I heard different kinds of footsteps go up the stairs. A heavy pace, a short one, and then a more light one. A bulky man passed me without giving one look at me. He was dressed with a red shirt, and a black leather jacket. He had black pants, that were tight around his legs. There was a young woman, about in her twenties, walking behind him. She had a green shirt, and blue jeans, Her sleeve on her right arm was pulled up. Then, a boy, not older than his six years, passed me. He paused and looked up at me with big, shining eyes, then continued waddling towards the two other people. He wore very short shorts, and a red shirt, with 'popstar' written on it, in marker. I lifted one eyebrow, as Freddie showed them their room, and then I closed mine.
I walked to the bed, and checked my watch. 8:35 AM. I smiled, then I went out the room again, taking the keys. I closed the door carefully, and then I locked it, looking at Freddie, who passed by me, smiling, flipping through his gained money with one licked finger.
I lifted my eyebrows. The gleam in his eyes told me that his money was something important to him, and I didn't blame him. Everyone needed money. I rolled my eyes, then put the keys in my right pocket, and I went down the stairs. Freddie looked at me, lifting his eyebrows.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“Well, it's not night,” I said, stopping at the entrance, turning around to him, “So, I'm going to walk outside for a bit. Y'know, just... Walk.” Freddie smiled at me, then nodded. I smiled back, then went out of the inn. I closed the door, cautiously on the lookout for the police, if they were here. But I saw none, and I headed for Haylyn's house. I passed two policemen on the way, and I lowered my head when I did. They glanced at me, but took no notice, and continued walking down the road. I lifted my head, and glanced back, and fastened my pace to Haylyn's house. By this time, she should have entered, I thought. I quickly looked around, and took a shortcut I knew to get to her house. I passed through many dirt allies to get there, but I managed.
As I appeared at the entrance, I hesitated. I couldn't pass by this door. Even though Haylyn was my friend, I still could not trust humans. I thought in my head, then I got an idea. I scampered over to the wall where Haylyn has her window. I glanced at the ground, and took a small rock on the ground, and threw it against her window. At fist, there wasn't any answer, but I threw a second one. Then, just when I was about to think that she was gone, the window opened. Haylyn looked out for a while, then noticed me. I waved at her, then she mouthed something to me. I lifted one eyebrow, as I tried to understand what she said. Then I understood, She was saying she had found an excuse why she didn't come back home yesterday. I smirked, and then looked around I mouthed to her, asking how could I get up to her room, looking at the height between the ground and her window. She looked at the wall, then frowned, thinking. She then illuminated, and I lifted one eyebrow. She put one foot on the edge of the window. I hoped that she wasn't thinking of doing what I thought. But she was, anyways. She jumped, and I quickly went under her, stretching out my arms. I caught her, and fell to the ground with a loud thump. She then fell onto my stomach, and I got my breath shot out. I tried containing myself from throwing out my lungs, and I gently laid down my head on the ground. She looked at me, her face turning red. I also blushed, and I looked away. Then, she lifted one eyebrow and smiled.
“You know, now that I'm looking at you closely,” she began, “I can recognize your coyote traits.” I blinked several times, then I looked back at her, eyes wide.
“Ah? Are they that obvious?” I asked.
“Well,” Haylyn said, scanning me. She put a hand on the side of my head, lifting my hair, showing my pointed ears, “Your ears are slightly more pointed than usual.” I lifted one eyebrow, as she put a hand to my chest. “Your chest is expanded, not really human-like,” she continued. Her hands drifted to mine, her fingers coiling up in mine, “Your nails are thick, and they are more or less curved like the one's of a canine's,” Her hands then slithered down my body, onto my right leg, where the smallest of lumps could be seen and felt, “And your tail is still there, hidden inside your trousers.”
I looked away, and blushed once more. Without looking up at her, I asked, “Er... That's all well, but, can you get off me? I can't breathe correctly.”
She sat up, putting her hands on my chest to push herself off. “Sorry,” she muttered. I sat up, aching my back, squinting my green eyes. I let out a low growl of pain, and then I looked up at her as she stood up. “Why did you come back?” She asked.
“To tell you that I found a place to live, for a short time. Four days, in an inn my father knew,” I answered.
“Do the people know about... You know?” She asked, a frightened expression on her face.
“No, I got the excuse of me moving, and that there was no place at my current residential area,” I answered, smiling. She smiled back, and let out one hand. I gripped the hand tightly, and pulled myself up, stabilizing on my feet. She put her hands on her hips.
“Shouldn't you be at school?” I asked, lifting one eyebrow.
“I start at eleven today, so no worries yet,” she answered, looking at the ground, lifting one hand to pinch the top of her nose.
I nodded, then looked down, as she asked me something else.
“How are you going to go to school?” She asked.
“I won't,” I answered quickly, “The police must know that I've had my education there, and they'll probably go there today; I can't risk coming back. They'll also notice that my brother and sister aren't there.”
“Mmh,” Haylyn answered, looking down at the ground, her hand slipping down to her chin.

I rolled my eyes, and then I thought for a moment, but I quickly brushed away the idea I wanted to say, and I looked down at the ground again. My green eyes glittered with the grass, gently swaying with the calm, cold breeze. Haylyn hugged herself, trying to warm up as she started to shiver. I looked at her, smiling ever so slightly. It's great to have a friend like her, I thought. Always there to help you. I looked down. And I can't do anything, without always risking myself being discovered. I drifted to my own thoughts again,and Haylyn noticed me. She waved a hand in front of my eyes, and I rolled them, turning my gaze to her. She glared playfully at me, and I smirked, lifting my eyebrows. I checked my watch. 9:10 AM. I looked at her, poking my watch twice. She looked at the time, then closed her eyes.
“Well,” she began, “Looks like I have to go.” I nodded, as she began going back to the door to her house. Before disappearing behind the wall, she turned back, waving at me. “Don't get caught, please!” she yelled out. I laughed, and waved back at her.
“Don't worry; I'll be cautious!” I yelled back; She smiled at me, then went behind the wall. I heard a door open, and then it closed again, seconds later.
I looked around. I gazed at the trees behind her house that were of a shining green, just as the grass covering the earth. The leaves rattled gently in the breeze, and I then glanced forwards. I took one step, and then I found myself running back to the inn. I paced on the shortcuts, striding quickly over to the roads, almost hovering over the cold cement. As I saw two policemen at an intersection, I slowed down, and lowered my head. They glanced at me. I felt uneasy, and instantly quickened my pace. One said something to the other man, and my heart sank as I saw the two of them walking calmly after me. I quickened my pace again, and as I saw that they did the same, I felt that I would need to run. I pushed greatly on one foot, and began to run. I noticed that behind me, they were running too. I swiftly skidded into an tight alley, and they followed me. The alley had lots of obstacles, that I knew I would be able to jump over, and dodge easily, and that would slow them down. I heard one say something to the other one, and he took out his radio. I couldn't understand what he said, but I felt like he was asking for reinforcements. I jumped onto a garbage can, and pushed on it with strength as I jumped off, making it fall down to the ground, blocking the policemen as they tried to climb over it. One seemed to be more dexterous than the other one, and he soon started running after me again. I scampered out of the alley, the sudden light almost blinding me. I saw one policeman on his radio, and he turned around, glaring at me. I looked the other way, and another policeman was running to me. My only choice was to go forwards, onto the road, where cars were still passing quickly. I hesitated, looking at the cars zoom by. It would take a short time to get to the other side, but in that short time, I could be killed at least four times. I took the decision to take my risks, and not abandoning to quick death. I stepped onto the road, just as a car came zooming. It screeched, and I instinctively jumped on the car's trunk. I rolled on it, and the driver started yelling at me, but I took no notice. As I saw the police get closer and closer to me, I decided to continue sprinting. Another car passed, and it braked severely. The tires squealed, and the markings appeared on the floor. The car turned, and stopped at a low inclination. Another car behind it also stopped brutally. I continued running for dear life, as the four policemen gathered, and started jumping on and over the stopped cars. I then dived into an alley, and I did a somersault on the ground, and continued running. The stomping behind me yelled that I had to keep on running, or else it would be the end for me. In the alley, there were lots of obstacles, like the other alley, and it had lots of garbage. I saw a line hanged from one building to another, then I saw the hook of an umbrella, appearing just over the rim of a garbage can. It gave me an idea. I took the umbrella. It was closed, and the cloth used was torn to pieces. The metal pieces were bent and dirty, but that didn't matter to me. All that mattered was the hook.
I looked up at the line, still running. The police were just behind me. I thought that when I would arrived at the drying line, the police would be at one meter from me. I continued sprinting, panting heavily. As I was under the line, and just as the police were about to catch me with their tensed hands, I lifted the umbrella. The hook locked onto the line, and I soared upwards. I widened my eyes, impressed at how fast it was. Unluckily, I didn't calculate my speed, and I stopped in mid air, just above the line. I fell downwards, letting go of the umbrella. It crashed against the ground, and the police started looking up at me. I caught the line, and I dangled up and down. I felt nauseous when this happened, but I retained myself. I looked sideways, seeing an opened window. I quickly crossed, and heaved myself up to the window.
“Quick! Get in that building!” One of the policemen yelled, to the others. Two nodded, and started dashing away, turning at their right. I went into the building.
I entered a dark room, with no light in it. A light bulb dangled from the ceiling, it's wires showing. I saw an oven, and a microwave near that. Food was stacked up not so neatly on the gray shelves. Bread was cut on a tray, and the knife was still stuck in the loaf. I took one more step forwards, and I stopped, as I saw the door of the kitchen rattle. I thought it was the police. I took the knife out of the loaf. The door swung open, and I only felt half-reassured that it wasn't the police.
It was an old man, in his eighties. He had very few hair, only visible on the sides of his nearly bald head. He had dry eyes, and big glasses. He wore a green jacket, with red stripes that crossed vertically, and blue stripes that crossed horizontally. He had a cane, and his limbs look as if they had been used for centuries. The man held out one shaking hand. He still seemed quite young, even though he was probably very old.
“Wh... Who is it?” He stuttered, squinting his eyes.
“Sir,” I began, “I can explain everything.” I gulped once. “My family is very poor, and we needed some food. These policemen have been following me for at least one hour. Please, help me,” I lied.

The old man approached me very slowly. His hand dropped. “I know when someone is lying, boy,” he said, quietly, “But, even though, I know when someone is in need of help.”
After he spoke those words, we heard two knocks at the door. I jumped, and I took one step back. The man put a hand on my shoulder.
“Don't worry, boy,” he said, cautiously, “Go in the back room, and hide yourself in the closet. They won't see you there.” My face lightened, and I nodded. I dashed to the back room as said, and I opened the closet door. It had spider webs, and old clothes, but, it was somewhere to hide. Slowly, I entered the closet, and I closed it, just as I heard more knocks from the door.
“I'm coming,” the old man said, beginning to walk to the door, using his cane to walk. He was shaking and he walked very slowly. After a while, he opened the door. I heard two other men, with a younger voice than his. Voices of the policemen.
“Good morning, sir,” one said, “Have you seen a boy come into your flat?”
“A little boy?” the old man asked. “Ah yes, a little boy! Yes, he dashed through this very room, and went up to the rooftop!”
“Thank you, sir,” the other policeman said, taking a glance inside. The door then closed with a bang. I opened the closet door quietly, and I stepped out. The old man smiled at me.
“Thank you so much,” I said, walking to the man, “Why did you help me?”
“Oooh, that,” he said, rising one flat hand, “I never really liked the police, really.” He laughed, his voice tired. I laughed too, and I smiled at him.
“How may I ever thank you?” I asked. He smiled back at me, looking at me with small, glinting eyes.
“Nothing, boy,” he answered, “The feeling of being useful is good enough for me.” I smiled, and nodded. I approached the door, and I put an ear to it. I heard nothing. I looked back to the man. “I'm going to have to go now,” I said. The old man nodded, and turned away.
I opened the door, and it creaked gently. I glanced outside, and then, seeing that there were no policemen, I walked out cautiously, closing the door. I quickly dashed down the stairs, and went out the entrance of the apartment. As light filled my mind again, I quickly turned to where I was supposed to go. At Freddie's inn. I took one look left and right, and then I continued, my pace quick, and silent, to the road that I knew, which would lead to my destination. I passed more policemen, who seemed a little worried. They were glancing around. I noticed that one of them had a photo in his hand, and he was looking at it through squinted eyes. I passed my way, supposing that I knew the identity of the person on the photo, who was probably me. I closed my eyes, still walking on the sidewalk, thinking about various things. I thought of the different events, and thought about my security. Am I really protected for the moment? I thought. I don't think the police would find me in Freddie's inn. Except if, they give a visit there. But why would they, anyways? I'm not that important to them, come to think of it. I opened my eyes again, seeing that there was a man in front of me. I passed my way, head lowered. After a while, I noticed that I had arrived at the inn. I checked my watch. 10:00 AM. I went out 'walking' for a good hour and a half. I smiled to myself, and I opened the door to Freddie's inn. He saluted me, with a wave of the hand. He closed his eyes, going back to cleaning his glasses.
“So, how was the walk?” he asked, not looking up.
“Good, good,” I answered quickly, looking up at him, noticing that he wasn't looking at me, so I gazed back down at the ground. He then glanced at me.
“Only? Is there something wrong?” he asked. I glanced back at him, then fixed a a plant that he had put near the shelf. The plant was green, and well alive. But it seemed so small, next to Freddie. I sighed, and then looked back up at the man.
“No!” I answered quickly, “No, no, there's nothing wrong! Why do you ask?”
“Well,” he began, “You seem stressed, that's all.” He then looked down at me, from his shelf, making me feel uncomfortable. “Aren't you supposed to be at school?” he asked. I gulped.
“Nah,” I replied calmly, “I begin at one today. I only take one hour to walk to school from here.”
Freddie contented himself of an eyebrow lift as an answer to my words, and he went back to cleaning his glasses again. I only noticed now how many times he cleaned the things he put on his ears. Why were they so dirty, yet, he barely moves from where he is? I was beginning to ask myself this question, but I soon brushed it away, going up the stairs.
I stood in front of my room, and I took out my keys. They dangled as I took them out of my pocket. I inserted the correct key into the keyhole, and I turned it. A click was heard, and I pushed the door open, and closed it behind me, locking it quickly. I fell onto my bed, slightly tired. I moved on the bed to make myself more comfortable. I felt slightly tired, so I closed my eyes, beginning to think about the things I could do. But I couldn't think of anything to do in the long term. I could not hide indefinitely. I could not shelter myself indefinitely. I needed to find a plan. Faster than I thought I would, my eyes got heavier, and I drifted to a small sleep.
I woke up brutally, after I heard a knock at my door. I stood up from my bed, and I approached the door.
“Who is it?” I asked, at the side of the door.
“It's Freddie,” a voice answered, “Shouldn't you be going to school now?” I recognized the voice, and I felt comforted. I glanced at the alarm on the shelf next to the bed. It marked 11:05 AM. I took my keys, and I opened the door with them. I rushed out of the door, locked it again, and smiled up at Freddie.
“Thanks for waking me up,” I said, with a smile. I didn't know whether I sounded serious or sarcastic.

“No problem,” Freddie answered, with a smile. I couldn't guess if that was serious or sarcastic, either. I skipped down the stairs, landing with a loud thump on the bottom. Freddie came down after me.
“You don't have your bag?” He asked.
I looked back at him slowly, thinking. “I need to get it back from my house. I know, it's complicated, no need to remind me,” I answered. I waved to him, and he rolled his eyes, and went back to the shelf. I stepped out of the inn, going outside. The cold wind brushed my coal black hair, through my clothes. I hadn't thought about school, and I couldn't find an excuse to skip. I couldn't go to school anyways. There was surely the police back there, checking. But I must take a look, I thought. I began walking down the road, trying to find the path that lead to my school. I stopped at a road, where cars passed. The light went green, but I refrained from passing the road, because policemen were there. I took another street to go to the school. It was longer, but it was worth a shot. I didn't think there were any policemen there. But then I frowned, as I thought of something else. Why do I always see policemen? The few times I came here, there weren't as many. My face darkened. No, it must be coincidental. I'm not important, even for a human. But... I wonder... What do the humans do to the kuijins they capture? I stopped thinking there. I tried not to think of the question I just asked myself.
As I was lost in my thoughts once more, I appeared quicker than I expected at the school. I peered through the entrance. I was surprised to see no policemen. I looked around the building. There weren't any police cars. I frowned. That doesn't mean anything. I know that there are policemen inside that building. But, deep inside me, I knew that what I was thinking was incorrect. What would the policemen do in a school, anyways? Nothing, that's what. They would cause panic. I felt relaxed, and I sighed. I can't go to school. I don't have my stuff. I looked around, then I peered through the bars, that gave view on the court. I saw Haylyn and Katherin, and the others. I couldn't spot Jach or Laurent. As I looked closer at Haylyn, I saw that she looked worried, not really paying attention to what Katherin was saying. She looked sideways, then noticed me. She widened her eyes, and told something to Katherin, who shrugged, and continued talking to the others, as Haylyn made her way to me. She went against the bars, as I did.
“What are you doing here?” She asked, glancing to her right and to her left.
“Just paying a visit,” I answered. I looked down at the ground. “I won't be able to go to school anymore. That's finished.” Haylyn rolled her eyes.
“Well, duh, but I think it's better that way. You're protected,” she answered. I looked up at her.
“And you are too,” I replied.
“But I'm still worrying about you,” she retorted, looking at the concrete below me.
“Why do you worry so much about me? I mean, I said I would be cautious,” I answered.
“Yes, but having the thought that your friend is out there, being researched by the police, all day long, is actually quite disturbing,” she answered. I rolled my eyes.
“Look,” I said, “I'll find my family, we'll all group together, I'll get my parents back, then, after a few days, when this case shall be left alone, in a dark corner of the police's shelves, I'll be good again, and I'll come back here,” I answered, “It's all a matter of time.”
Haylyn didn't seem that convinced. She looked up at me with scared eyes. “But what if something happens?” She asked.
“I already told you that nothing will,” I answered, trying to comfort her. She looked down, then up at me again.
“The others have been asking questions about you, what do I answer?” Haylyn asked. I thought for a moment.
“Robbers,” I replied, “The police evacuated the house for further investigation. For now, my family and I live in a flat, okay?” Haylyn nodded. I smiled at her, and then I glanced sideways, hoping no one was looking. For some reason, I felt observed. After I checked and that I saw nobody, I looked back at Haylyn, who smiled at me after glancing sideways.
“Actually, where do you live right now?” She asked, tilting her head.
“In a place called Freddie's inn. Freddie is a friend of my father, so it went out well,” I answered, scratching the hair on the back of my head. I looked sideways, and she did too.
“Well,” I said, “I'll have to go now.” Haylyn nodded.
“See you, Leorn,” she answered, getting to her feet, “Don't let anything happen, all right?”
I nodded, and smiled at her. I waved at her, then I turned around, and I set my destination to Freddie's inn. For a moment, on a rooftop, I saw a light flash, and I turned my head away from it, because it was blinding me. I wiped my eye, and I looked back at where it came from. It must've been a window or something reflecting the light, I thought. Without worrying any more, I continued my way, looking at my sides for eventual policemen. As I saw a police car dash past me, I jumped, but they took no notice of me and continued. I put a hand on my thudding heart, and tried to calm down. I rolled my eyes to myself. Close one, Leorn, I thought. I crossed the road, heading for another shortcut I knew to get to Freddie's inn. I checked my watch. 12:10 AM. I'll say that my last teacher was absent, so I got no class. I continued my way, looking at both sides. My ears pricked up the slightest sound around me. I was on full alert. I sighed to myself again, passing some people, who suspected nothing. I rolled my eyes. Humans, I thought. I continued my pace, lengthening my stride to Freddie's inn.
I arrived there about fifty minutes later. I gulped, and opened the door quickly. Freddie looked up at me.
“School?” He asked briefly.
“My last teacher was absent,” I said, “So I got no class today.”

“Ah,” Freddie said, “Good for you.” He went back to cleaning his glasses. I frowned, and then I walked up the stairs. I unlocked my room, and then I stepped inside, locking it again once I had entered. I laid myself on the bed, putting my arms behind my head as I closed my eyes to think. Light poured out by the window behind me, and it was slightly disturbing to keep my eyes open. I shifted on my bed, so that I would lay completely on the bed. I curled up into a ball, and closed my eyes tightly, as I began sleeping, affected by my coyote 'dusk' and 'dawn' awake times.
I awoke again, after a while, as I heard three knocks at my door. I checked my watch. 15:30 PM. I wondered who it was. I hopped off my bed, and I approached the door.
“Who is it?” I asked.
“It's me, Freddie,” a voice behind the door answered. I recognized the voice. It was Freddie. I unlocked the door quietly, and I opened it. What I saw with my eyes made my heart sink. Freddie was behind five policemen, who had their guns pointed at me. He was bent into a small ball.
“Sorry,” he muttered, just loud enough so I could hear. I couldn't believe my eyes. The police had checked here. As fast as I could, I quickly slammed the door shut, and locked it again, this time with two different locks. I heard many clicks from outside the door, as I scampered over to my bed. I felt the shelf, then I opened the drawer. I took the gun out, and pointed it at the door.
It was only then that I noticed I was breathing heavily, that sweat had formed on my forehead and temples. I pulled my sleeve over my face. My hands shook as I held the gun.
“Open the door immediately!” A man exclaimed, from behind the door.
“Don't even try opening the door!” I retorted, “Or I'll shoot!”
There was a long silence. I heard many voices from behind the door, and I could recognize what they said.
“He's bluffing,” one man said.
“He doesn't seem like he is,” another answered.
“Where could've he got a gun?” One asked.
“Well, he did loot one of our officers back at his house, so it doesn't surprise me. He also took a radio,” one answered.
I kept my hand in the air, shaking. I glanced to the window. I need to get out by there. I slowly paced to the window, me still looking at the door, cautious. The door clicked, and then banged. They were forcing the door open. I pulled on the trigger. A loud shot was heard, piercing the atmosphere. A hole was found in the door, where the bullet lied. It hadn't gone through, but now the police had proof that I had a weapon in my hand.
All of a sudden, the light from the window dissipated. A shadow crept over mine, and a very recognizable one. I turned around to the window, where I saw a man dressed in black, with a rope around the waist, standing against the window, with a long rifle. I quickly turned my hand to point my gun at him, but he shot before I could. The window broke, sending shards of glass scattering all over the floor. I felt numb in one of my limbs, and the sensation propagated all over my body. I looked at my shot limb. There was a brightly colored dart, that was stuck into my arm. I heard the sirens of the police cars, before my eyes turned upwards, and I lost consciousness, falling into the vast shadow.

I woke up later on, in a white room. I looked around, and my vision was all blurry. I shook my head quickly to stabilize my sight, and then I opened my eyes again. I was lying on a white bed, with a white sheet over it. Everything I saw was white. I first thought that I was in my canine form, but I checked my hands, and I wasn't. I saw myself colored. I looked around the room, wondering where I might be. There was an armored door at the front of the room. I looked around, and I saw a camera, angled so that it was pointing at me. I got off the bed, and I headed for the door. I felt a sharp tug on my neck, and I fell over backwards, hitting my head first on the floor. I curled up into a ball and ached my head.
“Shit! That hurts!” I exclaimed, as I looked up. I saw a chain leading from my neck to the wall near the bed. A metal collar was attached around my neck. I tried pulling it off, but it was locked. I pulled on the chains, in hope of breaking them, but nothing did. I turned myself over, and reached for the door. The chain was just short enough so that I couldn't reach the door. I pulled and pulled, but my efforts were in vain, and I fell to the ground, tired out. I crawled to the bed, and I looked at the chain stuck to the wall. I tried breaking it again, but my hand hurt after I tried pulling on it by jumping off the bed fiercely after the fourth time. A loud growl escaped from my mouth. I raged to myself, then I cursed at myself.
I sharply turned my head to the door, as I heard it being opened. The knob moved, then the door opened. A man, dressed in a brown suit, came in, followed by two heavily armed guards. They kept their guns pointed at me, but the man dressed in brown did a hand sign to them, and they lowered their weapons.
The brown-clothed man had his hair died white, with two strands of hair sticking out of the right side of his forehead. He looked very young for an adult, and he had a pointy nose. His blue eyes were piercing, and his smile was deceiving.
“Hello, Leorn,” he said, in a strangely calm voice.
“You bastard! Get me out of here!” I yelled, and I tried to jump on him by coyote instinct, but the chain was too short, and my breath was taken out of my body, as it grabbed at my neck. I fell to the floor, gripping my neck, breathing heavily.
“Only in time,” he answered, as calm as ever. He started to get me furious with his superior acting. I stood up straight, with an angered face. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am James Lorin. Call me James.”
“What do you want?!” I exclaimed, harshly. He put his hands up in front of him.

“Now, now, dear child, no need to get so upset,” he answered, smiling at me. I hated that smile of his. I was about to rip his lips off of his hostile face, but then he continued, “I only want to... Discuss.” I frowned at the man, and then sat on the bed, the chain on my collar making tingling noises.
“Discuss of what?” I asked.
“Of some...” He began, approaching me. He leaned over me. He continued, “Business.”
I approached my face dangerously to his. “My only business here would be to rip that foul smile off your face, and get away with it,” I commented, angrily.
“No need,” James said, “Because we are willing to let you free.” My face lightened.
“You are?” I asked, suspiciously.
“After you accomplish some...” He began, searching for his words, “Tasks.”
“What sort of tasks?” I demanded.
“Oh, nothing, really,” he answered.
“Get to the point,” I retorted.
“Well,” he began, “We just need you to find some... More kuijins, for us.”
“Why do you need them?” I asked, frowning.
“Experimenting, perhaps. You are a very interesting race, you know,” he answered.
I took the collar of his shirt, and I gripped it tightly. I pulled him to me. “Well, I got some news for you, James,” I began, “You see, you can just cram your stupid business up your dirty ass, and get me free this instant.” James smiled slyly at me, pushing me away.
“Would you change your mind,” he said, calmly, “If we used dissuasive force?”
“I'm a stubborn kid, for your information,” I answered, scowling at him. He laughed, and then turned his head to the guards. He clapped his hands twice.
“Bring the dissuasive force, please!” He demanded. I grinned to myself. What was this guy thinking? I won't work for him. One of the guards left the room quickly, only to come back with a female person. I opened my eyes, and my stomach tied itself in a knot when I recognized who it was. The guard was gripping Haylyn tightly, and she was struggling to get free.
“Haylyn!” I exclaimed, and I tried to run to her, but the collar on my neck pulled me back once more, and I fell to the ground, in pain. Haylyn struggled free from the guard, and she crouched near me. The guard pointed her gun at her, but James lifted one hand, and the guard then lowered his weapon. Haylyn was sobbing, her tears making stains on my dirty clothing.
“I'm sorry...” She muttered, quietly to me. I scowled at James.
“You loathsome freak!” I yelled at him, getting up to my feet.
“So, did you change your mind?” James asked, sneering at me. I grinned back, once I had thought of something.
“Oh, no, I didn't yet,” I began, “Because you ain't going to kill Haylyn. You would have trouble on your ass for the rest of your freaking life, if you ever get away once I'll be done with you.”
James laughed, and put a hand to his face. “You really are thick, are you?” He said. He clapped his hands twice again. “Bring them in too!” He demanded. One guard nodded, and went out of the room. I turned myself around, and I couldn't believe my eyes at what I saw. My two parents, with their hands strapped behind their backs, and their feet chained, traipsed into the room. I stared wide-eyed at them, for a long moment.
“We cannot kill dear Haylyn,” James began, approaching me, lifting Haylyn up to her feet by force, making her fall on me. She was still crying, and that made me just even more trapped than I felt before. He continued, “But we can kill your parents. And your dear brother and sister, once we find them.”
That sentence made me comforted, but only for the idea of my brother and sister. They didn't find Serella or Jakalt yet. That means they were still protected. I glared up at him, but I stood silent.
“Do you change your mind now?” He asked, grinning, rubbing his hands together. I stood silent for a while.
“Speak!” He ordered. I jumped as his voice raised. This had been the only time he had reached an angered tone of voice. After thinking, I nodded slowly.
“Good...” He said, approaching me. He put a hand on my shoulder. “Protecting one's mother and father, plus one's friend. How sweet. You made the correct choice, Leorn.” I wanted to kill him this instant, but I knew that if I even tried, my father, my mother and Haylyn would be all killed, in front of my eyes. He left the room, followed by the two guards, who took my father and mother away again. They didn't say anything. James whispered something to one guard, and I was able to hear it.
“Let the girl in there, and guard the door.” The guard nodded, and closed the door. A faint click was heard, as the lock turned. I dropped to the floor, along with Haylyn, she hugged me tightly against her body, and I hugged her back. We were both on our knees, and I was aching everywhere on my body.
“I'm so sorry...” Haylyn muttered to me, between two sobs.
“Why did they take you?” I asked. She let go of me, and she wiped the tears off her face. Her face was red, and so were her eyes, from crying.
“They took me to say where you were living,” she answered quietly. That's why they knew I was at Freddie's inn. I hugged her back, and she curled her arms around me. “I'm sorry Leorn, they were threatening me... I just couldn't bear.”

“Don't worry, Haylyn,” I answered. I felt the tears coming out of my closed eyes as well. They slid down my cheeks, until they dropped on Haylyn's shirt. “This wasn't supposed to happen...” I muttered to myself. Now, beginning from that day, I would have to betray my race. It was so dishonorable for me, I couldn't stop the tears from dripping from my eyes, onto Haylyn's already tear-soaked clothing.
We stood there, saying nothing, just hugging each other, for a long time. We didn't speak. We barely didn't even breathe. We didn't move at all. We just stood there, as if we were waiting for something. He tried to comfort each other, but, as hard as we tried, it didn't work. We had a stopped crying since a long time, but we stood there.
The door opened, with a faint click. It swung wide, and two guards entered. They grabbed Haylyn by the shoulders. I gripped onto her hand.
“Haylyn!” I yelled out. She also gripped her hand with mine.
“Leorn!” She yelled out, almost louder than me. A guard came up to me, and took out a bat. He hit me on the side of the head, and my grip on Haylyn's hand fell, as I did towards the ground.
“Leorn!” She yelled out once more. She started fighting against the guards. “Let me go, you bastards!”
I felt dizzy, but I stood up on my four limbs. I looked up at them, growling, and I crawled to Haylyn. I couldn't even move properly, because the hit that the guard inflicted me nearly concussed me. Haylyn was dragged out of the room, and the door slammed shut. I reached for the door, but the metal collar kept me from going any closer. I strained against it, then I fell on the ground, dizzy. I tried to stand up, and I wobbled. I fell down to my four limbs again. A low growl escaped my mouth. It got bigger, as time went. It became a roar of fury, and I started fighting against the chain. I morphed into my canine form, to bite against the chains, in hopes of breaking them. I pounced everywhere on the walls. My mind was let loose. The collar grabbed at my neck every now and then, but it hurt less and less, the more times I did it. I slammed myself against the wall. My tail flopped on the ground, and I whined quietly to myself, as my black eyes gazed over the white floor. My canine breath was warm, but it was slow and unstable. Pain ached in my whole body.
We found me later on, lying on the floor in a puddle of red liquid. In my rage, I had nearly demolished my skeleton, and I had inflicted wounds on my limbs and stomach. As my consciousness started to fade, two guards entered the room. They both pointed their guns at me, but I lied still, breathing slowly, only clinging to the rim of life.
The two guards grabbed my arms and legs and unlocked my metal collar with a key. The chain fell to the ground, the heavy, abrupt noise echoing in my ears endlessly. The two guards carried me away to the medical room. As my eyes passed over the lights, I closed them, because they were blinding me, but the image stayed in my mind. As they opened the door to the medical room, two nurses and one doctor examined me, putting me on a table, and scanning my wounds. The two guards left the room, and the doctors started to heal me.
After what seemed to be many endless hours, I was transported back to my room, and laid onto my bed. My forearms were covered in a tight bandage, as was my tail, and my stomach. The doctors had injected painkiller into my wounds, but it seemed to do no effect on my body whatsoever. I also noticed that they had locked the collar on my neck again, preventing me from escaping. I morphed back to my human state, instinctively. The guards that transported me leaved the room, only to come back with the man I hated, James.
James crouched near me and put a hand on my wounded shoulder. I growled fiercely, and he took off his hands. I closed my eyes, my ears pricked to listen to the man.
“Why did you do that, Leorn?” He asked. I answered what I thought would be a good answer.
“I want to see Haylyn,” I replied, not opening my eyes.
“That doesn't answer my question, Leorn,” he answered.
“I want to see Haylyn,” I retorted, opening my eyes to glare at the man.
“I'm sorry, but,” he began, “Haylyn cannot see you at the moment.”
“Why not?!” I asked, trying to lift myself up, but in vain. The pain was too high, and I slumped back onto the bed helplessly.
“Haylyn needs to...” James began, searching his words, “Calm down.”
“Where is she?!” I asked, scowling at James.
“In another room,” James replied, “Nothing to worry about, Leorn.”
“I want to see Haylyn,” I repeated.
“All in good time, Leorn,” James answered, with a smile. Before I could say anything, he continued, “Your wounds don't seem that bad, Leorn. You'll be able to move by tomorrow morning.” What James said, for once, comforted me, but only in the slightest manner possible. He continued talking, “Which means you'll start your new 'job' tomorrow morning.” He handed me a photo, of a men I could not recognize.
I took it cautiously out of his hand, and I looked at it. The man had green, cat-like eyes, that stared at you in a very stern manner. He had trimmed brown hair, and long ears. His head was square, and he looked tough. A goatee could be seen, shooting out of his chin, curling inwards.
“This is Jackie Novel,” James said, looking down at me. The name didn't sound tough. It seemed like on of those names that were given to people who lived in gangs. He continued, “We are sure he is one of your race. He lives in the Brick Square of the city you lived in, Leorn.” I looked up at James. He seemed that he wasn't lying.

I thought that my family and I were the only kuijin in the city. I was wrong.
“We want you to bring him to us,” James said.
“What is his soul animal?” I asked.
“The last time my men spotted Jackie, he was a boar,” James answered calmly. That made me feel uneasy. How was I going to fight a boar, if I only had the strength of a canine?
“You'll be armed,” James added, “If ever something happens, take him down. But bring back the body.”
“He'll probably take me down with him,” I commented, looking at the photo. “If he's not stupid, he must have firearms himself.”
“He didn't have any when he last escaped us,” James said, looking at the photo as well. He had a point. Jackie could be just another kuijin, like we were before. I looked up at James, who looked down at me. I nodded once, and he took the photo back gently. “Good,” he said, “This mission shall begin tomorrow. Be prepared, Leorn.”
Before James could get out of the room, I asked, “After, will I be able to see Haylyn?” James turned around to face me.
“If she has calmed down, and that your mission was a success,” James answered, “Yes.” He then left the room, closing the door behind him, locking it. His sentence repeated itself multiple times in my head. I put my head in my hands. I shouldn't of have accepted this mission! Damnit! But, as I thought, I knew that if I hadn't accepted, they would kill my parents, and most probably do the same to Haylyn. I moaned quietly to myself, shifting my position on the bed. My arms ached, as did my legs. I closed my eyes again, and I tried to rest. But the cold sensation of being observed always made me feel unprotected. Like if a blade was at my neck, at all times. I shut my eyes tight, and I tried to calm down my breathing, which was just getting faster by the moment. After a while, it became silent, and I slumped onto the bed. This had tired me out. I just needed some rest. I dozed off, but I didn't fully go asleep. I opened my eyes, to look around the room. The light was still present, even though I could not know where it came from. The only object I noticed in this room was the bed, and the camera, always looking at me. I wondered why the camera was there, because, obviously, I couldn't get out of here in any way, with this chain on my neck. I glanced sideways, then sighed. I flattened out my arms and legs on the bed, as I tried to relax. It was hard to do so, when you know that bad things to happen were imminent. I closed my eyes again, and I fell to sleep, despite my thoughts.
I woke up tiredly on the next day. I turned over, and stretched my body. I remembered what James said before, and I took off the bandages from my tail, my limbs and my stomach. I looked at my belly, as I passed one hand on it. There were scars, that marked my previous wounds. I lied still on my bed, lazy. I then tilted my head to the black camera, which was the most obvious thing one could see, in a room of white. I turned on my bed, and I put my feet on the cold ground. I stood up, wobbling. I looked around, and walked in circles. I then ran in circles. I braked, slowing down in my sprint. As James had announced, I was in perfect shape for the mission today. I looked back at the bandages, which were spotted with red, where my blood had dried.
I turned my head sharply to the side as I heard the door open. It swung widely, and James came in, accompanied by two armed guards. James was still as clean as the last time I saw him. He readjusted his suit, and looked down at me.
“Well, well,” be began, “It seems that our friend, here is just fine, as I thought would happen.”
“I'm not your friend,” I retorted, “If there weren't those bodyguards around, I'd gladly rip out your neck.”
“Now, now, let's not ave any manners, shall we?” James said, smiling at me. I wondered how he kept his calm in these situations. He must be used to it, I thought. He continued, “Now, you must know why we're here.”
“The recovery mission,” I replied quickly.
“Good,” he said, smiling, “You remember.” I would've said that those sort of things cling to my mind, but I refrained myself from doing so. “Well,” he continued, “Let's better not stay here, and get to work.” He looked at me with his piercing eyes, and I felt a shiver run up my spine. “You'll be transported to your city by car,” James explained, “You'll dispose of a pistol, and of a small radio to communicate with us. You'll also have twenty-four hours to complete the mission, or, in other words, one day to bring back the body, alive or dead.” He smiled at me. “Do you understand?” I nodded weakly, and he approached me. “Follow me,” he said briefly. He took one key out of his pocket, and inserted it in a lump on my metal collar. He turned the key, a faint cringing noise emanating from the collar as he did so. The collar opened, and I took my head out of the object. I put a hand up to my neck, grabbing it tightly. The collar slid off my elbow, and hit the ground heavily. I took my hand off my neck, but James was already heading for the door. I followed him, as did the guards. We walked through several halls, past several doors. I hoped Haylyn wasn't locked in one. I gulped, and looked at where I was going, following James.
After a while, time lead us outside. A car was waiting for us. It was a black Porsche. I lifted one eyebrow at the vehicle. I wasn't that good with cars, but somehow, something told me that this car shouldn't even be sold anymore. The design looked too old for it to be modern. James went up to the black Porsche, and opened the door. The driver was already inside, seeming to have waited for a long time. I went into a car, and James followed, wit a silver suitcase, closing the door. I sat on the chair next to the window, opposite to where James sat. The chairs were maroon, and they were comfortable to sit on. The car departed silently, went past the gates, and drove onto the road. I took a quick look out of the window, to try to know where I was. I recognized the road we were driving on. It was a road that lead out of the city I lived in before. I glanced at the suitcase James was holding on his lap. I wondered what it contained. Probably the things I would use, later. I didn't ask.

I cast a quick glance at the car clock. It was 10:30 AM. I slept more than usual that night, I thought. I looked out the window, my head on my hand, gazing outside, looking at how blue the sky was that day. I sighed to myself. If we were driving on this road, we were going to get to the city quickly. I gazed over the vast plains of grass for a long moment, and I almost thought I wasn't blinking or breathing anymore. The car engine rumbled as we approached the upcoming city. I looked forwards, and saw the buildings that stood high above the ground. I recognized a few of them.
After a while, we stopped at the side of a sidewalk. I didn't open the door to get out of the car. James looked at me with his profound gaze, and our eyes met. We stared emotionless at each other for a long time, when, finally, James broke the silence.
“Now, for your equipment,” James said, opening the silver suitcase. It glinted n the sunlight passing through the windows, and the compartment creaked, as if it were a snake hissing. In the silver suitcase, was a classy, shiny black gun. I couldn't recognize it, but it seemed very professional. There was also a small earphone, with the wire coiled up around the phone and the speaker. James unclipped the gun from its socket, and passed it over to me. “Keep this safe, and hidden,” he quietly said to me. I took the gun with a shaking hand, and slid it down the back of my trousers. I really wanted to use the gun against the vile man, but I knew that if I did, he would still have the power to slaughter the rest of my family. He then passed me the small radio. “Put this on your ear, and make sure the speaker is up to your mouth at all times,” he explained casually. I snatched the speaker, and put it up to my ear. I slid the wire down my shirt, and the speaker up to my mouth. James took a small intercom from his pocket. “Now, get out of the car, and your mission begins.”
I opened the door, and stepped out of the car discreetly. I made sure that the gun was well hidden, and I closed the door behind me. I heard the phone crackle, then an electronic voice came out.
“Testing, you hear me, Leorn?” James asked through the intercom. I put up a hand to the speaker.
“Perfectly,” I answered.
“Good,” he replied, and the connection cut.
I walked away from the car, and it stood in its place. I tried to remember where James said Jackie was. Brick Square. That's a big place, I thought. I continued walking down the road. After looking at multiple buildings, I finally recognized this area. It was far away from the Brick Square, but it wasn't close either. I continued padding down the road, not looking back at the car, even to glare at James once more.
My shadow danced on the walls of the buildings I passed as I walked quickly down the road. My feet made small thudding noises as they landed on the concrete sidewalk. I passed a few people, who didn't even look at me, which comforted me slightly. I still have to escape from the police, though, I thought. I glanced warily sideways, hoping that there were no policemen around. To my great appreciation, there were none, and I lifted my head. As I looked at the roads, I noticed that there wasn't much traffic in the city today. I waited on the side of the road to let the cars pass, and then I crossed the road quickly, to get to the other pavement that lead to the Brick Square.
After walking a few minutes, I got to the intersection with the Brick Square. I turned, and then appeared in the so-called area, where Jackie lives. The Brick Square was bigger than I thought, and there were buildings all around. It would take me ages to find out where he lived, if I checked the buildings one by one. I thought of getting some help. No one would suspect anything. I hid the small radio in my shirt, and I walked up to a tall, clad man. He had a small, trimmed beard, and a red bandanna on his head, hiding his hair. He had an anchor tattooed on his right arm. When I walked up to him, he looked down at me.
“Excuse me, sir,” I began, hesitantly at first. Then I looked at him straight in the eye, with a determined look. “Would you know where Jackie... Novel lives around here?” I asked. He lifted one suspicious eyebrow at me.
“Jackie?” The man repeated. As he talked, the voice boomed into my ears, making the figure seem even more imposing. “Oh yeah, Jackie!” He looked down at me. “Why do you need to know?” He asked.
“He wanted me to see him, personally,” I answered. The other man still seemed skeptical as he glared down at me. His face lightened.
“Ah, brave fellow,” he answered, patting me on my head. I felt crushed by the man's gigantic hand. “He lives in building number fourteen, fourth story,” he answered. I gently pushed his hand away, and turned to the building. I ran to it, turning my head to the man, waving at him.
“Thank you!” I yelled after him. He turned around, and kept on walking.
I arrived at the building number fourteen. It was tall, gray, and did not invite people at all. It was monotone, and the paint on the walls was crumbling to bits. I heard a stereotypical crow cry far away, as I pushed the button to enter. A faint, long buzzing noise was heard from the door, and I pushed it open. I entered the building, and I closed the door behind me. My footsteps echoed for seconds before the noise faded away when I stopped. I went up the stairs, that turned in circles. I finally got to the fourth story.
A giant door showed me the entrance to Jackie's so-called home. I scanned it, seeing four types of locks. I knew that I could pick two of those locks, but not the third or fourth one, which seemed way more protective. I walked up to the door, an imminent sens of inferiority welling up inside me as I did so. I gulped, and I pressed on the doorbell. I heard no answer, but I heard the steps echo inside the building. After the steps stopped, the door didn't open.
“Who is it?” A voice grumbled behind the door. The voice was so sudden and direct, that I jumped away.

I came back to my original place. My legs were shaking. I couldn't imagine a boar kuijin. It must be huge, I thought. And hairy, like the monsters we see in those horror movies. But I calmed down my beating heart, and I answered.
“Please, open the door, sir,” I replied.
“Who is it?” The man repeated behind the door, more stern this time. I thought that if I didn't lay an extra dose of will, I would never get inside the crummy flat.
“Sir!” I begged, “My father got a car accident downstairs, and he doesn't want to wake up! Please open the door and help him!” This time, I thought it would be enough.
I heard the locks on the door turn quietly. They creaked and cranked. The door then opened slowly after that, showing a massive man, like the one I saw on the photo. A shiver went up my spine. Is he Jackie? I thought. Oh Christ, I won't be able to take down a man like that! I looked up at him, trying my best to seem helpless. He crouched down next to me, and put his hand on my back.
“Where's your father?” He asked. His voice was thunderous, but it had a gentle tone to it. I gulped, as I thought again of what I would have to do. My hand slid behind me, and I pulled up the gun to under his jaw. The gun clicked.
“I'm sorry, sir,” I muttered quietly, “But I'm doing this for him.”
Jackie seemed surprised. He slowly stood up to his feet, as I did. He lifted his hands cautiously. Without taking my eyes off the man, I tilted my gun, to make him go back into the flat. He slowly stepped back into his residential area, and I closed the door behind me. He glared at me, as I took out the radio again, and fixed it onto my ear.
“James,” I said, not taking my stare off Jackie, “I got him.” Jackie seemed surprised as I say the name 'James'. He must know who he is, after that he had been chased all over the place, I thought. The intercom cracked, and a voice spoke out of it.
“Good,” James said, “Nice job.” There was a long silence, and the speaker broke the silence once more. “Is he dead or alive?” James asked.
“Alive,” I muttered.
“All the better,” James replied. “Don't move, we're coming.”
“Building number fourteen, fourth story,” I answered. I heard the engine roar through the intercom. The connection cut. I put the radio away, and I noticed my hand was shaking.
“Erm... Can I sit down?” Jackie asked. As he asked, my heart skipped. I pointed my gun at him, trying to calm down my heart. I nodded briefly, and Jackie turned around, took a chair, and sat on it. I pointed my gun at his head.
“Why are you doing this?” He asked.
“For my parents,” I muttered. “I already said that.”
“James,” Jackie said, looking at me, “Do you even know who this man is?”
“You know him?” I asked.
“I recognized his voice, and his radio,” Jackie answered, looking at the ground, his hands still raised. “Do you know what he really is?” He asked again.
“He's an idiotic, loathsome bastard, I already know that,” I answered quickly.
“Why did you join him, then?” Jackie asked.
“I didn't have the choice,” I replied calmly.
“How did he force you?” Jackie asked. I gulped. I was almost crying, as I wanted to answer the question. I sniffed, and wiped my gleaming eyes with my shirt sleeve.
“He took my father and mother, and threatened me by saying he would kill them if I didn't do what he wanted,” I answered.
“I can't remember James threaten humans,” Jackie replied.
“He wasn't,” I answered, quietly, the tears falling out of my eyes. “I'm a kuijin, just like you,” I answered.
“Then that means we're in the same bloody situation,” Jackie answered. I wiped my tears away with my sleeve again.
“Huh?” I asked.
“He did the same thing to me long ago,” Jackie explained, “After a few missions, I refused to do any of his biddings, and he killed my parents in front of my eyes, as well as my little sister.”
“James still doesn't have my brother and sister,” I said.
“But he has your mother and father,” Jackie retorted. “Do you want to work for a guy that will kill all your relatives if you do one error?”
“Of course not!” I retorted, “But I have no other choice!”
“Hey, kiddo,” Jackie said, looking at me, “Do you know what's going to happen to me when they bring me back to that wretched place?” After sniffing two times, I shook my head slowly. My feet were moving sideways. I felt like moving a little would comfort me. He's going to experiment on me, as he did with my father and mother. I don't want that,” he explained, “At least, not while I'm alive.” I lifted one eyebrow.
“You're saying that you...?” I asked. He nodded silently.
“Shoot me,” he murmured. I stepped back once. I couldn't do that. Especially since he didn't even try to defend himself. But, I don't want him to suffer, as his father and mother did. What do I do? I thought. “Just shoot me, damn it!” He yelled. I silently stepped towards the man. His hands were still raised. I pointed my gun at the kuijin's head. My hands were shaking.

I put my second hand on the gun, to try and stop the shaking. The gun made sinister shadows creep on the floor.
“I... I can't,” I weeped.
“Just pull the trigger,” Jackie answered quietly. I closed my eyes.

We found me a few minutes later, silently crying to myself, curled up against a wall. The gun was right in front of me. My clothes were soaked with tears, and James walked up to me. He put a hand on my shoulder.
“It's okay,” he murmured. I shook my head, still sobbing, spreading tears on the ground.
“No... No, no...” I repeated, over and over again. “It's not okay...”
The driver stepped up to the corpse, and inspected it closely. He took a photo from his pocket, and looked at it, then glanced at the bloodied body.
“It's Jackie all right,” the driver said, looking at James, who looked back at him.
“Good,” James answered.
Jackie laid there, pale, not moving. A puddle of dark blood escaped from the man's head. A clean hole was shot through it. Jackie's goatee was hard and red, as the blood congealed on the hair. His eyes were open, and white. A long blade of blood was seen in front of the slightly red chair, where the blood had shot out when I did the act. His arms laid outstretched in front of him, as they were before I shot him.
The driver came back a few minutes later with a corpse bag. He took Jackie's body, and put it into the bag. He zipped it up, and heaved it on his shoulder. He walked up to James.
“We need to get moving, James,” he said. James stood up, gripping my hand tightly, pulling me up to my feet. I felt wobbly, and I curled my two arms around my body. My face was red from crying too much, and my eyes were dry.
“Right, Weston,” James answered. He pushed me gently down the stairs, until we went out of the building, followed by Weston, and the green bag. Weston came out of the building, as James opened the door for me to climb into the Porsche. James put the gun back into the silver suitcase, and held out a hand, for me to give him the radio. I took it off my head, and passed it to him. I looked away, as he put the radio back into the suitcase, and closed it firmly. Weston opened the back of the car, and gently put the bag down into the car. He closed the door afterwards, and went up to the front seat. He put on the safety buckle, as James did also. I slowly put on the safety buckle, with a shaking hand. It clicked, and I let it go, and I looked outside, as the care drove out of the area, and onto the road we used to come here in the first place.
I didn't think of anything as we went down the road, back to where we all came from. I looked outwards into the sky. It was getting cloudy, and I felt even more depressed than I was at the moment. I felt uncomfortable, but I didn't move. I closed my eyes, trying to take away the thoughts.
After a while that seemed long, but short at the same time, we arrived at the building. James went out of the car first, followed by Weston. I unbuckled myself, and I opened the door, getting out of the vehicle as well. I closed the door behind me. As Weston took the body out of the trunk, James accompanied me to my room once again.
“You did a good job,” James said to me. I didn't answer. We passed the corridors we had passed to get out, and we also passed the doors we passed before to get out. We finally arrived at my room, and James opened the door for me. Two guards came from nowhere, and stood in front of the door, as I went in. I slowly traipsed to the bed, where I sat sadly. James came up to me, and put the metal collar around my neck. He crouched to be at a lower height than me.
“Don't feel depressed, Leorn,” James said. His gaze that looked straight into my eyes seemed gentle, but I knew that behind, it was just another manipulation trick. “You did what you needed to do.”
“I want to see Haylyn, now,” I ordered, not bothering to listen to James. James stood up.
“Ah, yes, the girl,” he murmured. He clapped his hands twice. “Get the girl!” He shouted at one of the guards, who instantly moved away, out of sight. After a short moment, he came back, gripping Haylyn on the shoulder tightly. The guard pushed Haylyn into the room, and she ran to me.
“Leorn!” She shouted. I didn't move. Haylyn hugged me tightly. James then turned around.
“I'll leave you two,” he said, closing the door behind him. The slam echoed throughout the whole room. A click was heard, to signify the lock was turned. Haylyn's embrace tightened.
“I was worried about you,” she muttered to me. I nodded slowly. “What happened?” She asked. I could feel the despair swelling up inside my chest once more. I tried to keep it inside.
“I killed him,” I whispered. Haylyn stood silent.
“You did what you needed to do,” Haylyn replied, after a while. I pushed her away brutally with one arm.
“No!” I shouted. She looked up at me with scared eyes. “Jackie could've lived an almost normal life, if I hadn't accepted this god damn mission in the first place! He didn't have to die today!” I fell to the ground, only my arms holding me up. “He didn't have to die...” I repeated. Haylyn jumped at me, and pinned me down by the neck. I couldn't get up.
“Calm down, Leorn,” she whispered in my ear. I started to stop struggling, until I finally stopped. “There...” She murmured.
“I'm a bloody murderer,” I sobbed.
“No, you aren't,” Haylyn whispered back, “You were forced to.” I remained silent, closing my eyes, to keep the tears inside. The grip of her and on my neck smoothened, and she slid her arms around my body. I also hugged her tightly, nestling my head on her shoulder, keeping my eyes shut. I morphed into my coyote shape.

Fur sprouted everywhere on my body, while my tail lengthened. My hands mutated into paws, and my nails grew into claws. My muzzle appeared, and my eyes turned black. Haylyn curled up into a tight ball, and I bent myself into a half-circle. She put herself against my body. I put my head in my paws. My eyes gleamed with unshed tears. I opened my eyes, to see that my vision was blurry from the tears, that fell down upon the fur on my head. I closed them tightly, making the last tears squeeze out of my eyes, and keeping those still locked inside not able to escape. We stood there for a long time, not talking, not moving. We breathed slowly, silently. I thought that Haylyn was asleep. I morphed back to my human state. My muzzle disappeared, my tail shortened, may claws transformed themselves into nails, my fingers appeared from my tight paws. The fur slowly disappeared into my skin, and my eyes returned to their normal color. I stood up, and I noticed what I thought was correct: Haylyn was sleeping. Her eyes were closer, and her hand was up to her cheek, supporting her head. I slowly bent down, and cautiously picked her up. I hoped that she didn't open her eyes, and she didn't. Her breathing was still, and timed. I carefully walked over to the bed, the chain on my collar dangling onto the ground. I laid her onto the bed. She moved into a tighter ball. I looked down at her with wary eyes, and I slowly put myself on the ground, transforming into my coyote form. My tail sprouted yet again, and my muzzle lengthened. My coal black fur shot out of my skin, and my eyes faded to black. My canines grew, and my hands turned into clawed paws. I put my head on my hands, and I closed my dry eyes.
After hearing a clank on my door, my head shot upwards. The locks turned and the door opened. A guard came in, carrying food.
“You must be starving,” he muttered. I remained silent, and I got to my feet, transforming back into a human. My tail shortened, and I put it in my trousers. My fur slithered back into my skin, and my muzzle disappeared, leaving place for a human nose. My ears crept back to the sides of my head. My paws turned into nailed hands. The guard put the food calmly onto the ground, then turned away, going out of the room, locking the door behind him. I walked cautiously to the food. I sniffed it, suspecting something. It was true that after all this time, I didn't think about food. Come to think of it, I was starving. I picked at the food with my hands, and I ate a mouthful. At least it's better than canteen food at school, I thought. But I was too shocked from the past events to finish my plate. I pushed the food away with one fist, and I hugged my knees close to my body. I looked at Haylyn, who was still sleeping. I closed my eyes, putting my head into my knees. I began thinking of a plan to get out of here. I couldn't stand much longer in this wretched place. I thought about Jackie. I will avenge him, I thought. My head lifted itself again, as the door opened once more. I looked up at the man dressed in brown who entered. I glared at him, his vile face making me want to rip it off. I stood up, frowning. James, once again, stood in front of me. He smiled at me.
“Are you satisfied of your rest and meal?” He asked.
“Getting some forks and knives on there would be a good idea,” I said, thinking about my plan.
“Ah, I'm sorry, Leorn,” James answered, leaning slightly, “But we cannot take the risk of you taking the silverware and start to slice all our throats open with it.”
“You know how to read in minds, don't you?” I asked.
“I'm experimented enough,” James said to me with a smile. He closed his eyes calmly. “How's the girl?” He asked, finally.
“Haylyn,” I corrected, glaring at him.
“Haylyn,” he repeated after me, “How is she?”
“Sleeping,” I answered quickly, tilting my head to the bed. I looked back at James. “Why did you come here?” I asked.
“To give you another mission for tomorrow,” James answered me, smiling at me.
“Another recovery mission, you mean?” I asked. “Sorry, just after this one, I don't think I'll be up to it.”
“What happened today,” James answered quickly, “Is something that will normally happen in the missions,” he explained.
“Yeah, well I don't know if I'll be able to bear another death on my mind,” I snapped.
“We have ways to force you to, Leorn,” James answered, as calm as ever, “And I don't think any of us want to use those ways, now, don't we?” He asked, putting his hand on my shoulder. I shook it off.
“Don't touch me,” I retorted.
“Now, now, let's not have any manners, shall we?” James said, clasping his hands together. He then remained silent for a while. I thought he was going to say something, but he didn't. He frowned, but I suspected it wasn't at me.
“Yes,?” I asked. He lifted one finger, and quickly turned around. He slid a hand into his suit, taking out a pill, that he popped into his mouth. He quickly gulped it down, and sighed silently. He turned back to me.
“Excuse me, Leorn,” he said, seemingly embarrassed.
“What was it?” I asked.
“Nothing I can speak of to you,” he replied, closing his eyes. “Let's get down to our own business, shall we now?” He asked, his face brightening. I eyed him suspiciously, but I didn't insist. I knew he wouldn't answer to any of my questions about what had just happened. “So,” he began, taking out a photo from his suit. He handed it over to me, and I looked at it cautiously. On the photo was a young male youth. The boy had a round face, and combed brown chestnut hair. He had brown eyes to go with that. He looked about my age, and he had a pointy nose. I frowned.
“I'm not going to take a kid,” I said, handing the photo back to James.
“Oh, but you are, Leorn,” he answered, “It's your new job.”
“If I had a job, it would be something I accept to do,” I retorted.

“We can force you to accept,” James replied, smiling at me. I glared at him.
“He's only a kid!” I yelled. Haylyn woke up with a gasp. She turned her head sideways, and noticed that she was on the bed. She then looked around once more, and saw James and me. She shifted on the bed, and stood up on the floor.
“Oh, silly me,” James said, “I forgot about the girl.” He approached Haylyn, and put a hand on her shoulder. She shook it off.
“Don't touch me,” she snapped. I was surprised that she had the same reflex as me. James took his hand back.
“I'm sorry Haylyn,” he said, with a smile, “But you cannot listen to the conversation we are having, between Leorn and me.” Haylyn looked at the ground, and nodded slowly. James nodded also, and pushed Haylyn gently to the door. She put a hand on the doorknob, and turned it. Two guards were waiting outside. James turned to the guards. “Take her to her room,” he said, coldly. One guard gripped Haylyn's shoulder, and pulled her away. The second guard closed the door. James turned back to me. “Now, where were we?” He asked.
“I'm not hunting down a kid,” I said, angered.
“I said that you are,” James replied, sternly.
“He's a freaking child! Let him live his life!” I yelled.
“He's an animal,” James answered, “Just like you.” I remained silent. I scowled at the man, but nothing more. My fists clenched. “You accepted that you would retrieve ones of your own race to protect your family,” James added. I nodded to myself slowly.
“What's his name?” I asked.
“Jach,” James answered, “Jach Masenil.” I opened my eyes wide. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I snatched the photo out of James' hands. Now that I looked at the boy more closely, I recognized the face. It was Jach. Jach Masenil. “Coincidentally,” James added, “Jach was one of your friends.” James approached me. I let him do so. I was too shocked. He crept up behind me, and put both of his hands on my shoulders. “Now, now, Leorn,” James said, “You are going to do what I say, all right? For your family?”
“I... I can't,” I replied.
“Oh, I know how you are, Leorn,” James said, sneering, “You're one of the types that only think about themselves, hmm?” I remained silent, my wide eyes staring at the photo. “I know that even though you are like that, you would do anything to save your family, now, wouldn't you?”
“I can't,” I repeated.
“You have a brave heart, Leorn,” James continued, “You know what is right, hmm?”
“I can't!” I repeated, louder.
“Even if it were the person that stabbed you in the back?” James asked. I looked up at him.
“Huh?” I asked. “What do you mean?” James nodded slowly. I turned my head away from him. He was manipulating me again. But I couldn't stop listening. “You mean that he...?” I asked. James nodded again.
“Right, Leorn,” James replied, “He's the one who said that you were a kuijin.”
It all stuck together. The scent near the broken stick. The scent, stuck to Jach. Him eying me suspiciously at school the next day. And his physical appearance now deceived his kuijin race. I couldn't believe me. He wasn't the one that said it. He couldn't be!
“No!” I shouted, “You're lying!”
“Why would I lie to you?” James asked. I remained silent.
“It can't be possible...” I muttered.
“And yet, it is,” James repeated. “So, did you change your mind, or are you say that you're stubborn again?” James asked.
Jach. The real reason why my life lead to a downfall. He was the beginning of it. He was the one who made me kill Jackie. He was the one who made me lose my family. He was the one who made Haylyn's life lead to a downfall, also. I scowled at the ground, while I twisted the photo in anger.
“I'm going to kill him,” I said, in rage.
“Don't damage him too much,” James said, taking his hands off my shoulders, smiling at me.
“Try and stop me,” I snapped. James turned his back to me.
“Well, I guess you're prepared for the mission tomorrow, then,” James said. I looked up at him.
“You have the time?” I asked. James swiftly raised his hand to his face. He looked at his classy silver watch, and then he let his sleeve fall on the watch as he let his arm down.
“1:40 PM,” he answered.
“Good,” I snapped, “Get me in the car. Now.”
James turned to me, smiling. “Are you so eager?” He asked me. I nodded quickly. “Then come,” he continued, approaching me. He took his key out of his pocket, and put it into the lump on the side of my metal collar. He turned it, and a click snapped the atmosphere. I took off the collar, throwing it against the ground. The chains clanged for a short moment, then stood still. James beckoned me to follow him, and I did so. He opened the door, and lead me out. The guards were surprised to see me come out of the room, but didn't ask any questions. We started going down the halls. James met Weston while going to the car.

“There's a change of plans,” James muttered, “We begin the mission today.” Weston put his coffee down onto a table.
“You sure that won't tire out the kid?” Weston asked. James grinned evilly.
“Leorn's determined to do this mission today,” James said, a sly look in his eyes. Weston smiled back at him, and looked at me suspiciously. He sipped the rest of his coffee, and put it back onto the table. He started walking with us down to the car. James picked up a silver briefcase standing right next to the entrance of the building.
We went outside. The car was where we had last put it. Weston hopped into the car. James opened the door for me, and I stepped into the black Porsche, and sat on the red seat I sat on earlier, as James followed me in, closing the door behind him. The motor roared. I checked in the trunk. The body wasn't there anymore. I looked outside the window, as James put the silver suitcase on his lap. I longed for the moment where I would pin Jach down onto the ground, and point the gun at him. And this time, I wouldn't be hesitant, as I was with Jackie. Jach will pay for what he did to me. The motor then grumbled, and we drove onto the road we had previously gone onto this day. The wheels silently rolled on the tar-covered tracks as we passed the gate once more. We turned, and headed for the city. I closed my eyes, and thought of what I would do.
After a while, I awoke as I felt something push on my shoulder.
“Leorn!” James said, trying to wake me up. I opened my eyes quickly, and turned t him. “We've arrived,” he said quietly. I was about to dash out of the door, but he stopped me by putting a hand on my shoulder. “Wait,” he snapped, “Your equipment.” I nodded, and calmed myself down. James opened the silver mallet, showing the gun and the radio. He unclipped the gun, and handed it over to me. I stuck it down the back of my trousers. He handed my the radio, and I put it over my head. I tried to hide the earphone as well as I could, by placing my hair in a sort of way where it would hide it completely. James nodded, and I went out the car, closing the door behind me.
As I stepped away from the Porsche, I heard the intercom crackle.
“Testing, Leorn, do you hear me?” James asked through the radio.
“Perfectly,” I answered.
“You'll dispose of twenty-four hours again, to bring the body dead or alive, Leorn. Good luck,” James said. The intercom snapped, and the communication broke. I fastened my pace. I looked around to check where I was. The sky was cloudy, but, thankfully, there was no rain. After I saw a couple of buildings, I knew that I was pretty far away from the place where Jach resided. But I didn't care. I had as much time as I wanted. I had too much. I walked silently on the roads, making sure every once in a while that the gun was hidden by my shirt correctly. There were not many people on the streets today. The only people I saw in front of me were covered in clothes. It was impossible to know who they were. They then talked to each other silently, and turned into an alley, leaving me alone on the streets. I lifted my eyebrows, and I continued my way. As I reached the alley the two people turned into, a hand shot out, and grabbed me by the collar of my shirt. The arm pulled me in, one hand on my mouth so I couldn't say anything. The two people shoved my against the ground, putting one hand on my neck. I quickly took the gun out of the back of my trousers, and pointed it at them. They jumped away, and I stood up.
“Who are you?” I asked, my two hands on the weapon. One person looked at the other. They pulled their hoods back. I lowered my gun as I recognized who it was. Jakalt and Serella. I jumped to them, and I both hugged them tightly. Serella was the only one to hug me back.
“There you are!” I exclaimed, almost crying. Actually, I was. I felt the tears trickle down my cheeks. Serella passed her hand through my black hair.
“Shh,” she whispered, to calm me down. Jakalt pulled me away from Serella's body. I looked up at him, smiling, and he smiled back. He grabbed me, and hugged me tightly against his clad body. He then gently pushed me away, and wiped my tears away with his hand.
“Aren't you supposed to be dead?” Jakalt asked. I jumped back.
“Why do you say that?” I asked, quickly. Jakalt put one hand in front of him, and lowered it.
“Please, put your gun away,” he asked, calmly.
“Oh, sorry,” I answered. I put the gun back at the back of my trousers, pulling my shirt over it. Jakalt nodded to Serella, and my sister took a newspaper from her cloak. It was shredded, but most of the text was okay. She pointed at a small text. I read the title. Marriages, Divorces and Deaths, I read. I looked down. I saw a text, that made my heart skip. I read it out loud, to make sure that it was real.
“Young male youth, named Leorn Taltesier, announced dead, shot down by the police,” I repeated. I put a hand up to my face. “So I'm dead?” I asked, looking up at Jakalt and Serella. They both nodded. I took the newspaper, and I read it again. As I read further on, there was something that shocked me, maybe even more than the last text.
“Young female youth, named Haylyn Serroy, announced dead, shot down by the police,” I read out loud. I stared into nothingness, as Jakalt grabbed the newspaper away from me.
“You know her?” He asked.
“She's... A friend at school,” I said. Serella approached me and hugged me tight.
“I'm so sorry,” she said, quietly. I pushed her away gently.
“No, no,” I said, “You don't get it. She's not dead,” I explained. Serella and Jakalt both raised one eyebrow at me. “I can't explain to you right now,” I said, looking down, “But to make long story short, I know that she's not dead.” But that means that James could kill her, and it wouldn't change anything, I thought. James is keeping her to use her against me.

Serella and Jakalt both looked at each other, and nodded once. Serella held out her hand.
“Come with us, Leorn,” Serella said, “So that we can escape this place.” I wanted to go with them, but my face darkened.
“I can't,” I replied briefly. They looked at me suspiciously.
“Why?” Jakalt asked.
“I had the same idea as you guys,” I answered, “And I stayed at Freddie's inn. But, soon, the police found me, and I got shot down. I woke up in a weird place, and now I'm enrolled as a kuijin finder for a secret association or something,” I explained.
“What?” Serella asked, obviously not believing what I just said.
“Believe what I say,” I replied, looking up at my sister, “I need to find kuijins, to bring back to them, so that they can experiment on them.”
“That's horrible!” Serella exclaimed. Jakalt also seemed uneasy, but he didn't show it as much as Serella. “Why do you do it?!” Serella asked. My face darkened again.
“Because or else he'll kill Haylyn,” I answered, “And mother, and father.”
“You mean they're still alive?” Jakalt asked.
“As long as I do the missions,” I answered sadly. “Believe me, I'm not doing it of full heart.”
“That means...” Serella began, “You got to take us?”
“No,” I answered, looking up at her, “I'm assigned to one person each day. And anyways, I wouldn't bring you back even if I was assigned that mission,” I asnwered. “nobody has to know we've had this conversation. You guys can still remain safe. Just... Don't get mixed up with my new life, I beg you,” I answered.
“We're going to get you out of there,” Serella replied, determined.
“No!” I shouted, “You aren't! You'll only manage to get killed! And mother and father will get killed if you try!”
“But, Leorn,” Serella began.
“Shut up!” I interrupted, “Go away! Get the hell out of this place! Try and create a new life, somewhere else!” I passed them, angered. Before I was out of sight, I muttered, just loud enough so they could hear me, “And forget about me.” I ran away. They remained silent, behind the alley. No one should know we had this conversation. No one should know I saw them. No one should know they're my brother and sister. I ran until I found the cross-section between the road I was currently on, and the road that went to Jach's house. I'll get you, you bastard! I repeated in my mind, over and over again. I ran across the road, jumping on the road that would lead me to Jach's house. As I saw policemen, I braked, and I slowed down my pace. I lowered my head while I walked past the men. Once I did, I glanced back, and fastened my pace, lifting my head, making sure my gun was hidden neatly behind my shirt.
I arrived in the suburbs. I felt the memories spring back into my body. I felt calm when I went here. Nobody was outside at this time, and the suburb was silent. The massive buildings rose above the ground. I walked for a few minutes, and then I saw my house. The police had put barriers on the entrances and tape on the windows to prevent anybody from entering the house. I took a deep breath, remembering what I did to the police. Now that they thought I was dead, it would be no problem at all. I'm dead, I repeated in my mind. I looked up at Jach's house. This time, it would be trickier to enter the domain. I walked around the residential area, scanning the walls. I was never invited to Jach's house, so I didn't know where his room was. I saw the opening of a window. I listened carefully what was happening inside. Today's a weekday, I reminded myself, so he must be here. The window was high up, and I couldn't reach it by jumping. But there was another way.
I carefully steadied myself on the solid surface. It bounced up and down, and made me feel nauseous. Great idea, I thought to myself sarcastically, trying to jump off a branch near one of the windows. I breathed in heavily, taking one last breath before I would run up to the end of the branch, and jump off to cling myself to the window. I stepped forwards, and as I saw the branch go down, I stepped backwards. My heart was racing inside my chest. I looked in front of me. I put my hands to the side of my head, and pushed them forwards. Look in front, I repeated to myself, the window is your goal, Leorn. I took one last breath, and I sprinted on the branch. It went down dangerously, and I jumped off it, spreading my arms in front of me. I slammed against the wall, and I gripped the edge of the window tightly.
“I made it,” I whispered to myself. But my chest hurt, and I closed my eyes tightly in pain. I then heaved myself up to the window. I was thankful to God for once, after I noticed that no one was in the room. I checked the window. It seemed like one that had the same system as my brother's. I pushed on the top of the window this time. It resisted, and I pushed harder. The window then cracked, and it fell backwards. I caught it just in time. I threw it to the ground, and it slammed against the ground, propelling shards of glass all over the ground. I looked downwards, and then I jumped. I landed heavily, but with hopefully less noise than I needed. I looked around, checking the room.
The room was dark, even though light came through the now broken window. It had a humid feel and smell. The corners had spider webs. I saw that we stored furniture in this room. There were many broken chairs, crummy desks, and even libraries and shelves. I glanced at the door. I walked over to it very cautiously. I opened it as silently as possible, and I peered through. I saw a big hall, and there was a room just in front of where I was. Down the hall, there was another room, then, there were stairs. I didn't know which of the two rooms were Jach's, and I hoped for the best. I tiptoed out of my hiding place, and I approached the door in front. I peeped through the keyhole.