Ruins of the Moon:
Chapter 4:
It has been three years since Seto was rescued from the torturous upbringing of his parents. The young boy who was constantly afraid of everything, gone. Replaced with a brighter and more considerate child. Affectionate and happy though still shy and lacking in some areas of trust. One of his new favorite things to do was snuggle, feeling someone he cared for so close to him brought him immense comfort. He would partake in his new favored activity every night with Ramone or Crow before bed. Television shows may have been played out, but he never noticed. Preferring the rhythmic drumbeat of his caretakers hearts in place.
Ramone and Crow were his new family. They stayed by his side through everything he had dealt with in the past three years. From mental breakdowns to severe physical illness. Terrified of the two at first, only growing to become appreciative of their genuine love towards him and giving just as much if not more back. Never wishing a single thing in his world to change ever again, that it would simply remain the loving and worry free environment it had become. A safe enclosure.
Loud huffing came from the front end of a large off-yellow machine. Squeaking as two glass paned windows were forced to the side. Two sets of feet releasing themselves from the textured dull black flooring which lined the inside of the vehicle. Racing across cement, thudding with each slap of footing climbing up three concrete stairs to reach a red door. Bursting beyond to the formal living and dining area of the house. The taller black haired boy lazily tossed his backpack to the side.
A man of blond hair sat at the kitchen table, newspaper sprawled across its wooden surface. Looking up at the bounds of noise that shuffled through his house. "How was school today?" Smiling as the golden eyed teen waltzed over to the couch throwing his body on top of it. Sinking into the flexible material as he swung his arms up to lay his hands behind his head. "Boring." Obvious annoyance danced around the tone of his voice. A shorter and younger teenage child of brown hair came up to the man sitting at the table and located himself on his lap. Head placed underneath the man's chin like a puzzle piece. "Something wrong Seto?" A mumbled whimpering came from the curled up youth. "Seto." Stern enough for the scared boy to know that the older man was going to get his answers, but gentle enough to soothe Seto into wanting to say what has been restraining his mind.
"I-Im fine, I just got hit with a b-basketball today... in gym-m... and it still hurt-ts" Reluctantly lifting his head back up and removing the soft brown hair away from his face, revealing the paint of purple carved near the bottom of his eye. Circumference of the bruise was puffier than normal. "Ow!" Ramones fingers grazed the wound. "Let's put some ice on it." Setting the child on the floor and retrieving the frozen water pack from the freezer. Entangling it within a dish cloth before carefully releasing it to the swollen injury.
"I doubt that was an accident." The teen of the couch now taking an interest in the family matters. "Crow? What do you mean?" "I think we're all well aware that some kids like picking on Seto still. Do you really think that was an accident?" "Probably not... I suppose I'll call th-" "No! That doesn't help anyway!" Pleading for Ramone to avoid calling the school, recollecting the last couple of times his father tried this tactic. This particular kid found out about it and their attitude toward Seto only worsened."I-its almost s-summer break-k anyw-way." Face redening as he attempted to cover his sudden outburst. "Honey, you can't just let this kid push you around." Sticking the knuckle of his right pointer finger into his mouth and biting down on it. Avoiding eye contact with either member of the room. A habit that melded with Seto since joining into the family.
Heading towards the lazy student leaning in close as a tickling wind traveled into his ear canal. "Why don't you take Seto out for some supper and ice cream? I'll give you the money." Crow nodded as Ramone had unburied his wallet from the depths of his worn down jeans pocket. From within the leathery material came a strip of green paper, surrendering it to the care of the teen."Seto, c'mon!" Confusion struck the younger boy's face as Crow called out to him. "H-huh?" Clasping the wrist of his brother, and leading him back towards the majestic red door. Seto neglecting to remove his finger from its comfort zone. "We're going to go get some ice cream." Excitement forced the corners of his lips upward. "B-but! Wha-" "No buts!" Racing back out the door, the ice pack crashing to the ground as Crow grabbed the slim wrist. Seto barley able to keep his footing while trying to protest. Fearful of what may happen after the next school calling.
The brothers didn't speak much until they arrived at their destination, about a half mile away from their home. Ordering from the familiar waitress as they took their seats. "So, why didn't you want Ramone to call the school? You can't just let this kid continue to do this to you Seto." "Hn... Crow... never mind about that..." Feeling the older boy's eyes boring into him like a drill press. Placing his knuckle back into his mouth and shuffling in his seat, his usual habit he hung on to whenever he got nervous. "Seto, this kid is doing this to you because you're letting him." Quietness was what he received. "You know I'm only nagging you about this because I care, right?" Finally creating eye contact, slowly and nervously nodding his head closing in on tear detonation. Roughing Seto's hair, trying to break through the thick air with a childish action.
Soon enough long streams of laughter echoed around the walls of the hometown restaurant. Mingling with familiar neighborhood faces as they came and gone. Meeting up with a few friends from school who stopped and enjoyed their dinner with the boys. Seto's best friend was among the mix of two. A girl of red locks and stunning emerald eyes. A real treasure for Seto, she's been so kind to him throughout the years they've known each other. Joined by a taller boy with an athletic build, darker red hair then the female companion, freckles and bright green eyes. The duo were brother and sister. Crow's known both of them since he came to live with Ramone.
"Did you finish your math homework Clara?" "Yeah, I finished it in class." "Can you help me this weekend?" Seto was a bright young mind, but math was not his strong suite. The boy developed a particular interest in history. "Sure, want to meet up at my house tomorrow?" Smiling, Clara had a strong heart for helping people, anything from homework to housework she was more than willing to give her time for the interest of others. "It's suppose to be nice out tomorrow, we should do homework at the park instead!" "That's a great idea!" Both the younger teens enjoyed being outside. The park was a constant hang out spot for the two. Beautiful scenery, glimmering water, luscious foliage, and vibrant flowers.
"You and your team got creamed today Crow, better luck next time!" "Pfft, it's just a stupid game of kickball Keith." "Spoken' like a sore loser." Laughing out loud, Keith had fun getting his closest friend all riled up, it was a difficult task but Keith loved a good challenge. Crow's first response was an eye roll. "Shut up. You couldn't beat me at anything remotely athletic on your own." "Is that a challenge?" Cockiness rang out, competition was a weak point of his. "Name it." Crow equally enjoyed leading his friend to the peak of rage. Leaning back against the booth arms spread across the top. "All right, meet me by the beach tomorrow about two in the afternoon. I'll have a nice surprise for you." Mischief entwined in his voice. Plans were arranged, the battle set.
Losing track of time the foursome joked and played until the sunlight began to fade away from the day. Bursting open the chuckling of teenagers with a musical tone. "It's Ramone, I'll be right back." Crow stood up and walked away from the group.
"Hello?" "Crow, when are yous two going to be back?" Peering out the nearby window, noticing the lateness of the day. "Aw geez! I didn't realize it was so late! We'll head back soon." "All right then, love you.""Yeah love you too.." Voice trailing off as he clicked the cell phone shut and walked back to his brother and friends at the table.
Seeing Keith ruffling Seto's hair, all three in laughter. Crow crept up on the bunch. Jumping onto Keith's back causing the second teen to jump and fall over. "Ack! Really Crow!" Flailing his arm around "Sorry, couldn't resist. Besides, only I can pick on Seto like that."Causing a smile to appear on the child's face, Crow casually blowing his steaming friend off. "Yeah whatever." "Now who's the sore loser?" Unable to hold back, they all chuckled at the clever joke. Laying a hand down on his brother's shoulder grinning more when Crow's face come into view. "We've got to get going Seto." "uh, A-all right." Seto stood up and wrapped his arms around Clara before walking out with Crow.
The streets were quiet, the town winding down to a stand still. Almost frozen in time. Clung arms wrapped around elbows were shaking. "You cold Seto?" "Y-yeah, aren't-t y-you co-old?" A shiver defense to warm up his body. "Here." Removing a deep crimson coat and placing it around Seto. "Thanks" Smiling as two hands slipped through the sleeves and went right back to their original spot. "Are you s-sure your not c-cold?" Stuffing a hand in each pocket of the tan shorts, calmly stating; "Nope, I think it feels quite nice out." "Oh.." "You're probably still just cold from that ice cream." Chuckling at the site of little Seto perking up.
Continuing on, talking about varying subjects. World blackening with the disappearance of the sun. Blue layers forming over the sidewalks, buildings, grass, feet, people. Nearing their house as nighttime had almost fully set in and the laughter had transformed into silence. Seto began to feel uneasy, breathing became eradicate and heavy, trembles started taking over, stomach twisting, heart pounding. Sweat began to shape on his forehead. 'Am I...getting sick? or.. is it...'
"Crow?" "hmm?" "umm... D-do you fe-feel like w-were be-i- nmmf!" "Seto!" Spinning around quickly to see a large built man grabbing his little brother. One black cloaked hand over the panicky child's mouth, screams soaked through the hand. The other arm outstretched across the chest to pin the arms back. Gripped in one hand was a knife and sticking out of one of the pockets was a gun. Flailing feet flung about in an attempt to loosen the tightly clenched vice. "Stop that kid! You two listen up and no one needs to get hurt." Forcing Seto to his knees before throwing him onto the cold cement, belly down placing one knee on his back.
Reaching for the back of his belt he pulled out some rope. The tears of Seto began to trickle, his body shaking, whimpers finding their way out of his lips. "Shut up kid!" Shoving his head further into the sidewalk, raindrops quickening."Ahh!" The mystery man grabbed each of Seto's wrists, one at a time, and bent them around to the back. Crossing hands and encircling the wrists with rope. Crow had been frozen since the incident started. Terrified and panicking, unable to speak or move. A moaning called as the man tightened the ropes. Getting off the shaking child and shoving Crow down to the ground with ease. "Woah!" Crossing the teen's wrists behind his back and binding them with the restraint tightening to near circulation cut-off.
Thrusting the two back on to their feet, Seto's lack of gravity caused him to catch some air before landing on the cement. Wrapping one muscular arm around the smaller teens waist lifting him and sitting him on top of his hip. With the other arm he grabbed his knife leading Crow by the neck. "Hnnp!" Both boys were choking on tears, fear reaching for their throats. Hauling the boys to their home, neither dared to say a word despite wondering why the kidnapper would bring them back home. Letting go of Crow long enough to whip the front door of their house open before grabbing him by the neck again. Stepping into the main room as thudding came down the stairs, matching the thumping of Seto's heart.
"Boys? How wa- You let them go!" Ramone's defensive fathering nature came into play as soon as he seen his boys being held captive by a dark clad man. Shoving Crow to the ground again before exchanging his knife for the gun. "I don't think you have room to order me around." Placing the open end of the gun to Seto's head. Cringing, chilled blood flowed through him pricking at his skin and begging to be released from his body, his innards felt as though they stopped responding. "So, how do you explain that mark?" "Huh? W-what mark?" Stalling for time, hoping a neighbor would over hear the racket and call the police. "Don't play stupid! You know exactly what I'm talking about!" Quickly dispersing the auburn bangs from the child's forehead, showcasing a strange symbol placed upon the center.
Connecting the barrel of the gun to Seto's head, twitching as the cold metal blazed its way to its spot. "hhnnmm!" A high pitched whimper burst through everyone's eardrums. "Quit whining kid!" Bashing the front end of the weapon into the youth's skull. "Ahh!" "Seto! It'll be ok, I'll do what I can to keep you safe honey!" "Shut up, don't make the little baby empty promises you can't keep. You going to tell me about the marking or not?" His arm pressing farther into Seto's chest, pinching his arms farther into his body. "I-I swear! I don't know a thing about what that means!" "I-Im s-scar-red-d..." Voice barley reaching above a whisper. "See what you're doing? It's all your fault baby's so scared. Just tell me what I want to know, and I can guarantee no on will get hurt!"
Meanwhile Crow slowly and carefully slid his body into the kitchen praying that the man with the gun would not notice his gentle movements. Catching a glimpse of a mop of black hair inching away. "So where do you think you're going?" Thrusting a foot into Crow's face. "Gah!" Falling to the floor. "Unh..." Red liquid spilled on to the clean tile flooring. "You're stupid little brats are as dumb as you are. Seems fitting though." "Please... don't hurt my little brother! Let him go, take me instead!" Plea bargaining for the assured safety of the child held dear to him, even if he did not always show it. "Wha-? C-Crow honey! No!" Blood still gushing from his nose. "You idiots just don't learn huh?" Slamming the end of his gun into Seto's head a few more times. Knees buckling, tears relentless, Seto wriggled his wrists a bit trying to loosen the bindings any. Fidgeting his feet around. "Can you seriously not sit still?" Jumping as a gasp escaped from his lips. "P-pleas-se d-don-n't h-hur-t-t us-s." "Wow you're annoying kid."
Holding the gun firmly against Seto's head, eyes widening while his jaw hit the floor gasping. "Your fathering days are over." A deafening shot rang out against the walls of the enclosure. "Nooooo!"
Hope this had a bit more action for you guys.
I feel so evil leaving such a mean cliffhanger like that haha
Anyway, Thanks again to all my story reviewers and followers!
Seeing as how I keep getting more the writing/story can't be to be right?