Mikail Kira's Story

If I had had anything in my mouth, I would have choked on it.

Ex-boyfriend?! Whatever I was expecting, it wasn't that.

I stay silent for a while after. Mainly because I don't know what to say. I look at Lyn, secretly, from my periphery, and wonder why I'm so surprised. I know that I don't know much about her past, and I mean, it's not that she isn't attractive. She thinks she looks like a "witch", but what she doesn't know is that when she came here, in Willow Creek, she was all every other guy talked about for a couple of days. Yeah, her skin and her eyes and her hair stand out, sure. But what she doesn't realize is that a lot of guys--at least, from around here--actually think that's pretty hot. And those guys bothered me nonstop for a while, asking me all kinds of questions about her. Some of them still do.

I know for a fact that our useless class representative--the one who sent her out on this annoying errand--actually has a thing for her. He probably bosses her around just so he can talk to her. I don't know how he thinks that'll help him, but hey, to each his own. I think some guys even asked her out, although I don't know how any of those attempts went. She's never mentioned anything, and honestly, it's not something I wanna talk about, I mean, she's my best friend and all, but that doesn't mean I wanna talk boyfriends or anything like that. God save me from boyfriend talk.

Oh... maybe that's why.

She's never mentioned anything about dating to me, so I just assumed she was the type who wasn't interested. That's why I'm so surprised that she has an ex-boyfriend. That's probably it. Probably.

I sneak another look at her and meet her eyes. She's waiting for my reply? Ah, crap. What am I supposed to say?

"Uh... So that was your ex-boyfriend?" I laugh a little, and it sounds a little nervous to me though I hope she doesn't notice, "Thought your were related or something, when I saw him. You kinda look alike."

Then, I realize something, and the words are out of my mouth before I can catch them, "But why is he here? Did you know he was coming?"

The moment I say it, I know I probably shouldn't have. It isn't any of my business, and if she did know he was coming, and didn't want me to know about it... well, that would make it kind of awkward if she admitted it now. And I don't wanna force her to lie or anything.

"Okay, here we are. Thank you for coming to get me. You two are such nice kids!"

The perky, cloyingly sweet voice reminds me that we aren't really alone. Ms. Romero's just a few steps ahead of us. And she's just a few steps away from the classroom door.

I'm suddenly aware that I'm still holding Lyn's hand. I drop it in a knee-jerk-reaction kind of way. Like it was a hot potato or something. Seriously.

"Ah, hahaha... I'm not that nice Ms. Romero. Lyn's the one who was actually going. I just kinda tagged along." I can't look at Lyn, so I answer Ms. Romero instead. My hand is at the back of my neck again before I notice it.

"Oh really, you are too modest, Mikail. Now come on, you two. We need to start class now, or forget homeroom all together," she says with a smile as she turns around to enter the classroom.

I step forward to follow her. Not looking at Lyn.

I close the book and looked at the watch. 7:12 AM. I finished chapter one along with the prologue, and yet Lyn hasn't come back yet. It seems Kai hasn't arrived too. I would've thought he left the classroom to get something from his locker, but his bag isn't on his chair. Then again, he might have left his bag in his locker, or maybe he's just absent. If he was absent, I hope I don't get any news about a broken spine, or something. That would be insane! No way I'd be that heavy! Anyways, I wish he wouldn't be absent...

Lyn hasn't come back too. I wonder if anything's up. Maybe the teacher isn't in the faculty room, and Lyn has to look for her. Lyn. I wonder what her full name is. What if Lyn is just a nickname made because her name was to long? That would make her almost like me, like how my name is shortened to Cat...Wow, I sure do wonder a lot about random things.

Then I come back to my senses. The first thing I notice is a weird feeling. That feeling when you think something's out of place, or when you get nervous, but you’re not. Its really hard to describe.

My friends made fun of me when I told them about this feeling. They said stuff like 'ooooh~ Cat can feel the bad spirits!', or something like, 'the souls are within reach!’ I always thought this was just them being all interested in the supernatural and stuff like that, since it was really popular at that time. Anyways, I’ve always thought it was just my gut feeling.

In the middle of my thinking, someone near the door suddenly shouts, "The teacher is comiiing!!". Everyone starts running like headless chickens-- except the chickens where trying to get to their seats and hiding their cellphones.

By the time the door opened, everyone was already in their seats. The teacher comes in with a smile. Behind her is L--Kai?! How?...My guess would be that Lyn saw Kai while she was on her way, and dragged him along with her. Just as I thought, Lyn was there, but she was behind him, silent. very silent...

Most of the people I've met would be shocked at how accurate I was at guessing stuff, must be a gift. But if I knew they would be together, I would imagined their entrance differently. Kai would have been behind Lyn, while she dragged him by the wrist. I think her personality is like that. Maybe she's just being like this because she's in front of everyone.

Before I realized I lost my gut feeling for a while, it comes back. This doesn't seem right. I want to ask, but that feeling says I should just observe. But you can try asking for Procky Sticks-- if you remember to do it.....I will remember, just you wait, brain!!

"Wow, I'm surprised to see everyone in their seats, the class representative is doing a great job! This class is wonderful, two people even volunteered to come and get me! Such nice kids." the teacher smiles.

I smile at the thought of how the teacher has no idea what really happened. She will probably never know what really happened. And how much of a jerk the class representative really is. My face turns expressionless.

I glance over to Lyn. She's still silent in her chair. I wonder what happened? I'm pretty sure something's bothering her, I just don't have an idea. Even though she's normally silent, her eyes are always wondering around the room, but right now, she's staring so hard on her palms, I wouldn't be surprised if she bores a whole into them. Did something bad really happen? I wonder, hoping an answer would suddenly hit me hard...

"My, I'm sorry for being late! I'll start the class right away!"

There's no pain at all.

Why is Rick here? Is it to cause me more trouble than I can handle. He already gave me enough trouble back in Ashpeak, so what is it that he wants here. I'm sure I left as soon as I stabbed him, and I'm sure that nobody can actually locate my grandmother's house, even my own father doesn't have any idea where his mother resides now.

But that isn't the problem. My problem is why is Eldrick here and not in Ashpeak, why is he here when he knows my mother no longer exist. He couldn't be targeting me can he, I mean, no matter what happens, he'll always be stronger than I, so what is it that he wants from me?

Then suddenly it hits me-

He couldn't be targeting Kai... could he... no that can't be, I mean Kai couldn't possibly possess any sort of- no that can't be. I'm pretty sure the people here in Willow Creek are just the average ones, like the one you'll see in average teen movies. But if he's targeting someone close to me because I refuse to accept his feelings then- Oh no, why did I let this happen. But if I distance myself from Kai starting from now, he'll hate me, and I don't ever want that to happen. Kai, I consider Kai as my very first friend, no Kai is my best friend, but if Kai's life would be in danger because of me, then I'd rather... No- I can't, I'll just have to make sure I'll be extra careful, as well as stay beside Kai the longer possible time.

Riiiinnnggg

The sudden ringing of the bell, distracts me, and now that I am out of my trance I can feel a pair of eyes looking at me, I glanced whoever it was looking at me, and find the new girl, the one Kai was with the other day. Now that I think about it, I kept seeing her but I don't even have the slightest idea who she is.

The next class doesn't start in 15 minutes, I know since it has always been like that. I don't know why the teachers just love to be late in their own assigned class.

I stand up from my seat and approached Kai, there's no use in crying over spilled milk. When I reached Kai's seat, I find him staring through the window, seems like he's in deep thoughts.

"Hey! Stop frowning so much, it makes you look old" I slapped his shoulders. He looked at me with wide eyes. Pouting I pinched his cheeks, that made him rub me it afterwards
"You're so mean, stop looking at me like that, it makes me feel guilty, as if I've done something bad"
"Sorry" he muttered softly
"Anyways, about the burger you promised don't even think I've forgotten about it yet, because I haven't, so it's your turn to treat me! That okay? By the way, let's invite that girl over there, the one you keep on bumping into. What's her name?"
"Hm? You mean Cat?"
"Cat, like a pet?" I looked at Kai confusingly, that made Kai sigh heavily
"Her name is Catheroura Sylvain, but she prefers to call herself Cat"
"Oh! So let's invite her for lunch, I want to get to know her better, she seems interesting since, you practically keep on bumping at her" smiling I continued. "The teacher's here. Talk to you later. Bye" then I walked to my place at sat there.

My thoughts unconsciously drifts away again

Morning classes were a blur.

I tried my best to pay attention, I really did. It just didn't seem to be working. And I couldn't even take a nap, not even in friggin' history with Mrs. Fredberg! Stuff kept tumbling around in my head. That guy just now, Lyn, Cat, and... I almost forgot... that girl. The one in the clearing.

The moment I start thinking about her, for some reason, I can't stop. Nah. I know why. It's because she was the one I knew the least about. Who was she? Someone's relative? A tourist? Or just someone new in town? But if she was, how did she know about that place with the burned down trees? Was she even here, right now, in this school, introducing herself?

But transfers are a rare thing here. By the end of the day, most everyone knows if somebody new has transferred in. Which brings me back to that guy. Lyn's ex-boyfriend--God, that's weird; even just saying it in my head is weird--Why was he even in the faculty room in the first place? To see Lyn? But I don't think he even talked to her when we were there...

And around and around it went. When the bell rang for the last time that morning, I was sick of myself. Food. Food will fix me. I lean back in my chair and close my eyes as all around me, the sound of closing books, zipping bags, and scraping chairs fill the room as people leave. With my head tilted back over my chair, I sigh.

Oh yeah! Crap, I forgot. I straighten myself on the chair and look around. I catch sight of her just as she's heading for the door. Good.

"Hey, Cat!" I call out. She stops and turns to look at me, tilts her head a little.

"Wanna get lunch with me and Lyn?" I continue.

Morning classes were a blur.

I tried my best to pay attention, I really did. It just didn't seem to be working. And I couldn't even take a nap, not even in friggin' history with Mrs. Fredberg! Stuff kept tumbling around in my head. That guy just now, Lyn, Cat, and... I almost forgot... that girl. The one in the clearing.

The moment I start thinking about her, for some reason, I can't stop. Nah. I know why. It's because she was the one I knew the least about. Who was she? Someone's relative? A tourist? Or just someone new in town? But if she was, how did she know about that place with the burned down trees? Was she even here, right now, in this school, introducing herself?

But transfers are a rare thing here. By the end of the day, most everyone knows if somebody new has transferred in. Which brings me back to that guy. Lyn's ex-boyfriend--God, that's weird; even just saying it in my head is weird--Why was he even in the faculty room in the first place? To see Lyn? But I don't think he even talked to her when we were there...

And around and around it went. When the bell rang for the last time that morning, I was sick of myself. Food. Food will fix me. I lean back in my chair and close my eyes as all around me, the sound of closing books, zipping bags, and scraping chairs fill the room as people leave. With my head tilted back over my chair, I sigh.

Oh yeah! Crap, I forgot. I straighten myself on the chair and look around. I catch sight of her just as she's heading for the door. Good.

"Hey, Cat!" I call out. She stops and turns to look at me, tilts her head a little.

"Wanna get lunch with me and Lyn?" I continue.

"......Oh, uh yeah." I got lost in the thoughts of my head for a second. "Yeah, I'd love that!" I smile.

"Okay then. Lyn, Are you just gonna sit there?" he questions Lyn while turning to face her. She still seems out of her mind. Even a lot more than me, and I admit I'm quite the airhead in class.

".....Huh? what? oh, right." she says with a smile that anyone could say was forced. She stands up with her bag in hand and runs to Kai and grabs his wrist. "Let's go! No one wants to get starved, right?" She turns to face me with a smile. A more convincing one. I stand up, and Kai does too. The three of us walk together to the hallway.

"Sheesh, can you stop dragging me? I have feet too, you know." Kai complains.

"You have to promise to walk fast enough. You're too slow!" Lyn answers. She stops walking and lets go of his wrist.

"Its not my problem, you're the one walking too fast."

"No I do not. Anyone can keep up with me!" She starts walking again.
This is probably friendship. I've almost forgotten about this feeling. If I did, I would have ended up being a loner! Thank goodness for the time when I bumped Kai-- well, when he bumped me.

They just continue arguing about random stuff, so I figured I should say something to join in. This way, I won't be able to get closer to them. You won't be able to get any information on whatever happened to Lyn too. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that. Why don't I ask what her first name is? I already know her last name because the teacher got mad at her for not paying attention and called her

Miss L'chimyre

... Anyways, how do I start? I know! How about something like.....

"Excuse me Lyn, I've been meaning to ask you. is Lyn a nickname of yours? I never really got your first name, since Kai just keeps calling you Lyn."
.
.
.
Before I knew it, everyone fell silent. We stopped walking too. Did I say something wrong?
I feel some kind of presence behind me. Before I could say anything or turn around, I hear something that makes me feel like someone's put ice in my shirt, and chills go down my spine.

"Hey Archlinne, how've you been doing?"

I guess my question's been answered.

I froze on my spot, when I heard the same voice of the person who has the only ability to make me do something out of my will. I turn my head slowly, and there I catch his gaze, his eyes were as the same as before, cold, yet there's always something else.

I gasped "Eldrick" he moves closer to me. I glanced at Kai, he seems surprised as well as the other girl
"Hey sweetie, how are you? You suddenly left Ashpeak, so I felt lonely and tried to find you" he tucked a strand of hair behind my ears.

Then I froze, frozen on my spot. His hands were cold, almost lifeless, but at the same time it's so warm that it can burn my skin any moment

"What are you doing here?" My words came out so cold, that even I shivered. He leans closer to me and holds both of my shoulders
"Why are you so cold to me? I never did anything wrong to you babe, did I?" I avoid his eyes and instead I looked down on the floor, softly, making sure I'm the only one who heard it I say

"Please, just leave me alone. Please?" I begged over and over again, but softly. I knew he heard me, since I feel his clutch on my shoulder tighten. Then I feel his mouth near my ears, I feel his breath, tickling my ears and he whispered. As harshly and coldly as it could take

"I will. But not forever" then he stands up properly, and smiles at me. A smile that has me going crazy about him at the same time going insane. Then he left, not before saying "I'll see you soon, Chym"

I sighed. Relief has taken over me, then Kai's voice allows me to realize, that I'm actually standing in the middle of the hallway. I walked towards them, and hugged Kai, which I know surprised him, since I felt him tensing up. Then I pulled back and smiled

"Sorry about that"
"Hey umm Lyn?" Cat called me, and I looked at her
"Yeah"
"Nothing. Never mind" I looked at her curiously.
"Uhh... Okay, but I'll try to answer your questions if you do have one" I tell her, probably she was just shy, so she didn't finish what she wanted to ask about
"Chym?" Kai looked at me, eye brow raised
"Yeah, it's a nickname he gave me back in Ashpeak. It's derived from my last name"
"Umm.. Can we go. I'm really starving" the girl, Cat, asked carefully.
"Sure" I smiled.
Then we headed to the cafeteria, letting my worries flow away from my mind for awhile.

--------

Upon arriving at the place, I find a seat, there were lots of vacant space, since other people usually just eat in the classroom. Or if not, then in the backyard garden. Plus eventually most of the students have finished eating by now. I tell Kai, that I'll order the usual, which is, fried chicken and bowl of mushroom soup.

When everyone has settled in. I look at the girl, I was kind of surprised since her body build was petite and yet the amount of food she ordered wasn't the amount I was expecting her to eat in one sitting

"So" I started. Kai and her were sitting beside each other, and when I started the conversion, both their heads whipped up to look at me in unison
"Uhmm... so uhh, your name's Catheroura Sylvain right?" she nods at me, I guess that's all she can do since her mouth is actually busy chewing
"Sorry, I asked Kai for your name awhile ago, just in case you'll ask why I know your name" I introduced myself to her, and stopped midway wondering. I look over to Kai, who staring blankly behind me. I looked behind me and found no one

"Uhh... Kai, you okay? You've been way too quiet over there, is something bothering you?"

"...is something bothering you?"

I only catch the tail end of the question. Did I really see that? But it doesn't really matter, does it? I have to check it out anyway.

"Nah, I'm good." I say, a little hurriedly, "I just... I gotta go to the bathroom. Go ahead and eat."

I stand up, leave the table, and head for the hallway just behind Lyn. I realize belatedly that I'd just given a stupid-ass excuse for leaving. The nearest bathroom is in the opposite direction. But no one comes after me, so I guess it works out. Either they didn't realize, or they didn't care.

The hallway is deserted. The rooms around are mostly labs, and only a few students are allowed to come and go without permission. And those people are probably out having lunch anyway.

All the doors are closed... except one, apparently. At the end of the hall, I notice the door to the Biology lab shutting slowly, soundlessly. There, then.

As I head down the hallway, my footsteps sound determined, somehow. But when I finally get in front of the door, with my hand on the knob, I hesitate. For a heartbeat, I hesitate. But I've gone this far. So I turn the knob. I'm not even fully through the door when I hear his voice.

"So you came, Mikhail Kira."

So I was right. It was him behind that pillar in the hallway, motioning me to follow with a casual wave. Lyn's ex-boyfriend. Eldrick Win-Wein-whatever.

He's leaning against the teacher's table at the front of the room. Once again, I'm struck by how similar his features are to Lyn's. I mean, now that I look closely, their bone structure is different and all and they definitely aren't related, but the pale skin, the startling eyes; they all remind me of her.

He's looking up something on a white folder with the school seal on it. And my name. I realize with a start that it's my school file. My records.

He probably notices my gaze because he remarks, "Oh this," as he flicks the folder for emphasis, "I got it from the office. The staff can be very accommodating if you're polite enough." His tone is amused, and faintly condescending. Like office staff were beneath him or something. I'm not sure why, but I feel acutely uncomfortable. Like he'd just confessed something horrible. I know for a fact that people aren't just allowed to see school records, but he could have gotten mine just sneaking around right? And while it wasn't exactly a good thing, it wasn't horrible either.

Shaking off my discomfort, I ask "What do you want? Why'd you call me out here?"

"You know Mikail Kira--"

"Kai."

He looks at me with one eyebrow raised. "Okay, Kai," and his voice is different from the needling, slightly patronizing one I heard him use on Lyn. If I thought he was a stupid, arrogant bastard before, he's a dangerous arrogant bastard now. I can almost feel the edge in his voice.

"I was a little worried when I saw you with my Chym. She seemed a little... attached to you," he continues nonchalantly, "But I guess I shouldn't have been worried." He tosses my file on the table. "I'd say you're a little too plain. For her tastes." He smiles at me along with the last words. The malice is almost tangible.

He takes slow, arrogant steps towards me. At the invasion of my personal space, I reflexively want to back away. But I don't.

"All the same, I'd like you to stay away. She's mine." His voice is soft, but I could hardly call it something as weak as a whisper. A warning, more like. His eyes are a piercing, violent blue. I can see danger in the depths of them. I feel an echo of last night's headache coming on. But I stare right back. I don't react.

What? He thinks I'll go "Sure thing, boss!" and walk away? Arrogant bastard. How did Lyn end up with this jackass anyway? One of those 'bad boys are hot' things? Jeez.

He backs away. Finally. I'm not sure but I think I see a faint hint of surprise on his face.

"Was that all you wanted to say?" I'm surprised by how even my voice is. Bored even. I don't really like confrontation. It's too troublesome. But there's a first time for anything, I guess. I continue, "Let's get a few things straight."

I count with my fingers to emphasize. And because I want to make him feel like an idiot. Which he is. "One, she isn't yours. She said it herself, so as far as I'm concerned, you're an ex-boyfriend. And regardless, you can't own someone, even when you're dating them, you idiot." His right eyebrow arches slightly but he doesn't say anything so I continue. "Two, I won't 'stay away' from her. She's a good friend of mine. If you want to talk things out with her and she agrees, then fine, it's none of my business. But don't tell me what to do."

I try to gauge his reaction, and I'm slightly pissed off to see that he's perfectly calm. He laughs a little and it pisses me off even more.

"I'm happy to see that Chym made such good friends here. She was always wanting more... company." He almost spits the word out. Contempt in every syllable. A smirk plays on his lips, "But you might not be so enthusiastic if you found out the truth about her. About who she is. And what she's capable of. She hasn't told you a lot about herself, hasn't she?"

My expression probably gave me away. His smirk turns into a smile, triumph in his strange eyes. He continues on, voice teasing and sharp at the same time, "If you're such good friends, why don't you try asking her, Kai?" And with that, and an infuriating grin, the arrogant bastard walks past me and leaves the room.

I stood there a moment longer, processing what just happened. I lean on the table and sigh. Tension that I hadn't noticed floods out of my body. The fuck was that about? But I can't deny that he rattled me a little. Especially with that last part, about me knowing Lyn. He... he was right. I don't know a lot about her past...

But that doesn't mean I don't know her. Of course I know her! She's been my best friend for the last three years. And no matter what she's done, that won't change. Yeah, that was what was important. Still, my curiosity ate at me. Damn it.

With a sigh, I leave the room. If she wants to tell me, she'll tell me. And that's that.

---

I return to the cafeteria. Lyn and Cat look up at me the moment I get back. I wonder what they talked about while I was gone. Probably wouldn't beat the conversation I just had. The questions are in their eyes. I answer before they can voice them, and try to laugh it off, "Just guy stuff. It doesn't really matter." Guy stuff? Really?

I sit down hurriedly and dive at my chicken before they can actually ask questions. Cat just shrugs it off and starts eating again. Man, she eats a lot for such a small-looking girl. And Lyn. She just stares off somewhere, and I can only wonder about what was on her mind.

The bell rang a few minutes later and the three of us headed back to our classroom, chatting a little, but not really saying anything.

That thing with Lyn's ex-boyfriend gave me even more to think about, and the rest of my afternoon classes passed in another intelligible blur. The last bell rang quicker than I thought it would. But dismissal was a welcome distraction.

So to the burger place then? Hey! Was Cat coming along? That girl would empty out my wallet for sure... Ah well. At least I won't have to see that arrogant bastard's face.

It was already dismissal, and yet Kai doesn't seem to move an inch from his seat. I'm worried, what is going on in that brain of his. I was about to approach Kai, when I see Cat, also still on her seat. I'm guessing she doesn't have any friends since she wasn't moving from her seat as well, and she keeps on staring at her bag.

I look at Kai, still not budging. I wonder what happened during lunch period. I walked towards Kai and slammed my hand on his desk.
"I'll be inviting Cat, that's okay right?" I beamed at him and walked away towards Cat's direction, I swear I think I saw a look of panic on his face. He must've thought he would be treating Cat, apparently he thought wrong. I know Kai, he doesn't have much allowance, unlike mine. So he tries to save at least a penny a day. I smile to myself, I've always saved a lot, I'm not much of a person who likes to buy a lot of things. I buy my stuff when it's really necessary, besides, I have anything I want right inside my house, so there's really no need for me to buy anything.

I approach Cat's table, she was still staring at her bag

"Cat? Cat?" I waved a hand in front of her "Earth to Cat?" "Kitten" "kitty" "meow" I sigh, no use. So I used the same technique I used on Kai, I rubbed both of my palms together, and suddenly slammed my hands on the desk, and as I expected, it did the trick, she was shocked, startled even

"There! I finally got your attention" she looks at me, probably still analyzing
"You" I pointed her with my point finger "are coming with us" she looks at me confusingly, I heaved a deep sigh. What are these two people thinking anyways
"Bur.ger.ia" I said slowly. And finally she catches on. I know that since she smiled so big that it may actually reach her ears, then she looks at me questioningly. Again I sigh
"You want to come with us to the burgeria?"

My stomach churns. I look at the bag on my lap. This only means one thing...

.....I'm hungry...........

I wonder where I should eat now that its already dismissal...

Maybe I should buy something at the convenience store. Pizza? Donuts? A bag of chips? Or maybe I'll try that new steam bun flavor? It seems like that convenience store almost has everything.

I don't know how it always comes to this. No matter how much I eat beforehand, I always get hungry on dismissal. I don't even think if its still normal (for me).

*bang!*

"There! I finally got your attention" Lyn is in front of me. I look at her face. I was probably spacing out again.
"You, are coming with us." she points a finger at me. What? Where? is what I'd say, but instead, I give her a confused look. She sighs.

"Bur-ger-ia" She says each syllable with extra detail. Oh yeah, I could eat there! A smile appears on my face. Wait. Why would she know I was looking for a place to eat? I give her another confused expression, and she gives me another sigh.

"You want to come with us to the burgeria?" she says looking a little annoyed.

"Ohhh, so that's what you meant! Sure, I don't have any plans anyway." I could have sworn I saw a shocked face for a second. That answer was probably one she didn't expect.

"Good. Did you hear that Kai? She said she'd go!" She says this while turning to Kai's direction. His face tells me he’s somewhat panicking. The next second, he stands up and grabs his stuff in a hurry.

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" He says with a calmer face.

---

When we finally reached the burgeria, Kai speaks up.

“So, what do you guys want?”

“I’ll just have my usual DChicken burger and Poke Soda” Lyn replies. “What about you Cat, what do you want?” She smirks at Kai.

“Y-yeah, what do you want Cat?” He asks me and flings his hand to the back of his neck and with a not-so convincing smile.

“….….” What do I want? I guess I’ll just order a little since its a treat.

“Cat? Kitty? Kitty cat?” Lyn waves her hand in front of my face.

“…I’ll have three DCheezy burgers and bottled water.” Surely that won’t cost too much. The DCheezy is the cheapest burger and bottled water isn’t that much either. Ahh, I really can’t stop myself!

“Welcome to DM Burgeria, may I ask for your order?” the counter lady’s cheerfulness startles me.

“Uhmm…” I say.

“Uh I—“ Kai gets cut.

“I’d like to order two DChicken burgers, three DCheezys, a Poke soda, and two bottled waters.” Lyn orders ahead of the two of us.

“That’ll be fifteen dollars dollars.”

“I’ll pay for Cat’s order, so don’t worry about it.” Lyn speaks while turning around.

“…..Where did he go?” Lyn asks me. When I turn to my right, Kai isn’t there.

“He was here just a minute ago.” I reply.

“What is up with that guy? Seriously, leaving me to pay for the bill??”She complains while taking out her wallet.

“Uh, I can pay for myself, so don’t worry about me.” I start.

“Its fine, really. I was the one who invited you anyways.”

“…Thanks a bunch, Lyn”

“No problem.”

After paying, we sat on a table for three near the corner. Here, it wasn’t too cold or too warm. I should sit here more often, from now on.

“I wonder where he’s wandered off now. The last time we came here together, he disappeared exactly like this.” Lyn explains.

“On that day he bumped me near the main street?” I ask. I remember her cold glare on me and Kai. I also remember being really surprised by the personality she showed when Kai invited me to eat lunch with them. I really did not expect her to be so cheerful.

“Y-yeah, I think that was it.” She says– in an unsure way, maybe?

We continue eating while talking and thinking if we should wait for Kai or not. I thought maybe he might be there at the clearing with benches, meeting up with that girl again, but I’m not sure if I have the right to say something like that to Lyn.

Observing might be the best thing to do right now, so I’d rather not get in the way of anything just yet. I’ve decided not to tell anything to Lyn. I mean, who knows? Maybe Kai will go and tell her himself.

I’m down to my last burger. 'Where is Kai' , I wonder?

“I’d like to order two DChicken burgers, three DCheezys, a Poke soda, and two bottled waters.”

Lyn is ordering for us when a sudden spike of pain slashes through my head. All at once, the air inside the shop is too thick, too heavy, and I can't breathe. The room is starting to spin. In seconds, I go from completely normal to feeling like complete shit.

I need to get out. The thought fills my mind like repeating lines on a chalkboard, and before I know it, I'm pushing the door and breathing in the cool outside air. I walk a little, head for the sidewalk and sit down. Gradually, the pain subsides to a dull throb as I inhale and exhale slowly. What the hell was that? After that and last night's bizarre headache, I'm not sure if I should start worrying. I don't have a history of migraines or anything so maybe I'm just coming down with something. Or I just hit my head a little harder than I thought when Cat fell on me. Ah well, I'm fine now, more or less. I'll live. Probably.

The hedges hide me from view from the burger place. Lyn and Cat are probably wondering where I am. I don't feel a hundred percent, but I gotta go back. As I stand up, my head throbs a little, as if to remind me of my earlier headache. Out of a blue, a face flashes into my mind.

That girl from yesterday. In the clearing. I wonder if she's there right now? I didn't even catch her name. I should go see her... I start walking away from the burger place. Hey! I mentally yell at myself. I don't feel like myself all of a sudden. I'm--I feel--I don't know. Tired? Intensely curious? I want to see if she's there. No, I need to know. I've gotta go!

Huh? What is this? I've got to snap out of it. Lyn and Cat are waiting for me. I was even treating them. Why was I leaving? To see some random girl I’ve barely spoken ten words to? But somehow, I know I need to go. It’s probably just my curiosity again. Although I haven’t been this persistent with anything for a long time. It’s a little strange.

But I really can’t ditch Lyn again. So I make a deal. With myself. Go ahead and laugh now.

Fine, go see her, if it’s so important, but after you finish paying for Lyn and Cat’s stuff. Yeah. Compromise. That’s good. Even though this means I’ll probably have an empty wallet afterwards. I should get a job or something. Though that’s not so easy in such a small town. There are just a few shops, and small businesses are mostly family-owned so they don’t usually bother hiring someone whose nobody’s relative, like me.

Ah, well. That’s a thought for another day. I head on back to the burger place, my head throbbing just enough for me to ignore. I can handle this much. For a good burger.

As I pass by the door, I notice a piece of paper stuck to it. I don’t read it though. I go straight in and scan the place for the girls. They’re at a table near a corner. They look pretty chill with each other. Talking and all that. I know Lyn doesn’t trust girls and awful lot—with the “witch” trauma and stuff—so I guess that’s good. And they’ve already started eating. I hope they saved me something.

As I walk up to the table, both of them look up from their conversation. I await the coming questions/exclamations/possible cursing with my hand on the back of my neck.

When Kai reached the table the question that has been lingering on my mind for awhile now came out
"Why the heck do you keep on ditching me?!?" it came out so bluntly and coldly which made him look at me sorrily and making me feel totally guilty. I see him looking at the table, and unconciously I did too. Surprised I see Cat crumpling the second wrapper of the Cheezys burger, and opening up the third one. I can't believe it, I mean we started eating at the same time, I'm not even midway yet and she's already preparing to eat the third one. I look up at Kai and motions to the seat in front of me, he sits, and I hand him the other DChicken burger and the Poke soda.

I opened my mouth to ask Cat a question, but immediately closed it, seeing Cat, busying herself with her burger. Which got me the giggles. I tried holding it back, inhaling and exhaling almost at the same time. But every time I glance at Cat, the giggles goes back. Kai looks at me, questioningly. That's when I can't hold it anymore and I laughed. Cat looked at me confusingly and worriedly.

"Sorry, it's just that... You really seem hungry" I see her flush beet red. Embarassed? Maybe. Kai reminds me most of the time that I should think before I speak, since I have the habit of telling people what comes out first from my mind. Speaking of which I see Kai glaring slightly at my direction.
"Sorry" I muttered, I glanced cautiously at Cat, I see her drinking her water, I looked at Kai, he was already midway on his burger, and I'm still way far from it. I take a bite... then another... and another... and~.... I choked. I bang my fist in my chest and drank my water

"Idiot" Kai tells me, which makes me pout. There's no way I'll finish last "Just slow it down, it's not like we're going to leave you anyways" I look at him, the tone of his voice was different than the usual. Upset? Irritated? Nope, no. Tired? Yes, definitely, and Annoyed? But of what?

"Kai? Are you okay?" he looks at me eyebrow rising
"I'm fine" he breathes out
"You don't seem like so" he takes a long pause before saying
"It's nothing don't worry" I look at him worriedly
"If its the food, you only have to pay me for the food for the two of us. Its me who's treating Cat, not you" he looks at me surprise and relief on his face. Then he shakes his head, as if to say no
"It's not the food.. No worries.. Somethings just on my mind, don't worry"
"Is this about what Rick has told you?" he looks at me confusingly. And I remember, I'm not supposed to know whatever it is that Eldrick and him has talked about
"What?" he asks. I need to find an excuse. He's looking at me suspiciously now
"Ummm... Uhh... Nothing ahh... nope that's uhh..." I take a bite from my burger, chewing slowly. Avoiding answers. Cat looks at me, like Kai, she's also seems to be waiting for some answers, I focused on finishing my burger. Trying to eat as slowly as possible. It's so good that I wanted to gobble it all up in one go, which is at the same I didn't want to

I see Kai and Cat looking at each other, still seems to be waiting for some answers. When my phone rang. Life Savior, but when I looked at the caller, my blood froze, on the screen, the number encrypted was only owned by one person and that's Eldrick Weinston

I noticed my breathing has gone shallower every second, I tried to inhale. I press the call sign, and leaned the phone in my ears. Stuttering I say
"H-he-hello"
"Hey Chim, how're you? Did you miss me?" How can I? I thought. After all those things you've done to me. Did you really think I would?
"He seems to have taken my silence as a yes, and continued. So let's see each other" one word crossed my thought. Huh?
"Y'know. Meet up. Since I missed you and you missed me, we should meet up to satisfy each other" I've forgotten that he was a mind reader, no matter wherever you may be, he can guess what you're thinking, and the only thing he needs is a simple way of communication and he can access towards you. This is why I've feared him. He was never like this before, I don't know what happened, but one day he just started monopolizing me.

"Chim? I know you're there. C'mon. You know where I live don't you. You've perfected your skills already right? Then this way, it'll be easy for you to actually track me down." I shut my eyes tightly. No. I didn't want to use it. I've sworn since that day, that I would never use it anymore

"Of course you can use it. It's harmless, unless you don't control it. But of course, if you can't. I'm always there for you, to save you. Besides I've always been the one and only person who has truly understand you from the very beginning right?" No this is wrong.
I try to take my phone away from my ears. So that he won't hear anymore of my thoughts. But it seems to go against my will

"Why don't you just accept it. You've missed me.." No. Never!
"I'll see you... You better come here, if you don't want your friends harmed. Or are they really your friends?" Tears welled in my eyes, trickling slowly. No this can't be happening!!

I grabbed my things and ran out of the door, without so much of a goodbye. I know they're worried. I know they're confused. But what I don't know is, if I don't do what he tells me to do, I don't know, what he'll do to them. I shut my phone shut, sobbing hard, running fast, the icy wind of the night hits me and suddenly I bumped. Bumped into someone? I look up, and see violet sparkling eyes looking down on me worriedly. And I don't know what possessed me, but I hugged this person and I let my frustration out.

I stared at Cat. She stared back at me. My head throbbed dully in the background, and I don't know if it's still because of my earlier bizarre headache or a result of what just happened.

Lyn was out the door before we could do anything. She'd looked at her phone and blanched. After answering the call with a shaky "hello", she just listened with eyes open wide and pale lips parted from nervous surprise. Surprise that turned into shocked horror by the end of the call.

I didn't know what to do. Neither did Cat. I didn't know if it was just the trick of light, or tears were running down her face as she ran out the shop door. I'm not sure what I should have done if they had been tears. Stopped her from leaving? Called her back? Followed her?

The only thing I was sure of was who that caller had been. Without a doubt, it had been that arrogant bastard. The only times I've seen Lyn act this out of it were the times he showed up.

She'd called him Rick, hadn't she? Just now, when she asked what that bastard had told me when we were talking... How did she even know that we'd spoken to each other? I didn't tell her, did I? Maybe he did, though I can't imagine why the hell he would do that... He acts cool and all that, but he must be a really insecure dude to actually confront me about "owning" Lyn. Stupid bastard.

But whatever he'd said to Lyn really rattled her. It's probably none of my business, but I don't know if I can just stand around after seeing her react like that. She doesn't seem all that happy to see him. Even if they'd broken up on bad terms, that look on her face when she answered the phone shouldn't have been there. She shouldn't have been scared. I'm starting to regret just watching her leave.

I hear a tap on the table and reflexively turn my head. Towards Cat. She's holding her empty bottle of water. I realize I've been staring at the door, probably for awhile now. I look at her and she looks right back at me.

"--! I'm sorry--I just--I don't know... what's up with Lyn..." The words tumble clumsily from my mouth.

She looks at me, and I can't read the expression in her eyes. Pity? Understanding? Worry?

I don't know.

What is going on right now?? Rick? What he said to Kai? A phone call that made Lyn cry?

A phone call that made Lyn cry.
Who the heck is Rick?

Gah... So many questions, and not enough answers. I don't even know when to start!
I think I'm gonna need a whole lot more cheese and meat to think properly about this.

I wonder what really happened to Lyn? She was definitely crying. No doubt about it. Everything just happened so fast, I didn't even have enough time to react, and it wasn't any better in Kai's position either.

All we could do was stare at each other with confused faces. I guess we're both still doing it right now, except Kai just keeps staring at the door. I grab my empty plastic bottle. Before I could shove it in my bag so I could bring it home, Kai comes back to his senses.

"--! I'm sorry--I just--I don't know... what's up with Lyn..." He says, sounding like a broken tape.

I sigh. A sigh that only I would hear in loud places such as this. 'You're not the only one who's confused, Kai. I am too.' , is what I want to say, but I'm not sure if I should say it or not.

"Its fine. I don't really have an idea either. So, what do we do now? Should we head home?"

I look at Cat. She's asking me what we should do. I don't know either. Right now I want to follow Lyn, but I don't know if i should. If I have the right to.

"Yeah, I guess we should go." I hear myself say.

We stand up together and leave the table. She doesn't say anything more, and neither do I. As we pass by the door, I notice that scrap of paper pinned on it again. We walk slowly so I have time to read it. I'm tired and I just want to go home and lie on my bed, but I read it. I pull out my phone and quickly type in the number on the paper, without stopping my steps. I'll think about what was written on it a little more when I'm not feeling quite so crappy.

I was doing the right thing wasn't I? Leaving Lyn alone? She left by herself. She didn't ask me to follow her. I'll go home and sleep on it, and I'll ask her about it tomorrow. When we see each other. Then, if she wants me to know, she'll tell me, but if it doesn't, it's fine... I won't pretend that I'm completely happy about that, but it's out of my hands. I'm just a friend. I don't have the right to tell her what to do, who to talk to... who to go out with.

We've walked a ways away from the burger place when suddenly, a thought slams into my head.

You have to go.

"What?" Cat asks, confused.

I don't even know what I said. My mouth moves on it's own once again. "I've got to go."

And I turn around and run.

I pulled back from Chale but he pulled me back again for a hug which lasted for only a couple of seconds, then he pulled back
"I'm sorry for being so sudden" he looks at me worriedly, he raises his right hand and cups my cheek, then he caressed his thumb wiping a tear away.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm f-fi-fine" I hiccuped
"You sure?" I looked up at him, his sparkling violet eyes turns to a shade of indigo, his face filled with worry
"I-I" I hiccuped, tears coming back to my eyes
"We can talk about it if you want" I shake my head, no, even if I tell him, there's no way he'd understand. But then again, he's quite a mystery himself, especially a person who's eye's change colors, depending on their mood.
"I-" I was cut off when my phone rang, I reached deep into my bag and found my phone, again encrypted on the phone was his number. I must have stared long into the screen that Chale grabbed it.
"Who's this?" My eyes wide, he answered the phone, Chale answered the phone. I panicked
"Cocky aren't you" If Chale pisses him off, he'd be a goner. I try to steal the phone away from him, but Chale's too tall, I'm only up to his shoulders
"Are you the reason why Lyn's hurt?"
"Really?" he asked with great sarcasm in his voice
"Chale give me back the phone" I whispered, but he ignored it
"Don't ever disturb her, she's busy" What is going on?!?
"Apparently I do" then he clicked off the phone
"Chale are you out of your mind? You don't know what he's capable of doing" I was taken aback when I saw Chale's eye color change into deep black. I stepped backward
"Chale are you ok-?" I was interrupted when he said with such cold voice
"What he's capable off? Isn't he just a killer? A manipulator?" I gasped. How? How does he know everything
"How did you-?" I wasn't able to finish my words when a great pain surged through my head, I crouched down clutching my head
"Lyn!" I hear a voice from afar. Is it Kai?
"Lyn" that same familiar voice again, I try to gather my strength to look up from the ground to see who it was, but the pain grew and the next thing I knew I lost all of my strength and everything went black

“I-“ she goes and then her phone rang,. She reached deep into her bag and looking for her phone, and when she finds it, she stares off into the screen. I wait for her to answer it, curiosity building up, and finally I got the phone and answered it myself, I saw a surge of panic on her face, as I did so
"Who's this?"
"Someone you shouldn't get involved with"
"Cocky aren't you" I see Archlinne jumping, trying to grab the phone, but I turned away from her
"You should really give back the phone to its owner"
"Are you the reason why Lyn's hurt?" I hear him smirk on the other side
"You must've mistaken me with someone. I don't hurt Chym, I love her, I would never cause her pain
"Really" I asked sarcastically
"But of course"
"Don't ever disturb her, she's busy"
"Pfft... What are you her father. No I won't, try not to be so sure, you know nothing about her"
"Apparently I do" then he clicked off the phone
“Yeah right, you’re just a lowly trickster” he whispered right into my mind
"Chale are you out of your mind? You don't know what he's capable of doing" she shouted once I gave her back the phone. I was furious, why does she succumb to whatever he wants.
"Chale are you ok-?"
"What he's capable off? Isn't he just a killer? A manipulator?" I hear her gasp, crap I lost it
"How did you-?" she starts asking, I glance at her, erasing that part of her memory. When she crouched down, I see a figure, a guy. I turn and walk away

It's dark. So dark I can't see a thing. But I'm running. Every step echoes in the darkness along with the sound of water. On the ground, splashing beneath my feet. And dripping. Dripping everywhere. All around me. But I can't see a thing.

I'm running. There's a light? Not a light, a white dress, luminous in the darkness. Who is it? Ah yes, who else could it be?
I run towards it. And then it's not black.

It's red.
Deep rich red. Not brilliant, gaudy red. The dark crimson of a decaying rose. Red, like old blood.
Dripping. Dripping everywhere. Splashing beneath my feet. It's not water. It's blood.

And then it's up my knees. But also around my arms, and I can't move. I can't breathe. My heart is pounding, pounding, pounding and blood is in my ears. I open my mouth and blood rushes in. My throat hurts. I can't move. With the thick decaying red in my mouth, it’s useless, but I try to scream.

And it all turns black.

Suddenly I'm breathing. I hear my heart hammering in my ears.

My vision spins a little and I realize it’s because I sat up too fast.

That was a dream.

A weird dream, yeah, weirdest one I’ve had in a while. But just a dream.

I’m just about to lay back down when I realize something isn’t right. I’m not in bed, I’m on… a couch? And the room is familiar, but it isn’t mine.

I know where I am. But how the fuck did I get here?

I’m at Lyn’s house.

The moment I think that, yesterday flashes in my mind in fast forward. Me running, leaving Cat, not even knowing where I’m going, feeling like I’m on autopilot, then suddenly, seeing Lyn, sprawled out on the sidewalk and knowing, just knowing that was why I was there. I don’t know how I ended up there, but I knew that was where I was supposed to be.

And if that isn't weird enough, there were voices. In my head. Telling me stuff. Telling me "Go".

I think I might be going crazy. I talk to myself all the time damn it! But this isn't anything like that. It felt like somebody else inside my head. What the hell? What the fuck is happening? Might as well check myself in a mental hospital...

But before I can think too much about it, I hear something. Something against the stagnant silence. Sniffling... crying?

And then I remember Lyn. Shit.

She was passed out yesterday, wasn't she. I remember carrying her home and then laying her on her bed... and why the fuck didn't I bring her to a hospital?

Because a voice told you to "bring her home"

The thought immediately pops in my head, and I recognize it as my own. Not "the voice" yesterday. Definitely. I don't know if I should be relieved or creeped out that I can actually tell them apart. Fuck it. This isn't important right now. I need to see if she's ok. Why the hell didn't I take her to the hospital? But the fact that she's crying tells me she's alive, at least... although something must be really wrong. I've only ever seen her cry yesterday, and I wasn't even sure then.

I walk urgently along the hallway to her room, being as silent as I can as I pass by her grandma's door. Lyn tells me she almost never comes out these days. I don't know how she would react if she found me out here so early in the morning. I don't think I can handle any more drama right now.

I hesitate when I notice that her door is open. I probably forgot to close it last night. Heck, I don't even remember opening it. I feel like my memories from last night'll evaporate if I think to hard.

I hear her clearly now. She's definitely crying. I beat out my hesitation. If something is seriously wrong with her, if she's hurt anywhere, it's all my friggin' fault for being an idiot and not getting her to a hospital. And I'm worried, I really am. So I step into the room, making my footsteps a little louder than usual so she can hear me.

It's a little startling to see her like this. She looks younger than I've ever seen her, with the covers pulled around her legs, her hair in a careless mess, a hand on her mouth, looking like she's trying to stifle her sobs. Her limbs are so pale, even against her white bed covers and she looks so... so fragile.

Fragile. It's not a word I would normally describe Lyn with. But when I look at her right now, I realize it's true. And I realize, I don't really know her as much as I think I do.

She finally notices me in the room, and she stops crying so suddenly, the silence surprises me. She looks surprised as well, her bright blue eyes wide, staring up at me from the bed.

She doesn't say anything though, and I don't even know if she understands why I'm here.

But before I know what I'm doing, I'm sitting on the bed, and I whisper without meaning to, "Hey."

It was Friday evening when I first met HIM, I was in the park, tear stained and furious. Why do people love to spread useless things, rumors. I don't do anything to them, and yet they do things to me. If only... I was staring at the faucet, letting my anger out, thinking of all the awful things which my classmates have been spreading, when suddenly the faucet bursts. -Literally burst-. It's pieces scatter, and water flows continuously out of the tube, the water was scattering, as if it was throwing a tantrum.
"You're strong" a deep cool voice speaks from behind me, I turn around to find a really cute guy, who's eyes so light almost transparent, and skin so white. Maybe the male version of Snow White. He walks close to me, and sits beside me on the bench, he has warm, soft fingers, despite those pale skin he has. Although he was a complete stranger, I allowed him to weave his fingers through my hair, giving me a relaxing sensation, which made me feel so relaxed and sleepy. He sits close to me, and tells me. "I'm Eldrick Weinston, and you?" he looks at me, "Archlinne L'chimyre" I tell him, not knowing why I did. I have to admit I felt good and secured around him, so I take look at him, and gave him one of my brightest smile. His eyes were crystal blue, so light and so transparent like. It's so breathtaking.

I remembered how he used to be so sweet towards me, but not before he became into a possessive monster. I shut my eyes and reopened them when I felt Kai's presence close to me, and I looked up. Why is he here? What is he doing in my room? this were the thoughts that ran through my brain. I I shift as he sits on my bed. I've managed to control my sobs, and my hiccuping, but it wasn't for long, when he tells me "hey".
My tears trickles down my cheeks, and I try to stifle my sobs, I try to hide it, somewhere in the back of my throat. I stare at him thinking, how much I wanted to tell him everything. To show him what really happened, to let him know all of my past, but the fear that crawls in my skin, makes me stop and think:
When Kai finds out, will he still remain the same way towards me? will he still be my best friend? Or if he remains as my best friend, what will HE do to him? Will Kai be capable of enduring any ways of Rick's silent tortures. This thought scare me

I swallowed the nervous feeling I had, that's been disturbing me, and I blinked, he seems relieved that I started showing some actions, maybe I've been thinking for so long since he looks so worried. So I tell him

"Hey" I try to give him my best smiles, to assure him I'm okay, but instead it formed, into a slight pained smile, Kai seemed to have a reaction, but I was too busy thinking on how to assure him. So I asked "What are you doing here?"