot, and I can pay for her to get a taxi back home.' Before he could argue, Chlo ran out of the door, leaving Tom more suspicious than ever.

Meanwhile, at the cinema

As Sambuca walked into the cinema, she had no idea what was about to happen. 'Thanks so much for inviting me.' 'You're welcome.' 'Sorry, I've not got a lot of cash on me, kinda skint.' Danielle gave a sly grin, and looked away. 'It's fine – you don't need cash anymore.' Sambuca seemed confused by the little comment. 'What's that supposed to mean?' Her "friend" quickly backtracked. 'Oh nothing, I just meant that I paid ahead of time.'

Still suspicious, the blonde continued to push for answers. 'But you didn't know I was coming until earlier.' This time, the receptionist (Mika wearing a hat and make-up to make her look older) came to the assistance before Danielle could find an excuse. 'Excuse me.' 'Which one of us are you talking to?' 'Short hair.' 'What is it?' 'Are you the one who was checking your 2 for 1 ticket earlier?' 'Yeah, it was me.'

Mika then smiled. 'Well the systems have finally rebooted, so I can check it for you if you like.' Sam then looked over. 'Should have told me it was a 2 for 1.' 'I didn't exactly get chance. You were too busy complaining.' 'I weren't complaining, I was just trying to understand.' 'Whatever.' By now the ticket had been "checked". 'Yep, totally valid.' Danielle then looked at the blonde. 'You choose if you like.'

'Nah, I'll just go with whatever you go with.' 'Great.' She then looked at the board. 'Screen 4 please.' 'Certainly. Here's your ticket back, and enjoy the film.' 'Thanks.' As Sam went off to get refreshments, Danielle held her incognito earpiece close to her, and spoke through an attached lapel microphone. 'Screen 4, get prepared.'

As they walked in, Sam seemed surprised at the lack of people there, and decided to call it. 'This is a set-up isn't it?' She then ran to the door, only for it to lock seemingly all by itself. The confusion was soon solved however, as she turned around and saw Danielle putting a dongle back into her pocket. 'What the fuck is going on Danielle?' She simply smiled back. 'Sorry Sam, I had to. We can be friends forever. All you have to do is join the cult.'

As she said this, the spiral started emanating from the screen, but Sam had no intention of giving in, and instead started running around looking for a way out. All the while, Danielle just laughed, her demeanour having changed entirely. 'You're not getting out of here. Not without submitting. You're either joining the cult or you just starve to death.' 'In that case I'd just have to wait until your master gets you out.'

'You really think that's happening? If I can't make you join the cult, I deserve to die. Because I will have failed my mission.' Hearing this, Sam started kicking the emergency exit, to no avail, all while the spiral increased in ferocity. This continued for nearly 10 minutes until finally, she started to make a dent in it. Finally, with one last massive kick, she got the door open.

But it was too late, as she then fell to the floor, clutching her head. A few seconds later, she stood up again, and then shouted to the sky, laughing. 'Master, if you can hear me, I am ready!' 'Will all double bowers please come to the VIP Lounge.' The main doors opened, and both girls walked out solemnly. At the lounge, she was spotted. 'Introduce yourself.' 'My name is Sambuca Kelly, and I want to become a double bower.' The doors opened, and they walked straight in.

Immediately, Sam ran over to Mr. X. 'I'm Sambuca Kelly. Please will you double bow me master?' 'Happily.' In a move of sheer audacity, he first stripped her down to just her bra and underwear, before letting her long blonde hair down. He then produced two light blue hair bows, and tied the first one into her hair, before stroking it, and tying the second one in. He then pushed the bows together firmly.

'You are now free Sambuca. Free from all your worries.' She stood there, smiling. 'I am proud to be a double bower.' Hearing this, he gave a sinister smile. 'Sambuca and Danielle, I don't believe we've had enough time together. So now, let's go and have some… private time. Just the three of us.' Sam appeared thrilled at this. 'And you can stroke my double bow.' It was clear that she was fully invested already.

The next day

As Jodi walked through the gates at school, she was being covertly watched by Sambuca and Danielle, both with dark, drooping eyes and zombified expressions, just staring at her. As she passed, Sam got on a handheld radio. 'The target is in the gates.' Walking into the school itself, she was just about to start a conversation with a couple of students when Chlo ran over, and sneakily kicked them out of the way while angling her body to prevent Jodi seeing.

'Hey, I was speaking to Mr. Clarkson' 'You can call him Dad if you like, it doesn't bother me.' 'Ok, I was speaking to Dad last night, and he said that I could mentor you.' 'Mentor?' 'Yeah, there's this mentor scheme going on, and I asked if I could be the one to look after you. Well, not look after you, but, well you know…' Confused, Jodi just looked at her. 'I have no idea what you're on about.' Before Chlo could dig deeper however, Danielle appeared to give her some help.

'Everything ok over here?' 'Yeah, I'm just talking to Jodi about this mentor scheme.' 'Oh you're taking part? That's ace.' Jodi then turned to Danielle. 'What is this mentor scheme?' 'Oh, it's just a little initiative from Miss Mason, the idea is that Year 11s and recently graduated students volunteer their time for the Years 7 and 8. It's just to show you round the school, provide any support with getting to know people, and liaise with staff. You know, just general support.'

By this time, Chlo had regained her composure. 'I'll be around if you ever need anybody to talk to, whatever it's about. I'll usually be around the school somewhere, but if you don't know where I am, just ask Mr. Clarkson.' 'Thanks, I will do.' As Jodi walked away for her first lesson, Chlo spoke to her master. 'First step is engaged. You will have your prize.' 'Good. Just make sure she doesn't get away.' 'Yes sir.'

That lunchtime, Chlo and Jodi were talking, when Chlo took the opportunity to promote her cause. 'I totally get what you mean about falling in with the wrong crowd. I mean, I used to be part of this group' 'This cult everyone's talking about?' 'Yeah… like it wasn't a cult or anything like that, it was just' 'A cult, gotcha.' 'No, it wasn't, it was like… a club I guess? It kind of just felt like our own little thing, we were just all good mates there.'

Ever vigilant, Jodi noticed the double bow that Chlo sported. 'So are you with them now?' 'Yeah, I fell out with them for a while but we patched things up.' 'That's cool.' Sensing Jodi was about to leave, Chlo managed to pull her back in. 'Who've you got tomorrow?' 'Double English.' 'Grantly?' 'Yeah, I like him.' 'That ain't a popular opinion in school.' 'Dunno why, Grantly's kinda great. I mean he's not exactly the friendliest, but I like him, he's good at his job, and I think he's kind of funny sometimes. It makes you want to impress him, because when he smiles at you, you think that you're ace.'

This gave Chlo an idea. 'You know, I think he'd be really impressed if you joined our group. You know, buddying up with some current and past students, learning from 'em, just showing that you're interacting basically. You wouldn't believe the amount of times that teachers nag you about talking to other people and getting to know other students.' Jodi though didn't seem especially interested, and just walked off, leaving Chlo frustrated. 'You will join us, one way or another.'

In the staffroom at the end of the day

Ruby was sat on her own in the staffroom, when Tom walked in, and just threw his jacket down on the chair. 'I might regret asking this, but do you want to talk?' He just huffed, shrugged, shook his head and then sat down on one of the sofas in the staffroom. 'So, what's going on… actually I know who's going on, but what's happened this time?' 'It's just the girls, they're getting worse and worse.' 'Well we could discuss it here, but I suggest we talk about it in the pub over a cold drink.'

In the pub

With a pint of beer and a glass of white wine respectively, Tom was finally able to unload. 'When Izzie died, I promised her that I was going to keep Chlo and Mika safe. But I… I just can't. You know, Chlo is completely all over the place personality wise, and Mika hasn't even spoken to me in the past six months, I haven't even seen anything from her on social media, the last I knew she was apparently living in Belfast but that was about four months ago.

Ruby was more interested in Chlo though. 'She's seemed ok to me recently, is she still involved with that cult?' 'I just don't know. I mean, she told me that she's not involved in the cult anymore, but she's apparently been spending more time with Sambuca Kelly, who is very much involved, and she's been suggesting to other people that she at least has something to do with the cult still. So I honestly just don't know. She's going to the natural history museum this weekend as part of a school thing, so I'm hoping that I can make a few phone calls while she's gone.'

Ruby then came up with an interesting concept. 'Why don't you try trailing her?' 'Pardon?' 'You know, trail her, like following her. Not following following obviously, more sort of spy work I suppose. Just keep an eye on, see if she's going where she claims, and if she's doing anything suspicious. If you're smart you can even make sure that you're far enough and inconspicuous enough to make sure you're not seen.'

This seemed to light some inspiration into Tom. 'Thanks for the idea, I might just do that. The museum's got a pretty big car park nearby, and I've got this big floppy sun hat that I never use, so I can keep undercover.' 'Now you're thinking. Try wearing things that she's forgotten you've got.' 'That won't be difficult, she never sees me in slacks. Or anything really these days.' Tom didn't know just how right he was.

That weekend

Chlo was dressed smartly in a blazer and skirt with tights, and her hair up in a very tight bun (which had a second bow inside to disguise), ready to go. 'You look… smart.' 'Thanks. Thought since it's a bit stuffy in a museum I should look the part, and besides, I might as well take learning seriously.' 'Well I'm glad to see and hear it.' He then passed her £20. 'What's that for?' 'The museum has a gift shop doesn't it? That's if you want to get anything from there.' 'Thanks Dad.' She hugged him, and then walked out of the house.

As she left, Tom secretly kept an eye on her from the kitchen window, using the thick curtains to keep himself hidden. Once she had reached the bottom of the street, he quietly left the house, and got in his car, slowly driving down to keep an eye on her. All was well initially, until she suddenly made a sharp left turn with the museum right ahead of her. Suspicious, he drove slightly closer, and got to see her walk straight into the cinema.

So he quietly parked up, and then sneaked up, listening by the entrance, as he knew that the ticket desk was conveniently located right near the doors. And within mere minutes, he had an answer, as he overheard Chlo talking to a member of staff. 'I have the double bow. I need to update my master on our targets. Please will you tell him I'm here.' The staffer phoned this mystery individual up, before getting a response. 'He said to go right through, he's busy at the moment but he'll be with you in about five minutes.' She then walked away, towards the Arcades.

As she did, Tom looked around, and seeing nobody around, ran towards his car, and then franticall dialled on his phone. 'Hello, it's the Police I need. I need you to go and investigate a cinema on Boardwalk Way, I understand that you've been investigating a grooming ring recently? Well it looks like they're operating out of this cinema and my daughter's been caught up in it. Yeah, my daughter's name is Chloe Grainger. Thanks.'

Around 10 minutes later, three officers arrived, two female and one male. Immediately one of the female officers came up to Tom, who was still hiding out in his car. 'Mr. Clarkson?' 'Yep.' 'So you think that this cult is operating out of the cinema?' 'I do, I got evidence.' He then played a recording from his phone of Chlo talking to the staffer, and then another recording of the staff member telling her Master about Chlo's arrival.

Hearing this, the officers walked up to the building with firearms drawn, and then, after knocking on the door to no answer, burst in, and started scouring the premises. Which they must have been doing extremely thoroughly, as they were gone for over 40 minutes, with Tom still seeing no sign of them. Minute after minute passed, and they were all still in there, but Tom did see a lot of flashing lights.

Eventually though, there was progress, as he heard voices in the cinema. And then, the two female officers walked out, walking straight over to Tom's car. 'So, what did you find?' 'I'm sorry Mr. Clarkson, but there's no evidence of anything going on in there.' 'What do you mean?' 'We looked all over the entire premises, and there was nothing untoward other than your daughter having this on her.'

They then showed Tom a small plastic bag with a wrap of cocaine in it. 'That makes no sense though, she doesn't do drugs.' 'The amount of times we've heard that. By the way, the manager asked you to get off their property.' 'And if I don't? I know something is going on in there.' The officers were having none of it though. 'If you don't leave you will be arrested and charged with trespassing.'

With the threat of being arrested, Tom switched his car on, and slowly left. He should have waited, as mere seconds later, Sambuca walked out with sunken eyes, and stroked the plait of one of the officers, before tying a blue bow into the top of it. 'Our Master wanted to thank you for your work. Your colleague will be consumed shortly.' The officer looked straight ahead, having been stripped of any thoughts by her new boss.

Monday morning, in school

As Chlo walked through the school gates in a huff, Jodi ran up behind her. 'Hey, you look rough.' 'Let's just say that Dad ain't too happy with me, he's got it in for me because I went to see some mates at the weekend.' 'Why would he be annoyed at that?' 'I kinda told him I was going to the museum. Ever since this cult were around, he won't let me go anywhere.' 'So you lied to him.' 'Yeah, but it was like a harmless lie.'

'I suppose, but I can see why he's annoyed. Hey, I wanted to ask you about something.' 'Right?' 'It's about this cult that you keep mentioning, the one Sambuca is a part of.' Hearing Jodi mention the cult, Chloe's demeanour began to shift, showing a more careful and listening side. 'Sure, whatever you want to ask.' 'Well, it's just that I got to know you and Sam real well, but not many other people. Almost like I'm some kind of outcast.'

'Well can I tell you a secret?' 'Always.' She then whispered down Jodi's ear 'I'm a member of the cult.' Jodi looked around with some surprise. 'You're… a member?' 'Yeah, the whole time, but you can't tell anybody.' Jodi just smiled, and said 'Your secret's safe with me. So what's it like there?' 'It's awesome, it sounds like it would be scary but you don't know how much it makes sense until you really think about it. You know, being with people who think just like you, believe in all the same stuff.'

'And your double hair bows' 'I guess every group has it's thing, and this is just kind of ours. It's better than stupid keycards or something, and it's easy for us to recognise each other.' 'So do you have some kind of leader then?' 'Yeah, we just call him Mr. X because none of us actually know his real name. But he's super kind to us, and it's always just so nice. Really feels like we're part of this massive mission almost.' Jodi smiled, and nodded. 'I need to get to class, but I'll catch you later, k?' 'Yeah, sure' Chlo sighed, disappointed at an apparent lack of progress.

As Chlo went to walk out again, she was pulled over by Danielle, who was looking more and more exhausted, having been constantly kept up all night serving her Master. Not that she could have cared, her sense of self-worth completely gone by this point. 'He is pleased at your work.' 'Did you record the conversation?' 'Yes. She will conform, she will become like us. Now get back, he wants you and Mika again.' Immediately, her demeanour changed again, becoming completely un-resistant. 'Of course, for him I will do anything.'

In the staffroom that morning

Ruby walked into the staffroom during a rare free period to see Tom in there. 'Oh, I didn't know you had a free period as well.' 'I don't usually, but all the Year 11s are at a special IT thing all morning, so I've got a free hour.' 'Don't knock it, you're probably overdue a free period now and again. How did the thing with Chlo go?' 'She's definitely up to something, but the police weren't having any of it, apparently found nothing apart from some cocaine on her. I just don't know what's going on.'

At this moment Grantly walked in, also having a free period due to the Year 11s being out. 'You most likely do not want it, but I could provide some… unsolicited advice, if you wish.' 'Quite frankly Grantly, you can't give any advice which would make the situation worse, so I'm all ears.' 'As far as I am concerned, you have two equal choices in this situation. Either you confront the little madam directly about it and give her some kind of ultimatum that demands the truth, or you wait until she is absent, and then search for evidence.'

Thankful for the advice, Tom nodded. 'You know, I should consult you more often Grantly.' 'Well I suppose this old dinosaur does have his uses' the curmudgeonly Mr. Budgen replied in his typical slightly-irritated and weary tone. 'Well perhaps some of us like old dinosaurs, isn't that right Ruby?' Completely lost in the world of her phone, Ruby couldn't have had less of a clue about what her work colleagues were suggesting, until Tom prompted her with a well timed cough.

'Pardon sorry, were you speaking to me?' 'Yeah, I was just saying to Grantly that some of us like old fogeys like him don't we?' 'Oh oh yeah, absolutely, I think he's great, a little on the grumpy side at times but I've never seen anyone who gets the results from his class like he does.' She then looked over and got embarrassed. 'Oh hi Grantly, sorry I didn't mean to' 'It's fine, I like honesty.' He cracked half a smile, and then left.

Outside school, at the end of the day

As Jodi came out of the school, Chlo was waiting by a nearby fence, and pulled her over. 'Hey, how you doing?' 'Yeah, decent. You?' 'Eh, school was boring. What you doing this evening?' Making sure to always show Jodi her double-bowed ponytail. Chlo started spinning a yarn right around her brain. 'I'm just going to see Mr. X, he said that he wanted to see me tonight. Proper exciting when he does that, it really feels like you have a family.'

It was this comment that apparently set something off in Jodi's brain. 'I always wanted to feel like I had a proper family.' 'Well it's always been like that for me there. We just always get on so well, and there's this way of making you feel super special, almost like you're the only one in the room and he's talking directly to you, even when he's talking to everyone. Really hits you in the feels I guess. It's nice to have a friend to talk to about this.'

'Must admit, it really sounds kind of nice.' 'Trust me, it's awesome.' 'So do you get chosen or what?' 'You have to choose. I remember being at the cinema that day and… I can't explain it, but from the moment I heard his voice, I knew that it was where I should always have been. I'd literally give anything for him. Just give it a go and you'll see what I mean, it's just magical, it's like just staring at the stars at night and a shooting star granted your biggest wish that you never knew you had.'

This might have sounded strange, and even while getting more passionate, it did set off some warning sirens for Jodi. Chlo noticed this, and resorted to outright hypnotic suggestion. 'You know what you really want to do - you want to join us, you want to be part of this family. You want to join our family. You want to feel part of this family.' It seemed to be working, as Jodi smiled at the thought.

As Chlo kept talking, Jodi started to smile more and more, Chlo getting deep into her mind at this point. Eventually she looked over at her friend. 'Can I… try out your double bow for a moment?' Chlo eagerly nodded, and took one of the ties out. 'Sure, do it.' As she tied the second bow in, Jodi was passed a mirror, and grinned. 'I think this is what I want to do with my life. I want to go and see him.' 'It can be arranged.'

Chlo then rung up the cinema. 'It's Chloe Grainger. The perfect slave is ready - she wants to conform.' 'Bring her in.' 'I'll need transport.' 'You will have a car with you soon.' Her master was right, as within three minutes, Mika arrived in a black saloon with blacked out windows. Chlo then turned to Jodi. 'Get in, slave.' Completely under Chlo's hypnotic suggestion, Jodi smiled. 'I'm going to be a double bow slave.' 'Yes you are.'

Three days before

Chlo, Sambuca and Danielle were all receiving instructions from Mr. X. 'You are the chosen team to recruit my perfect queen. But force is not the way in which I want you to conduct yourselves, do I make myself clear?' The three responded in unison. 'Yes our lord.' 'There is a specific way in which you will convince her that joining our cult is the best thing for her. You will keep her isolated, prevent her from forming meaningful conversations with anyone else.'

'All that time, you will continue to drop the name of our cult into conversation, it will gradually become the most important focus of your conversations. She will always be thinking of your conversations, so make sure she's always thinking of our name and our identity. You will show off the double bow at every opportunity, and make sure you control more and more of her movements. She will stay in your circles until she only knows us, and will be compelled to give up her life to my service.' Again the reply was in unison. 'She will know only your name Master.'

At Chlo and Mika's house

Increasingly suspicious, Tom had gone up to his daughters' bedroom to investigate. As he walked in, the room was a complete mess, appearing like it had been violently ransacked recently. He continued to wade through the masses of paper and broken drawers, until he suddenly came to a photograph, turned upside down. As he overturned it, the image disgusted him - Chlo, with her double bow in, kissing a clearly-older man, with bare shoulders.

Seeing this he started to sift through the papers on the ground, which turned out to be mad ramblings from Mika, ranging from "It was that day at the milkshake bar, I became his" to "One day he dyed my hair, I am a member of his perfect race", to more disturbing ones such as "He calls it raping us, but I'm desperate to do it again", and "He's spread his seed into Chlo, she will give birth to a brainwashed baby".

Finally, just as he was about to leave, he caught a note out of the corner of his eye, pinned to the wall, simply reading "The new Aryan race". He took a moment, and then came to a realisation. 'Jodi!' He dashed down the stairs, grabbed his coat without stopping, and sped out of the house, only looking back to secure the door. But it was far too late.

At the cinema

When they arrived there, they walked straight in, and Chlo looked over at Jodi. 'I need the bow back, they won't let us in otherwise.' Struggling to keep hold of her sanity, Jodi reluctantly passed it back, and they entered the cinema, as Chlo went straight up to the desk. 'Is he here?' 'Yes.' 'I have the perfect subject.' 'Absolutely, the Arcade please.' She was then marched to the Arcade, with security all around her to prevent her escape.

As they entered, Jodi ran in. 'I want to devote my life to you. I need to become a double bower.' He then whispered down her ear. 'I accept.' 'Do you want me to take my hair bow out first? It would be my honour to let you tie it fully for me.' He smiled, and accepted. Slowly, she grasped the tie, and started to pull it out, before spending time vigorously un-knotting it, ready for her master. As she took her hair down, he caressed it gently.

Soon enough, her hair was completely untied, and she stood there obediently. He looked at her, before stroking her face. 'You are the one I was looking for - you will be the leader of the perfect race.' 'It would be an honour to spend the rest of my life in your service.' 'Including being my bride?' This was, obviously, illegal, but Jodi didn't care. Enamoured by what she saw and what she believed she wanted, the desires that had been selected for her, she couldn't wait to respond.

'I would love to. But please, my heart is empty, I need to be converted.' He then took her hair tie, and showed her a velvet cushion with two thick, high quality hair bows. 'These have been waiting the entire time, for the perfect subject.' Seeing them, her eyes lit up. 'Turn around. It is time.' She turned around, and clasped her hands together as her hair was gently stroked and fondled, before the ties were wrapped into her hair, holding a neat and thickly-bound ponytail.

Seeing this, the rest of the girls bowed, worshipping with their double bows. Jodi just stood there, smiling, her mind being drained by the subliminal brainwashing she had been subjected to. He then walked up behind her, and spoke, her brain now hyper-aware of everything he said. 'Jodi, you have the sacred double bow. You are now the queen of these girls, they will worship you as much as they worship me.' She then spoke again. 'I am a queen. Kneel at my altar.' All the girls did this again, and she walked around them, their minds completely obsessed.

Outside the police station

Having delivered his evidence to the police, Tom tried to contact his daughters, and finally, he got in touch with Chlo. 'Chlo, it's Dad, please tell me that you and Jodi are safe.' The reply was a savage laugh. 'It's far too late for that! Our Master has Jodi, she has become the Queen he always wanted.' 'You're part of the cult… aren't you' 'I always was. And you delivered her right to me. He's even impregnated me, I'm going to give birth to a double bow baby.' In the background, he heard Jodi and her master. 'Jodi, up the stairs now.' 'Yes Master, I will be your Queen.'

In the cinema, on the 2nd floor of the Arcade

The cold Jodi stood in front of a large mirror, the subtle brainwashing having totally consumed her. She was slowly stripped of her clothes, her sanity, and her identity. But all she cared about was looking in the mirror at her two thick black hair bows. He then spoke to her. 'Jodi, down on the bed, now.' She just smiled. 'Anything for my master.' It was as if the double bow was controlling her directly.