This is a story that a friend of mine wrote. It's a bit long and there are many gramatical errors (she's from the Ivory Coast), but overall I think it's a pretty enjoyable story. Tell me what you think about it

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Prologue

Far away there is world
Different from your world.
No flowers you will find there
Nor any streaming rivers.
Not one single sun ray
Ever break through the thick mass of grey.
The land, barren, desolate and dark
Is ravaged by war

It once used to be a beautiful place
High mountains standing out against a blue sky
The glorious sun shining over sparkling rivers
And warming vast flowery gardens;
All until came to power King Haat.
His shadow swept over the land like a black curtain
And his evil wiped from Wereld any trace of happiness and beauty
The rivers dried, the flowers shrunk, the mountains blackened
The sky was filled by grey storming clouds
And the sun disappeared.

The people were persecuted and miserable
Whoever contradicted the King faced immediate death
But a brave woman decided to stand up to him
She assembled a group of Werelwijds
And they attacked the army of King Haat in surprise
And she killed with her own hands King Haat
Praised by the people she was sacred Queen Firma.
Hers was clan Opstand.

Queen Firma, though not cruel like King Haat,
Ruled with authority and mercilessness
She especially favored women, giving them all the power.
Many a man resented being brought down thus
Finally a group of them decided that no more they could take
So off they went to make their own life.
Clan Enkel they created, their leader King Recht.

Over the centuries both clans evolved
Changing names and rulers
But always, always fighting each other.
‘Till came the era of King Veran of Duisternis
Descendant of King Recht
And Queen Vrouw of Vrede
Descendant of Queen Firma.
In their epoch things were to change.

1:

“Is anything amiss, Algemeen?” Algemeen repressed a shudder as he bowed in front of the queen’s throne. He was a short, squat man, heavily built with short legs and long arms. His big brown eyes always seemed to be facing downward and his little balding head always seemed wet with perspiration. More than anything else, the Queen’s cold demeanor and grey piercing eyes always made him uncomfortable.

“Not at all your highness. On the contrary everything is perfectly fine.” Queen Vrouw relaxed and sat back on her high marble throne. Feeling a little bit more confident, Algemeen continued.

“All the troops are ready, my Queen. We are only waiting for your order to march on Duisternis.” The Queen nodded approvingly. She was anxious to start moving. The faster she got there, the greatest the chance of catching King Veran and his troops unaware.

“Very well then,” she replied. “We shall start moving-” She was interrupted by the cries of a baby. Judging from their growing loudness, they seemed to be moving closer to the grand hall. As expected, Meisje slipped between the high doors of the Grand hall a few minutes later, carrying in her arms a fidgeting bundle. A small plain girl, she was the official nanny of Princess Verlaat. She was short for her age, and so skinny that it seemed as if a whiff of wind could blow her off. She had long brown thin hair that she held into a twisted bunch at the nape of her neck. Her green eyes were her only true attractive trait. Shyly she moved toward the Queen’s throne. The hall was a very large, dim room. The thick cement walls were covered with tapestries depicting bloody war scenes. Huge columns flanked the room form the entrance to the end, on either sides of the red velvet carpet that led to the Queen Vrouw’s majestic throne. It was made of a strange mixture of gold and marble with red emeralds at each visible corner. If it made justice to the Queen’s great beauty, it also brought out her forbearance.

“What is it Meisje?” the Queen snapped impatiently.

“I’m really sorry to disturb your highness, but Princess Verlaat needs feeding” Meisje stammered. Queen Vrouw sighed annoyingly.

“Hand her in and get out of my sight.” Meisje hurriedly followed the Queen’s orders, leaving General Algemeen, the Queen and the crying little Princess alone. Exasperated, Queen Vrouw bared a full breast and stuck it imperiously in the baby’s mouth.

“I cannot help noticing that your highness still doesn’t have a wet nurse for our little princess,” ventured Algemeen cautiously.

“You are right Algemeen,” replied the Queen. “All the young nurses have been drafted in the army. Only the old dried up ladies are still home. Not much of a milk left in them.” She sniffed derisively at the thought of the old decrepit ladies that came in groups daily to plead-unsuccessfully- with her so that she could leave some young ladies home to take care of them. Let them rot. No one needs them anyway.

“If I can inquire, how is your highness planning on leading the army while nursing a small baby,” asked Algemeen again.

“I don’t believe I can.” She gave her daughter a resentful look and continued. “I fear that she shall have the same fate as the other babies.”

“I believe it might very well be,” replied General Algemeen. A cold smiled stretched on Queen Vrouw’s face.

“We will start marching tomorrow at dawn,” she declared, her eyes gleaming and dreamy, fixed on the upcoming victory. Behind the closed doors Meisje gasped in shock.

“No, she can’t, no she can’t!” she sobbed quietly. And all the while Princess Verlaat sucked quietly on her mother’s breast, a peaceful and delighted expression on her little pink face, unaware of her dark fate.

2:

“We must do something, Tweede!” exclaimed Meisje in despair. After having heard the Queen’s cold resolve she had been summoned to take away the sleeping little Princess. She had ran to her room as soon as she was out of sight, and was now pacing its short length relentlessly while telling what she had heard to her best friend Tweede.

“But it’s the Queen’s order! We can’t doanything!” Tweede replied, her baby blue eyes large with agitation. She really liked Meisje, but she was even more afraid of the Queen.

“But we can’t let the Princess be executed!” retorted Meisje. She leaned over the princess’s cradle, placed in the only place where it could fit, at the right side of her bed, and peered cautiously at the sleeping little girl.

“I can’t let this happen. She’s so innocent and such a sweet baby.” She tenderly pushed a tuft of black hair out of the sleeping baby’s face, adjusted the cloth on her, and turned back to Tweede.

“The truth is…” she seemed lost in her thought for a while, then let out a big sigh and continued “the truth is, that little girl has become as dear to me as if she was my own daughter!” she confessed. She wriggled her hands anxiously and started to pace the room again, stopping from time to time to peer at Verlaat. She suddenly declared with determination, “We won’t let this happen.” She was pensive for a few minutes then resumed authoritatively, “We will take her to another place, where she will be safe from her mother. Then we shall substitute another baby for her at the time of the execution.”

“But the Queen-” started Tweede.

“The Queen will notice nothing!” Taken aback by her friend’s vehemence Tweede nodded reluctantly. For the tenth time she passed her chubby hand through her short blond curly hair.

“Very well then. But where should we take her then? There is no place between Vrede and Duisternis that will not be ravaged by the upcoming war. Plus I don’t think there are any babies left in Vrede. Where do you count on finding a replacement for your little protégé?” she asked smartly.

“I shall find a baby, though I don’t yet know where. As for to where we shall take Princess Verlaat, I already have decided.” She walked to the window and looked out in the dark night over the sleeping grounds of Vrede castle. The full moon cast a glowing hue over the distant crags, accentuating their resemblance to evil giants reigning over the land. The silence was oppressive and unbearable, charged with sorrow at the knowledge of the upcoming dread and excitement at the prospect of fighting. No soul could obtain restfulness, and it seemed like the entire castle rustled with bodies turning over and over again in their beds.

“Get you cap Tweede. We shall leave immediately, while everybody is still in bed.” She walked back to her closet and picked up her own worn out cap. She delicately picked up the princess out of her cradle. The baby showed some signs or waking up, and she cooed at her sweetly, slowly rocking her in her arm. Instantly Verlaat relaxed back into sleep and Meisje left the room, closely followed by Tweede.

3:

“Dien!” King Veran called weakly.

“Yes, my King?” Dien hurried to the King’s bedside and bowed respectfully.

“Is it true that Vrede is preparing to attack us?”

“I’m afraid so, my King,” replied Dien, avoiding the King’s piercing stare. King Veran took a deep breath and was immediately overtaken by a fit of coughing dry enough to rip one’s throat.

“Then something must be done.” He continued. “Tell General Bevel to ready our troops immediately and deploy them around to protect the castle.” Breathing laboriously he swung his legs over the bed and stood up with effort.

“My Lord, what are you doing?” asked the nurse Mrs. Heel, hurriedly directing him back to his bed. “You are to keep your bed, and you know it perfectly,” she admonished him, her grey eyes glowing with worry.

“Ah, stop fussing Mrs. Heel,” replied the King, weakly swatting at her hands.

“But…” the nurse started again.

“I say, stop fussing Mrs. Heel,” Another fit of coughing had him almost back on his bed, but he soon took control of himself again. He cleared his throat several times and said again,

“My people are in danger. Do not expect me to stay in bed obediently.” He coughed a few times more and continued “I might be sick, but I’m not dead yet; as long as I am alive, I shall always lead my army to war.” Then he turned to Dien and ordered,

“Tell General Bevel, that I shall lead the charge.” Dien was of a mind to argue, but then he thought better, nodded and walked out. Despite his weak state, King Veran was still a very imposing personage. He had once been a great king. Cruel and yet fair, and caring to his people, he had reigned over Duisternis with a firm hand for decades. Unfortunately, a sickness had overcome him in his late age and he was consistently consigned to his bed. He knew his days were counted, and his only hope and source of happiness was his young son Prince Vechter.

“Now Mrs. Heel, instead of being a constant pain, why don’t you escort me to my son’s room? I haven’t seen him for such a long time!” Still shaking her graying hair in disapproval, Mrs. Heel disobligingly offered a plump arm to the King and silently escorted him to Prince Vechter’s room.

4:

“Daddy!” Prince Vechter exclaimed at the sight of his father. He scurried stumbling to the King who had just the time to disengage himself from Mrs. Heel and sweep the giggling toddler in the air.

“Ahhh! If that isn’t our favorite little Prince!” He rained kisses over the little boy’s round little stomach, provoking a vague of giggling and twisting from him.

“Not to interrupt you Your Highness, but I believe it would be better for you to sit down a bit,” put in Mrs. Heel hesitantly. King Veran, who felt quite exhausted by the short walk, put his son back on the floor and plopped down in an armchair without discussing. Vechter climbed on his lap, and benevolently offered him his wet teddy bear.

“Want teddy bear?” he asked innocently. The King chuckled affectionately.

“I think your old Da is way to old to be caught playing with toys anymore, son” Vechter tilted is head on one side incomprehensively. The King chuckled again, and was soon overtaken a fit of coughing. When he was finally able to breathe normally again, he turned to the young nanny that had come to replace his son’s mother.

“And how are you doing yourself Moeder?” he inquired.

“I am doing well, Your Highness, and I trust your own health is satisfying?” she replied politely, curtsying elegantly.

“Oh, I’ve known better days.” He sighted a continued.

“I have come today because the situation is very grave. I trust you have heard that Vrede is on the move?” Without waiting for an answer he continued, “I’ve decided that I shall lead me people to war, even if I shall perish doing it.” He gave Moeder a piercing look, defying her to contradict him. A cloud of doubt darkened her little blue eyes but she guarded herself from making comments. Satisfied, the King resumed, “However I cannot let Vechter stay here shall Duisternis be taken.” He stopped a few minutes to stroke his son’s hair, and the latter laid his head on his father’s withered chest, softly cooing. The old man let out a long sight and finished in dropping voice, “I’ve decided that Prince Vechter shall go to the parallel dimension.



¯ ¯ ¯ ¯

Dien and Moeder hurried quietly in the dark, feeling their way around in the night. The barren plain was full of ghostly shadows and the howling icy wind made the flower-less, dry trees look like lost souls lifting their arms to the stormy sky in silent plea. In Moeder’s arms, after having cried most of the night after his father left, the little Prince was finally asleep.

“Are you sure we’re going the right way, Dien?” asked Moeder for the hundredth time.

“Yes, I’m sure,” replied the tall young man, passing his big hands in his brown short hair with exasperation. “The King said to walk past Loeter Crag, turn left between Ihshin and Kaboul Hill, and then to go straight until we got to the tree that look like a bent old man…

“These trees all look like bent old men,” muttered Moedre grumpily.

“… from where we shall turn left again and walk straight to the cave.”

“But the King is so old!” she said again. “Do you think we can trust his memory?” she asked screwing her beautiful face as she picked her step carefully on the irregular ground.

“I guess we will have to. We followed all the directions, and judging from the rocky ground, I’d rather say we’re close.”

“I hope you’re right-” started Moeder. She was silenced by the most lugubrious sight she’d ever seen. In front of her loomed a huge hole in a high rock formation that seemed to have no end.

“Well, seems like we’ve reached our destination,” said Dien needlessly. The cave was dark, and a soft breeze seemed to come out of it. Not the sort of breeze that would caress the leaves of a tree in the beginning of summer, jostling them playfully from side to side, but a cold breeze that made it seem like the cave itself was breathing, like the rocky, irregular walls were heaving in and out, alive and full of spite. There seemed to be no ceiling to the cave just darkness all the way up, and no end to its depth, just darkness ahead. Darkness everywhere. Compared to it, the plain was almost a safe, bright haven. Moeder turned to Dien and kissed him softly, her eyes filling with tears. He kissed her back and hugged her hard. Then she swallowed audibly, squared her shoulders, tightened her arms around her small bundle and stepped courageously in. Feeling the peculiarity of the place, Prince Vechter started to whimper, and was very soon howling, despite the attempts of his nanny to quiet him down. As if on cue a strong gust of wind came out of the depth of the cave and blew her hood off her blond head. She shivered unintentionally, her waist length hair standing on end, and took another step in, looking incessantly around for any sign of movement. At the entrance Dien watched the brave Moeder and the little Prince disappear, swallowed by the almost palpable darkness of the cave. He shook his head sadly and made a short prayer that they shall be safe.

Two years later…

5:

Dien stared hopefully at the door, but once more none came through. Frustrated, her passed his big hands in his hair and resumed his pacing. He was in a dark little room with no furniture but for a wooden table and a rickety chair. The place was lightened by a single lantern set on the table, whose dancing flame threatened to extinguish altogether.

Where are they?! He wondered for the hundredth time. The last thing he needed was for someone to discover what he was up to. They probably wouldn’t approve, though it was for the good of Duisternis.

The war had been raging for two years, but it seemed like decades. Castle Duisternis, once a sumptuous palace, now looked like a dark, forbearing fortress with decrepit walls. King Veran had been full of self-deceiving hope that they had a chance to win, but Vrede had proven to be a very powerful and persevering adversary.

Both King Veran and Queen Vrouw had perished, and yet the war still hadn’t ended. The partisans of both clans had thrown themselves in the battle, cruel and desperate in their thirst for victory. But who could blame them? None wanted to become the slave of the other. That’s why even when there was no strength left in them, and hunger had corroded them to the point that all there was left to see of them were ambulant skeleton, they still fought desperately. Dien had been there by there by their side all along, fighting with them ‘till exhaustion, and he could take no more. He had lost everything; all that was left to him was Moeder, a fine support in the day and a comfort in the night. And yet even she was at the end of her force, like everybody else. Duisternis’ end was close, death was closing on them. But Dien wouldn’t let it happen, couldn’t let everything go to waste. Two years of war couldn’t yield bitter fruits. So he had decided to take matters in his own hands.

He was suddenly jerked out of his somber thoughts by the sound of heavy footsteps. The wooden feeble door noisily swung on its rusty hinges, and the room was suddenly filled with the foul odor of sweaty, unwashed bodies, as six men dressed in black caps, walked in.

“You’re late,” pointed out Dien coldly. The leader of the group peered at him from the dark of his hooded face with red glistening eyes, and Dien immediately wished he’d kept his mouth closed. These men- if you could call them that- were not to be trifled with. They were sorcerers that lived in the far end of Wereld, practicing their dark craft in isolation. None ever dared approach their territory, and those that had ventured that far south had never been seen again.

“Where is the body?” the leader asked in a whisper that sounded like the hissing of a snake. Dien’s hair stood on end.

“It…he…it’s in the dungeons,” he stammered, a huge lump obstructing his throat.

“Is it in the coffin?”

“Yes, sire.”

“And none else is there?” Dien nodded.

“Very well then. Lead us to the dungeons.” Dien started to move to the door but one of the sorcerers stopped him and whispered something to the leader.

“Of course, he whispered, I almost forgot,” he whispered back. Then he turned back to Dien and asked,

“What about the human sacrifice, do you have it ready?” He nodded again, and swallowed hard. It’s for a good cause, he told himself as a wave of guilt overcame him at the thought of the young brave man locked in the dungeons. His thoughts were interrupted by footsteps in the hallway, these ones lighter and quicker than the sorcerers’. The door burst opened and Moeder stepped in, looking around with a confused face. She had changed a lot in two years. Her blond hair was unevenly cut short and dirty. She was dressed in rags herself, and was so thin it was a wonder she could still stand on two feet.

“What are you doing Dien?” she asked. “I thought you were supposed to help Boeren lead the charge today? And who are these men anyway?” The leader of the sorcerer smiled coldly at Dien and turned to Moeder. He made a quick gesture toward her with his bony hands, and her eyes grew large with fright as she realized who the men were and her mouth opened in a silent scream as she dropped to the floor like a ragged doll. He burst into a guttural laughter devoid of happiness and turned back to Dien whose eyes were fixed on Moeder, his heart a big lump in his throat.

“Lead us.” The leader said again. Dragging his eyes away from Moeder’s inert body he walked to the door on wobbly legs. Behind him one of the sorcerers picked up the unconscious girl and they proceeded through the hallway, and down a dark, narrow stairway, and through more dark hallways, and down more narrow stairways, all the way to the dungeons.

¯ ¯ ¯ ¯

Dien led them to the biggest dungeon. It was cold and dark, lightened by a few torches set on the walls that elongated the shadows and made them look like deformed ghosts. An icy breeze was blowing in from multiple crevices in the slimy walls. In the center of the room were two elevated platforms, on top of one of which rested a black coffin. On the other platform a young man was strapped by two leather straps. At the sight of Dien he started to struggle again.

“Dien! Let me out of here! What is the meaning of all this?” Dien advanced toward him.

“I’m sorry Boeren. It’s for a good cause,” he said. And without paying further attention to his friend’s protests he stuffed a dirty handkerchief in his mouth and walked back to the sorcerers.

“Do you need anything else?”

“No. Step out of the way and let us do our job now,” the leader replied. He pushed past Dien with his men and walked toward the two platforms, where Boeren was still struggling. Dien walked to the far end of the room where Moeder had been dumped. She stirred on the floor and moaned painfully. Then she opened her eyes and found herself peering in Dien’s brown eyes.

“Where am I, Dien? What’s going on?”

“It’s alright love. Everything is fine.” He helped her sit up and she looked around her, obviously confused. Then suddenly everything came back to her and she turned fiercely on her companion.

“What are these sorcerers doing here?”

“I called them.”

“What!?” she cried in disbelief. “You called them?” What in the world for?”

“We can’t win the war by ourselves Moeder,” Dien Explained. “We need help, powerful help.” He turned to the scene taking place in the middle in the dungeon. The sorcerers had drawn a circle around the two platforms and were now drawing weird signs around the circle with a substance that looked a lot like blood. Moeder repressed a shiver and made to stand up.

“I’m leaving Dien. I will not be part of whatever crazy thing you’re doing.”

“Why don’t you trust me? I swear everything will be alright.”

“How do you know that?”

“Listen, I just do alright! Just… just stay with me and everything will be fine.” Moeder gave him a suspicious look but reluctantly sat back down. She was about to tell him that he’d better know what he was doing when the room was suddenly filled with a sound coming from the sorcerers. They were done drawing around the platforms and were know turning around them, singing a song with no tune, no music. The language was unknown to Dien and Moeder, and yet the song had a hypnotizing effect on them. It penetrated the very core of their heart, chilling them to the soul. The room grew colder, to the point that the two youngsters could see their breath coming out in a misty cloud. Moeder thought about running out of the room, but she seemed pasted to her spot, unable to drag her eyes away from the ceremony taking place. The song progressively grew in volume and in pitch, and suddenly a savage scream burst from the coffin and reverberated against the walls. Goose bumps broke on Moeder’s slender arms as she wrapped them around herself. In front of her the most horrible thing was happening. Something hit on the top of the coffin from the inside with a loud thud, and then it stopped. Without warning the tip of a dagger sprouted out of the coffin. It disappeared then came back again, then disappeared, and came back again until all that was left of the cover of the coffin was a mass of splintered, rotten wood. The room was filled with silence. Then all of a sudden a hand appeared on the side of the coffin. It was black and bony gave out a putrid smell that grabbed to the back of Moeder’s and Dien’s throat. Slowly, the creature in the coffin redressed itself in a seated position and looked around. Moeder gasped with horror at its sight. Like the hand, it was black and rotten, with irregular holes where the rotten skin had fallen off. It turned its empty eye sockets toward Moeder. A big, sluggish, sticky worm crawled out of one of them and it picked it up and stuffed it in its mouth. Next to her Dien was staring, open mouthed and shivering. Then it turned around and looked at Boeren who, white with fright, was struggling against its bonds. The creature’s mouth stretched into a sardonic smile. It reached a bony hand toward Boeren’s face and plunged its sharp fingers around its eye. Dien stared in revulsion as his friend screamed in atrocious pain and struggled unsuccessfully. The creature ripped his left eye out, and then the right one with a sound of tearing skin. It was more than Moeder could take. Boeren’s scream seem to bounce around inside her skull. Please make it stop, please make it stop!, she begged silently. Then the creature picked up the rusted dagger at its side, and plunged it in Boeren’s heart. He scooped over the dead man’s body and drank its warm blood. Then it pulled away, stepped out of the coffin, took a deep breath, and exploded in a cold, guttural, inhuman laughter.

¯ ¯ ¯ ¯

The leader of the sorcerers took a shy step toward the zombie and bowed deeply.

“I am your servant King Haat.” King Haat!, thought Moedre in panic. Oh Dien, what have you done?!

“Uhmmmm. Were you the one to bring me back to life?”

“Yes my Lord. With the help of my disciples here.” With a sweep of the hand he mentioned the other sorcerers standing behind him.

“Very well. Your lives shall be spared.” He looked around and Dien and Moedre cowered in their secluded spot. The red bloody eyes seemed to rest on them for a while, and then moved back to the sorcerer. “

“Give me some clothes,” he ordered imperiously. His request was soon fulfilled then he started pacing the dungeon.

“Why have I been resurrected?” he asked in a cold, lifeless voice.

“He gave us the task, my Lord,” replied the leader, pointing at Dien. King Haat walked to him and stood a few inches from him. Up close Dien could see all the little creatures that crawled in and out of the King’s body and he was sure that his legs would give way to him in an instant.

“Why have you sought my resurrection?” the King asked again.

“There…there is a w-war going on between the two clans, your Highness, and y- your help is n-needed.” he stammered.

“So you called me to help you win the war. And what will you do once you’re done with me? Send me back to the grave?” Not sure what to reply, Dien kept quiet, and the King burst in his inhuman laughter again.

“You’re a foul,” he said, “but your stupidity favored me. For now I am stronger than ever, invincible. Soon darkness shall reign over all.” He burst in another laugh again, and then directed his gaze toward Moeder.

“You are a very pretty maiden. You shall be my mistress, and if you’re good, I might even make you my wife.” She stared at him with big blue eyes. Her brain seemed to be frozen with fright, and took a while for her to make sense of the King’s words. As realization dawned on her she let out a frightened moan and cowered against the wall. The King grabbed her by the arm and yanked her to her feet, his rotten fingers cold as death against her skin.

“No! Leave her!” cried Dien, throwing himself at the zombie in an effort to break his grasp on Moeder. The King effortlessly picked him up by the throat. Choking, Dien struggled against the King’s strong hold.

“You dare defy me, mortal? You shall pay for it.” His bony black fingers closed around Dien’s neck and soon black spot appeared in front of his eyes. His body was growing heavier, and everything became darker. Moeder stared in horror as Dien’s eyes bulged out of his head and his tongue protruded from his mouth, slowly turning blue. Progressively his struggles stopped and he hung limply in the King’s hand. The latter let him fall to the ground and paid him no more mind as he led her to the center of the room. He effortlessly threw his own coffin off the platform and laid her down on it, a cold smile on his hideous face. In an attempt to rid herself of the sight Moeder turned her eyes to her right, but there lay Dien’s body. Unable to support the sight of the man she had loved, she turned her eyes to her left, and found herself staring into the dead face of Boeren, his empty eye sockets staring at her. At the same moment she felt a big sticky thing fall on her bosom and slide between her breasts. It was a worm, a big, fat worm, and it had fallen out of the face of the King, who was staring at her with a rapacious expression on his face. He slowly unbuttoned the front of her ragged dress and flicked the worm from between her breasts with his black tongue. The noise of crushing members filled the room and a sticky substance ran over his dry lips as he chewed. Then he passed his tongue over her pink nipples, and she sobbed in revulsion. She pushed against him with her palms, trying to push him off her, but her hands sank into his rotting body. He chuckled cruelly and kissed her soft mouth with his black decomposing lips, the putrid smell of death overwhelming her. He pulled away from the sobbing girl with a smile and whispered

“Now let’s get to the serious stuff.” He chuckled and said again. Upon hearing these words Moeder struggled against him, unsuccessfully trying to push him away; his body, clammy with decaying skin, sank into hers as he penetrated her.

Thirteen years later in Auckland, New Zealand…

Vera
6:
I walked briskly up the hallway, keeping track of the room numbers as I went. 344, 346, 348, oh there it was…350. I advanced reluctantly toward the white wooden door and knocked hesitantly. I had managed to convince myself that everything would be fine, but now I wasn’t so sure anymore. What if the teachers didn’t like me? What if I didn’t make any friends? What if I made a big mess of everything again? No, this time everything would be fine. This was a new beginning, and a new me, and I would be on my best behavior. I wouldn’t give my new parents any reason to send me back. The door swung opened and a short balding man stared at me with jovial brown eyes.

“You must be Vera?” he asked with a smile. “I’m Mr. Ryburn, your homeroom teacher. Come in, come in!” he motioned me in with a big wave of the hand. I took a big breath and stepped in the room; I was immediately pierced by a dozen pair of eyes. I wanted to turn around and run out and all the way back to the Meldrums’ house, but I figured they wouldn’t appreciate, so I stood still instead, wringing my hands with nervousness.

“Everybody, this is your new classmate Vera Meldrum,” he introduced me. Dragging my eyes from the floor I looked up and smiled shyly, my eyes sweeping over the people with whom I would spend most of my time over the next two years of high school, if I didn’t get sent back again that is. They looked exactly like any other student in any other school I’d been to, and as usual none of them seemed extremely eager to forge a lifelong friendship with the new girl. In fact, most of them were openly yawning and glancing at the clock repeatedly. Talk about a nice welcome.

“I trust you will all help her in any way you can until she feels comfortable with the school; in fact, I need someone to be her shadow for this week and maybe the next one too, that could explain to her how we work here,” Mr. Ryburn rattled on. Considering the lack of enthusiasm I had observed in the students, I doubted that anyone would bother to raise their hand. People had better things to do than play nanny to a new student. That’s why I was so surprised when a student raised his hand and said, “I’ll do it!” He had long blond hair that hung on his shoulders, and big blue eyes that would make any girl melt. He smiled at me enticingly and I smile back shyly.

“Thank you Ricky, I appreciate,” said Mr. Ryburn. Then he gave me a sheet of paper- a worksheet we were suppose to finish in class-, assigned me a seat and resumed giving the instructions. I took a deep breath and smiled inwardly. Things were going better than I would have dreamed possible. The bell rang a few minutes later and I gathered my stuff and walked to the door, where my shadow was waiting for me.

“Hey,” he said I soon as I was out of the doorway. “I’m Ricky Lardner.” He extended a hand and I shook it heartily.

“Hey, I’m Vera.” He smiled and turned to a guy next to him I hadn’t noticed before and said “This is my friend Victor Ouder.” The guy in question was tall and lean with broad shoulders, a narrow waist and long legs, kind of like the guy models. His hair was short and the blackest I’d ever seen and set an amazing contrast with his light green eyes. Where Ricky was warm and cute, he was dark and hot. While Ricky’s eyes could melt a girl’s heart, a simple stare from him would turn a girl into a bubbling mass. He was the most handsome creature I’d ever set my eyes on, every girl’s dream, and I disliked him instantly.

“Nice to meet you Victor.” I forced myself to extend a hand to him, willing myself to be friendly and to smile even though my jaw was aching from the effort. He ignored my hand and stared at my face, a deep frown creasing his forehead. Talk about cold. Judging from the way he was looking down his straight nose at me and the way his large, expressive mouth was set in a hard line, it wasn’t hard for me to guess he didn’t like me either. His eyes bored into mine, and it was suddenly like the hallway was filled with static electricity; I couldn’t tear my gaze from his. Then he looked away nonchalantly, nodded to his friend, and walked away.

“Don’t mind him too much. He’s kind of reserved with strangers,” Ricky apologized. I shrugged. Honestly I really didn’t mind not being friends with Victor, quite the opposite in fact. There was something about him that made me dislike him, though I didn’t what. The guy could go to hell for all I cared. I distantly heard Ricky ask for my schedule and handed it to him. It turned out that we had the same class so we walked together. It also turned out that Victor was in that class, as well as another girl Ricky introduced to me as Samantha. She was short and extremely curvy with blond hair hanging down to her back. Her eyelashes were thick with mascara and her face was laden with make up. From the way the boys around were checking her out they probably thought she was hot, but I thought she looked like a clown. She didn’t seem too happy that Ricky was my shadow. She nodded to me curtly and sat down next to Victor on the seat behind mine and Ricky’s. I could feel Victor’s eyes bore into my back but I ignored him. I had managed to finally focus on what the teacher was babbling about when the first piece of paper hit the back of my head. I turned around abruptly and fixed my two assailants with an austere stare. Samantha apologized, fighting not to laugh.

“Sorry! I was just trying to pass a note to Ricky.” Victor on the other hand didn’t even make any effort to hide his mirth; he was openly cracking up. I hated him even more. I took a big breath and turned back around. I was hit by four or five more pieces of paper over the remaining of the class but deciding that it was best to ignore them, I put up an unaffected front, while I was seething inside. The rest of the morning passed without any notable incident. I didn’t have any more class with Ricky and had to manage by myself, but at the end of fourth period he was waiting for me like a faithful watchdog. He gave me the sexiest smile when he saw me.

“So, how were your classes?”

“They were OK.”

“Cool. We’re just waiting for Victor and Sammy to join us.” I nodded, hoping he hadn’t noticed my discontentment. They soon arrived.

“Hey sweety!” Sammy exclaimed in a painfully squeaky voice. She linked one of her arm through Ricky’s, the other one through Victor’s, and they strolled on without me. My heart started to sink with disappointment when Ricky turned around and asked,

“Are you coming?” I hurried to catch up with them, but as it was obvious that they weren’t eager to include me into their little threesome I trudged a step or two behind them, doing my best not to be left behind in the thick crowd of the hallway. I was so absorbed in the task of not losing sight of my guides I didn’t notice a boy crouched in front of me, picking up his books from the floor as fast as his pudgy arms permitted him. I bumped into him, and carried by my momentum toppled over him and landed on my butt on his other side, letting out a startled cry. Among the midst of laughter I barely noticed what happened. One minute I was sited dumbfounded on the floor, wishing it would open under me. Then Ricky hurried back to me and pulled me to my feet.

“Are you OK?” he asked but before I could even answer he was strolling purposeful toward the boy whom I’d tripped over. He seized him by the front of the shirt and slammed him against a nearby wall. He drove his fist into the boy’s stomach and the boy gasped for air.

“That’s what you get for tripping people!” I watched in horror as he drew his fist and prepared to hit him again. What was happening was wrong. It was all an accident. I knew I had to stop him, but I seemed stuck to my spot. Fortunately I was saved the trouble by Victor. He hurried to Ricky and grabbed his friend’s fist before he could hit the boy again.

“That’s enough!” he said authoritatively. Ricky hesitated for a minute then let his victim drop to the floor and walked to me.

“You sure you’re OK? Trust me he won’t stand in your way again.” He smiled assuredly. A sick feeling filled me. I knew I should tell him it hadn’t been necessary, but my mouth was so dry all I could do was swallow hard and nod. Looking bored Samantha walked to us, gave me a dismissing look and pulled Ricky toward the cafeteria. I was about to follow them when I felt a firm hand grip my upper arm and swing me around. Next thing I knew I was staring into Victor’s green eyes.

“Good job,” he said spitefully. “You’ve not even been here for an entire day and you’ve already got poor Podge beaten up.” Giving me a hard look he walked toward the cafeteria. I didn’t make sense of any of this at first, so entranced I was by his voice. It was deep and baritone, making my stomach vibrates. When what he told me finally sank in I was overcome by guilt and walked to Podge. He was slumped on the floor like a puddle of something.

“Hum, are you OK?” I asked tentatively. He fixed his little sunken brown eyes on me. There was no beauty in his face. He had a large forehead and a flat nose preceding a big, fleshy mouth. His drooping cheeks were slick with perspiration. He gave out a nauseating smell that made me wonder when was the last time he’d changed his clothes, or taken a bath for that matter.

“I’m really sorry about what happened,” I tried again, breathing shallowly. His eyes remained fixed on me, roaming my face blatantly. I started to feel uncomfortable. “Well, I just wanted to apologize.” I made to walk away when he suddenly seemed to snap out of his reverie.

“Wait!” he called. I stopped and watched as he struggled to his feet. “It’s OK. What happened I mean. I’m kinda used to it.” I nodded sympathetically and started to walk toward the cafeteria again when he said, “I know most people don’t want to hang out with me, but… remember that I’m here…when they get tired of you, you know.” What the heck? Shaking my head I walked to the table where Ricky, Samantha and Victor were seated. The latest gave me a stern look but I ignored him and dropped in the seat next to Ricky.

“So wassup?” he asked.

“Nothing much.”

“Cool. You like the school?”

“It’s alright.”

“Cool. What school did you go to before?”

“Hum, Havelock North High School.” He frowned lightly.

“Never heard of it. Where is it?”

“It’s in Dunedin.” Ricky’s blank expression told me he had no idea where that was. Victor on the other hand did. His eyebrows arched in surprise and he asked, “Isn’t that like way in the south?”

“Um, yeah.”

“Why did your folks move so far? Did your Dad get affected or something?” My first impulse was to tell him that it was none of his business. People can be so noisy! Instead I shrugged and replied, “I don’t know; I never asked them,” I lied.

“You mean you don’t even know why you moved here?” I shrugged again, feeling stupid, and he frowned at me suspiciously. Embarrassed I looked down at the weathered table as if the most interesting pattern had suddenly appeared on its surface. Ricky came to my rescue.

“Well, wherever you came from and why ever, I’m happy you’re here.” He smiled flirtingly, and ignoring Samantha’s venomous look I smiled back flirtingly.

“Me too.” After lunch, Ricky studied my schedule again, and declared to my biggest disappointment that I had all the same afternoon classes as Victor. He didn’t look too happy either, and didn’t do any effort to conceal his irritation when Ricky asked him to replace him as my shadow for the rest of the day. He glared at me like I had anything to do with this, but agreed nonetheless. It turned out that his fears that I might encumber him in any way were highly unfounded. I followed him quietly from class to class, and sat as far away from him as I could.

That evening Ricky walked me home, despite Samantha’s protests. My new parents lived in a big Victorian house surrounded by a little garden with bright windows facing out toward the street.

“Is this your house?” Ricky asked me as I stopped in front of the neatly painted white fence.

“Yeah.” We stood together in an uncomfortable silence. Shifting from foot to foot Ricky said “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Yeah.” Goodness could I say anything else? “Um, Ricky?” I called quickly as he started to turn around. He looked at me questioningly with his big blue eyes.

“Um, I just wanted to say thanks for everything you did for me today.” He smiled.

“It was my pleasure.” Then he leaned over and planted a kiss on my flushed cheek.

“Good night,” he said in a deep voice and walked away. I don’t know how long I stood in the street, stroking my cheek dreamily. After a while however I started to get cold so I hurried through the little front garden and inside the house.

That night at diner my new parents asked me how had been my day, and for the first time since I long as I could remember I replied truthfully, “Oh it was wonderful.” I had a feeling that I would enjoy myself at this school.

¯ ¯ ¯ ¯

Two days later Ricky invited to his house after school. Ever since he had kissed me on my cheek our relationship had evolved. We weren’t exactly going out yet, but we were definitely heading that way. There was a lot of flirting involved. Of course it didn’t put me high on Samantha’s list of friends. If her eyes had been daggers I would be disfigured and dead by then. As for Victor our mutual dislike kept us away from each other, and as well. He ignored me, and so did I. So imagine my disappointment when I found out that Victor and Samantha were coming to Ricky’s house with us too. We crammed in his car and headed for his place. Samantha insisted on seating in the front seat with Ricky, so I was stuck with Victor in the back. He was seated at one end of the car, and I at the other hand. I thought it better not to distract Ricky since he was at the wheel- his driving was already bad as it was- but he hardly needed my help to drive us into a tree; Samantha was doing a good job by herself. She kept on rubbing his arm and asking him stupid questions, all the while battling her eyelashes at him seductively. I wished Ricky would put her in her place, but he seemed to be enjoying himself a lot. Disgusted, I turned my eyes away from the scene and stared out the window. We were passing by a shelter for animals. I’d always wanted a dog, but none of my parents had allowed me. I had once had a hamster, but for some mysterious reason the animal went frantic every time I was around it, so we gave it away. Ricky turned into an alley boarded by big white houses with neatly trimmed gardens, very much like my parents’. He stopped in front of the third house on the right and we went in. The house was tidy and spotless. The furniture was lavish and spoke of wealth. It was a little bit overdone for my taste. Ricky led us to a big living room with a big fireplace, next to which were two comfy red couched which were facing a big screen TV. Was everything big in this house? Looking very much at home, Samantha and Victor plopped in the couches and Samantha turned the TV on. I settled reluctantly next to her as Ricky went in the kitchen to get us something to drink.

“Eh, guess what, Sammy? I got the DVD of the new Naruto movie.” Ricky addressed Samantha as he put our cans of soda in our hands.

“Are you kidding? Can I see it?”

“Sure.” He started to move toward the stairs on his left, then remembering us turned around and asked, “You guys wanna come?” Victor declined and since I had no idea what Naruto was, I decided it was better to decline too. I watched with a pang of jealousy as they moved up the stairs, chatting and laughing. Oh well. I looked up at the TV but they were passing a documentary about WWII. Talk about boring. I wanted to change the channel but I thought I’d better not, especially with Victor staring at me with his sharp, disapproving eyes. I tried to ignore him and forced myself not to look his way, but I could feel his gaze on me, penetrating. What was his problem? His eyes were roaming my face shamelessly. Irritated, I looked toward the stairs but there was still no sign of Samantha and Ricky. They will probably be back soon, I thought. I was quite wrong. The afternoon ticked by and still there was no sign of them. By then I was distinctly on edge. I kept on glancing back and forth between the stairs and the clock, all the while aware of Victor’s eyes on me. I doubted he’d shifted his gaze since we’ve gotten here.

“I doubt they’ll come back down any time soon, you know. No point in breaking your neck swinging your head ‘round like that,” he suddenly said, a mocking smile on his face. I gave him the coldest glare and shrugged.

“Samantha and Ricky go a long way back. She’s never hidden her feelings for him, and it’s only a matter of time before he acknowledges his. As it is, the fact that they are not dating hasn’t stopped them from getting it down from time to time.” He stared at the stairs meaningfully and then back at me.

“I’d go home if I were you.” He looked straight into my eyes and my heart stopped beating. I had to admit the guy was hot. An asshole certainly, but hot nonetheless. A string of laughter came from upstairs, pulling me out of my reverie. Could Victor be right? Were Ricky and Samantha ‘getting it down’ like he said it so well? Maybe they were only watching the movie Ricky was talking about. He’d invited me to come upstairs with too, after all. I doubted he would have if he intended to do something. Nonetheless I decided that I’d rather go home than wait to find out.

“Can you tell Ricky I’m gone when he comes down?” I asked Victor. He nodded and I walked out. The air was chilly and. I hugged myself and started toward home. All along the way my mind was racing with questions. I tried to convince myself that nothing was going on between Samantha and Ricky, and that he liked me. He’d probably only been watching the movie. He had to like me! I mean what with all the flirting and all? He just had to. After getting lost a couple of time I finally got home. I silently crept upstairs and locked myself in my room.

The next day I decided to ignore Ricky. Whatever he’d been doing upstairs, you just don’t let your guests hang around in your living room by themselves. It’s just rude. I didn’t wait for him after fourth period and started toward the lunch room by myself. He quickly caught up with me however, grabbed my arm and swung me around.

“Hey, why did you leave without telling me yesterday?” The guy got some nerve!

“Excuse me? You were the one who left me all alone in your living room while you were up in your room doing I don’t know what!” He had the courtesy to look embarrassed at this.

“Listen, I’m sorry OK. We got kinda carried away, Sammy and I, and I forgot you were downstairs.”

“Carried away? What were you guys doing?” He blushed furiously and replied, “Uh, the movie! We were carried away by the movie.” I stared at him for a minute then turned around and started to walk away. He grabbed my arm again to stop me.

“Listen I know I was rude to you yesterday, OK. But I’m really sorry. Will you forgive me?” I was tempted to say no, but his big blue eyes looked so sincere and innocent I wondered if maybe he was telling the truth. Sensing my hesitation Ricky took a step toward me and encircled me with his arms into a hug.

“C’mon babe.” That did it for me.

“Alright,” I replied, rolling my eyes. He smiled happily, and kissed me on my cheek. Could things get any better?

“Oh by the way,” he said, “the Homecoming dance is tomorrow. I know it’s kinda short notice, but I was wondering if you’d like to go with me.” Me and Ricky together at the Homecoming dance! It was like a dream come true.

“Of course. I’d love to.”

“Cool.” He hugged me, grabbed my hand and walked me to the cafeteria. Samantha, seated next to Victor at our table looked like she could have killed me then and there. Her slick, bright red lips were pressed in a hard line and her eyes were throwing dagger. She was almost scary. Almost.

Ricky walked me home again after school, form where I made a bee line to the mall to buy a dress.

The next afternoon was spent in preparation of the dance- nails, hair, makeup- and at exactly 7:00 Ricky was waiting me in the living room, being entertained by my Mom. I was praying that she hadn’t asked him too many embarrassing questions as I made my way down the stairs. I was wearing a pretty, strapless silver dress. It shone in the dark like a firework and matched my high heels, also silver. My hair swept into a high ponytail, a few strands curling around my ears, from which a pair of silver earings in the shape of teardrops was dangling. Ricky was looking handsome in a light grey tux and a ed cravat. So sexy! My Dad gave the usual instructions about being good and not getting home too late and blah blah blah. Finally he stopped babbling and we were able to leave. We rode silently to the school. Music was blasting from the opened door as we got there. The gym had been transformed. Light was illuminating the every corner; the walls were lined with big tables covered with all kind of food. In the middle a few couples were dancing. Ricky spotted Victor and Samantha. He made toward them, towing me with him.

“Wow, Sammy you look hot,” he exclaimed. I try to push from my head the fact that he hadn’t complemented me on my dress and greeted Samantha politely. She was wearing a red dress with a plunging V-neck that revealed her breasts in a more inappropriate way, and the dress was so short it threatened to slide over her round butt onto her back any time. She might as well have come in bras and under wears. However I didn’t have time to muse over Samantha’s debauched appearance for long, for then I had to greet Victor, and that’s when I lost my breath. He was wearing a black tux with a dark blue cravat that outlined his muscular body. My knees got all wobbly. He nodded absent mindedly at me, barely noticing me. Ricky and Victor immediately engaged in a conversation about football and the upcoming NFL season. I stood dutifully next to Ricky, observing the couples on the dance floor. I spotted Podge across the room; he was staring at me. I remembered how he’d so confidently implied that Ricky would ditch me very soon. How arrogant! No wonder he had no friends. I turned my eyes away from him. The band was now playing a fast tune, and I really wished Ricky would pay attention to me and stir me to the dance floor too, but he remained absorbed in his conversation. On Victor’s other side Samantha was chatting with a girl I’d seen in class. They were whispering furiously and laughing, and I felt a pang of envy. Then Samantha called Ricky’s name and beckoned him. She whispered something in his ear too, and he too started laughing. Then the band started playing a slow tune, and Ricky asked Samantha if she wanted to dance. By then I was really jealous. I stared daggers at them as he led her to the dance floor and wound his arms around her waist and rested her hands on her curvy hips. I swallowed hard and took a deep breath. Calm down Vera, they are just dancing. He should have asked you to dance first, but he probably just forgot, I tried to soothe my hurt feelings. Suddenly I felt very thirsty so I moved around to the drinks table. I grabbed myself a sprite can and then went on the hunt for a napkin; my fingers were getting chilled. By the time I finely found one, the band had retrogressed to playing a fast tune. Ricky and Samantha had vanished. Suddenly, I wasn’t feeling only thirsty, I was steaming hot. Doing all my best to calm down I stepped in the gardens. The air was crisp, brisk and refreshing. It cooled my flushed cheeks. Taking a deep breath, I started strolling, stepping intermittently in pools of dark and light. The cool breeze was toying with my hair, swirling the free strands around my face. I felt the tension leave my body. I turned around a bend in the path and stopped dead still. Right in front of me Ricky was seated on a stone bench, Samantha seated on his lap, her naked legs hanging behind him. Her dress was hitched all the way up to the middle of her butt, her arms locked around Ricky’s neck. His arms were around her, rubbing her back. They were locked in a flaming kiss. I gasped in chock and, dropping my drink, turned around and ran as fast as I could, tears running down my cheeks. How could Ricky do this to me! I thought he liked me, but he was just playing me all along! I had been so foolish to let myself believe that this time it could be different. Behind me I heard running footsteps and Ricky calling my name. I ignored him and burst in the gym, and bumping into the various dancers and observers, I ran for the back door and out through the back alley of the school. I was hindered by my dress and my blinded eyes, and Ricky soon caught up with me. He grabbed my arm and pinned me against the wall.

“Wait Vera! I can explain!” he said, trying to catch his breath. I struggled against his strong hold. Hair was flying into my face.

“Let me go! Let me go right now!”

“But wait! I swear it’s not what it looks like.”

“Really! Are you trying to say your tongue was in that whore’s mouth?! What do you take me for?!”

“Listen I know we were kissing, but it doesn’t mean anything!” He’d fairly regained his breath by then. He sighted and tried to reason with me. “I swear babe it didn’t mean anything.” I tried to shake his hands off me again, but he wouldn’t let go. Then he wound his fingers around my back. “I swear you’re the only one that matters for me.” His gave me his sexy smile, but it didn’t work this time. Instead of melting with glee, I melted with cold fury. Suddenly, all rational thoughts quitted my head, all but one. I wanted to kill him. Seeing red, I set my arms on his chest and slowly let them slide down until I found his manhood. I squeezed it into two fingers and he gasped.

“That’s right babe, that’s the way to do it. See why I like you? You never get mad.” His breath coming out in gushes he sighted with pleasure as I twirled his manhood in my fingers. Then, I wrapped my hand around it and squeezed. Hard. He gasped and tried to pull away from me, but I had him in a firm grip.

“I think you’re squeezing a little bit too hard now babe,” he managed to say between clenched teeth.

“Really?” I asked innocently. And then I squeezed even harder, first with one hand, and then with both hands. Ricky grabbed my arm in an attempt to remove it, but I wasn’t letting go. His face turned redder and redder, his breath coming out with more and more difficulty. I watched his eyes slowly bulged out of his face with grim satisfaction until they stared at me unseeing, devoid of life. Satisfied, I let go of him, and his body dropped at my feet like a ragged doll.

Victor
7:

This must be some kind of nightmare, I repeated continuously, hoping that it would help wake me up. But it didn’t, because I wasn’t dreaming. I’d seen Vera run out of the room in tears, Ricky on her heels, and guessing that she’d caught him and Samantha doing something, I went after her; I’m not sure why I did. By the time I’d reached the dark street running behind the school Ricky had been leaning over her with his arms braced on the wall. Assuming they would be fine, I’d started back for the gym when I’d heard Ricky asked in labored breath to let go of him. My friend’s tone had prickled my attention and I’d turned around. I’d been shocked when I’d realized what Vera was doing, what she was holding on to. I’d thought it was a bit of an extreme way to teach a guy a lesson, and my hair had stood on end when Ricky’s eyes had started bulging and I’d realized she had no intention to let go. I’d stood in shock, staring as life slowly ebbed out of his body until he’d dropped in a heap in front of her. I’d watched as a cruel smile had stretched on her full lips; now rage, kindled by a pain I’d never felt before, flared in my heart. I lost all knowledge of my surroundings; I became deaf to the music blasting from the gym behind me. All I could see was Vera standing on top of my best friend. Without thinking I walked toward her, my hands bunched into fists. She heard my footsteps and upon seeing me her grey slanted eyes became large with surprise and panic. She gasped, glanced down at the body lying at her feet and ran down the street. I took off after her. She was fast, but no match for me. I grabbed the back of her dress and yanked her back. She staggered and before she could regain her footing I grabbed her by the front of her dress, lifted her and threw her on the floor a few feet down the street. A groan escaped her lips as she hit the floor. She got on her knees and tried to crawl away, but I grabbed her long black hair and yanked her back once more. She let out a cry of pain and turned on me, raking her fingers on my arms, unsuccessfully trying to scratch me. Once more I picked her up and slammed her against the wall. Her head hit the wall with a sickening thud, and she started to slide down. I dragged her back up.

“What have you done you bitch?!” She stared at me with eyes glazed by pain. Indifferent, I shook her violently and asked my question again. She moaned.

“Let me go,” she pleaded feebly.

“You’ve killed my best friend, you fucking bitch!” I punched her hard in the stomach, and she gasped and doubled over, holding her stomach. I jerked her back up.

“Why did you do that? He’d done nothing to you!” Breathing laboriously, she said defiantly, “He hurt me. He deserved to die!” I put my face a few inches from her; I could feel her warm breath on face.

“Well, none hurt me either, and you just have. And now I’ll make you pay.” I wrapped my hand around her slender neck, and felt her swallow hard. Her eyes were large with fear. “An eye for an eye,” I whispered. I tighten my grip, staring into her eyes, filling with satisfaction as they glazed over. She clutched my arm, fidgeting under me, kicking. A low growl resounded behind me and I jumped around, letting go of Vera. She fell to the floor. Everything was quiet. We had wandered so far from the school we couldn’t hear the music anymore, nor see the light. I strained my eyes to discern what had emitted the growl, and thought I saw a pair of red eyes staring back me. The beast growled louder this time, and moved toward us. Behind me Vera moaned and struggled to stand back up. I’ll finish you later, I thought grudgingly. The beast got closer; it was a big errand dog, probably rabid, growling fiercely, his hackles rising, dribble dripping to the floor in big drips. My hair stood on end and behind me I felt Vera stiffen in fear. He regrouped his hind legs, preparing to leap, and was flying at me before I could react. I landed heavily on my back, the dog on top of me, his sharp teeth aiming for my throat. It was uncommonly heavy, but the most unsettling thing about it was its red eyes, almond-shaped, looking almost human. His claws were clawing at my legs. I stifled a groan of pain and did all I could to push the beast away from my throat. Suddenly something hit the dog in the head. It jumped from me in surprise and moved toward Vera. She turned to run and the dog went after her. He was on her in no time. Her scream tore the silent night. I was tempted to let her die, devoured by the thing, but she’d just saved my life. No matter how much I hated her, I owed her. I ran her way. It was on her back, tearing her clothes apart. Impulsively I grabbed its ears and pulled it my way as hard as I could. It started to shake its huge head, trying to dislodge me, and I stumbled backward. Already it was flying back at me. It leaped and I raised my hand to protect myself. A sensation of power spread through my body and a blast of light shot from my outstretched and hit the dog in mid-flight. It whimpered and fell on the floor. It was shaken by a few spasms and then laid still, its tongue protruding from its mouth. I stood staring at my hands in disbelief; they were still pulsating with power. I looked up to find Vera staring at me with round eyes.

“How did you do that?” she asked in disbelief.

“I-I don’t know,” I stammered. She walked to me making sure to step far around the dead dog. She poked at my hands tentatively.

“What are you?” I stared at her; anger stated to flare in me again.

“What kind of question is that? What do you mean what am I?”

“Well, you obviously aren’t human, no human can do that. So what are you?” My fist impulse was to argue with her but I had nothing to reply. She was right. No normal human did such things.

“Maybe I’m a superhuman or something,” I said, sounding pathetic. She scoffed and turned around. Her dress was torn to pieces and there were an

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