Tales of Amity Park's Graveyard
Chapter 13: Just a prank
It was late one night, the clouds dark and threatening with rain, the streets both empty and silent except for one particular house where a tall muscular blonde hair teenager was pacing around his room, his footsteps loud and strong almost as if wanted to make his presence known to his father who watching the game in the living room. Dash Baxter was a football player, the quarterback in fact, and one of the popular kids at Casper High, but that didn't stop him from being a bully, Dash felt it came with the territory, everyone expected him to be a douchebag and a bully, nevertheless, it finally caught to him, the teen still couldn't believe that he was suspended for a mere prank, he had done countless times to other boys at school and not one had gone bitching to a teacher, though Dash had failed to see Principal Ishiyama who saw him shoved one Danny Fenton down the stairs. She didn't agree with Dash that it was a prank, furthermore, she was horrified and wanted the jock expelled from her school. The small cubby woman had a zero-tolerance policy when it came to bullying.
It was only thanks to vice-principal Lancer's intervention that he avoided being kicked out of the school and was instead suspended for a week, in other words, just a slap on the wrist. Dash couldn't believe it, he was used to getting away with everything because of his status and popularity, but now it seemed like his actions were finally catching up to him. As he paced back and forth in his room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anger and frustration building up inside of him. He had always prided himself on being the top dog, the one everyone feared and respected, but now it seemed like he had lost his power. And to make matters worse, his father seemed to be ignoring him after hearing about the suspension. He had always been surrounded by friends and followers, but now he felt like he had no one to turn to. He couldn't even confide in his girlfriend, Paulina, who was too busy worrying about her own status and popularity to care about his problems. As the rain started to pour outside, Dash's thoughts were consumed by the events of the day. He couldn't shake off the feeling of being betrayed by his own classmates, who he thought were his friends. But now he realized that they were just using him for his status and influence. And as he sat on his bed, staring out into the stormy night.
"Could please stop acting like a little bitch!"- a figure dressed in a black robe said while reading a magazine on the bed. "I know you have a pea-sized brain but what did you think was going to happen after you shoved that kid down the stairs?"- The grim reaper said.
"This is wrong! I'm the king of Casper High, I didn't do anything wrong. It was all that wimp's fault for not knowing how to fall!"- Dash declared as he kicked his trash bin.
"I'm gonna get a beer. Don't do anything stupid"- The grim reaper said as he walked out of the room.
Dash was too angry to think clearly, he wanted to get back at the school for humiliating him for no reason. It was just a harmless prank; it wasn't his fault that Danny broke his arm after falling down the stairs, he was supposed to roll down and get like nothing happened, he was too much of a wimp. The jock needed to vent some steam before he blew up and do something he would regret later. He couldn't believe that the principal actually suspended him for a week and made him apologize to Danny in front of the whole school. It was a complete overreaction, and Dash was determined to show them that he wasn't someone to mess with. He couldn't let them get away with humiliating him like that. He had been the star athlete, the popular guy, and now he was being treated like a criminal. How dare they make him apologize to Danny? He didn't care about that weakling, he deserved what he got. But now, Dash's reputation was on the line. Everyone would be talking about how he got suspended and had to apologize in front of the whole school. He couldn't handle the humiliation.
A powerful thunderclap broke his train of thought forcing the large bulky jock to turn to the window, Dash knew his dad was too busy watching the game and would be passed out drunk on the couch before it ended, his mom would then go to sleep. The jock then grabs a raincoat along with a backpack with a few spray paint cans and made his way out of his house through the window not wanting to go through any unnecessary drama with his parents for stepping out of the house, light rain was coming down. The streets were deserted, and Dash felt an eerie sense of calmness as he walked. His mind was racing, and he couldn't stop thinking about what had happened at school today. He was consumed with anger and a burning desire for revenge. He needed to make the school pay for what they did to him. Dash just wanted to release all of his pent-up anger and frustration. An idea crossed his mind, smash some windows at Casper High and spray paint the walls with some insults, no one would think he did it, that would show them.
But as he walked down the streets, and across an alleyway which he only took to show his courage to no one in particular, he saw something that made him stop in his tracks once he was on the other side. There was a group of kids sitting and getting ready to play basketball on a court behind a couple of tall apartment buildings, they were laughing and having a good time. Dash growled at the sight of these scrawny buck tooth nerds with thin arms, their jerseys a few sizes too big for them, and one of the teens even had a bowl haircut, it was like they were begging to be bullied, they were the perfect warm-up before heading to Casper High.
"Ah, look at those losers. They're practically asking for a beating."- Dash said with a smirk as he walked closer.
The boys turn around to see Dash Baxter towering over them drawn, cracking his knuckles, a classic intimidation tactic he always used at school. They all looked at each other, their smiles fading as they realized this teen wasn't there to play with them. They had no idea who he was and didn't really care. But instead of cowering in fear, the boys stood up glaring at Dash. It had to be the first time someone so small was willing to look him in the eye without a hint of fear. Dash was sure they didn't know how he was; he was going to teach them a lesson. He let out a menacing laugh as he stepped closer to the group, his voice dripping with arrogance and superiority. But as he raised his fist to strike, one of the boys stepped forward, his eyes blazing with determination.
"What's your problem, man?"- a voice boomed from behind Dash. He turns to see a tall, muscular jock glaring at him.
"What? Nothing, I was just...admiring their basketball skills."- Dash's voice comes out as meek and timid.
"Sure, you were. You were about to go pick on them, weren't you?"- the bulky teen asked as he came closer.
"What? No way, I was just...passing by."- the jock replied, panic in his eyes as he looked away.
"Right. Well, I suggest you keep on passing because those kids are off-limits."- the teen growled his words.
"Whatever."- Dash replied as he walked away. A few snickers could be heard.
(XXXX)
Dash stormed down the street fuming as he went down. He wasn't scared away by the big teen, he could have taken him down if he wanted to, it didn't matter that he was just as big as he was, that boy was no match for him, Dash knew he was stronger and bigger, but he didn't want to waste time on a wannabe jock, hell, he could have killed the teen if wanted to, common decency stops him, not fear. Yeah, that's right, he's not like those weak wimps, he doesn't care about anyone, he only looks out for himself. He was the biggest, strongest, and most popular guy in school, no one dared to cross him. It was then that rain started to fall forcing Dash to put on the raincoat he brought, he then noticed a group of homeless people gathered around a barrel they set ablaze to fend off the cold. The idea of showing off his manliness by beating up a couple of human trash crossed his mind, spilling the soup on their faces and scaring them away from the neighborhood, it was perfect. People would think him a hero. Without a moment's doubt, he kicked the barrel causing the burning wood to spread on the ground.
The fearful expression on their faces was all he wanted; it was delectable. Dash turned his attention to the soup on a makeshift table, the hobos knew he was going to toss it away, their only food. Just as he approached the table ready to kick it down, two very intimidating men dressed in worn-out coats came out of a half-torn tent, their insane eyes looked at Dash, and froze him in his place. The jock had never felt fear before, but now, it coursed through his veins. The men were armed, one with a rusty metal bat and the other with a sharp knife that had hints of red. He was outnumbered and in a vulnerable position. Once again, Dash didn't feel like the big, tough guy he always portrayed himself to be. He was just a scared boy, facing the consequences of his actions. These men were dangerous, to say the least, not a word was utter as they walked closer, their grips tight on their weapons. Dash knew he had to do something, but his body wouldn't budge. The rain poured harder as if it were a sign of the impending danger. The homeless men didn't say a word, they simply took the soup and handed it back to the group, their eyes never leaving Dash's.
"Hold it right there, kid,"- one of the men growled, his voice low and menacing, Dash wasn't sure who spoke. "What do you think you're doing?"- he added sending shivers up Dash's spine.
"I-I was just...uh...cleaning up the area." Dash stammered, hoping they wouldn't see through his lie, his heart raced as he tried to come up with an escape plan.
"Cleaning up? By throwing away our only source of food?"- the other man scoffed, waving the rusty bat in Dash's direction. Dash felt a chill run down his spine as he realized the gravity of his actions. These men were not to be messed with. But he couldn't back down now, he had to stand his ground.
"I-I didn't mean to"- the teen started, but was cut off by the first man's cold laugh.
"You didn't mean to? You didn't think about the consequences of your actions, did you?" he sneered, his grip on the bat tightening.
Dash swallowed hard, feeling a lump forming in his throat. He had never been in a situation like this before, and he didn't know how to handle it. These men were clearly dangerous, and he was outnumbered. But just as he was about to give up, a voice inside told him not to give up, some damn homeless guy wasn't going to bully him. But he knew that fighting such men wouldn't end well for him, not with that bat and knife in their possession, it was ridiculous that men without a roof over their heads or any earthly possessions were intimidating him. Dash didn't see himself in the wrong, these people were parasites, leaching off the hardworking citizens, even scaring innocent people. The homeless duo came closer to him with sinister smiles drawn across his face, Dash felt like he was about to shit himself.
"Look, I'm sorry. I didn't know...I'll leave you alone"- Dash said, trying to sound confident.
"Run"- The knife-wielding hobo said.
And that was it. Dash ran. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, the fear pushing him forward. He didn't dare look back, afraid of what he might see. He could hear the men laughing behind him, and it only made him run faster. He couldn't believe what had just happened. The teen thought to be the fastest player in the football team but a couple of homeless guys were catching up to him while laughing and taunting him, he was running for his life. As he ran, he couldn't help but think about the irony of the situation. He had been so focused on proving that he was the top dog that he didn't even consider the possibility of danger. And now, here he was, running for his life from two hobos who were probably just trying to defend their territory. His heart was pounding in his chest, his breaths coming out in short gasps. The rain washed away his sweat but made running even harder, his muscles burning with exertion, his sneakers slipping every so often. But he didn't stop. He couldn't afford to. He had to keep running until he was safe. Until he was far away from those men and their knives. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Dash saw a familiar street, he was still far from home.
It was then that he slipped and crashed on the sidewalk, he quickly covered himself with his arms ready to take a beating, but nothing happened. The homeless men stopped chasing him long ago, they were too far away from their turn. Dash slowly got up, his body shaking from the adrenaline and the fear. He couldn't believe he had let his ego get the best of him, tears streaming down his face, it had been a horrible day, first being suspended for a harmless prank, then scared off by a teen, and now chased by a couple of hobos. Fury quickly replaces fear, he wants to vandalize Casper High more than ever, it was all principal Ishiyama's fault after all, she's the one who punished him for nothing. Dash didn't know where she lived but trashing her office would make them even. The jock sat on the bus bench feeling like a gangster as he catches his breath.
Principal Ishiyama may be a teacher and the principal but she doesn't know how the world works, he's the star player, the quarterback, and the most popular guy in school, it's clear that he has certain privileges and a degree of authority, she's just some strict authority figure that needs to be put in her place. Dash remembered the smirk on her face as she handed him the suspension slip, it was like she enjoyed seeing him suffer. That's why he didn't feel guilty about the prank, it was harmless and it was just a way to show her that he wasn't afraid of her. But now, as he sat on that bench, he was more determined than ever to set things right. Dash removed his backpack thankful to have not lost it during the chase and looked at the spray paint cans, he would trash the office and paint all kinds of gang-related tags, that way no one would think it was him.
"I'm a fucking genius"- Dash declared as he stood up and continued walking down the street.
(XXXX)
Principal Ishiyama was just another obstacle on his way to greatness, she didn't understand him, she didn't understand the struggles he faced every day just to stay on top, he wasn't a bully but had to keep everyone in line. Ishiyama was just another adult trying to control and restrict him. But Dash wasn't going to let her win. He was going to show her that he was in control, that he could do whatever he wanted. In just a few more years he would be scouted by an important football team and then he would be making millions of dollars, and have all the bitches he wanted, far better than his useless ex-girlfriend Paulina. His heart started pounding with excitement and adrenaline at the mere thought of wreaking the office. He couldn't wait to see the look on Principal Ishiyama's face when she saw what he had done. That'll teach her some manners and respect.
Dash was too lost in thoughts that he didn't see the person coming to him, the two bumped into each other but Dash being the fool he is glared at the teen in front of him and even pushed him back. It was then that he noticed four more black teens coming from behind, he didn't need to be a genius to know these individuals were gangsters, his blood froze as he realized he was outnumbered. But Dash wasn't one to back down, he was the king of the school after all. He squared his shoulders and prepared to fight, determined to defend his title and show these gangsters who was boss. But his bravado vanished as the teen he pushed got to his face, his glare tenfold more intimidating than what Dash could ever muster. The other teens formed a circle around them, trapping Dash in the middle. He could feel the tension in the air, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to come up with a way out of this situation. The rain had let up just a bit but with a little luck could perhaps punch the leader and make a run for it, though he was still tired after being chased around by the homeless guys. These "gangstas" were no less scary.
"What's your problem, man? You think you can just push people around like that?" The leader's voice was filled with anger and Dash could tell he was not someone to mess with.
Dash's mind raced as he tried to come up with an excuse or a way to diffuse the situation. But the words that came out of his mouth were not what he expected. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. I was just lost in thought," he said, his voice trembling slightly.
The gangster's expression softened for a moment before he turned to his friends, all five looked at each other for a brief moment with a smirk, Dash then felt his backpack being removed from his shoulders. Typical, he was being mugged, and he couldn't even come up with a good excuse for it, he did apologize, what more did they want, clearly his belongings? As the gangster rummaged through his bag, Dash's mind was still racing, trying to come up with a plan to get out of this situation. He couldn't let them take everything, he still had his phone and wallet in pants pockets. But as he looked around, he realized he was outnumbered and outmatched. Dash's heart skipped a beat upon hearing a power thunderclap, maybe he could use this distraction to his advantage. Without thinking, he quickly ran away, not looking back until he was a safe distance away. As he caught his breath and realized what just happened, Dash couldn't believe his luck. He had managed to escape unharmed and with his belongings still in his possession minus the backpack.
Dash yelled as he kicked a nearby trash can until it crumbled under his foot. He was angry and frustrated at himself for getting caught in that situation. He knew he shouldn't have been walking alone in this part of town, especially at night, but who in their right mind would pick a fight with him? Dash couldn't help but think about the gangsters he had encountered. They were just kids, probably no older than him, but he was taller and stronger, and he could have easily beaten them, nevertheless, they were already involved in criminal activities, and they might have had a gun on them. Running away wasn't cowardly, it was the smart thing to do. But as he continued to walk, he couldn't shake off the feeling of shame, now more than ever had to wreak Principal Ishiyama's office to prove he wasn't a wimp.
"I'm the damn quarterback for crying out loud."- Dash growled.
Now that he had calmed down a bit, and started to feel most thirsty, he had been running too much for a single night. His eyes set over a 24-hour shop by the corner of the street, the neon lights shined like a beacon in the darkness. Dash quickly made his way towards it, there was hardly anyone in the streets at this hour. As he entered the store, the smell of cigarettes and alcohol hit him like a wave. It was clear the store had seen better days. He wrinkled his nose in disgust but continued to walk towards the back, where the drinks were kept. Dash grabbed a bottle of his favorite energy drink and made his way to the cashier. But as he came closer to the cashier heard a familiar voice, he peeked through the aisles and saw a small figure covered in a black raincoat paying for a hot coffee and a sandwich, his jaw dropped as he saw Danny Fenton. It was already two in the morning, what the hell was he doing out so late and so far away from Fenton Works? It didn't matter, this was a godsend, he could exact revenge on him for getting him into trouble. Then he would deal with Ishiyama.
Dash smirked and stepped out from behind the aisle, ready to confront Danny. But as he got closer, was seen by the cashier, and his droopy eyes fell upon him, Dash looked at the potato chips to avoid drawing too much attention to himself, he then heard the door ding as Danny left the store. Dash put the money on the counter and followed his prey. A smile grew across his face as he saw Danny's arm which was supposed to be broken without a cast and holding a drink. Dash knew he was lying the whole time just to get him in trouble, now he was really going to hurt him. Something was wrong with this scene, Danny was supposed to be a scaredy cat and wimp, Dash had chased him around school countless times, and yet, here he was walking around a rough neighborhood at two in the morning, it made no sense. Dash started to follow him.
He watched as Danny took a sip from his drink and threw the empty can into a nearby trashcan. As they continued to walk, Dash couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and confusion. He had always seen Danny as weak and easily intimidated, but now he was walking with a sense of confidence and purpose. It was almost as if he had transformed into a different person. It didn't matter, no, Dash had a purpose now. His eyes turned over to a pile of trash and saw a pipe sticking out, calling for him, the perfect weapon, Dash's thoughts grew darker as he gently and quietly pulled the pipe out. One good bash to the head and it's light out forever. The jock made sure to keep a safe distance, he was too in the open, and he needed Danny to go into a more secluded area. He followed the smaller boy waiting for the perfect opportunity.
"Fucking bitch, this is all your fault."- Dash muttered.
Danny was a pathetic boy in Dash's eyes, always hiding and running away, never standing up to himself. It was normal for a wimp, his only redeeming feature was having a hot sister. But now, seeing Danny pretending to be confident and powerful, it angered Dash. He couldn't stand seeing someone like Danny, who he had always seen as inferior, suddenly become someone he couldn't control or manipulate. Dash's fists clenched as he walked behind Danny, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge and domination. He was determined to bring Danny down and assert his own dominance once again. Once the boy was out of the way, he would be there to comfort Danny's older sister and help her forget her puny brother in the bed. Dash had always had a crush on her, but she had always been too focused on her studies to pay him any attention. But now, with Danny out of the picture, he saw an opportunity to finally make his move. He would show her that he was the alpha male, the one she should be with. He would make her forget all about her pathetic brother and see him as the strong, confident man he truly was.
Dash could already picture the redhead kneeling in front of him sucking on his manhood, begging for his attention and affection. He could feel the power and control surging through his veins at the thought of finally having her all to himself. No longer would he have to watch her from afar, longing for her touch. He would have her in his bed, in his arms, and under his control. And as for Danny, well, he would just be a distant memory, a weakling who couldn't stand up for himself. Dash would make sure to rub it in his face every chance he got, to make him regret ever crossing him. He would show Danny that he was the one in charge and that he should have never underestimated Dash's strength and determination. But as Dash continued to plot his revenge and fantasize about his future with Danny's sister, a small part of him felt guilty, a very small part, but the reward was just too good to ignore.
The jock couldn't help but smirk at the thought of it all, feeling a rush of excitement and anticipation for the future that lay ahead. He knew that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, and he would do whatever it takes to make his dreams a reality. Danny would regret ever crossing paths with Dash, and he would make sure that he paid for his mistake. As for the redhead, well, she would soon learn that she had made the right choice in choosing Dash over her weak and inadequate little brother. She would see just how much he could give her, both physically and emotionally, and she would never want to leave his side. Dash had it all planned out, and he couldn't wait to put his plan into action, to finally have the girl and the revenge that he had been craving for so long. It was only a matter of time before everything fell into place, and Dash would be on top, with the redhead as his trophy, and Danny left in the dust.
"After I'm done with her, Jazz won't be the straight-A student but just another cock addicted slut."- Dash mused the idea.
The rain had picked up making tailing Danny much harder, but Dash was determined to beat him up, but the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to murder him. His entire night had been a nightmare because of him, and he couldn't let him get away with it. As he ran through the streets, his mind raced with all the ways he could make Danny pay for what he had done. He had been humiliated in front of everyone at the school, and he couldn't bear the thought of letting it slide. The rain soaked his raincoat, making it cling to his body, but he didn't care. All he could focus on was catching up to Danny and showing him what happens when you mess with the wrong person. His hand was clenching the pipe, his jaw was tight, and his heart was beating furiously in his chest. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, fueling his anger and determination. As he turned a corner and saw Danny's figure up ahead, he felt a surge of satisfaction. He was so close now, and he could almost taste the revenge he had been craving.
Without hesitation, he picked up his pace but saw Danny going into the subway, Dash was sure no trains were running so late at night, it was the perfect spot to confront Danny. No witnesses, one good bash to the head and it would crack like an egg, then he would toss him to the train track and let the first train pulverize the body, just a freak accident. As he entered the subway, he saw Danny with his hood off standing near the edge of the platform, waiting for the train. It was just too good, Dash slowly walked up to the smaller boy, the pipe held tightly in his hand. It was now or never.
(XXXX)
Police cars were parked in front of the subway station the following morning; curious people had rallied around trying to figure out what happened. Rumors had already started to spread, some saying there was a bomb threat, others claiming there was a shooting. The air was filled with tension and fear as people anxiously waited for more information. Suddenly, a loud voice boomed through a megaphone, alerting everyone to move back and let the officials handle the situation. The crowd reluctantly complied; their eyes glued to the entrance of the subway station. A long-haired detective flashed his badge to be let into the subway, the first thing he noticed was bloody cracks on the wall at the base of the platform followed by a trail of blood leading to the platform, he then noticed several yellow tags on the ground indicating possible evidence. The detective couldn't help but notice a broken wooden bench as if something or someone had been slammed over it. As he analyzed the scene, he could feel his heart racing, knowing that this was not just a simple crime. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together in his mind, and he knew that a thorough investigation was needed to unravel the truth.
"Hey there, Aragon. Not a pretty sight."- the detective was stopped at an office at the end of the platform by the senior CSI.
"Talk to me, what happened?"- the detective asked.
"Perp went to town on this poor fellow. Found an arm by the tracks."- the CSI said "No weapons or tools were used by the looks of it, which leads me to believe it was done by a man with incredible strength."- the man added.
"Any idea who the victim might be?"- Aragon asked as he examined the room. Aragon had seen many crime scenes in his day but this was special, the body was torn, guts spilled on the ground and the head was placed on the table.
"Found a driver's license on him"- The CSI said.
"Dash Baxter"- The detective read.