*UPDATES MAY BE COMING DURING WEEKENDS. HOMEWORK IS GETTING IN THE WAY OF MY FREE-TIME AND IT'S A LOT SO I USUALLY WORK ON IT, FINISH AND THEN GET READY FOR BED BECAUSE DAMN IT WAS A LOT. SO I'M THINKING THE WEEKENDS IS WHEN I'LL MOST DEFINITELY UPDATE AND WORK ON STORIES FOR MORE THAN A MINUTE. SORRY ABOUT THIS, GUYS. GOD DAMN HIGH SCHOOL... ANYWAYS, ENJOY THIS CHAPTER! STAY CREEPY, MY FRIENDS!~*

Chapter 4

The morning air was fresh and cool. My shoes paddled against the concrete side-walk and I took in the sights of my home-town. The buildings were tall and sturdy, people walked by here and there and, cars were cruising along the road. It seemed like a nice morning. Walking to school isn't so bad. Hopefully I won't be late. I barely just started middle school. I can't be late on my first few weeks.

As I was walking casually, waving to random people sitting on restaurant patios and just random people in general, I heard the sound of commotion around. I slowed my steps until I could barely hear them and then listened intently. Nobody else around me seemed to notice this noise, strangely enough. Being the curious soul I am, I decided to follow this noise. I'll just check what it is really quick and then go back on my way to walking.

The noises led to an alleyway and I was having second thoughts on doing this. I was beginning to turn on my heel when I heard some insulting shouts and muffled thumps. This got my full attention and I walked in. I snuck around the corner in the alley and looked to see three men hassling a younger, hooded boy. They were all throwing insults at him, while the boy just stood there, leaning against the wall, holding his shoulder. I watched them all and was horrified to see one man knee the boy in the gut. I heard the boy grunt and he hunched over slightly, yet didn't fall.

"Jeez this kid just doesn't know when he's had enough," the man who had kicked him said.

"I think this little brat wants us to knock him unconscious!" The second man said, smiling wickedly.

"Well why don't we do that then?" The third man said, then came up to the boy and punched him in the gut. "Well, I can tell yah, he sure can take a hit," the third had remarked and backed away.

Within the brief silence between all four of them, the boy had muttered, "My mother packed a bigger punch than you three combined.."

"Excuse me, brat, but I don't think you should be talking right now. So why don't you shut up!" The second growled and hit his fist against the boy's head.

"Man, he's taking it like a punching bag," the second one said.

"That's what freaks are: punching bags." The first man said. "Damn freak...!"

In the moment he had said the word freak, I felt a heat course through me and I barged in on the situation. "Don't you dare call him a freak!" I scolded the three men. They all looked at me and then laughed. "Well, hey there little lady," the second chimed, "What's a pretty girl like you doing around here?"

"I'm not going to let you beat up that boy! He hasn't done anything to you three at all." I said.

"Oh he did something alright," the first one started, "He was born." They all laughed and I frowned at them all. Without any sort of second thought, I stormed up to them and blocked the boy with my body. "Him being born isn't a reason for punishment. Bad actions are reason for punishment," I said, "Everyone is born for a reason and it's not to be judged and beaten around like torn rag dolls. No one is a freak. It's just people like you who judge and separate people by who they are! If anything you three are the ones who deserve to be punished. So leave him alone or else I'll call the police so they can give you the punishment you deserve!"

They all stared at me and then began to chuckle. "Well aren't you mouthy," the third man told me, "Sorry doll face but if you're going to be talking to us like that then we can't have you running off." That was a cue for one of the other men to reach out and grab me. But, before he could even touch me, I pulled out a can of pepper spray from my back pocket and pushed down on the button. The spray hit him right in his eyes and he stumbled back, screaming from the burning pain. The other two men looked down at their friend and then frowned at me. They started towards me but I pointed the pepper spray can at them and said, "I should mention that this is the kind of pepper spray they use on bears. Let that sink in before you step one foot closer to me."

They gave me wide eyes and then started backing away. "Leave. Now." I ordered them. They just stood there. I sprayed the pepper spray at the air towards them, saying, "For bears!" and that got them going. The two of them picked up their still moaning friend and left the alleyway.

I waited until there was no sign of them left and then turned towards the boy behind me. He was still there, leaning against the wall, holding his stomach. I looked at him, noting how he hid his face, and asked, "Are you okay? You don't look too good."

"I'm fine...," he muttered.

I stared at him for a few moments and then took off my backpack to open it up and rummage around inside. I found a mini first aid kit and showed it to him. "Can I at least fix you up, if you'll allow me?" I asked him.

He nodded and I asked him where things hurt. He had said he had bruising on his stomach and arms, some on his face too. I let him handle the bruises on his stomach so things wouldn't be awkward for him and then helped him with his arms and face. I put a cream to sooth the bruising on his arms and bandaged them up. I then went to work on his face but he shied away. "What's wrong?" I ask.

"I don't want you to see my face," he answered.

"Why not?"

"I just don't want you to see."

I looked down and said, "Well, at least let me fix up some part of it. I don't have to see all of it. I'm sure you can cover."

The boy stood there, contemplating my suggestion and then sighed. He lifted up his head, letting me see a plain white mask upon his face. With shaking, hesitant hands, he lifted it up and revealed his mouth and part of his nose. "Make it quick," he said. I would've started if I wasn't distracted by the color of his complexion. It looked...gray?

"Your skin-."

"Don't talk about it," he told me. I nodded and lifted my hands to his jaw. He had a cut on it and part of his lip was busted and split. I got a small cloth and dabbed at the fresh blood, then put some peroxide on a cleaner part of the cloth to dab again. He hissed and winced, allowing me to see something else that I couldn't help but marvel. His teeth were sharp, shark-like even! How is that even possible-?

"Are you done?" He asked me. I snapped out of my trance and nodded. I put the tools away, throwing the dirtied cloths in a nearby garbage can. I slung my backpack on my shoulder and said, "I hope you feel better. And don't run into anymore trouble too."

"It's not like I try," he said, as he slid his mask down. For some reason, I smiled. I started walking away when I stopped in my tracks and twirled around to face him again. "By the way," I started, "My name is Ao, or Blue, if you want to be literal about it."

"Your name is Blue...?" He remarked. I couldn't help but blush and nod with a bashful smile. He stood there, staring at me through his mask. After a pause of silence, he said, "In that case...you're my favorite color..."

I couldn't help but blush even more and smile wider. "Thanks," I said. He just stood there without another word. "Well," I said, "I'll be going now. Bye...- I didn't quite get your name..."

He stared at me, allowing yet another pause of silence to surround us. And then, he began saying, "My name is..."

...

"You...?"

I was surprised. I can't believe I ran into him again. I mean, I know I had thought about wanting to see him again but I didn't think it would happen! Oh my gosh! I know being this elated over a man you don't even know is odd but it's how I'm feeling and it won't stop. I managed to control myself and say, "Hello! Y-You're the man from the football game. The one Daniel was messing with."

Like he did before, he gave no reply, he just stood there, staring at me through his blue mask. "How are you?" I asked him. Still no reply. I wasn't annoyed with it though. I probably wouldn't talk if I were him too.

"Well, thank you for finding my friend's dog. You have no idea of the trouble I went through to find her," I said, and looked down at the German Shepard. She gave me those doggy eyes and I giggled. I turned my gaze back on the masked man and put my hand out. "My name is Ao, by the way." I trailed off and then stammered, "Oh wait, I already told you that at the game... Heh, heh!" I rubbed the back of my neck and smiled. The hood on my head slipped off as I pulled my hand away and I felt a few droplets of rain drop on my hair. "But, it is nice to meet you...again," I added and then held out my hand again.

He still sported his trademark silence yet he put his hand in mine and shook. I smiled and looked down at our hands, only to stare in awe. His hands, still bandaged like before, they were-.

"Gray...?" I mumbled. His hand tensed up and he abruptly pulled it away. I looked back up at him and he was looking away from me. "I didn't mean to upset you," I said, "I've just...never seen that kind of color on anyone before..." He didn't remark on my sentence. I must've upset him anyway. "S-Sorry," I uttered and bowed slightly. He said nothing. How had I not noticed that kind of skin complexion on him before? It was pretty dim behind the bleachers. Not a lot of things could be made out. I looked back up at him and asked, "Do you mind me asking...what is your name?"

I was curious. Highly curious at that. What kind of name could a man like him have? He's a very quiet and mysterious person. I doubt he will answer me, considering his quietness throughout the times that we've met recently. But it's still fascinating to wonder about who he is and why. And what reason does he have to wear that mask? That's something that brings my curiosity up even more.

And then, just when I thought it wouldn't happen, he turned his head to me and said, "Jack."

His voice was deep, smooth and sultry. It sent chills down and back up my spine. It sounds like a voice I could fall asleep to and then wake up feeling great. I repeated his name in a small mumble and then smiled. "I like that name," I remarked and he just stood there. Cocoa let out a whine and nudged me closer to him. I glared down at her and she sat down, looking innocent. I shook my head and then looked back at the man named Jack. He was looking off towards another direction and I just dismissed it as him looking away. Then, I heard him let out a sigh and he suddenly leaned in towards me. My body jolted a bit and I stared at his mask in surprise.

What was he doing? He lifted his hands up to my face and I stood there, doing nothing. The feeling of fabric coming over my head was what I felt next and I realized he was pulling up my hood. With his hands still gripping the fabric, he leaned in closer and said, "Keep your hood up. You never know who could be watching."

I was taken aback by this sentence and gave him a puzzled look. He let go of my hood and then leaned away from me, not giving any sort of explanation for what he had said. Then, to my disappointment, he started to walk away. I paused for a second and then jumped in my shoes, calling out to him, "H-Hey! Wait! What do mean?"

"You're a smart girl. Figure things out for yourself, Blue," Jack said, not even turning towards me once as he kept on walking. I stared at him with a look. Not because he didn't answer me but because...

"You remember my name?" I asked, awestruck. Jack abruptly stopped in his tracks and then slightly turned his head to the side. "Of course I do," he said, "...How can I forget my favorite color?"

My cheeks grew warm and flushed red. He stood there for a few more seconds until he huffed slightly and began walking again. I just watched him go, until he turned a street corner and vanished behind the buildings. I still stood there, feeling as if I were in a daze. A voice came up in my head, but it wasn't Sam. It sounded younger and...slightly prepubescent.

"In that case...you're my favorite color..."

Where was this from? I know it was from somewhere. Damn, it's right at the tip of my tongue...! Why can't I remember...?

Cocoa barked loudly and that snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked down at her and smiled. "Alright girl, we're going," I told her and gently tugged on the leash to signal for her to get up and start walking. We walked back to my estate and as we did the rain had started to settle until it was only drizzling. During this, my mind was only set on Jack. He fascinated me. But not like how a person would be fascinated with a creature. It felt more like...an infatuation. Though I have no clue why. But I have a feeling I'll find out eventually. Then, and only until then, will my questions be answered and my curiosity will be satisfied.

...

It was Sunday. The weekend went by. Taking care of Cocoa was a breeze. I did everything Kayla wanted me to do and I'm sure she'll be happy to see her baby again.

My father is home and my mother is out grocery shopping. Kayla should he coming by my house at any minute to pick up Cocoa. After Kayla picks her up, I will get ready to take my afternoon jog. After that, I'll be able to relax at home freely. And both of my parents will be home by then so things will be all the more better.

I sat on one of the couches in the living room, with Cocoa laying down next to me. I watched some TV shows and sometimes Sam would remark about things every now and then.

What do you think would happen if PB, Finn and Marceline were trapped on an island? I think some stuff would definitely go down.

I laughed and said, "Well, for one, PB has her royal swan so they could escape on that. Marceline can fly so that's another way out and Finn can pretty much come up with anything to save them."

You're always so literal.

"Well, you asked what I think would happen and that's what would happen," I told him.

Okay, okay. I'm thinking they'd probably end up eating PB for sustenance.

"Sam!"

Finn would probably not last long without any sort of food. And Marceline...well she doesn't die so she's okay.

"Oh lord," I sighed and then stifled a giggle. The doorbell interrupted the moment and I knew that it must be Kayla. I got up from the couch and made my way to the door, opened it and saw Kayla. "Hi!" she said, with a bright smile. Cocoa barked behind me and came running up to Kayla. Kayla squealed in joy and said, "Oh hello there, Cocoa! How's my baby girl?!" She leaned down and Cocoa licked her face repeatedly. I only laughed at this. Kayla stood back up and said, "Thank you so, so much for taking care of her! I really appreciate it!"

"Oh no problem," I said and then went to go get the bag of Cocoa's things. I walked back and then gave Kayla the bag, along with the leash.

"Thanks, Ao! You're the best," she called out to me as she was walking away from the door.

"See you tomorrow!" I said.

"See ya!" she shouted and then left through the gates, with Cocoa following behind on her leash. I closed the door and then sighed. Clapping my hands together, I said, "Welp, time to jog!"

I quickly scurried up the stairs and to my room, to change into my running clothes. Once I had on my running shorts, tank top and sneakers, I made my way downstairs, went to tell my father good-bye in his office and then texted my mother, saying I would be out running. I grabbed my music player from the lounge room and the strap I wrap around my arm to hold it. I walked to the front door, opened it up, walked outside and took in a big breath. Turning on my music, I closed the door behind me and began running towards the gates.

...

I ran down streets, past houses and people, waving to some of them a few times. I was sweating from jogging for twenty minutes already. My chest and legs began to burn and I was trying to manage my breathing. My father always tells me to breathe through my nose while I run. Sometimes I forget to do that and it results in me having a dry mouth and me feeling stupid. Plus, breathing through my mouth is bad since I could pass out and I don't want that.

I turned onto another street, this one being sandwiched by fields and the woods. As I was running, I noticed lights flashing up ahead. They were blue and red. Police cars. I slowed down and went at a steady trot just to get a better look at what was up ahead. My eyes widened once I realized what the police cars were there for and ran faster up ahead.

At least three police cars, two ambulances and one news van was at the scene. Investigators were taking pictures and writing down notes on the scene. I stopped running, paused my music and looked at what they were all concerned about. A semi-truck was leaning on the side of the road, the left side of it was dented and crushed beyond repair. Glass and shards of metal were sprawled around the area and I couldn't help but stare in disbelief.

Out of the corner of my eye, a police officer walked up to me and said, "Ma'am, you're going to need to step back." I looked up at him, barely realizing that I was leaning over the yellow CAUTION tape. I jumped back and asked him, "What happened?"

"Well," he said, with a sigh as he looked at the truck, "We got a call from the driver, saying that something hit his truck and sent him off of the road. Luckily, he only got a few scrapes and bruises, but of course his truck is totaled. We're trying to figure out what happened and why. We're thinking its another hit and run but...things are still pretty sketchy."

I looked at the truck, taking note of the size of the dent. Unless another semi-truck just appeared and hit this one, it couldn't be a hit and run incident.

"Say, you look familiar," the officer told me.

"My name is Ao Matsukochi," I answered.

"Oh right!" he said, "You're the daughter of Tetsuya and Sakura Matsukochi."

I nodded. He put his hands on his hips and looked back at the scene. "Well, Miss Matsukochi, we don't have any information that could tell us what happened and how. Though, I must say, I'm not surprised. What with the terrorist attack in Illinois two years ago, the crime rate has gone up around the country. Hopefully we'll be able to contain it here."

Right. The terrorist attack. I remember when news channels on every station were going on about the damage and casualties caused within that horrible event. I can't imagine what it must've been like and I wouldn't really like to anyways. Over 800 people died while over 50 were left injured. Though what's confusing is that the attack was in a small town, barely recognized by the state itself. Although the attack spread into some other towns, it's still strange that it would start in such a quaint town. I guess as a cover or to give the element of surprise to authorities and the government. But it's still odd.

"Well, I should be getting back on the job, Miss Matsukochi," the officer had said. "You have a wonderful day."

"You too," I told him and watched as he went walking off to join his fellow officers. I scanned my eyes over the people and vehicles. The news reporter was speaking to the camera, telling the information that officials have confirmed. Paramedics were surrounding the crash sight, and two of them were by one ambulance. A big, older man was sitting in the ambulance, holding an ice pack to his jaw. That must be the driver. The rest were officers and investigators.

As I looked at the damage to the semi-truck, I couldn't help but feel unsure about this whole thing. I know it wasn't a hit and run incident. It had to be something else. That's when I decided to figure out things myself.

"Sam," I said, trying not too draw attention to myself.

Yes?

"Mind cracking this case with me?"

It would be my pleasure.

I nodded and looked around. The glass and metal shards are all over the ground so by their place on it, the debris flew from the truck at a twenty degree angle. Sam assisted in this fact by making me see a light blue line.

The impact of the hit would've had to have had a force of eighty thousand pounds along with the speed of two-hundred miles per hour.

"Damn," I mumbled. Sam put light blue and flickering numbers in my vision, showing the speed and weight of whatever hit the truck. I looked over at the dent in the truck's trailer. The dent spans to ten feet in height and five feet in width. It could possibly be another semi-truck...

If it were another semi-truck then it would have to have hit this one from the side. The only thing to the left of this semi-truck and the road is the woods and it's highly impossible to have an eighteen wheeler drive through a tree-line that thick. Especially with the speed at which it would've hit. If it did come out of the woods, the density of the tree-line and the terrain would slow it down to at least thirty to forty miles per hour. That speed wouldn't be enough to match the force of the impact.

"Okay then, another semi-truck is off the list of things that could've caused this," I said and kept looking around. I noted the fact that the woods were left of the truck and road. As I looked at the tree-line I noticed that a few trees were cracked and leaning to the side. Something came out of that...

The damage on the trees and the length at which they're separated match the force and the width of the object that hit the truck.

"Exactly five feet in width...," I mumbled, and Sam put those numbers in the air too, next to the tree-line. I stepped farther back to get a full view of the whole scene before me.

"So," I said, pointing to the woods, "the object came in from the tree-line, hit the truck and then..." I looked to the right to find faint craters in the ground and the same damage to another set of trees. "It went into the other side," I finished.

Sam played out what happened. I watched as a large, light blue object, ten feet tall and five feet wide, came bursting through the left tree-line, onto the road and it then rammed into the truck, which was shone intact before the damage in light blue. After it hit, the object left the craters in the ground and then ran in to the right tree-line. I looked closely at those craters and realized they seemed to be...paw prints?

"It was an animal...?" I said, in disbelief.

Yes.

I looked at the whole crash sight with wide eyes. "That's...one big animal," I breathed. "What kind of creature has the size and strength to throw a semi-truck off the road?"

I have no clue. Not one creature of those characteristics exist in this area. So, unless dinosaurs mysteriously came back from the dead, there is nothing out there that could match these facts.

"This is weird," I mumbled.

I looked towards the left tree-line and stared intently at it. I cast my eyes down to the ground near it and noticed something I hadn't before. "Are those tire tracks?" I murmured.

Yes.

I walked closer towards the tracks in the dirt and the skid marks left on the road. They came from the woods too. I frowned and said, "Its only one set."

The tire tracks don't belong to a car or any other four wheeled vehicle.

I tapped my chin and then figured it out. "A motorcycle, then!"

Correct.

"But what's a motorcycle doing coming out of the woods..?" I said.

Not sure. But it seems that the rider was going in the direction of the animal.

"Jeez, either they were brave or just plain stupid to have gone after such a large creature," I remarked.

Storm chasers go in and try analyzing dangerous and deadly storms. Maybe this is no different.

"Maybe," I mumbled. Sam decided to highlight the tire tracks in the light blue aura and I tried determining the shape of the bike. Obviously this was all I could get out of the area. "I guess we're done here," I said.

I guess so.

With this, I walked up to a few police officers and pointed out the tire tracks, damaged tree-line and the faint craters in the ground. They all looked at me with wide eyes and I left them with that. I turned around and began jogging back the way I came, towards my house. I didn't expect to go detective on my run. Wait until my mother and father hear about this.