Chapter 4

Leo's POV

Ever since the incident, I've been a lot calmer, and I feel like I can control that rage and hatred within me. I tried resisting it for so long, but I guess I couldn't hold it when Aeris left. She informed me that she was simply dragged away, and also, that Vanessa's so called friends truthfully despised her, even more than me because of her unrivaled cruelty. Yeah, these last few weeks let me know exactly how much the girls truly hated her. If anything, the following week after that, after I got another beat down from Vanessa, I swore I caught a few spiteful glares in her direction from her posse, probably from Shannon…

In terms of my friendship with Aeris, I have never been any happier before, and Scott noticed my change as well. He actually smiled like he did when my parents were still alive and was elated to know that after all these years of pain that I and he went through, I finally gained a real friend. I was eager to see her, to enjoy her presence, and her company. She was the only person who treated me like I was an actual person, with emotions and feelings. She ultimately discovered my identity on Xbox Live and boy was she surprised that I was one of the two that rivaled her in CoD, Gears of Wars, etc. But now, the weekend had drawn to a close, and school would start tomorrow. So, after the assignment was finished, we began facing off against online players in Left 4 Dead 2. The two of us wound up as the survivors, alongside a newb, and the enigmatic Umbra. I've ran into Umbra a few times before but now he was siding with us, when normally, he always was against me. He, over Live Chat, always said it was a challenge to face me. But now, with Aeris on my side, I guess he wanted to try something new. Aeris claimed he was a coward to side with us, but I replied to give him a chance. The map was Dead Center, and we were going up against some good players, but they would be no match for us.

While I shot at the simple common zombies with the Uzi I picked up from a dead soldier, Umbra2008 blew the head off of an incoming Hunter that lunged at him with his shotgun, killing it instantly as its corpse unceremoniously hit the floor, specks of blood staining my already stained clothes. "Aww, nice. Now I smell like zombie!" I lashed at him. "It's an improvement, especially after what that hunter did to you earlier." He responded in a deep voice. The others snickered behind me as I recalled what happened earlier…

I was temporarily split from the group after a massive Tank attacked, smashing me off the top of the truck that led to the walkway. The others however had a witch that was trying its damnedest to kill the one who disturbed its crying cacophony. Who unfortunately had to be our extra player, 9384. While said player was screaming trying to avoid the pursuing witch, Umbra and Aeris ruthlessly blasted it with their high caliber weapons, trying hard to aim for the head, all the while a horde of infected was approaching and fast. And I saw a few coming at me, all of them bashed aside by the tank, declaring with its loud roar, that I will be killed by it and it alone. As a shot at the horde, taking a few heads off in the process, I had to remember to shoot at my more dangerous foe more than the tiny fleas headed my way. As I bobbed through the street leading to the walkway, I finally staved off the small horde coming for me as the others broke off, no doubt heading for the others, but the Tank still wanted to pummel me into dirt.

"Come on ya tub of crap! Bring it!" I yelled out as I riddled my enemy with clip after clip after clip. It roared loudly as it was closing the distance between me and my bringer of death. I stood my ground, my back at the fence that barred further passage up the street and still shot at tank was dead in front of me as it finally motioned to attack… But another shot to its tiny cranium proved to be the fatal blow for it as it howled in pain before it collapsed on its nubby legs. I put an end to the monsters existence, alone. "Boo-ya!" I cheered out in triumph. My celebration would be short-lived however, because as the Tank collapsed, a Hunter jumped from behind it, cleared the gap, and sank its claws into my clothes and skin, knocking me on my back as it tore into me, howling in delight as it tore, scratched and scrapped at any chunk of flesh it could tear, all while I screamed in terror and pain as I saw my own sanguine fly from its natural habitat. I struggled to remove it, but its grip was solid as the eyeless thing kept tearing and clawing me to pieces. (No… not like this… don't let it end like this…) I thought weakly as it continued… (This is it… I'm gonna die here.) The pain was blinding, and preventing my death, and forcing m to feel every moment of it… until everything went black, and the pain ended…

I jolted upwards, screaming as my friends helped me to my feet. My shirt was destroyed and my wounds were bandaged, cauterized too. Umbra claimed that the Hunter killed me and they couldn't get to me, since a Smoker, nearly dragged Aeris off to her death as the others got off the truck. When they freed her, executed the smoker and got to me, it was too late, as the Hunter leapt off of my body and jumped away, biding its time most likely… But Umbra, having the policy of, 'on normal or higher, always carry a defib pack', had just the thing to revive me from death's embrace. And after a few tries with the pack, they got my heart beating after doing what they could about my wounds. Rubbing my sore frame, Umbra shouldered me as the others destroyed whatever infected followed. Eventually we took sanctuary in the gun shop. I sat down on the floor, brandishing a brand new shiny assault shotgun. Aeris picked up a first aid kit and tended to me, numbing the pain immensely, and actually making me feel a little better.

She picked up another, and then handed me the spare, while again, Umbra picked up a defib unit, nearby the corpse of a survivor. Poor guy… He looked like that rich guy, Ronald. Later during the journey we had to retrieve some cola for the owner, who would then blow the tanker blocking our path to the mall to absolute smithereens. The 'transaction' went smoothly and we made to the entrance of the mall, after killing off a few more infected. As Umbra went inside, a figure tackled him and started clawing at him. Since the others were dealing with a few stragglers, I knocked the figure off of him only to see the same hunter that ended my life just an hour earlier (going by game time, not real time. Do you honestly think it takes just a few minutes to get from point A to point B? No? I thought so.) The thing looked at me rather incredulously before snarling loudly, but I wanted revenge… I whipped out my shotgun, aimed the barrel at its head, and pulled the trigger. The second I did, I showered myself in gore, but I smiled in satisfaction. "Recover from that, asshole." I spoke quietly as the headless hunter collapsed on the floor, coagulated blood leaking from the stump of its neck.

Helping Umbra to his feet, he gave his thanks as the others walked in. Noting my recent kill, Aeris whistled. "Not bad." She spoke as I closed the metal door, temporarily escaping the nightmare…

And as expected they stood absolutely zero chance against us. Noobs. Noobs, I say!

Time passed, and Sunday came to a sad end. As much as I wished this day could go on forever, it didn't, and when she received a phone call from her father saying that it was time to go home to get ready for tomorrow, I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed. I offered to accompany her on her journey back, since we lived only a few blocks from each other, which she graciously accepted. With a smile, I opted to get the door. As I opened it, I came face to face with my uncle. Now, he had never really met her, since he always left and handled his own business, so he lifted an eyebrow as he saw her behind me, packing her Xbox and games.

"So, that's her, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Hmm…so what are you going to do now?"

"I was going to escort her back home."

"Hmm. All right. It is the gentlemanly thing to do. I'll see you when you get back."

Well, that went way better than I expected. I'm surprised he didn't say much about my new friend. I mean, considering the fact that she IS a girl; I figured he would say something, especially since we were the only two inside the house. Aeris finished packing her things and stood up to face my uncle. She seemed a little perplexed; until I realized that I never told her that Scott was a human. But, again, to my surprise, they simply exchanged friendly greetings to each other, and after that she stood at my side, asking if I was ready to go.

"Your uncle is the exact opposite of what Vanessa told me.", Aeris started, but then Scott cut in, his smile seeming to disintegrate "Vanessa is a manipulative and malevolent girl. You'd do well to avoid her."

"Thank you, but I already learned that one real fast.", she informed him.

Scott then smiled again, "Well, take care. You're welcome to drop by anytime."

With that we left and began the trek down towards her home.

Aeris' POV

It was a pleasant stroll to say the least. He told me about local spots that remained, intriguing me with his of his silent ventures. Truthfully, I didn't know he was a free runner, but he told me he just barely given it a try the day we met. Interesting, to say the least. Being a new student, it's kinda easy to figure that one out; he asked as to why I and my family moved here. I explained that my father received a job transfer, packed our bags, and moved out to Toronto. I had to admit, I didn't expect to make an honest and decent friend so fast. However, I still had to be wary around him. But it was purely because the reminder that happened not so long ago…So who's to say he might try something, despite his beaming face otherwise… He was way too cheerful, but I guess that when you have a friend for the first time in 12 years it's kind of excusable. In that case, I asked him about his history, even though I already about his parent's tragic murders. He explained more about himself and his ordeals with that monstrous bitch and years of hell he went through, not to mention Mr. Ramsoomair's restraining order from Vanessa for a false rape charge.

I pulled out the key I needed to enter home. The moment I did… My dad was standing right there at the entrance, giving me a rather steely glare. Oh boy… At that, he turned his sight on Leo… that seemed unaffected be his glare… as if though they were staring each other down. I never have seen anyone look at my dad without being intimidated by him.

"So…You're the guy, aren't you?"

"Yeah, the one and only."

"Thank you… Looks like the city isn't crap after all…"

"Thank you, sir."

"No tricks, boy…"

"Swear or my family honor."

"Bye! See ya tomorrow!"

"Same here!"

Leo

How can I accurately spell how I feel right now? No way because I can't! Totally awesome day with someone who accepted me for me! I am so happy! There's no way I would anyone to destroy my friendship! No one! (Not even you…) Well, I was laughing like an idiot as I went home, some jerk shouting for to, and I quote, 'SHUT THE FUCK UP!". Yeah, like I cared. Hah! I opened the door and was graced the smell of Chinese food. "Sesame seed chicken?" "How could I forget, nephew?" "Sweet.' "You seem rather enthusiastic today but I can already tell why. It's nice of you to be with someone who accepts you for who you are." "Yeah…' "It really is… Something told me I had the appetite of a black hole since I just kept chowing down on dinner, much to Scott's shock, before he joined in. Before long, it was time to hit the hay, (after cleaning up of course. I don't want any roaches in here. Damn roaches bug the hell outta me). For a surprise… I didn't see that bastard… I slept nice, seeing my confidence returning… and her laughing alongside us as we simply had fun… Tomorrow would be a bright future. I can feel it!

Aeris

The next day rose and after I got dressed and said my farewells, I began my trek to school, granted carrying a crap load of materials for the project. God, this stuff is heavy. I was going to take the car, but Vincent HAD to wake up late, so I HAVE to carry this crap to school now. Fortunately, Leo and I crossed paths on the way there, so it exactly wasn't that much of a nightmare. During the trek, we just spoke about last weekend, and possible plans for this week. I really didn't know much about the city, so Leo offered a tour after today around town. There were a lot of places he told me about as I listened intently to every detail. He even mentioned a place that sold the chilliest treats in town, which apparently to him, was the best tasting stuff for even the hottest of summers. During the conversation, I noticed DJ walking behind us, apparently struggling to carry something. It probably was his project, I assumed, and before I had the thought to help him, he perked up and simply walked by the both of us at a hurried pace. Thing must be murder for his back. Before long, we wound up at the school. Truthfully, I was prepared for the responses I would get for being associated with Leo, but he suddenly stopped where he stood. He then turned away and was walking in the opposite direction.

"Hey!"

I called out to him, "What are you doing?"

He stood there, casting his gaze aside until he spoke up as I approached him, "Aeris…Go on ahead. Go and catch up with Vanessa… I don't want you seen with me."

"WHAT!?"What the hell is he talking about? I don't care what people think about my friendship with him, so why should he?

"Listen. The fact is your friends with Vanessa. I don't want to blow your chance at having something I never had for who knows how long. So, I'm asking you, as a friend, please go on ahead. I promise I'll be ok. Besides, today's the last day of school. I'm pretty sure I can take what Van throws at me. Can't be as bad as last year."

"What happened last year?"

"Forget I said that, now get going. Hurry up before someone sees us, please! "He looked rather desperate… Dammit, I told him I didn't care but now he has to act so goddamn moronic to have me stay with that fucking bitch… as much as I didn't, and believe me I DIDN'T, I ultimately agreed to his proposition, gave a sad farewell before I went off ahead and found Vanessa yelling at a tree for some weird reason. After greeting her, she threw a rock up in there only for the same guy I saw a few minutes ago to tumble out and fall flat on his face. As he fell, I heard a horrible ripping sound and saw that the left sleeve of his shirt had been torn, exposing a massive scar. What the hell is that scar on his arm? It's fucking huge! What the hell happened to him?

"Dammit! I was sleeping in there! We still have 30 before the day starts!"He yelled out in frustration. I can clearly see why he was mad… I wanted to step in before they could do something about him. But before I knew it I was dragged into this.

"Hey! Had a good weekend? Well, today is the last day of school, so let's go out with a bang! How strong are you?", Vanessa questioned me. I did not like where this was going… Vanessa shoved me in front of DJ, who was now reeling from a series of brutal attacks from Jason and his lackeys…

"Show us! Give this guy a good wallop to the face.", she brightly beamed at me as I turned to DJ, who simply looked at me with a black eye and a cut lip. No emotion was behind his eyes… He had seen this before and noted my sympathy with a nod.

"Get it the fuck over with…", He breathed out. And I did so. I punched him hard across the face, the others being quite surprised at my strength. DJ was barely able to get himself to his feet after what happened…

"Whoa! Jason, you might have some competition for toughest one here!" Vanessa exclaimed, smiling cheerfully.

"Damn…You're good.", Jason admitted begrudgingly.

"He's barely conscious! Finish him!", One of Vanessa's less sympathetic cronies cheered.

However, DJ was spared when another one of the less sympathetic cronies saw a certain gray-furred cat, "Hey! Freakshow showed up! GET HIM!"

I turned my head to see the crowd chasing yet again after Leo… But he laughed as they gave chase, ultimately leaving out of my sight. I felt sick, knowing this is what I was involved in. I did NOT want to be a part of these monsters…

"You hate them too huh…?"I heard DJ moan out behind me. It was just me and him, after all. "Don't worry…", he continued, "Over half the school does… You aren't alone… Ouch…"

"I'm sorry.", I apologized, "I didn't want to do that."

"It's fine… Go, before they come back."

And so I did.

The day itself passed fairly quickly. I was happy for that, especially since after this, it would be summer break. I wouldn't have to be anywhere nearby Vanessa, I can learn about my new home and city, and no longer be ashamed of being friends with Leo. Of course, I still had to watch as the followers still pursued the overexcited Leo around the halls. It was hilarious to watch… except when he would eventually get captured and beaten for his defiance. Granted, he had some snarky remarks to Vanessa about servitude…

"These people serve me…", she had said, trying once more to break his spirits.

Yeah, serve your dick…", he said back defiantly.

Short version, bloody nose...

And finally all that remained was the school's pep rally for the following year, since I would be spending my last year here. And the even stranger thing. The football team and cheerleading squad had set up some sort of surprise to commemorate our fellow students. It sounded rather pleasant, instead of the usual evil antics of Vanessa Richardson.

As we all sat on the bleachers, I was ultimately accompanied by Leo, DJ, and some of the more sympathetic girls of Vanessa's gang, Shannon included. We had some small talk, and there was no hostility. Everything was fine. That is until Vanessa began a little announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen, for our pep rally, we'll need a volunteer! But, don't bother raising your hands; we already have someone in mind! Out resident freak, Leo Orlando Leonardo the 3rd!"

As soon as his name was spoken, Leo was grabbed and taken from the bleachers. Some of the others in the seat tried to pull him back, but a quick glare from people dragging him away made them give up. I looked back down at the field, where they were dragging Leo away, and something about it seemed odd. There was this stage that looked like a bedroom and a few people dressed as other people. This is a pep rally, not theatre. Wait a sec… why is that one guy dressed like Mr. Ramsoomair? And there's another guy dressed like an older version of Leo.

"LET GO!", Leo shouted, sounding rather desperate, "STOP IT! NO, PLEASE, LET GO!"

I heard Leo screaming and crying as he was being dragged towards the miniature stage… I remembered what Leo told me about not associating myself with him. I totally disregarded that, as I ran down the stadium stairs. As I descended, it looked like the stage was stained red… It looked like… a master bedroom stained in blood…

"MOMMY! DADDY! DON'T GO! DON'T DIE ON ME!", Leo screamed loudly as he was tossed on stage.

Almost immediately, although many had faces of horror, everyone in the stands broke out in laughter as Leo screamed, trying to escape the stands as if his life depended on it. "NO! STAY AWAY!", He yelled as Jason, dressed up like some extremely ugly man drew closer to Leo with a dagger in his hand…

"MOMMY! DADDY! HE'S GONNA KILL ME! MOMMY!", He was crying like a child… and Vanessa was just having a laughing fit the whole time…And then it hit me… She's making Leo relive the night his parents were murdered! That's just Goddamned awful! I have to stop them!

They saw me running down the stairs, and when they did, Vanessa called out, "There you are Aeris! You here to help us out?"

I said nothing and walked up to the stage. I was furious about everything that going on. I couldn't contain my rage anymore. I walked deliberately up the steps, and up to Vanessa. She was about to say something, but before she could, I punched her in the snout, causing her to topple over. Immediately, everyone stopped laughing, astonished at what I just did. Everyone just looked on as I walked over to the shivering Leo and knelt down next to him. I put my arms around him, and said in a consoling tone, "Shhhh... it'll be okay... you're fine."

After a few moments, Vanessa stood back up again, her nose bleeding, and screamed, "You bitch! What the fuck did you do that for!?

I let go of Leo and stood up, turning around to face Vanessa. I scowled and said, "I'm standing up to you! I'm not taking this anymore! Leo's my friend, and I'm going to defend him!"

Vanessa was incredulous, "Excuse me? You're friends with this freakshow? Even after everything that I've told you?"

My scowl was still on full force as I said, "You really think that I'm an idiot? I never believed all the lies you spewed about him! Hell, barely anybody in attendance here believed you!"

Despite the fact that I just punched her not even a minute ago, the white wolf laughed, "Now, that's a lie. Everyone knows that Leo Leonardo the 3rdis an evil, perverted, low down, son of a crackwhore who deserves every little bit of pain that I and many others inflict on him.", she turned to the people in attendance, "Isn't that right?"

There was silence among the crowd, unsure if they were supposed to say something, or if they were just supposed to keep their mouths shut. Evidently it was the latter, because after a few seconds, Vanessa turned back to Aeris and said smugly, "That's what I thought. Now then, Jason, would you please-"

"You're wrong!", a voice from the crowd shouted.

Vanessa quickly turned her head to the source of the voice, only to discover that it was DJ. She looked just as surprised as I was to tell you the truth. He continued, "You've been lieing this whole time Vanessa! You want to know something? Nobody believes you! Everyone knows who the real evil one is, and it isn't Leo!"

I could only see the back of her head, but I could see her glaring daggers into him. She shouted back, "No! Everyone believes me! They would be crazy not to! My group believes me! Don't you girls!?"

She turned her head to where I was sitting before, where many of her group was sitting. There was an uncomfortable silence, only broken after a few moments after Vanessa shouted, "Well!?"

Then, one of them, who I immediately recognized as Shannon due to her raccoonish features, and said, "No Vanessa. We don't believe you."

Vanessa looked thunderstruck. Her mouth was agape when she heard this, but she soon regained her composure, and said in an unsettlingly calm way, "I see... may I ask how many of you don't believe me?"

There was a slight hesitation before most of her group stood up, as well as many of the other students. If I could, I would've pointed out that only a few minutes before they were laughing at Leo's expense, but then again, that would've been undermining the entire thing.

Upon seeing that most of the school was against the entire point of the, 'pep rally', Vanessa turned around, a blank expression on her face. She didn't say anything few moments before shouting out, "Fine! If you love this freak so much, then I may as well treat you all like him!", she turned to Jason, "Jason, I want you and the rest of the team to round up the freaks so we can take care of them!"

Jason looked a little discomforted by his girlfriend's request, but he nonetheless complied, saying to his cronies, "Alright guys, you heard the lady! Let's do this!"

The football team, along with Vanessa's more loyal servants, went up to the bleachers in an attempt to round up all of Leo's sympathizers, but this didn't work out as well as it could have. Soon, what was supposed to be a simple task turned into a huge fight, and it soon broke out of the bleachers and into the field. Luckily, Leo and I were still on the stage; however, we were also with Vanessa and Jason, who had turned to me and the slowly recovering Leo. He had stopped shivering, and he had started to become lucid when Vanessa said to me, "You... you're the cause of this. And now you'll pay the price."

She ran over to Jason and reached into his pocket, pulling out something, I couldn't quite see. It then became pretty clear when I saw the glint of a knife in her hand. She charged at me, arm raised and poised to strike, when someone ran into her, knocking her off balance and causing her to bury the switchblade into whoever the person's shoulder was. When he fell over, I clearly saw the person's face, and I immediately recognized it. It was DJ.

He fell off of the stage and onto the field, probably falling unconscious as well. As I saw him fall, I saw Leo start to stand up, shaking the effects of what Vanessa and Jason did to him. Vanessa was looking increasingly angry, and at the same time, I was too. She looked over to me, and said, "You... you're fucking dead you bitch!"

She unexpectedly tackled me, startling me and leaving me unprepared for what she was going to do to me. She was fierce, I can say that much. She was clawing and punching at me, and she was quick too. I could barely even get a hit in before getting two hits back for my troubles. It wasn't long before she hit me in just the right place, causing me to fall over and lose consciousness. The last thing I saw was Leo's horrified look as my body fell...

Leo/Dark Leo

The mental binds that he had placed could no longer hold themselves due to the incredible emotional damage done to Leo. He tried resisting as the seal he placed inside his own mind slowly began to break. He could see it, the haunting memories of his own tragic past, slowly rending what little goodness that remained outside of the dark areas of his psyche. He tried, very hard to resist it, but the turmoil, emotional strife, and pain that his friend was going through, not to mention others who had stepped up to defend him, was enough for his mind to become fully absorbed in the dark recesses of his inner self. There was nothing restraining him from doing what his darkest dreams desired, all the other side needed was an excuse…

"I'll protect your friend…", his darkness said, "But I want Vanessa to myself."

Leo didn't even pause to think it over, "Do whatever you want. Just don't let her get hurt anymore!"

Outside of Leo's mind, everyone saw as his fur turned darker, his fangs grew longer, and his eyes grow more polluted with red...

Elsewhere….

Scott

"I be back, Panty-Head-Man!"

The voice of Dr. Von Krug-Lor yelled as he retreated away from the city after the resident defender had once again triumphed over the doctor, as his clones of Pantsman. Scott winced slightly as he fixed a nasty crick in his right arm as the Doctor fled the scene. "Those clones are good, but they can't be the real deal, original Scott!" he thought as he recalled the earlier events as the people cheered their hero for saving the day yet again.

The Doctor had yet again begun his rampage throughout the city and challenged Pantsman to a fight yet again. Despite the extreme threat his weapons posed to the people, the doctor was more of a person who would conquer instead of flat out destroy everything. Because of this, Pantsman had to be cautious when going up against the doctor to reduce the amount of damage done. After all, the last thing the city needed was to rebuild everything they had spent years building, not to mention the current state of the economy was… not the greatest, so to say. All facts aside, the Doctor had been trying a mixture of his demonic sorcery and scientific brilliance to create mind controlled clones of Pantsman. But his results were never up to snuff since they were constantly defeated and destroyed. The three he sent out were his latest versions, but since he lacked the original to base them off of, it was a difficult task to replicate his sworn rival, no matter how brilliant the mad-devil was. But in this circumstance, the three had actually managed to keep up with him, but only due to the 3 on 1 fight that ensued. But, despite the odds, Scott's alter ego had come out on top and saved the day yet again, forcing the doctor to flee the scene. But this time around, they had actually made him put a little effort especially since they 3 caught him off guard and took advantage of his stunned state. It wasn't weakness or anything; it was just that he had dealt with many clones at this point that he didn't expect them to do that.

As he descended to the streets, the people suddenly surrounded him, all expressing their thanks in stopping the doctor again, while news reporters quickly came, hoping for an interview with the masked hero. Believing that this was the end, he waited and actually allowed the reporters to come, all of them asking questions, such as why not kill Krug in the first place if he is a hero. Scott simply sighed and responded, "I never did consider myself to be a hero, I'm just someone who decided to protect the people, as I have said before. And why not finish the doctor? Because, that right doesn't belong to me. If the doctor were to fall, then I will have no involvement what so-"

Scott suddenly sensed something. Like a flash in his head, he saw a brief glimpse of red eyes and smiling fangs. And to make matters worse, he could feel a horrible power brewing not too far from him, and it was only rising higher and higher. "Impossible. There shouldn't be any others aside me. I would've sensed them! Unless… No… It can't be…"

The people gathered around looked at their hero as he turned around, facing in the direction of a coming storm. Odd, the weather forecast called for a bright, sunshiny day. What's with the freak weather?

With Scott, something inside him told him to go face this new power. Not out of protecting the people, but more… because he felt as if though something close to he was… he didn't know how to explain it. As he gazed further, he realized that whatever this new power was, it was emanating from the School for Gifted Youths. Another flash occurred inside his mind, this time showing blood on the walls, someone begging for their lives, and only a sadistic laugh. Scott's stomach dropped low. The last time he saw something even remotely close was that day 13 years ago. And it seemed to be repeating at the school. Without a word, he shot high into the sky and shot towards the school as quick as he could possibly allow. His sudden takeoff was explained by one final glimpse inside his head.

"Let me go, you freak!"

"No, Vanessa… Not this time… This time… I promise… I'LL KILL YOU!"

Dark Leo

As the fellow students began to panic at the sight of Leo's sudden change, he himself began taking slow, steady steps to the podium, where his target, the one who made his life hell since his parents were murdered, was standing, looking completely dumbfounded. His breathing was laced with a heavy air, one that made everyone around him shudder as a sudden weight fell on their shoulders. When DJ rose, still wincing after realizing the knife was still embedded in his shoulder, he saw it, the accumulation of years of sadness, anger, rage, hatred, and raw fury etched into perfection on the cat's face. At this point, everyone was in danger and he had no choice…

"FUCK, RUN! HE'S GOT POWERS LIKE PANTSMAN! RUN, NOW!"

Many people were rather skeptical upon DJ's declaration before he collapsed from pain. As people began to murmur the possibilities, the truth of his words was proved by none other than the one with the power himself. Dark Leo suddenly raised his hand, palm facing the very skies itself.

"What the hell are you doing, freak?" Vanessa questioned, perplexed about his actions.

The corrupted teenager responded by forming a compressed sphere of dark energy in his palm before blasting it sky-high. Everyone was stunned at his action.

"Oh…there's more to it. Look up, everyone, and watch the fireworks."

Blindly obeying, they saw the sphere grow smaller and smaller as it flew high into the clouds… Until...

*BOOOOOMMMM!*

A deafening explosion occurred high in the sky as the orb detonated, staining the very skies with blackness.

"Like my new magic tricks?", He asked everyone around him, a hint of jest in his voice as he smiled darkly to those who looked at him, before smiling widely, allowing everyone around him the opportunity to see his sharpened teeth. Just for the sheer fun of it, he licked his lips and flashed them again before he suddenly was lifted from the floor, snickering madly as he drifted in midair to his target. It only took a second for this new realization to register within the other's minds before many of them began to disperse, some screaming loudly, others yelling "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" , "VAN PUSHED HIM TOO FAR!", or "HE'LL KILL US ALL!"

After the commotion ended, only Vanessa, Jason, his goons, and Leo remained, aside those rendered unconscious by Van and her goons. The aforementioned group felt a sudden chill as Leo closed the distance between them, his blood red eyes dancing with delight and malice as he kept his eyes focused on Vanessa.

"Ok, freak…", Vanessa said cautiously, "That's enough."

"Kill…", he mumbled quietly, before making his voice much louder, "Kill… KILL YOU!"

Now, that scared her. She had to admit, THAT right there chilled her to her already frozen core. But before she could react, Leo disappeared. Within a few seconds, the goons around them were standing upright, then suddenly strewn everywhere, completely knocked out cold. After that, Leo reappeared and then suddenly grabbed her by the throat, lifting her off the floor. Vanessa struggled to free herself while Leo began to laugh as he only tightened his grip. Jason, realizing his girlfriend's plight, rushed to the dark furred cat and tried to punch him. As Jason flung his fist, another slammed into his stomach, paralyzing him with pure pain.

"Stay out of my way… or I'll kill you next, Jason…", Leo breathed into his ear before kicking him upside the head, slamming him into the nearby school wall.

"LET ME GO, YOU FREAK!", Vanessa screamed in pure terror.

Leo laughed as he gave her neck a good squeeze before lowering her so their eyes would finally meet. As red meet white, Leo smiled maliciously before saying,

"No, Vanessa… Not this time… This time… I promise… I'LL KILL YOU!"

Sorry about the delay. I had some major issues forcing me to work in the darkness. Now that Dark Leo has awaked, Scott will have no choice but to defeat this new menace before he does the unspeakable… Can Scott win? Or will everyone feel Dark Leo's wrath? Find out next time! This is LuxUmbra2012 saying 'Ja'ne!'

Well... this took way too long. I feel that it is mostly my fault really. I had this for a while, and it was my responsibility to work on it... oh well. So, until next time, Read and Review!