That's a fun looking title, isn't it? Enjoy the chapter~

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My back was against the wall, my body was numb, I couldn't do anything. Michael pointed his compass blade at me, chuckling evilly at me. “You know, all those people I killed, all thing horrible things I did in the dark while everyone passed me up for a naive lonely child with nothing to do, it doesn't bring me as much joy as to see your pale, horrified face. It'll bring me much more happiness when I make you beg for your life while you bleed out. Bruises everywhere, every single limb torn off your body, your blood spilled everywhere while you lie there and die.” He looked up, biting his lip and chuckling in pleasure. “This is so exciting! Don't you think so, Ritsuko?”

I couldn't even look into those eyes. Those bright, crystal eyes. They were once something I found to be something of pity, but now they were of madness.

I whimpered at him, “Michael, how could you do something like this?” He tilted his head to the side, “Shocking, isn't it? You fell for it just as well- no, even more than anyone else did! You fell for the act I always put up, the mask I wore.” He pulled out from behind his back the mask. The mask that forever stayed imprinted in my mind. I flinched at the sight of it.

“Yes, I did find something to cope with the pain of my curse. After you saved me that time I was about to kill myself, I found out a little something about me that I forgot. If I was going to end up turning into nothing, I might as well do something to leave my mark on this worthless little village. The one thing that helped me was hurting other people. Whenever I was little, I realized that hurting others was a way to show them what I felt. Seeing them suffer like I did, letting them experience my pain, it was something to live for. That's how I made it to this age. You helped me rediscover that.” He explained.

Akito made it to the door, trying to open it, “Ritsuko! Ritsuko!” I looked to the side, “Akito!!!” Michael looked at the two of us and laughed, “Well, isn't that great? Now you have your little boyfriend here too!”

I shuddered as I looked at Akito sadly. Michael had locked the door.

“I noticed you were trying to figure out a little mystery, so I decided to play around with you. The twins were fine after a little convincing to join me. We were almost caught that one time at Rin's performance, due to Alexandra's weakness. But I used that weakness to strengthen her. If she could have Dominic if she did everything I told her, she was more than happy to help.”

I accused, “You brainwashed her!” He chuckled, “Not exactly. I already realized the unhealthy attraction toward him and Rosalina's suspicion of you, so I just needed to encourage them. That's when I realized you were being a fake.”

“Fake?” I asked.

Michael replied, “Yes, a fake! You had the power to heal the five of us! Alexandra, Rosalina, Dominic, Asher and me! But you didn't do anything! Of course, I didn't know you were a Despair Healer until that little accident last night.” I looked down, remembering the stupid mistake I made.

“That only gives me more of a reason to want to kill you.” he finished. “Now, I'll get my revenge on you. All of us will! Starting with making you suffer.” He pulled the lollipop out of his mouth and smiled creepily at me. He took the blade and went in to stab me, but I caught it.

Michael looked at me, trying to plunge the blade into my side. I grunted and fought his strength, “Get away from me!” I managed to turn his hand away from me so the weapon pointed sideways. He looked at me, “Let go!”

Then, in a split second, a gunshot boomed out of nowhere, shooting Michael's hand and making him let go of the compass. It fell on the ground as he yelped, stepping back. “Ah!”

I looked to the side to see Maiko with a gun in her hands. She pointed it shakily at us, breathing heavily. She was alright!

Akito looked glad to see her.

Michael looked at her and glared, “What are you doing?” Maiko responded and cocked it again, aiming it at him. “I'm doing what I should have!”

I smiled at her, “Maiko! Are you okay?” Maiko nodded at me, “I'm fine.” Michael chuckled at her, taking a few steps toward her. Maiko didn't react however, looking quite tense. “So you're playing the hero now, huh Maiko?”

“Shut up.” Maiko muttered at him. He went on, however, smiling evilly at her, “You were a good little girl, Maiko. You just couldn't keep your feelings out of it.” She looked at him with a glare, “Shut up.”

Michael played with one of her ponytails, but she stayed stiff, eyes widening. “Does Ritsuko still not know about what you did? That you were actually a hypocrite? You always hated being called that, didn't you?”

“Shut up!!” Maiko shrieked, pointing the gun at Michael, hands trembling. I gasped, “Maiko, wait!” Akito tried to open the door again, jiggling the handle.

She breathed loudly. Michael didn't react, actually grabbing the gun and making her aim it at the ground. “Don't even try that, Maiko. You couldn't shoot me even if you tried.”

Maiko actually broke down in tears, sinking to her knees and dropping to the ground. “I'm sorry, Ritsuko! I'm sorry, Akito!! Forgive me!”

I approached her, but Michael got in my way. “I don’t think you'd want to hug this worthless piece of trash after you find out what she's done.” He picked the gun up and explained, “Remember when you and Akito went out together with his camera?” I gulped.

“I came over here to have a little talk with Maiko.” At the same time, she raised her head to me, tears streaming down her cheeks. I turned to Akito and his eyes widened. She shook her head at him in shame, crying.

Michael chortled, “So we came to an agreement,” He walked over to Akito, tapping on the door, “I wouldn’t hurt Akito if she helped me expose you.” He gestured at me.

I looked to Maiko, hoping he was making it up, but her face told me that it was all the truth. “So that little ‘accident’ last night wasn't quite an accident.” I wanted to be angry with her, but couldn't bring myself to glare at her. Instead, I turned my head away.

Akito looked to me then to Maiko. She sobbed, “I'm sorry!! Please forgive me, please forgive me!!” She wailed, burying her face to the ground. I swallowed hard, looking to Akito. We both looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

Michael found this amusing, looking to the three of us and laughing. “Isn't it funny how people just turn out to be different from what you see them as?” I glared at him.

“But I guess now that Maiko didn't hold her end of the deal, that means I can kill Akito as well.” He concluded.

Maiko instantly lifted her head, sniffling but giving Michael a furious look. “Why don't we make you suffer some more by letting you watch him die?” He prompted, grabbing my arm. I pulled away, “Stop! Let me go!”

“I'll kill you first if you even try anything.” He pulled out a knife and held it to my throat. I didn't struggle now, feeling the cold metal against my neck. Michael put the gun up, pulling the trigger.

Maiko roared, hitting Michael from behind. The gun boomed, I flinched and fell down. “Akito!” I gasped then saw the bullet had missed him. I took the chance to unlock the door and let Akito in.

“Maiko!” He called. Maiko breathed heavily, closing the supplies closet and looking at us. “Akito! Ritsuko!” she hugged both of us tightly. We hugged back, me just being relieved that she was alright. “Akito, you have to take Ritsuko with you and run.” She whispered.

Akito shook his head, “No, you have to come with us too.” She refused, holding the rake in her hand. “I can't!”

“What do you mean you can't?!” I looked at her in confusion. She gulped, “Get out and run!” She turned around and looked at both of us, “I caused this to happen! I brought this upon you guys! Now I'm gonna fix my mistakes and we can still go on!! Akito, please!” She went in and kicked the gun away before Michael grabbed it. “Please!”

I remembered I told her the same thing that morning; We can still go on. My eyes started getting watery as I kept hearing my own voice say that over and over again. Michael was about to jump at us, but Maiko hit him with the rake and even held it up against his neck. “Go now!!” She pleaded as she tried her best to keep him in that hold.

Akito swallowed hard. I could see he was still fighting himself in what he should do. He grit his teeth and grabbed my arm, “Let's go Ritsuko!”

Akito and I ran away immediately. I could still hear Maiko fighting Michael as best she could. I wondered how long they could keep at it before one of them died. The thought of Maiko dying for me was too unbearable. I pushed that thought away and looked to Akito. “Where do we go?”

“We need to call the nearest police station to Crysolia. We need to tell them everything and get these people arrested. Preferably out in the crazy house.” He looked to the side, thinking. “Kyoko's babysitting late again, right?”

“We're not going to get her in danger, are we?” He breathed, “We'll  make the call, then leave as soon as possible. Her house is closer anyways.” I reminded, “Also closer to Dominic's home!” He shushed me and looked around. “Who knows where the rest of them are?”

I looked down, lowering my voice, “Whoever could've guessed that almost all of them were involved?” I grunted, “I’m sorry, Akito! I really shouldn't have gotten you in this.”

Akito replied, “What are you talking about? You didn't frame me for the crimes they committed. You couldn't have known what they were doing.” I nodded, “I just really hope nothing else goes wrong.”

We made it to Kyoko's house, almost not bothering to knock. We practically pounded on the door, which seemed to startle her as she cracked the door open. “Ritsuko. Akito.” Kyoko swung the door open. “Oh my gosh! What are you two doing? It's too late to be out.”

The two of us bolted in and shut the door instantly. She looked at us as if we were crazy. “What's wrong with you guys? Why are you bleeding?”

Kaito was there, standing up from his seat. “Whoa, are you guys okay?” I looked to the two of them. “Listen, I don't want to explain everything. Long story short, we need your phone.”

Kyoko raised her eyebrow, “For what?” Akito explained, “ To call the police outside of Crysolia.”

“Why outside of the village?”

“The station here was slaughtered, okay?” I answered. Kaito looked concerned, “Are you guys alright? You guys aren't making sense.”

Akito shook his head, “Kaito, by any chance, do you know where Asher is?” Kaito put his finger to his chin, “Probably in bed or something, why?”

Akito looked to me, “Could there be a chance he's helping them?” Kyoko asked, “Okay, what are you guys talking about?! We don't understand!”

“Listen, the twins, Michael and Dominic are the ones responsible for everything that's been happening. They killed Emily, they killed Tadaaki, they killed and injured the dancers at Rin's performance! And right now, they just tried to kill me and Akito!”

Kyoko gasped, “Is that why you guys are like this?” We both nodded. “They just killed the entire police station in the village and we don't know what to do. We don't even know how many people are helping them. They're all cursed.”

“That's why you think Asher is helping them.” Kyoko concluded. Kaito interjected, “No way. I've known Asher for years since we were little. He would never try to hurt anyone.”

“Even if it was to get revenge on the one person that could heal him of his curse?” I didn't mean to sound so interrogative, but I couldn't help it. Kaito looked down.

“Oh yeah, you're the Despair Healer.” Kyoko recalled. I nodded, “Ever since I was exposed yesterday, everyone's been going after me! That's why all of the sudden, these people are going on a crazy rampage to kill me.”

Kyoko gestured at her house phone. “Go ahead.” She gulped. I grabbed the phone and nodded, “Thank you.”

Kaito asked, “Should we be scared?” Akito shook his head. “I don't think anyone saw us come here. I don't even know where they are.”

I dialed the phone quickly and I rang it. I sat there for a second, hoping for a quick answer. Suddenly, the lights in the house shut off and the phone turned off. I pressed a number, but it didn't make a sound. Someone turned off the electricity.

Kyoko gasped, going to a light switch and flipping it. It wouldn't turn on. “Shoot! They found us!” I hissed.

Kaito looked back at the other rooms, “Kyoko, what about the baby?”

Kyoko looked back, “Oh no!” I pointed to Kyoko, “You two hide her somewhere safe. Make sure none of you make a sound. Akito and I will deal with them.”

Kaito and Kyoko nodded, running to a bedroom and shutting the door quietly. Akito and I looked at each other when the door was suddenly banged on. “We know you're in there, Ritsuko!” Alexandra said in a sing-song voice.

“You can't hide in there forever, you know. We will find you one way or another.” Dominic's voice added. I looked to Akito, who pointed to a spot behind the door between a shelf. “Hide there.” He whispered. I grabbed my pocket knife and held it tightly while I hid. Akito stayed below the kitchen counter, right next to where the kitchen knives were.

It became dead silent when an axe blade suddenly came through the door. I covered my mouth before I made a noise. “You were pretty smart to look the door, guys.” Alexandra prompted, slashing through the door. “But not smart enough.” she reached through the hole in the door and unlocked it. I almost, just almost stabbed her hand.

Dominic opened the door and walked through, clutching a weapon I had never seen before. It appeared like a revolver, but it had a different shape that wouldn't hold bullets. Alexandra came right behind him, axe in hand, still splattered with blood. “I swear I saw her in here.”

“There isn't anyone here.” Dominic mumbled, reaching into his pocket. “Or so they want us to believe.” I covered my mouth, trying to breathe quieter.

“Hey Ritsuko, I have some interesting toys I'd like to show you and Akito.” He called out loud. Alexandra smirked, scanning the area. “I have some ketamine, nitrous oxide. Have you ever hear of Succinylcholine? It's a very dangerous drug that paralyzes all the muscles in your body. That does include muscles used for breathing. I'd guess someone would die in a matter of seconds.”

I heard a whimper come from the room Kyoko was hiding in. It sounded like it was from a baby. Both Alexandra and Dominic turned to the door and approached it. No doubt Kyoko and Kaito would get hurt trying to protect the children in there. But I couldn't show myself, I would get killed!

Alexandra reached for the door handle when another sound came, but this time from the kitchen counter. I tensed up at the realization that it was Akito. Dominic put a syringe-like tube into the gun he had, it fit perfectly. I could have easily guessed it was something Michael made. He was highly intelligent and could make anything he thought of.

I saw Akito's arm slip behind the counter out of view as it was dead silent. Dominic mentioned, “I do also have a little drug that I made in my lab. It does have some sporatic, unpredictable side effects. Convulsions, dizziness, vomiting, numbness in most of the body, and it does a few more things. I guess I should mention, Akito, that it contains a poison that can shut down the nervous system and stop the heart in only a matter of minutes.” He made his way toward the kitchen while Alexandra stayed back, checking the living room.

Dominic chuckled, he was only ten feet from the counter. “Even better, I'm the only one who keeps the antidote for it. You know, Akito, you could just let us take Ritsuko. You're not really involved in this. Why die just because you didn't stay out of it? I think it's kind of vain to do that.”

I kept an eye on Alexandra, who remained close to where I was hidden. I hoped she wouldn't spot me, but I was also worried about Akito. “Come on, just show yourself and walk away, Akito. It would be way easier than protecting that monster. She's probably only using you anyway, just like how she used us.” No response. I could only pray he wouldn't get any closer.

He chuckled. “Tenebris mortium. I also like to called it ‘The Dark Death serum’.” He clicked the syringe in place and pointed it at an unseen area. I found it hard to breathe now, looking at the small blade in my hand. Compared to what Alexandra and Dominic carried, my weapon would be useless.

I heard Dominic pull the trigger, the syringe shooting out and hitting something. I didn't even hear a yelp or a gasp. All I could see from my place was a syringe hitting the wall, leaking a bright yellow fluid. It was less than halfway filled.

“Got you.” Dominic loaded another shot into the gun. I leaped out of hiding and screamed Akito's name. Dominic pointed the gun at me, “There you are!” He pulled the trigger. I instinctively stopped it with my telekinesis, turning it around this time. His eyes widened as I shot the syringe back at his direction, going right toward his face.

Suddenly, Alexandra came out nowhere, striking the axe downward and making the syringe break. The liquid spilled on the floor in between us. “You're not laying a finger on him!” She snapped, slashing the axe at me.

Blood sprayed everywhere from my shoulder and chest, which were sliced. I gasped, falling back on the ground. Alexandra cackled in delight, smiling at me with her bloodstained face. “I got her for you, Dominic.” I whimpered, weakly moving my hands to grab the knife that I was holding before.

Dominic came back from behind the kitchen counter and smiled. “Good. I've got him all taken care of. Sad he didn't just give in. Maybe I would've given him the antidote.” He even held up a syringe with a clear liquid inside it, placing it back into his belt of many other needles.

Akito shakily put his hand out, gripping the counter and trying to come out. His left hand was bleeding from the needle that was shot at him. “Wow, you almost look exactly like Emily when Rosalina and I had to get rid of her.” Alexandra mentioned as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

“R-Ritsuko…” Akito forced, looking at the ground and mustering the strength to stand up. Dominic tilted his head to the side, “Aww, I did think it would be a little cruel to make him die like that.”

“Give him the antidote!” I coughed, sitting up and pointing the pocket knife at the two. Alexandra stood by Dominic, “What are you gonna do, Ritsuko? Both of you are as helpless as one another.”

Akito groaned in pain, slipping down onto the ground and breathing very heavily. I could tell he was losing it quickly. “Dominic, please!” I cried, hands shaking. Blood came up to my mouth as I coughed, spitting it out.

Alexandra chuckled. “Look at her, begging for us to save him!” She laughed. “You're too hilarious, Ritsuko!! Rosalina was right; you are a hypocrite!” Dominic took another syringe and loaded it. I tensed up and looked at Akito. He wasn't looking any better. “Give him the antidote now!” I snapped.

Dominic glared at me, “He had his chance, and you had your chance to heal us, didn't you?” I growled. “I guess we'll just wait a little longer, just like you did.”

“Give him the antidote!” I got up, going in to stab. Alexandra lifted the axe, “You're dead!” Knowing Alexandra would try to strike first, I switched my hand and stabbed her in the side. She didn't even have the chance to react, her hands immediately dropping the weapon. I didn't hesitate to stab her again, this time in the back.

Alexandra collapsed, struggling to get up from the ground while blood leaked out all over from her wounds. Dominic looked at me, surprised. “Why, you little-” He raised the gun and shot at me. I stopped it, sending it back to him. He was lucky to have moved his arm in time. I grabbed Alexandra's axe quickly and hit Dominic's arm, missing his neck.

He grabbed at his arm, yelping loudly. I kicked him back into the counter and kept the axe against his neck while trying to find an antidote shot in his tool belt which was filled with dozens of different chemicals.

I pulled a clear chemical syringe in a closed pocket of the belt, hoping that it was the antidote. I turned the axe, going for his head. Suddenly, I heard a gunshot behind me. I felt a sharp pain go into my back as I turned my head.

Alexandra gave me a death glare while she held a handgun at me. I looked down and saw gooey red fluid dripping from my back. I gagged, leaning forward. Alexandra grabbed me and shoved me into the ground. “Dominic, are you okay?!” She asked desperately.

Dominic winced, “I'm fine. You don't look good.” Alexandra stepped closer to me. “No, I'm okay!”

“You're fatally bleeding. It doesn't matter. We'll let the others handle her right now. This one is already doomed.” I shivered, looking at Akito, who was coughing, spitting vomit from his mouth as he could barely hold himself up. I cringed, seeing he was getting worse and worse by the minute.

“I have to kill her!” Alexandra looked at me. “Alexandra, we'll get her right now. The others can get her. Let's worry about you.” Alexandra looked at her side, which was bleeding out on the ground. “You don't think anyone saw us?” Dominic took Alexandra's hand and they ran out. I wasn't able to stop them because of the pain in my body.

I couldn't worry about myself, though. I opened my hand and saw the syringe I had gotten from Dominic. I got up on my knees, crying out from the pain that went through my back. I checked the label on it. It read ‘ANTD’ I trusted that this could be the antidote.

“Akito.” I forced, crawling to him quickly, almost ignoring my body which begged me to stop. “Akito, talk to me, you're gonna be alright.” Akito was on the ground, hardly breathing. I bit my lip and took the syringe, quickly but gently poking it into his arm. He flinched, which told me he was still conscious. I pressed the shot into him, pulling it out and dropping it.

My eyes blinked the tears away as I threw myself on him. “Akito, you're okay, stay with me. Please don't go. You're gonna be fine.” I sniffled. Kyoko came out of hiding, looking over and finding us. “Oh my-!” She exclaimed. Kaito came behind, holding Mei, the baby Kyoko was babysitting. “Akito, what happened to him?”

I looked up at the two. “He was drugged.” My hand went over my mouth. “It's my fault.” Kyoko shook her head, helping me up. “No, no it isn't. Where did the two go?”

“I fought them.” I explained. “They were forced to escape but I couldn't keep them.” Kaito looked at Kyoko with a concerned look. “Are we gonna be okay?”

“You guys have to be ready. If they come back, you have to protect the children.” Kyoko questioned, “What about you guys?! We're not going to leave you to get killed! Look what they did to you guys!”

Akito coughed, catching everyone's attention. I looked to him and kneeled beside him, “Akito? Are you okay?” I grabbed his hand and patted his shoulder. He groaned quietly, grabbing my hand weakly. I smiled, “He's alive!”

Kyoko hissed at Kaito, “Go get the first aid kit.” He passed Mei to her carefully and ran off. She flipped the switch, the lights turning on again. I sighed in relief, “Oh thank goodness!” I hardly even felt anything now, which I didn't know if I should've found it alarming or good.

Akito coughed, spitting a mixture of blood and vomit out. He was breathing normally now. “Ritsuko?” I smiled, “I’m right here, Akito. How do you feel?” He turned his head to me and sat up slowly, “Are you okay?”

“Don't worry about me, I’m talking about you!” He shook his head, sighing. “They cut you.” He put his hand on the bloody slash on my shoulder going almost all the way to my chest. Any deeper and Alexandra probably would have killed me. “It’s okay, I’m gonna be okay.” I put my hand on him and pulled him close. “I'm just so glad you're alive.” I sniffled.

Kaito came back with the first aid. He opened it. “We got some bandages.” I nodded while Kyoko took them and unwrapped the roll, taking my coat off. “You both need medical attention.” I refused, “This will have to do for now for me. I have to stop them.”

Akito winced, “I'm going too.” I shook my head, “No, Akito, you can't go with me. Dominic almost killed you. You were just lucky I got the antidote.” I yelped a little when Kyoko wiped the blood off my bare shoulder.

Kyoko looked at both of us, “No. You two have to stay here. I don't care who you have to stop, but it can't be right now. These people, the cursed ones, they're after your blood.” I argued, “But this is my fault that this is happening!” Everyone stopped and looked at me.

I took my coat off my back and showed part of the mark on my back. “I'm the Despair Healer. I can heal them. They definitely don't deserve it now that we know what they did, but if it stops them from going on this crazy rampage, I'll do it.”

Kyoko wrapped the bandage around my upper body. I winced in response, looking at all of them. “I don't even know why I waited so long. If I was really thinking, I would've done this months before. It would have saved so many people. Now everyone is paying the price.”

Akito stood up with me, stopping a second to lean against the counter and grab his stomach. “Are you okay?” I asked. He nodded, “I'm okay. I just need a minute.” He groaned.

Kaito looked at the two of us, shaking his head. “What about the others?” Kyoko stood up, “Yeah, what about Maiko?”

Maiko. The name that stung both me and Akito. We glanced at each other, both thinking the same thing. “We've gotta go back for her.” Akito nodded. “I don't care what the heck she did, she's not gonna make it herself.”

The phone rang, making the four of us startle. Kyoko held Mei tighter in response, looking down at her. I gestured at them to stop and slowly picked up. “Hello?”

Rin came through the other line, gasping. “Kyoko! It's horrible!! The police aren't answering any calls and my Mom went down to the station, but everyone is dead!! Even worse, they took Hiroshi!” She sobbed into the phone.

I gulped. “Rin, this isn't Kyoko. This is Ritsuko.”

“What?” She whispered on the other line. I explained, “Akito and I just got attacked, we're at Kyoko's house. We know the police is dead, I saw it.”

Rin sniffled, “You guys were the only ones in the village who answered. I don't know what to do, Hiroshi is gone and I can't report it.” I questioned, “He's gone?”

“Yes! They took him!!”

“Who is ‘they’?” Rin answered, “I don't know, probably the killers who murdered the police. How am I supposed to know?!”

I sighed, “Okay, don't get hysterical. Are you alone?” Rin paused for a moment. “It's just me and my mom. Please, whatever you do, don't tell anyone where we are!”

I glanced back at Akito, Kyoko and Kaito. “Alright. Akito and I are gonna be there in a minute. We'll help you get Hiroshi back once we get there and explain.”

Rin asked, “You know who did this?”

“Most likely. I'll tell you everything right now.”

“Alright.” Rin sighed. I hung up and looked at Akito. “Akito, we have to go.”

“Where exactly?” He stood straight. “Rin just called. She knows about the police. Her little brother Hiroshi went missing. I have a good feeling it was one of the four psychos who took him.”

Akito nodded. “Okay.” I looked to the two others and smiled a little. “Thank you. Please take care of yourselves. Hopefully, they leave you alone now that we're going somewhere else.”

Kyoko nodded, “Yeah. Listen, Kaito and I will try our best to get in contact with the police just a bit out of the village. They’re our next best thing. Just don't get in over your head.”

I took Akito's hand and said, “We'll try.” Eyeing the axe on the floor that Alexandra had left, I picked it up just in case. My pocket knife wouldn't do anything compared to what they had. We both stepped out the door, leaving Kyoko and Kaito alone. I couldn't stop to concern Akito about Maiko. We just had to wait until after we helped Rin.

A short while later, we came to Rin's house. The door was cracked open, which was suspicious and alarming. “Oh dear….” I whispered, looking to Akito. He held out his hand, requesting the axe in my hand. “Here, I'll check.” I slowly handed it over to him, to which he grabbed it and went up to the door.

Akito pushed the door a little more with the axe. It creaked open, but no other sound was heard. He tilted his head, eyeing the place or at least what he could see.

There was no sign of blood from what I could see. Akito and I slowly made steps into the house. The sound of our quiet footsteps the only thing heard.

I walked past the door, looking to my right toward their living room.

Slam!!

The sound of a door closing and cracking made me gasp loudly as I started, turning. Akito immediately jumped in front of me, holding the axe.

“Freeze.” A low, threatening voice growled. The sound of whimpering followed, being muffled by something. That was Rin!

Akito gulped. We heard again, “Not another move.” The voice immediately gave away who was beside Rin.

“Asher….not you too.” I shivered. His emerald eyes appeared to glow through the blackness in the house. Rin whimpered as he pushed her ahead with a gun pointed to her. She had a white cloth tied around her mouth and tears were streaming out of her eyes.

“Oh, I was sure my sister and Dominic would get you.” Rosalina teased from a distance. The lights turned on, showing she was armed with kitchen knives with a hand on the light switch.

I glared, “Rosalina…”

Oh gosh, what do I do now? I had to stay strong, but I quickly ran out of ideas to get out of this alive. Most important, how was I going to keep Rin and Akito alive?

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It's just one plot twist after another, huh?? Now it's hard to know who to trust in this cat and mouse game. What'll happen next? The next chapter holds all the answers.
Thank you for reading!