BREAKING NEWS! 24 YOUTHS VANISH AFTER HOUSE PARTY GONE WRONG!
It had been all over the news. 24 teenagers vanishing without a trace was practically unheard of.
And naturally, their families were devastated.
Stavros Zafeiriou couldn't exactly say he was Father of the Year, but he did truly love his son. Even though his political campaign was taking up most of his time.
But now, he didn't know where Leo was or even if his son was still alive.
With a sigh, he picked up his phone, and dialed the number of Leo's mother and his ex-wife.
"Petunia? We need to talk. It concerns Leo's safety."
Petunia was convinced that after their divorce, she'd never have to speak with Stavros again.
It had started five years after Leo was born. Stavros was considering becoming a politician, which she had objected to.
"Think of what could happen to our family's image! You could put us all in jeopardy!"
"This world is changing fast, and someone needs to make sure it doesn't go to shit! I could be helping thousands—millions, even!"
"And what about our family? What about Leo? There are people who will hate him just for being your son!"
"We will protect him to the best of our ability! Just trust me to do what is right—not just for him, but for the world!"
After many, many long nights of arguing, they both finally had enough. Still, them splitting up had a profound impact on their son.
Fortunately, he wasn't judged because of his father. That being said, Petunia always noticed the sadness in his eyes whenever he had to stay with just one of them.
Sometimes, he even asked why they couldn't just forgive each other. It was never easy to explain it to him, especially since he loved them both dearly.
But now, Leo was missing. His parents didn't like each other very much, but that meant nothing when their son's life could be on the line.
"When did you last see him?"
"I believe he was throwing a house party for everyone in his grade, and that some of the guests might have brought dangerous people with them," Stavros sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Did you at least make sure the party was safe before it happened?! You could have stayed at home to make sure nothing went wrong!" Petunia snapped.
"I was in a meeting, Petunia. You know that my line of work means my schedule is packed. I trusted Leo to keep things in check, something which I regret doing."
"You put the responsibility of watching over an entire grade of students on one teenage boy?! How could you be so fucking careless?!"
For a brief moment, there was no response. Then Stavros began to speak, his voice shaking. "I know that this is my fault, and nothing can reverse what has already happened. But I am not going to stand by and put Leo and his peers in further danger."
Petunia took a few moments to compose herself, then asked, "What are you going to do?"
"The families of the other victims have formed a group, which I will join. Together, we'll bring our kids home," Stavros declared.
"Count me in, Stavi," Petunia replied, now preparing for a meeting she wouldn't forget.
"See you there."
"Greetings, my friends. I'm sure you already know why we are gathered here."
Standing before the gathered group of adults was Archibald Claridge. His bloodline was one of the wealthiest families in Clayhill, being descended from the very first mayor.
But more importantly, his son Anthony had been among the 24 teenagers kidnapped at the disastrous house party.
"So, what's the plan, Archie? Do we get the police to gather a list of suspects? Or perhaps try to go looking for them ourselves?" Phoebe asked, fidgeting in her seat.
"Taking the latter route will only put us all in danger. I believe the best course of action is to work with the police so they can find clues," replied Archie calmly.
"Aren't you worried for Tony's safety?" Micah pointed out.
"Of course I'm worried about my son. But we must try to stay composed so we don't make any rash decisions," Archie sighed.
"Excuse me, Mr. Claridge. I have a few concerns. For starters, how should we approach the subject of house parties hosted by minors? Should we prohibit them altogether, or allow them with adult supervision?" Felix suddenly blurted out.
"I believe that parties of any sort should be prohibited until the victims of this kidnapping are safe and the perpetrators are arrested. More parties would likely result in more people being kidnapped," Archie answered.
"What about the schools? Will they be affected?" Austin asked.
"Last time I checked, they're implementing virtual learning to ensure the safety of the students," Douglas replied, checking his phone.
Archie stood up and announced, "Very well, then. I would like to thank all of you for attending. It will be a long and treacherous journey, but we will bring our children home. You are all dismissed."
Austin paced around the living room, clutching his head in his hands.
"Dad? Are you okay? How was the meeting?" Candice asked him.
"It went surprisingly well. Turns out Archie Claridge isn't as bad as I thought. Oh, and call your cousins and Basil down here. There's something we need to discuss with you."
Once all the children were downstairs, Douglas told them, "From this point forward, you will not be permitted to attend any social gatherings with your peers."
Austin watched Basil's eyes widen at the news. "But…my band and I…we had a concert! We were gonna invite all our friends!"
"I know this news is disappointing to hear. But in light of recent events, we have decided to take further measures to keep you safe. I am truly sorry about this, son," Douglas sighed, putting a hand on Basil's shoulder.
Once the family meeting was over and the children were in their rooms, Jericho tapped Zachary's shoulder and asked his brother, "When are we gonna see Lazarus again, Zach? Will they ever find him?"
"I wish I could say for certain, Jerry. But right now, we don't know where he is. Or if he's even alive."
"What?! Lazzy isn't dead! He can't be dead!" Raphael sobbed.
"You never know what kidnappers could do. There are some who are cruel enough to kill their victims," Ephraim reminded his brother with a trembling voice.
"I'm scared! What if we get kidnapped too?!" Deborah whispered into her twin sister's ear.
"I think the schools are implementing virtual learning. As long as we don't leave the house, we should be safe," Keturah whispered back.
"GET FUCKED, YOU WALKING SACKS OF SHIT!" Leo shouted, raising his middle fingers at the speaker in his cell.
"I beg your pardon, Experiment #005?"
"MY NAME IS LEONIDAS ZAFEIRIOU, YOU FUCKING BASTARD! AND YA BETTER FUCKIN' CALL ME THAT, OR I'M GONNA-"
Before he could finish his angry rant, Leo was shocked by his collar. He collapsed to the ground, screaming and writhing in pain. And his peers were being forced to watch on the screens in their cells.
"Let this be a lesson. This is what happens why you cross us," said the man on the loudspeaker.
Despite their horror and disgust at what they had just witnessed, nobody had the bravery to challenge their captors. And so, they chose to remain obedient.
For now, at least.
