The Smile Murders
I do not own Hey Arnold or any other shows, games, music, or others mentioned in this fic. I only own any OCs, places, etc. Warning there is disturbing context near the end of the story. If you are uncomfortable with the topic of rape you can skip it by looking for the next set of parenthesis.
Chapter 2: Enmity
Police, ambulances, and news vehicles swarmed P.S. 118 as parents of children pushed through the crowd to get their kids. The people outside of the school shouted as the police held them back behind the line as a man wearing a beige jacket and bright red hair walked behind the police as a cameraman was filming him.
"This is news anchor, Douglas Cain reporting for the channel four news outside of P.S. 118 letting you know of a terrible tragedy that has taken place." He said while pointing to the school. "This school was having a normal day until the teachers put on films of history or entertainment only to gawk in horror at a body of a child from this very school on said film. We haven't been given the child's name as a courtesy for the parents grieving their loss. What we do know from what the police have been able to tell us is that a dangerous individual is running amock on the streets of Hillwood and is believed to be behind the child's murder. We will inform you as the development continues." Douglas took a sigh as the cameraman turned off the camera.
"That was very good, sir." Said the cameraman.
"Please Smitty, I could do so much more than be a simple news reporter." He said wiping his forehead. "I was a T.V. show host until that whole alien debacle."
"It was nice of them to give you this after canceling your show." Said Smitty.
Before Douglas could say anything Detective Toress push through the crowd with people asking her questions. Smitty turned on the camera as Douglas walked over to her.
"Miss. Toress is it true that there's a serial killer running around Hillwood?" He asked.
"No comment." Said Toress.
"Is this killer hiding in plain sight as a student or teacher?" He asked
"No comment." Said Toress.
"Okay then." Said Douglas straightening his tie. "What can you say to the people of Hillwood to assure them that their safety is in good hands?" Toress turned to Douglas with a blank stare.
"We here at the Hillwood police department are doing our very best to catch the man or woman responsible for this child's murder and justice will be served." She then entered the school as police backed the reporters off.
"Well, there you have it folks, from the head of the Hillwood Police Department herself, is on the case to finding the culprit behind this murder. The question we are all asking right now though after that short speech is will the killer strike again before they can catch them?" Asked Douglas.
Meanwhile inside the school's gymnasium...
All the children were crying and holding onto their parents that have arrived while others were talking to their friends to calm themselves down.
"Man, this is so messed up!" Exclaimed Gerald walking back and forth. "Who would want to kill Eugene!?"
"That's the million-dollar question on everyone's mind." Said Rhonda walking over to the group after talking to her parents on her cell.
"There is honestly no reason to kill the little jinx." Said Helga leaning against a wall. "I wonder if that's what got him killed.
"I don't see how someone with bad luck could get themselves killed." Said Ryan gaining stares. "...I take it he has gotten himself into some unique situations before?"
"Yeah, some of them just hurt him and some of them included others." Said Sid as he let a small chuckle.
"You truly don't know what your missing until it's taken away from you." Said Sheena.
"Speaking of people who are mourning." Said Ryan as he pointed his thump at Curly. "Should I be worried about him?"
"Please, Curly may be a psycho, but, he wouldn't kill a person." Said Helga.
"Actually Helga, I overheard some officers talking and they believe... that one of us is responsible for this." Said Phobe making everyone gasp.
"That's crazy!" Exclaimed Harold with his hands on his head.
"Why would they think that!?" Questioned Lila with a shocked expression.
"Because we knew Eugene throughout our whole lives." Answered Joey.
"Not all of us." Said Ryan.
"Y, yeah, I have only known Eugene for a good few years since moving here." Said Lila with tears in her eyes. "But, I suppose that still counts."
"You know, now that I think about weren't you the last one to see Eugene, Lila?" Asked Rhonda.
"What do you mean by that?" She asked Rhonda with a look of surprise.
"I believe she's talking about how Eugene bumped into you at the Cheese Festival spilling nachos on your dress." Answered Nadine.
"That was an accident! I wouldn't kill someone over a dress!" Exclaimed Lila defending herself.
"What about spilling on something he shouldn't have seen?" Asked Helga as Lila stiffened.
"Hold up!" Exclaimed Rhonda with a glint of intrigue in her eyes. "Does this have something to do with your fight with Arnold, Helga?" Before Helga could speak a man walked over to the group and grabbed Ryan's shoulder.
"Hey sport, sorry it took me so long to get here." Said the man as he rubbed his hand on Ryan's head. Ryan's dad wore a light blue dress shirt with black dress pants and shoes with his brown hair a mess and his blue eyes recovering from stress. "I would have gotten here sooner if my car hadn't broken down. I was lucky my boss gave me a ride here seeing how we were both coming to the same place."
"It's okay Dad." Said Ryan fixing his hair.
"And I take it these are some of your new friends?" Asked Ryan's father.
"Yes, Mr. Hunt, we are." Said Phoebe. "I'm sorry we had to meet under these circumstances."
"Yeah, the detective filled me in on what was going down." He said rubbing his neck. "I am sorry for the loss of your friend, kids."
"Thank you, sir, it's rather hard to believe that he's gone." Said Gerald.
"I know feeling all too well." Said Mr. Hunt as he held a locket around his neck.
"So... where is your surprisingly nice boss." Said Ryan with a sarcastic tone.
"Ah come on son, Mr. Pataki isn't that bad, in fact, he's consoling his daughter now." He said pointing to Olga as Bob was holding his daughter.
"Of course, he goes and consoles his prized daughter first." Whispered Helga.
"That hardass is your father?" Whispered Ryan. "You have my condolences."
"Pfft!" Chuckled Helga holding her laugh in.
"And the romance drama continues." Said Rhonda with a smile.
"Oh Helga, your okay!" Shouted a woman who hugged her.
"I'm fine Mom." Replied Helga.
"Fine, fine! You saw a friend of yours dead on a movie screen, Helga! You are not fine!" Shouted Miriam shaking her daughter.
"Look I admit it was disturbing, but I'm a tough kid, I'll get over it." She said to her mother.
"Okay everyone listen up!" Shouted Wartz getting everyone's attention. "The police are willing to let everyone go for now, but may go to your homes later for more questions."
"Hold on, we get called down out from our homes and jobs to all of the sudden leave!" Shouted Bob.
"Here we go." Mumbled Helga.
"Just what the hell is going on Wartz!" He shouted grabbing Wartz by the shoulders.
"Mr. Pataki, I assure you Detective Torres would have talked to you all if this wasn't really important to their current case." Said Wartz as he covered his mouth.
"There's been another murder!" Shouted a parent from the crowd.
"Who's dead Wartz!" Exclaimed Bob as Wartz looked down at the ground.
It was at this moment one of the kids realized someone was missing. A friend that they had known for their whole childhood. "No." Said Sid as he fell to his knees. "He, he was just with us, how could Stinky be dead!"
At Stinky's house...
Torres stared at the sight in front of her. Three decapitated heads sat on the table in front of her. The parents of Stinky and Stinky himself with a gash wound on the top of his head. "Son of a bitch." Said Torres as she balled her fists together. She then turned to the officer that was called to the crime scene. "Who discovered the body?"
"It was a mailman who was doing their rounds, mam, a Harvey Miller." Said the woman. "He just turned the corner coming up to the house and noticed the "scarecrow" bleeding"
"Yes, I saw it on my way in." She said to the officer. "Our killers are not afraid to make public displays of their work."
"Killers mam?" Asked the cop in surprise but in a calm voice.
"Yes killers," Said Torres looking out the window where Stinky's body lay. "The boy's head was chopped off recently after his death, the patches on his neck show us that this was an hour ago while the rest of the patches show us that he's been dead for three hours."
"Which shows us that a second person did come along and cut off the victim's head." Said the officer. "But, what makes you so sure this second individual is partners with our serial killer?"
"One of the first victims shows us that another individual is involved." She said opening her phone. "Grubby turned out to be a war veteran after digging into his personal life. When the corner looked over his body they noticed defensive marks on his body." She then stopped on a picture showing Grubby's body and the top of his head. "Our serial killer could only cut him in the lower chest area and waist indicating their smaller than Grubby, but, the death blow to his head indicates someone stabbed him from above."
"I see where you are coming from mam, but, what if the first assailant was the one who stabbed him in the head?" She asked Torres.
"Then the stab would have been diagonal and not straight, Officer Pudney." Said Torres. "There would be no need to stab the victim in that way because that would have given him an advantage over his assailant."
"So we do have two killers on our hands, fuck." Said Pudney rubbing her head.
"Yes, this truly does make our job a lot harder." Said Torres.
At Sunset Arms...
Arnold laid there on his bed staring through the skylight while holding the book he wrote. Many thoughts were going through his head at that moment, but, mostly what Detective Torres had said during their interview.
(Flashback)
"You think the killer is using my book as a list!" Said Arnold in shock as his parents held his hands.
"Mrs. Torres, surely this must be a mistake." Said Stella consoling her son.
"Mrs. Shortman, I understand your reaction, but, there have been too many coincides from Arnold's book and the crime scenes that can't be ignored." Said Torres with her hands together staring at the family.
"Name one." Said Miles defending his son.
"Well, I didn't want to let this slip until we nabbed the bastard, but, one of the chapters discusses how Arnold and his friends hung out with Lorenzo at baseball practices and how they even slept over at his residence over the years." She said to Miles.
"L, Lorenzo is dead." Said Arnold with his eye wide.
"Yes, I'm afraid so, his mother was also a casualty at the crime scene." Said Torres.
"And you think my son or one of his friends killed them!?" Exclaimed Miles as he rose from his seat.
"Miles please, don't cause a scene!" Exclaimed Stella holding her husband's hand. "I understand your rage, but, I don't think Mrs. Torres actually believes that."
"Unfortunately, that's where your wrong Mrs. Shortman." Said Torres getting the Shortmans to stare at her from shock to rage.
"You honestly think a child killed them!" Shouted Miles slamming his hand on the principal's desk. "Have you thought that maybe one of the parents did it or maybe some unknown individual that has no connections to them!"
"Miles!" Shouted Stella. "Those parents are our friends! That's like saying one of the borders at our home could have committed the murder!"
"I'm just saying... Stop it!" Said Miles as Torres interrupted the argument. "Mr. Shortman, I get what you are saying, believe me, I do, however, all parents that could get the victim's apartment all have alibis and yes, it is possible that some stranger could be behind these deaths, but, the facts don't lie." Torres then took a deep breath a let it out. "While it's disturbing to think about it a child is the only one that could have gotten close to the victims at the time and before you say it, no, Lorenzo didn't kill his mother and commit suicide."
Miles and Stella sat down in the chairs. Miles had his hand on his face while Stella hugged Arnold. "So what happens now?" Asked Miles.
"We have decided to put a curfew into effect so no one is out on the streets while the killer is still at large." Said Torres. "Anyone found outside of their homes will be detained or sent home by police escort. We will allow those who have night jobs to work, but, that is the only exception to the rule. There will be no events planned unless it is agreed upon by the council and police. Anything beyond that will be up to debate." Torres's phone began to ringing, but, she ignored it for now. "As for the kids and their families, we will have police watch over them until this is all over. Do you have any questions?"
"Is this all my fault?" Asked Arnold with his head lowered.
"Of course not sweetie!" Exclaimed Stella hugging her son.
"Yeah buddy, this is just a bunch of unfortunate events." Said Miles holding his son.
"Your parents are right, Arnold, this could have happened to anyone, maybe not this exact situation, but, this is truly not your fault." Said Torres as her phone began to ring again. Torres then picked up the phone in anger. "This better be pretty damn important to interrupt my questioning! "...Are you sure... Ok." She then hung up her phone as she grabbed her jacket off the chair. "I apologize for leaving, but, something just came up linking to the case." She then grabbed a card from her jacket and gave it to Arnold. "If you think of anything that could help, please, call this number."
"Ok." Said Arnold in a tired voice.
(Flashback end)
As Arnold lay there remembering the conversation, he heard knocking at his door. "Come in." He said. As the door opened his grandpa came in holding a dish of food.
"Hey there short man, got some supper for ya." Said Grandpa setting it on his bedside.
"Thanks, Grandpa." Said Arnold with a defeated tone. Grandpa Phil then sat next to his grandson.
"Hey now, you know your not responsible for those deaths don't ya?" He said comforting Arnold.
"I know, but, the killer is using my book as a target list because of how detailed it is." Said Arnold as he tossed the book to the floor. "Then there is what the detective said about how one of my friends could be the killer because of opportunity, but, I know them, Grandpa. Sure sometimes they do some stupid things, but, never like this!" Arnold then hugged Grandpa as some tears fell down his face. "And I can't stop thinking about Eugene! Sure he was a bit unlucky, but, he didn't deserve to die and I can't think of anyone wanting to kill him, especially, my friends."
"Oh, Arnold, I know this is all kinds of crazy, but, if you keep letting these thoughts get to you, you'll make yourself sick." Said Grandpa Phil hugging his grandson. "You know your friends like the back of your hand. You know they wouldn't do something like this.
"I know, but, there is so much chaos and doubt going on in front of me that I can't tell what is even real anymore." Said Arnold. As Arnold talked to his Grandpa, he then pulled something out from his back pocket.
"Hey, I know what will cheer you up!" He said putting a book in Arnold's hand.
"Wait, isn't this Agatha Caulfield's newest book?" Asked Arnold as he stared at the book titled "The Mischievous Jester." "How did you get this? It's been sold out everywhere I looked! Not even the libraries have a copy!"
"I knew that would cheer you up!" Chuckled Phil as he patted his back. "I came across that while I was at the flea market today. The seller put up a hard bargain, but, I managed to get the price lowered enough to buy it for ya."
"Thanks, Granpa, I'll read it once I finish supper." He said putting it on the shelf beside him as he grabbed his food and ate.
"Hey slow down, don't want you to become fat like Abner, haha." Joked Grandpa as Arnold chuckled.
Downstairs at Sunrise Arms...
All the borders, minus Arnold, Oskar, and Arnold's father were eating. Phil just entered the room and sat down at the table.
"How is he?" Asked Stella with a worried face.
"I'd be lying if I said he's not depressed." Said Phil as he started eating. "But, his attitude did change once I gave him that book!"
"Well that's good, I hate seeing him like this." Said Stella as she took a drink of water.
"Yeah, seeing the little guy like this is just wrong." Said Ernie as he cutted his steak.
"Yes, it is really unusual to see him like this." Said Mr. Hyunh adjusting his glasses.
"He did lose a friend today." Said Suzie tapping her finger on the table.
"Ooh, if I ever come across the scoundrel who did this I'd teach him a thing or two!" Exclaimed Grandma as she jumped from her seat with her fists rotating in the air.
"Now hold on there, granny! This guy is really dangerous!" Exclaimed Ernie. "You may be on strong old bird, but, this guy has more tricks up his sleeve than you!"
"Why do you talk like you met the killer yourself?" Asked Mr. Hyunh as Ernie stared back at him. "...Oh my god have you actually encountered him!" This got everybody to look at Ernie in shock and horror. Ernie then lifted the sleeve of his shirt to show a gash that had stitches in it.
"Ernie, why would you hide this from us!" Exclaimed Suzie in shock.
"Cause I didn't want to worry Arnold." Said Ernie lowering his sleeve. "The kid has gone through enough as is."
"Well, you could have told us, you idiot!" Exclaimed Grandpa. "Where friends aren't we!?"
"Of course we are old man, but, you weren't there at the construction site!" Shouted Ernie stabbing his steak. "It was the end of my shift. I was just finishing up inventory on all of the construction equipment when I heard a noise. As I go to investigate, I notice that the sledgehammer I was using today was missing, so I grabbed a nail gun and carefully went around the construction vehicles to not get snuck up on."
"As I reached the wrecking balls, I saw that hobo Arnold mentioned when he got stuck on the subway with his friends. When I got near him, his fucking eyes were missing!" He exclaimed making the borders gasp in shock.
"That is very creepy!" Shouted Mr. Hyunh.
"That's not the worse part about this whole situation." Said Ernie as he gripped his fist. "The bastard had the gull to put a smiley face with two straight red lines where his eyes were."
"Oh my god, what happened next!" Exclaimed Stella with her hands near her mouth.
"That's when the bastard striked." He said as he started to cut into his steak again. "As I was recovering from the shock, they went and slammed my sledgehammer near my foot! Unfortunately for him, I heard the swing and managed to dodge it, and then shot the bastard with the nail gun. The fucker then dropped the sledgehammer and grabbed his arm in pain as I tackled him to the ground and began to punch the creepy bastard's face. I don't know what the heck that mask was made of, but, the thing didn't break at all. As I went for the final blow, he then slashed my shoulder and kicked me off of him. I went for the nail gun after that to only be kicked in the gut by the bastard as he picked up the nail gun and aimed it at my head. I thought I was done for until I heard some pals of mine wander to where me and the killer were. The killer just stared at me for a second and then dropped the nail gun as they jumped the fence and ran. My buddies then saw me lying on the ground and made sure I was alright before calling the police."
"Holy shit, Ernie, your lucky to be alive!" Shouted Miles as he made his presence known.
"Miles! When did you get here?" Asked Stella as Miles sat at the table.
"A few minutes ago before Ernie told his story." He answered as he grabbed some steak.
"Well, your right Miles, I am lucky to be alive." Said Ernie as he put his knife and fork down. "Because the bastard apparently had managed to get into the explosive shed and stole some dynamite."
"He has explosives!?" Exclaimed Mr. Hyunh as he dropped his glass onto the table almost spilling.
"Yeah, the bastard could have blown me sky high and I wouldn't be here today." He said as he took a drink of water.
"Oh, this makes me worried for Oskar now." Said Suzie as she chewed her nails. "I should have never made him get that job at the grocery store."
"He'll be alright, Suzie." Said Stella comforting the woman.
"Yeah, he'll be home before curfew, and besides the police are roaming the streets so if something does happen, not saying it will, he'll be safe and protected." Said Grandma comforting Suzie as well.
Meanwhile with Helga...
"Go pick up your step-sister he says. Your a big girl he says. I can't go because I'm going to be too busy getting drunk with my poker buddies and discussing battle plans. Does the bastard not realize how stupid it is to make me go alone and pick up Lila from her job!? Olga could have gone and done this but, no, he has to treat his favorite daughter like a princess and not let her get harmed. He didn't even give me a weapon to protect myself!" Shouted Helga as she walked down the street.
"Okay, first, your not alone, I'm here with you because your dad invited my dad to poker night, second a flashlight is technically a blunt weapon so you do sort of have a weapon." Said Ryan as he walked with her. "And third, Lila is your stepsister?"
"Yeah, Olga adopted her when her father kicked the bucket." She said as she kicked a can. "Don't get me wrong, no one should live without a parent, but, criminy does it get annoying."
"I guess, I get where you're coming from." Said Ryan rubbing his neck. "Ever since my dad remarried my stepmom goes into overprotective mode anytime I get hurt or cry."
"Eh, not really the same thing, but, kind of at the same time." Said Helga as she twirled her hand.
"So..." Said Ryan as he hesitated for a moment. "Is Lila the reason you're pissed at Arnold right now?" As he said he got a scowl. "Okay shut up and walk, got it."
"...Look I just don't want to talk about it okay." She said as she kicked the can again. "In all honesty, this is my fault the fight is even happening in the first place."
"Really? Because from what I noticed back at the school, you made it sound like Lila is the one in the wrong." He said with a raised eyebrow.
"Again, don't want to talk about it." Said Helga as she kicked the can again sending it flying into an alleyway.
"Fair enough." Said Ryan as he looked around the street. "Can you tell me what the place we're looking for is at least?"
"We're heading to a flower shop on vine street." She said as they passed Sunset Arms.
"So we just passed Arnold's then?" He asked getting a nod from her. "Do you want to talk to him? He was questioned about the murder for a long time and I bet he wouldn't mind seeing his girlfriend?"
"Ryan, I get what you're trying to do, so stop it." Said Helga in an annoyed tone. "It's late, I'm tired, and I just want to get Lila and go home."
"Okay, just thought I try playing..." Said Ryan as he stopped and grabbed Helga by the arm.
"What the hell are you doing!?" Whispered Helga not wanting to wake up anyone.
"This flower shop, does it have a mascot?" He asked her pointing to a figure standing by the door. Helga follows Ryan's finger and sees the "mascot" in question. They both then carefully go up to it and see...
"It's a scarecrow, you dumbass." Said Helga as she punched him in the shoulder.
"Can't blame me for being cautious with what's going on right now." Said Ryan as he grabbed the door and opened it going inside with Helga.
As they enter the store they see flowers on the shelves and plants hanging from the ceiling with vines going down the pots a bit. While looking around they see the owner sitting in a chair.
"I take it that's Lila's boss?" Asked Ryan.
"Yeah." Said Helga going up to the register. "Hey Vitello, we're here to pick up Lila." As she said she got no response. "Hey, lady are you listening to me!?"
"Given how you just shouted and she hasn't responded, I'm going to say she's in a deep sleep." Said Ryan staring at Mrs. Vitello... however he noticed something off with her. " Helga, does Mrs. Vitello have a health condition?"
"Maybe, why are you asking me?" She questioned Ryan.
"Doesn't she look a little pale?" He asked with a worried tone.
"...Now you mention it, she does look ill." Answered Helga who was getting worried now. Ryan then went around the counter and grabbed Mrs. Vitello's shoulder.
"Ma'am, are you alright?" Asked Ryan as he shook her shoulder. As he did he felt something drop on his foot. He then looked down to see... gore. Gore was leaking down onto Ryan's foot from under Mrs. Vitello's apron. "...Helga, call 911." Helga then walked over to see what Ryan was scared of and then saw the gore on his foot.
"Oh 'gurgle' is she really dead!?" She whispered in shock and horror.
"No, this is her lunch on my foot. WHAT DO YOU THINK!" Exclaimed Ryan as he covered his own mouth. As he moved his hand the apron hit the floor and under it was Mrs. Vitello's open wound covered with stapled plastic holding the back the rest of her stomach and bowls. On the plastic, however, was a red smiley face saying "You should of spoke up, bitch," in a drawn comic balloon. Ryan then did something stupid and touched the words.
"The hell are you doing!?" Whispered Helga in shock.
"Helga, this was recent." Whispered Ryan in horror. "The killer is still here." As he said that a pot broke from the back room.
Both Helga and Ryan stood paralyzed in fear. Helga gripped the flashlight her dad gave her as Ryan reached for something in his pocket. Ryan then pulled out a tazer from his pocket.
"You have a fucking tazer and didn't bother to mention it when I was ranting!?" She whispered to Ryan.
"I forgot about it until now okay!" Whispered Ryan. "At least we have something to protect ourselves with." Ryan then carefully entered the backroom with the tazer pointed in front of him with Helga following behind him. "Lila, if that's you please say something so I don't freaking electrocute you."
"You think she is going to answer with a killer in the fucking room!" Whispered Helga.
"Oh I'm sorry, do you have a better idea!?" He whispered back.
"Yeah, call the police like you said to!" Argued Helga.
"So why don't you!" Retorted Ryan.
"Because I left my phone at home, what's your excuse!" She argued while shaking.
"My phone is dead and my beeper is back at home." Answered Ryan. As the two went back and forth they a rustle from the closet beside them. Ryan then carefully opened it to see... a panicking Lila sitting in the said closet as she was holding a hand wheeler as a weapon. "Hey Lila...oof!" Said Ryan as Lila jumped into Ryan's arms almost knocking the tazer out of his hand.
"Oh thank god you're here!" Exclaimed Lila as tears poured from her face.
"Yeah, yeah, good to see you alive as well, now let's get the hell out of here before the killer comes back!" Whisper Helga.
"Is there a back exit?" Asked Ryan.
"Yes, it's over there." Answered Lila as she pointed to the door near a table full of plants.
"Good, now let's move people!" Exclaimed Helga as she yanked the door open. When she did behind it was the killer, creepy mask and all.
The killer stood there as blood dripped from the weapon they were holding which was a broken pair of garden shears. The kids just stared at the bloody figure as they moved one of the shears across its bloody jacket with the other raised. Helga then slammed the door and locked it as the shear went through the door cutting a section of Helga's pigtails off.
"To the front door!" Exclaimed Ryan as they ran away from the killer trying to pull the shear out of the door.
As they went for the door Lila saw Mrs. Vitello's body. She tried to go to her but was stopped by Ryan. "Let me go!" Shouted Lila.
"Lila, she's dead, we need to leave!" Shouted Ryan.
"But... Look sunshine, if we don't leave now, we will be dead!" Screamed Helga as she grabbed Lila by the arm and ran out the door with Ryan.
As soon as they got outside the killer came from the corner and went for a kill to only stop and feel pain. Helga and Lila looked and saw Ryan using the tazer to shock the killer and making them drop the other sheer and fall to the ground. They begin to run again only for Ryan to go up to Arnold's door and slam on it.
"Are you kidding me, let's just... look I don't know what's going on with you, Lila, and Arnold, but, for fuck sake put the freaking romance drama behind you and help me get their attention!" Screamed Ryan as he interrupted Helga. As he, Helga, and Lila were pounding on the door the killer got off the ground, grabbed the sheer, and began walking towards them.
"Oh come on, Football Head, open up!" Screamed Helga as the killer got closer.
"Oh god, oh god, we're going to die!" Screamed Lila.
"Okay, tried knocking, now time for kicking!" Shouted Ryan as he slammed his foot against the door. He did this a couple more times until the door opened.
"What is with all the ruckus!?" Shouted Mr. Hyunh as the kids just ran into the apartment. "What are you... CLOSE THE FUCKING DOOR BEFORE WE DIE!" Screamed Helga as the killer reached the steps and began to lunge the sheer at them. Mr. Hyunh then quickly slammed the door in front of the killer having the sheer go through the door and cut Mr. Hyunh's hand a little. Mr. Hyunh gripped his hand in pain as Ryan tried to help stop the bleeding by grabbing a dole off the side table as Helga went for the phone and called 911.
"The hell is going on!?" Shouted Grandpa coming down the stairs as the killer pulled the sheer from the door.
"A freakin maniac... dude what the hell are you doing running downstairs in boxers and a white sleeveless t-shirt?" Asked a disturbed Ryan trying to erase that image from his head.
"That is what you lead with!?" Exclaimed Mr. Hyunh.
"Hold on, hold on, what's this about a maniac?" Asked Phil as the killer slammed the sheer through the door again.
"That maniac!" Shouted Helga as the phone rang.
"Hello, Hillwood Police Department how can... The serial killer is here trying to break into Sunset Arms!" Shouted Phil as he grabbed the phone from Helga's hand. "Okay, sir, we're on are way. Is your assailant armed?" Asked the officer.
"Yes, they're trying to kill us with a sheer from Mrs. Vitello's flower shop!" Screamed Ryan.
"The killer also murdered, Mrs. Vitello!" Screamed Lila as she backed away from the door as the killer slammed the sheer into the door again.
"Are there any other deceased?" They asked the group.
"No, but, we have injured here, send an ambulance, pronto!" Shouted Phil.
"The hell is going on here!" Exclaimed Ernie as he was holding his sledgehammer. The killer then slammed the sheer into the door again getting Ernie's attention. "Hey gramps, do you still have Old Faithful?" He asked Phil.
"Old Faithful, of course!" Exclaimed Phil. "It's in the living room!" Ernie then went into the living room to grab Old Faithful. The killer slammed the sheer through the door again causing a part of it to break from the top and hit the floor.
"Hurry up!" Shouted Ryan.
"Sir, the police will be there shortly." Said the officer.
"Not... 'Slam!' Said Ryan as the huge part of the door's hinges broke.
The killer then kicked the door open only to be greeted by Ernie and... "Eat lead you fucking bastard!" Shouted Ernie as he fired Old Faithful which was a shotgun. This sent the killer flying backward into the street. The killer laid there as blood from their chest leaked through.
"Is he dead?" Asked Lila staring at the killer.
Ernie then pumped Old Faithful as he got closer to the killer. As he did the neighbours came out from their homes to see what was going on. As they did numerous amounts of voices began talking.
"Is that the killer the police were looking for?" Asked a man.
"It's got to be, who else could it be!" Shouted a woman.
"It could be a prank gone wrong." Said an elderly woman.
"What's going on Grandpa?" Asked Arnold as he and the rest of the borders were woke up by the shotgun. "Wait a minute, Helga!?" Exclaimed Arnold as ran up to her and grabbed her by the arms. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
"N, no, I'm f, fine Arnold." Stuttered Helga as she blushed.
"Arnold, Mrs. Vitello's dead." Said Lila as she was crying.
"Oh shit, did the killer hurt you, Lila?" Asked Arnold.
"Young man that is not how we talk to people." Said Stella waving her finger at Arnold.
"In our defense Mrs. Shortman, we were being chased by the serial killer and almost died tonight." Said Ryan as he sat down on the floor. "I think we can let a little language and emotions slide." He said as he gave a quick look to Helga to not start an argument with Arnold.
While everyone was talking, Ernie finally got close to the killer and went to check for a pulse. The killer then sat up and took a swing at Ernie only for it to hit Old Faithful making Ernie pull the trigger by accident causing the gun to fire into the concert. The killer then threw the gun to the side as he held the sheer to Ernie's throat. "Don't... move." Said the killer as he picked up Ernie with the sheer pressing closer into Ernie's throat. The killer then backed up showing everyone his hostage as he went to escape to only be blinded by a light. Ernie took this moment and slammed his elbow into the killer's chest making them drop him and run. The killer then went to stab Ernie to only be hit by an... army vehicle?
"Huh, didn't know the police got the army involved." Said Ryan.
"That's not the army." Said Arnold as a man stepped out of the vehicle.
"Where's my daughters!" Screamed Bob looking around the scene.
"Over here, Mr. Pataki!" Shouted Lila getting Bob's attention as three other men exited the vehicle. The first man was Ryan's dad holding a revolver, the second was Mr. Green holding a shotgun, and the last was Harvey holding a crossbow.
"Hey dad." Said Ryan as he went up to his father with a small smile.
"Oh Ryan thank god your alright!" Said Mr. Hunt holding his son.
"Where's Mrs. Vitello?" Asked Mr. Green.
"I'm afraid she's dead, sir." Said Ryan as Marty put his hand to face in despair.
"Was it quick?" He asked Ryan.
"I don't know sir, but, given her injuries, I believe so, at least I hope so." Answered Ryan as he rubbed his neck.
(Warning this is about to get really fucked up. Look for the next set of parenthesis if you want to skip this.)
Mr. Green and Harvey slowly walked to the heavily breathing killer as Ernie walked up to him as well. All three men gave each other looks and then back to the killer. Mr. Green put his hand and pulled the killer's mask off to reveal... "Willie! You are the one going around and killing people!" Screamed Marty getting everyone's attention.
Big Bob walked up to Willie and grabbed the man by the throat with rage. "You bastard! Why would you go and kill children!?" He shouted.
"Why... WHY! 'Cough!' I'll tell you why!" Shouted Willie with grunts of pain. "I was living my life selling ice cream each day just to make a living only for it to all go down the damn drain!"
"What are you talking about Willie?" Asked Harvey as he scowled at him.
"One day 'Cough!' I had a child come up to me for ice cream. She wanted the works, 'Cough!' she said, well, I gave the works alright, enough of it to fill her up!" He said with a demented smile.
"...Oh my god!" Exclaimed Mr. Hunt as walked up to Willie. "You didn't!"
"Didn't do what Elliot?" Asked Bob with an eyebrow raised.
"I heard enough cases from my wife to know the signs, Bob." Said Elliot as he stared Willie dead into his eyes. Willie just chuckled at Elliot's angry face. Elliot then slugged Willie causing Bob to drop him in shock.
"What the hell was that for Hunt!" He shouted in shock.
"Think about it Bob, think very carefully about the last line he said." Replied Elliot as he gave a death stare at Willie.
"...You sick son of a bitch!" Exclaimed Ernie as he rolled his sleeves up. "How dare you do that to a child!"
"She was 'Cough!' almost thirteen by three years, 'Cough!', it's not like the Johanssens noticed at first." Said Willie.
As he said that Arnold remembered Gearld saying something bad happened to his sister, something he wasn't allowed to speak about. This had to be that issue. Arnold held back vomit as he looked away from Willie.
"I would have gotten away with it 'Cough!' until my father found out!" He said in anger. "The old bastard 'Cough!' put a security camera into the ice cream truck and caught me! I had to kill him, I had to! Everything went fine and I continued 'Cough!' as usual without anyone noticing my "special services," until that stupid jinx caught me!"
"You killed Eugene!" Shouted Ryan in shock.
"Yes, the little runt wanted to expose me, but, I couldn't 'Cough!' let him do that because I'm the one, the only, jolly ollie man! Hahahaha! I am the only one allowed to bring joy to children and kill those who can't see that joy!"
(Disturbing scene end.)
"I think you and me have a different view on joy, sir." Said Torres as police began to block off the street. Two officers went up behind Willie and cuffed him and put him into an ambulance and left with it.
"Please tell me that sick fuck is going to get the death penalty." Said Bob as he watched the vehicle leave.
"With what we have against him and what he said just now, definitely." She said as she turned to the crowd. "Okay everyone, I know this has been a terrifying experience for everyone involved, but, we need you all to go back to your homes after an officer questions you!" She then went into Arnold's house to talk to the kids, adults, and parents involved.
After hours of questioning and conversations, everyone went their separate ways. Bob, Elliot, Marty, and Harvey stayed at the Sunset Arms for the night along with Helga, Lila, and Ryan. Miles and Ernie removed a door from one of the empty apartments and fixed up the front door with that door. Mr. Hyunh's hand wasn't too badly cut as it appeared thankfully so the emergency care disinfected the wound and wrapped it in bandages, but, told him to visit the hospital for a better look to see if there was any nerve damage. And Arnold... well, while he felt comfort in that the killer was caught, he couldn't believe this was all over. Something inside of him told him that things were going only going to get worse.
Currently somewhere in Hillwood...
"Stupid bus, why did you have to close after eleven." Said Oskar as he walked home. "My feet are killing me thanks to this curfew. Where's a taxi when you need one?" Oskar then sat down on a bench to rest his legs as he looked up into the sky. 'I really need some luck in my life.' He thought to himself. As he was looking at the night sky his foot kicked something underneath the bench. "What was that?" He asked himself as he bent down and found a paper bag. He grabbed the bag and inside was cash! "Oh goody, I guess Lady Luck is shining down on me after all!" As Oskar counted the money inside the bag was also a note. Oskar opened up the note to see a red smiley face and the words, "Greedy Bastard." "What is this, is this some test to see if I have a good heart?" He said as he scratched his head. "I guess I should turn the money in, but, this is so much! It could keep me and Suzie going for a long time!" As he continued to search the bag, he also found a compact mirror. "Oh, this must belong to some old lady." Said Oskar now feeling some guilt. "No, if the lady wanted this cash they would have held onto it better so it's mine and mine alone... I wonder if there is a dollar bill inside the compact mirror?" As he opened it, it indeed had a dollar bill inside and it had... his face on it with x's on his eyes. While Oskar stared at the dollar in confusion, he didn't notice that someone was walking up behind him. Oskar then moved the dollar and to check the mirror, but, when he did he saw a person with the same red smiley face that was on the note. "Who the hell are..." Was all Oskar could say as his throat was slit open by a knife. His body went limp after a few minutes and his killer then picked up his body and whistled as they walked away from the crime scene.