SilverD: We're back!

DWyrm: And ready to go.

SilverD: So let's get with it!

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Ch.3: Return to the Nightmare

            Several minutes later, Gerard and his partner returned.  The light-skinned officer sat in the seat across from Marc again, a troubled look on his face.  Marc, his face still occupied with his food, did not notice.  "Marc, we know you're lying to us," slowly said the cop.

            That got my attention.  "What do you mean?"

            "We asked around.  Apparently you have a reputation for running away and lying, Mr. Marc Sullivan."

            Crud.  They caught on.  "I guess this means I'm going back to the home again, huh."

            "I'm sorry, but yes.  No matter how terrible that place is, we have to obey the law.  We're taking you back today."

            I sighed.  "Well, I guess I can't fight the books."

            "Thank you for cooperating."

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            A few hours afterward, I found myself standing outside the graffiti smeared facade of Domino Children's Home.  Welcome back to hell, I thought as I dragged myself up the concrete steps.  The kindly middle-aged caretaker met me at the door.  "Welcome back Marc, long time no see," he said.

            I feinted a smile. "Hi Mr. Izumi."

            "Come on in, you're just in time for supper."  They walked into the building.  "You may not think so, but you have been missed around here."

            "Gee, thanks, I'll remember that."  The next time I'm getting pounded, I thought.

            We entered a large courtyard in the center of the compound that served many purposes; at the moment it was a cafeteria.  Mr. Izumi walked to the head of the long table, tapping it three times to silence the chatter.  "Quiet.  Now, before we eat, I would like you to know that Marc Sullivan is back from his, absence."

            A group of boys sitting at the far end of the table started to chuckle to themselves as the caretaker lead Marc to an empty seat near them.  One of them, a heavily tanned teen with a noticeable scar running through his short hair, pointed at the new arrival with his fork.  "Well, look here boys, Martian Marc is back for more."

            Marc just glared at him.  "What do you want Ukon?"

            Another boy with thick black hair and sharp eyes laughed.  "Hey boss, it looks like his 'absence' has messed with his memory.  What you say we remind him?"

            A wiry little teenager with a devious character broke out in maniacal giggles.  "Yeah Ukon, can we?"

            "Shut up you two," said a hefty, muscular boy to them, Arata and Shirai respectively. 

            "It's ok Zeshin," said Ukon, placing his calloused hand on the larger teen's shoulder.  "Let them have their fun."

            Zeshin grunted in agreement, returning his attention to his food. 

            Supper passed fairly uneventfully, besides the constant taunting and teasing from the gang.  I tried to eat as fast as possible so I could get out of their way without any trouble, but to no avail.  The gang finished first, leaving for their customary corner to hang out.  I finished soon after them and deposited my tray in the kitchen.  I tried to sneak away to the dorm, but they caught me.  "Leaving so soon?" asked Ukon in his usual taunting voice.

            "You've only just returned," said Arata, cracking his knuckles in anticipation.

            I tried to back away from them, only to bump into Zeshin.  I looked up, finding his black eyes staring down at me.  "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, mockingly.

            On Ukon's command, the tall, powerful Zeshin picked me up by the shoulders, carrying me to their little secluded corner.  The others followed, eager to continue their fun.  I tried to escape, kicking and squirming in the large teen's hold.  Zeshin dumped me on the ground, towering over me like some dungeon guard.  Ukon and the others stood beside him, trapping me in the corner like a rat.  Arata looked at the leader, receiving the freedom to proceed from Ukon's nod.  With swiftness surprising for his height, the black haired teen lunged at me, grasping me around the neck.  He hauled my small body up, driving his knee into my stomach.  Arata dropped me, kicking me soundly in the ribs.  Zeshin moved next, gripping my shirt collar.  With his other hand, the huge teen punched me straight in the face, knocking me against the brick wall.  This continued for several minutes, me being passed from Arata to Zeshin like a punching bag with Ukon and Shirai throwing in a hit here or there.  Finally, Ukon stopped the beating, leaving me a bruised little lump of flesh.  The leader squatted down, eye level with me, the whimpering boy.  "Have you had enough, Marty?" asked Ukon, his eyes glittering with malice.

            Hissing in pain, I glared back at my archenemy through puffy, swollen eyes.  A confidence swelled in me, unlike my usually calm, yielding demeanor.  I was faintly aware of the sun's last rays washing over my face as I shoved myself into a sitting position.  Barring my teeth, I snarled a retort: "Do your worst, you mindless ape."

            The other three gasped.  Ukon just stared at me, his eyes almost glowing with rage.  "What did you call me?" he asked with a quavering voice. 

            I stood up, pain radiating through my small frame.  But I did not care.  I was putting an end to this right now.  "I said you are an ape, a stupid, worthless animal that can only find enjoyment in hurting others."

            He did not reply, just stood there in front of me, drilling holes in my head with his eyes.  Finally, he gave a command, a simple snap of his fingers.  Zeshin grabbed my arms, pinning them behind my back.  The leader looked down at Shirai, motioning for him to come forward.  The small teen, a little shorter than me, practically leaped at me in eagerness.  Something glittered in his right hand.  He brought it up so I could see it clearly.  It was a knife.  "Do you like it?" Shirai asked; his boyish face all smiles.  "I made it myself from a piece of broken glass."  I could only stare at the small crystal blade.  "He must like it, he's speechless!"

            This brought some more chuckling from the group.  When they stopped, Zeshin moved me to a chair, plopping me in it.  With some rope from god knows where, he bound my hand and feet to the chair, and then stepped aside.  In the course of tying my hands, my gloves were removed.  Shirai, as he circled me like a cat toying with a mouse, noticed the scar.  "Hey guys, look at this."  They all moved in for a closer look.  "Marc got a tattoo while he was gone!"

            Arata looked closer at it.  "That's not a tattoo, that's a scar!"

            "I wonder where he got it?" pondered Ukon.  "It's not one we gave him."

            "No it's not," said Zeshin, "but it looks awfully cool."

            "I think it's a shame such a neat looking mark isn't out where people can see it," said Ukon, elbowing Shirai.

            "Yeah," he replied.  "Wait, I know the perfect spot to put one."

            Moving around to face me again, he leaned over my, practically in my face.  "This won't hurt too much, I hope," he said, giggling to himself again.  Shirai took his blade and brought it closer and closer to my face; I could feel myself sweating profusely.   I squeezed my eyes shut as the tip pressed against the middle of my forehead.  Sometime after Shirai started, I passed out from the pain, only to wake up hours later, still in the chair, but untied.  I got up slowly, very shaky and weak and somehow made it to the bathroom.  I flipped on the light and dragged myself to the sink, turning on the water.  I washed my face gingerly, not paying attention to the bloody water swirling down the drain.  Gathering my courage, I looked into the mirror and almost fainted.  For in the center of my forehead, still raw from Shirai's knife, was the eye symbol, exactly the same as the one on my hand. 

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SilverD: Heh heh heh.  I am so EVIL!

DWyrm: It was about time you got him hurt.  I mean come on!  Is this an angst story or what?

SilverD: It is, it is.  You're right.  Anyway, what did you readers think?

DWyrm: Good or bad, tell us!  I am warning you.

SilverD: Thank you to the reviewers!

            Mina-chan AMD: Don't worry; you'll understand why his name is Marc after a bit.  Wow, you think this is great?

            Crouching Tigress: We're glad you like secrets, because there're going to be more of them. 

            Maruken: If you remain vigilant, you will get more.  Just keep up with us! ^_^ Thanks for reviewing.

            AnimeTrekkie: I'm glad you like the angst.  Also, I LOVE cliffhangers and suspense so be warned. 

DWyrm: Please stay tuned for the next installment of The Brand.

SilverD: Review, review, review!