Hi guys, Here is the third chapter. Before starting, I would like to thank everyone for the reviews. It gave me a boost to write this chapter. Thanks a lot!

And as a reviewer rightly guessed, "Sinners", by Ladya C. Maxine, inspired a part of this Fic. But I assure you that the plot is going to be different. :)

Finally, Tala and Kai are both 16 in this fic.

So, on with it!

Chapter - 3 - The past and present

"Hello. may I know who is this speaking?"

"Cut the crap! I don't have time for this."

The man was taken aback by the hostility of the familiar voice on the other end. But this wasn't completely unexpected. The news of that Hiwatari brat's escape had spread like a wildfire, melting the nerves of even the toughest men. His boss had a reason to be angry.

"Sir, Today's events have been rather unfortunate, but-"

"Unfortunate? You call this unfortunate? This is a fucking nightmare!", he was cut short by the rebuke. But this wasn't the first time he had handled a situation like this. Kai had always been too much of a rebel. So, his escape wasn't a 'would he' question, but a 'when would he.'

"We have made all arrangements. He can never leave the state. Moreover, I have some good news."

"What?"

"The results just came. The boy is doing better than we had ever anticipated. The readings have never been higher. It's just a matter of time till he spells it out for us."

He could almost see the man smile at the other end. There was silence for a while, and then the deep voice added, "it better work" and then as an afterthought, "I want that keeper punished. He is useless now."

The line went dead. The director snapped his phone shut and let a smirk grace his devious features. Things were going according to his plan. Yes, Hiwatari was out and the local police force probably had to start frequent visits to the morgue, but how much more trouble could a 16-year-old cause?

Right?

Tala threw his bag onto the nearest chair and flung himself to the bed. It had been an exhausting day. He was aware that given the circumstances, he should be worried about tomorrow's test, project and his own health. But his mind kept darting back to the incident at the station, to those stunning crimson orbs… it wasn't haste he saw there, those eyes had been an inferno of emotions.

So, being his usual self, he drew out his sketchbook and started working on his next picture. God, it sucked to think how many nights after losing his memory, he had sat on this very bed, trying to recall something. Art had come naturally in those pensive hours. Maybe it was just his mind trying to engage itself, or maybe it was that impulsive surge of responsibility he felt, the duty to at least capture a fragment of his mind on paper, before it slipped away, that inspired him to create more. His drawings weren't perfect, but just like his life, they had started to improve. Now flipping through the pages of his many books, he could practically relive those emotions. The feeling of utter despair on discovering he had to start all over again at 9, and later the joy of being legally adopted by Henry. Still despite having improved so much, it stung to think of the years of his early childhood. What had happened? Was there any link that connected his both lives? With today's earlier gloom returning, he started to paint. It was the picture of a man watching his dupe interact with others while hiding behind a bush. That's what he felt like, an onlooker watching himself act in life.

The basic sketch took a while to complete. Before starting to ink it, he decided to have dinner. With a pack of cup noodles in hand, he switched on the TV. The media guys were having a field day today; something about an escaped psycho juvenile. His favorite show had been cancelled, thanks to a discussion on 'Video games and making of psychopaths'. Tala sighed, he had to give parents credit for this. He bet that the day was not very far when he would come home with a toothache and his butler would righteously declare, "It's because you are always on your phone"

All at once he dropped his cup. Staring at him from the screen were those same crimson depths. It took a moment for this to sink in. He almost managed to steady his breathing, when he heard the kitchen door creek open. He felt a presence behind him. Caught in a frenzy, he turned back to strike with full force, but he was too slow. Strong arms grabbed him and muffed his shouts.

"Just what do you think you're doing, Tala?

With that he was released. He turned around to face his dad. That was it... stop being a drama queen Tala, he scolded himself.

"hm... well nothing dad, I was just zoning out. You startled me."

Henry gave a short laugh before embracing him. " you spend too much time in that fantasy land of yours. Its 'bout time to grow up."

That being said they continued with their chores. Tala didn't see it necessary to share the real reason for his panic. So, they called it a day and went to bed.

Outside, unnoticed by both of the residents, stoop a tall figure clad in a grey coat. His silver banges, which were a stark contrast to his navy-blue hair, which stuck to his forehead with sweat. A nearby streetlight flickered to life and illuminated Hiwatari's form. He was glowering with rage. The light flickered off for the second time and turn on again, he was gone…