Zoe's Pov
My brother wouldn't go to sleep. He was just so scared that I had to sleep with him. At first I hated that I had to do this but as I held onto him I couldn't help but accept the role I was playing.

My phone vibrated on the pedestal. I somehow managed to get my arm free and grab it. It was a text from our parents that they'll make an attempt tomorrow night to get home. They don't think the gang members would be in the street.

I replied by telling them that there is one that has been driving up and down the street. They said the neighbours were keeping an eye out for them just to be safe. So that meant the risk was slightly less well...risky.

The sun woke me up as it shone in my eyes. I hated the sun in the morning. As I stumbled out of bed and made my way to the kitchen, I realized my brother was awake. Probably should've noticed that but like it's clear that I'm not a morning person.

As I entered the kitchen to make myself coffee, I could see the TV on and a head blocking a part of the screen. My brother was in the way obviously but then someone popped behind me.

"Morning Zoe, meet my new friend."Zack said, ecstatic.

I turned in shock to see the figure on the couch, which I had thought was my brother a moment ago, stood and turned towards us. With his smile I recognized him immediately. I gasped and backed up against the fridge as he took his time coming towards me.

He had changed a lot of since that fiasco at school. He had the same black eyes and orange,brownish skin. He still had his crooked teeth and acne invested face though it didn't look as bad as it normally did. I knew his name but then he waved his hand and I couldn't get it. Like that word that's on the tip of your tongue but you couldn't get it.

Typical.

He wore complete black which suited him. Only a couple of things stood out. There was dried red spots all over his shoes, pants and shirt. I also noticed that he had bags under his eyes.

"Zoe, this is Death. Death, this is Zoe." Zack introduced us.

I was shaking and it was escalating fast. Luckily for Zack, Death made a move.

"Hey Zack, how about you go get dressed and I'll take you to the park?" Death asked.

"REALLY?" He gasped. "but what about the war?"

"Don't worry buddy; I'll protect both of you." Death stated while looking at me.

He then rubbed Zack's hair and pushed him out the room. We were left alone. He studied me for a second before engulfing me in a hug. I resisted but it was too good and he was too strong. I could feel his intention right away. He wanted to keep me from fainting. After a while I stopped shaking and melted into him.

He picked me up and set my down on the couch. He then put Trace on and finished making my coffee including a cup for himself. He then brought it and seated himself on the other couch. We just stared at each other until he broke the silence.

"It's magic. The reason you can't remember my name is because of magic." He told me.

His presence gave me a feeling of security, safety. It felt familiar too like I had been in it multiple times.

"You were in Durban that week?" I asked realizing where I felt him.

"Yes I was."

"Why?" I questioned further.

"Well you're a highly appreciated girl who has people following you. The Remnants are situated all over the country. We've had a change of leadership and during that change we lost most of our territory. Fortunately, we've gotten most of it back but rival gangs still want this land for some reason. There are two reasons but the most important one to me right now is you. They are attacking because of you."

I stared at him. He was basically blaming me for all the chaos that was happening the last day but before I got ahead of myself I remembered there was a second reason. However, looking at him, I realized I wasn't getting it out of him any time soon.

"How old are you? What have you done before? How did you get into my house? Who's the leader? You're only fifteen so how'd you get into a gang?" I sprouted all those questions. I was hyperventilating and a panic attack was beginning to seize me.

Death quickly got up and held me tight. I breathed into his chest, exhaling all my worries.

"Like you already said I'm fifteen. I've done a lot that would give me the death penalty. No pun intended. As for how I got in, I opened the door and walked in. Yeah, it was locked but you know me. I am the leader of The Remnants. I inherited the gang from my parents, but I still had to work myself through the ranks. Nothing too wrong so I could still get to school. Plus I still got all my sports and things to do. When my parents died, I was sent off with my brother to another family. They were really sweet and everything and have a lot of relatives as well as parties. Unfortunately, they were always bothered by me and couldn't help shout at me, only me. Eventually, I gave up and left. You see for years since my parents died a few of my old family members tried to get me to join the gang. Eventually, I couldn't take being in that family and joined The Remnants. Now I'm the leader."

I just stayed in arms but lifted my head, so I could look at him. He was telling me all of this just like that.

"How come nobody knows who you are and what you're doing?" I asked, "And why are you telling me this?"

He smiled down at me. "Only school students know my real name, and I'm sort of already a bad boy there. Everybody on the street knows my other name, Death. But right now part of the gang is working to erase that part so soon no one will know my real name name. What I told you is the innocent part of my life. That's not even the good stuff."

Zack walked in shorts, t-shirt and sandals. He was smiling like crazy. Death got up and then helped me up.

"We ready to go?" Death asked.

"Sure thing." He screamed and ran out.

As I walked out we past the corner where we normally put our keys and umbrellas. But what was there now being a sword and gun. Death took both and walked out. I locked the door and turned to see the Corvette there. My brother was already going crazy. Death walked up and threw the weapons in the back then helped Zack in.

He then turned towards the neighbour's house noting all the people staring at him. Then he looked at me.

"You coming?" He asked.

"Of course," I replied.

Only because he had my brother.