《Field Trip》


 Prologue - Dark Night

    Within a dense forest there are ancient trees, their tall figures block out the negligible light from the crescent moon.

    Strangely enough, there''s no noise except for the trees themselves and the wind that guides them.

    No animals scurrying about, no insects chirping or clicking, even the earth seems to radiate a desolate aura.

    Total silence pervades this old forest, an eerie silence.

    The quiet night is broken by exhausted gasps and hurried footsteps.

    "Stop, take a rest. 4 minutes"A stern voice says.

    "Major what the fuck happened back there!" One of the gasping men blurts out in frustration.

    "God that hellish thing.." A man shivers, he grips his crucifix necklaceand makes a silent prayer.

    "Holy fuck mate, did you see that thing? It was built like a brick shithouse!" Another mansays to the pantingmanbeside him.

    "Let''s hope we don''t run into it again" The man replies solemnly.

    "Bessy she.. she''s gone!"The frightened womanlooksaround urgently.

    "Don''t bother, she isn''t coming back. We lost her when it appeared" One of the men says.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    The several men and women gasping for breath go do their best to recover but they''re still shaking from fear.

    "Major, speak up!" The man is getting impatient.

    "General.. you really picked a bad time to visit" The major coughs, pain could be seen in his eyes but his gaze returns to being calm and focused.

    "Site 3 has been compromised, we are all that''s left. The others well.. you saw what happened"

    The General sighs, before he could reply he is interrupted

    "Major! look at the trees" One of the men is pointing at a tree.

    Everyone shines their lights around them. "They''ve all gone grey and sickly" A woman gasps.

    "It''s spreading fast, whatever was in the abyss has begun toescape from it" The major whispers. "When it reaches the surface.. " A resolute expression appears on the majors face.

    "General, we need to get to morgue outpost and regroup. We are facing far greater danger than you think! Activation codes for failsafe Day-Light must be secured and transmitted asap.. General, if we fail we''ll need to use the box. I''m afraid if that happens, none of you will be leaving anytime soon"

    The entire group shudders at the thought.

    "Major.. are you sure?" The General asks, worry could be seen in his eyes.

    "Certian, let''s move! we need to get in touch with HQ!"

    The group is startled by a sudden rustling.

    "What.. what was that!?" The general was closest to the noise, the lights of all the others shine on him and the surroundings suddenly go quiet. It was bright, too bright for him to see.

    As his eyesight adjusts to the light he catches a glimpse of the surrounding soldiers faces. Terror and dispair can be seen.

    His chest tightens and his body goes stiff, he feels a faint breathing on neck that makes his hair stand on end. He slowly turns his head, every inch feeling like a mile, sweat drips down his temple like a snake.

    Before he could fully turn he head and see what lay behind him darkness consumes his vision along with a faint pain around his neck. The feeling of floating in a moist decay ridden void can be felt as the fading sounds of frightened screams and the crack of gunshots merges into the cold wind until all that was left was.. darkness.

 Chapter 1 - New Day

    "Good morning and welcome to Today at NBC news, I''m your host Carol Thorn and this is my new co-host Anna Ford"

    "Yes, good morning carol"

    "We have an urgent update on the widescale disappearances occuring throughout the states, Anna?"

    "It has been confirmed that the recent spike of disappearances have not only impacted the US but also our neighbours canada and mexico, It is unknown whether they are related or not"

    "Counting the recent disappearances, there have been 7,934 newly reported missing cases throughout the various states within the 3 weeks and the numbers are still rising"

    "Within the state of Colorado alone there have been 868 reported missing persons within the last two weeks, the largest increase from recent reports with the second being Utah with 429 missing persons. It''s quite frightning carol"

    "It certainly is anna, reports indicate that the most likely time of disappearances occurs during the evening hours"

    "An official statement from the Denver police chief Mark Weksaw recommends people to stay indoors during the evening until the cause and hopefully location of these recent missing persons has been identified"

    "That''s all for that report, next we have breaking news on President Trump''s tweets on the imminent government shutd"-

    "Meilin stop watching tv, hurry up and get ready for school!"

    A motherly figure opens the door to her room concealing the Korn poster behind it.

    Baiyu looks at her daughter who''s lazing about in an unkept fashion, she''s taller than herself probably something she inherited from her father along with his blue eyes, has long silky black hair, light toned skin, petite nose, slender figure with a moderate sized bust and wearing no more than some boxers with little kittens pictured on it, striped socks and a tank top.

    "Help your sister too, your field trip is today"

    "YES MOM!" Meilin rolls her eyes and turns off the tv. She already prepared her stuff yesterday, and just needs to help out her little sister.

    "Ara ara?, did I just see an eye roll? don''t forget that i''m coming too ohohoho!" Baiyu giggles, she can''t wait to meet her daughters classmates.

    "Yes I know mom, and don''t talk like that around my classmates. It''s embarrassing!" Meilin looks at her mom grumpily, ''It''s so damn cringy'' she thinks.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Baiyu smiles deviously "I would but you didn''t listen and clean your room. It''s so messy! this is your punishment"

    She looks around the room, there are dirty clothes on the floor, the rubbish bin is full with a couple empty packets of kettle chips that have fallen beside it, and lastly there''s dust which is everywhere. Baiyu sighs, she''s frustrated by her messy daughter.

    Meilin looks at her mother with watery eyes "You''re such a bully"

    "Your breakfast is almost ready and don''t forget that your lunches are in the fridge" Baiyu gives her daughter a look of disappointment before returning to the kitchen.

    Meilin buries her head in a pillow and sighs.

    She doesn''t know how her mom wormed her way into being a field trip assistant. She''s already having nightmares about her mom''s embarrassing ojousama talk being exposed to her classmates.

    "At least I won''t be suffering alone" Meilin whispers to herself, her super cute little sister is coming along too!

    "Good morning sister!"

    Speak of the devil, a curious young face pops out from the doorway.

    "Ahh what have I taught you my little Yingying, you know what to call me!" Meilin gets up from the bed and stares at her little sister.

    Her little sister, the absolute epitome of cuteness. Small for her age with porceline doll like features, healthy pale skin, small pouty lips, long glossy raven colored hair and breathtaking grey eyes which are similar to her mothers but brighter.

    "But sister it''s embarrassing" Meiying sulks.

    "I won''t have it, i''ve already suffered the consequences for it! please just once more?" Meilin claps her hands into a prayer and pleads with teary eyes.

    "Uuu, this is a special occassion ok, humph... On-One-ONEECHAN!!" Meiying''s little face blushes while gripping her tiny fists.

    "GYAH!" Like being shot in the head by a desert eagle filled to the brim with bullets of cuteness, Meilin stumbles back and covertly wipes the blood dripping from her nose.

    That''s right, her mom caught her "teaching" Meiying one day and ever since then has been teasing her with cringy attempts at ojousama speak but it was all worth it!

    "Do you need help packing your things?" Meilin asks after recovering.

    "I''ve already packed my stuff sister so you don''t need to worry" Meiying replies firmly.

    "Oh yeah! you didn''t forget to pack your cute pajamas did you and your new animal ears and tails?" Meilin asks while stretching.

    "Umm.. yeah! I''m sure I didn''t sis" Meiying nervously avoids eye contact.

    "Hmmm.. " Meilin eyes her little sister suspiciously. "We''d better double check just in case"

    Meiying panics a little. "Nooo! please sister!" Meiying jumps into her sisters embrace, holding her waist in a hug while looking up with pleading eyes.

    "I''m a big girl now! I don''t need those feety pajamas!! and.. and those cat accessories are.. too embarrassing, please don''t make me bring them!" Meiying desperately tries to persuade her sister.

    Meilin looks at her desperate little sister with immense satisfaction.

    "Absolutely not! as your onee-chan, I have the final say!" Meilin says in a commanding tone. ''Haha!,I can''t wait to showmy cute little sister wearing the new cosplayaccessories I ordered tomy friends''

    "Uuuu" Meiying looks at her with a cute but dispirited expression.

    "Listen to me Yingying and I''ll buy some of your favorite snacks to bring along" Meilin says in a gentle tone.

    "Only if you buy me that new zelda game with the snacks too!" Meiying looks at her demandingly with a cunning smile.

    "Ughh.. okay" Meilin looks at her little sister''s sly smile, looks like she planned this all along.

    "What a little fox" Meilin clicks her tongue, she used to be able to get her little sister with just sweets but now she''s gotten smarter.

    "Un! oneechan daisuki!" Meiying smiles brightly.

    "GYAH!" Meilin takes another blow, almost passing out.

 Chapter 2 - Gifts

    The house is quite spacious and thoroughly modernized, it''s a 3 story upper class home with stunning wooden floors and flashy paneled walls, many of the rooms are large and well lit with natural light from the large windows.

    Meilin is surprised to see her father as she enters the dining room with meiying.

    "Good morning dad" She greets her father, dad must have come home earlier just to surpise us. He''s so predictable.

    "Morning honey" Charles puts down his newspaper and gets up smiles.

    "Papa! you''re back" Meiying jumps into his embrace.

    "Haha, morning my little butterfly" Charles lifts up the small Meiying up and pecks her cheek.

    "That''s embarrassing papa!" Meiying Squirms out of charles hug.

    Meilin observes her father, he''s a tall man with striking blue eyes, strong nose, wide jawline, short black hair, close shave and a well defined figure.

    Her mother comes out of the kitchen with their breakfast, she radiates a natural grace, has glossy black hair tied in a bun with the excess covering her cheeks, pheonix like eybrows, beautiful figure, button nose and beautiful grey crescent moon eyes.

    Her parents are a match made in heaven she feels.

    Meilins father is the heir to the wealthy Ellard family and the reason she, her sister and mother traveled from china to the US.

    Apparently her father and mother met during an attempted robbery, specifically a pickpocket had lifted her fathers wallet while he wasn''t looking and it was noticed by her mother who later tripped the thief as he was walking past and quickly notifying her father.

    It was love at first sight they said.

    Meilin laughs to herself. ''Quite cliche indeed''

    "Did you get back when we were asleep?" Meiying asks curiously.

    "Yes my dove, my flight arrived late last night and I didn''t want to wake you" He replies.

    Meiying giggles "Say papa, am I a butterfly or a dove?"

    Charles puts on a thoughtfull expression. "Now that is a difficult question. Maybe.. you''re a duck!" Charles laughs and taps Meiyings nose.

    "Ahh that tickles!" Meiying pouts, her little face blushing.

    "Well, welcome back dad" Meilin interrupts and gives her father a hug.

    Charles looks at his daughter and clicks his tongue "Meilin, you and your little sister''s new uniforms are really stylish! I didn''t hear about the uniform change?" Shiny black leather shoes with a cute buckle, knee high white socks with blue stripes at the top, above the knee grey skirt, white summer school shirt, light blue jacket finished off with a cute red ribbon.

    Meilin blushes and replies "Ms Evie was dissatisfied with the bland uniforms before so she designed new ones and had the principal order them made. They only recently arrived and now they''re mandatory, Ms Evie was kind enough to offer them at 75% off"

    "Your teacher is interesting as always" Charles laughs but suddenly feels a chilling feeling from behind, the hair on the back of his neck stands up.

    Frozen like a statue he finally hears a feminine snort and breathes a sigh of relief.

    Charles nervously changes the subject "Anyway, how have you been? I heard from your mother that you finally got your Intermediate license! you can put to use that car we bought you last year"This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    "Umm.. I think I''ll wait until I''ve bought a car myself dad, that car.. is a little hard on the eyes"

    Meilin looks away, ''Seriously dad?! you had to get a prius?''She cries a little on the inside.

    "Haha! Nonsense, it''ll grow on you eventually. I have great taste!" Charles proudly declares.

    "Hurry up and eat your breakfast" Baiyu solftly grumbles. Feeling a little annoyed from being ignored.

    *Cough, cough* Charles clears his throat nervously.

    "Anyway.. are you girls thrilled? this school trip sounds exciting!" Charles is feeling a little sad, why couldn''t he come along?

    His wife adamantly denied him saying this was a good chance for some mother daughter bonding as she rarely got leave from work.

    "What''s so exciting about a big hole in the ground and a bunch of rocks? I''m more interested in the second part of the trip where we get to tour vegas!" Meilin is extremely excited about going to las vegas, stars could be seen in her eyes.

    "Too bad you''re not old enough to visit the casino''s, With my skills your old man could show you a thing or two" Charles winks.

    "Hmph, meilin don''t listen to your silly father" Baiyu snorts in disdain.''Husband with your so called skills you''d lose every time you bet''

    "Hey dad, did you get us some gifts?" Meilin is certian her dad got some.

    "Oh yeah! papa give" Meiying looked at her dad with puppydog eyes.

    "Hmph! you girls think papa would forget something so simple? fear not! I''ll go get them" Charles is ecstatic, now''s his chance to gain some more brownie points.

    Charles returns with a black bag. "Come have a look" Charles pulls two small lanterns out of the bag. "They''re made with the latest tech, aren''t they wonderful?"

    "A lantern? really dad, you shouldn''t have" Meilin is a little disappointed.

    Meiying''s excited expression deflated like a balloon.

    Not noticing his daughters disappointment, charles explains its various features. "They''re crank lanterns so you just need to crank this handle here to charge it, there''s a small compartment at the bottom that has a multi-tool, flint and fishing line and hook included! Lastly, there''s a usb port on the side so you can charge your phone, isn''t that neat?" Charles is obsessed with collecting survival tools, a true aficionado.

    Baiyu shakes her head. ''Husband, your daughters are not interested in your survival gadgets''

    "Papa.. thank you" Meiying is feeling disappointed but tries not to show it.

    "It should be useful on your trip" Charles finally notices his daughters sad expressions.

    "I also got you these two matching pendants each with a picture of your mother and I" Charles grins taking two little boxes out of the bag. "Both were made by a master goldsmith, he was.. a strange man"

    Meiying opens the box "Waah, papa it''s so pretty!"

    Meilin opens the other box "Oooh I like this"She looks at the pendant closely, it has a gold surface with delicate engravings. The detailed engraving depicts a renaissance gazebo surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees. Strangely, there are several people inside the gazebo drinking tea. She opens the pendant and inside is a portrait of her mother and father smiling happily.

    "Dad thank you, I love it! Help me put it on" Meilin turns around.

    Charles takes the pendant helps Meilin put it on. "Meilin you need a haircut, it''s getting a quite long"

    "Papa me too" Meiying looks at her new necklace with a large smile.

    "Meiying, let mama" Baiyu is sighs inwardly. ''He finally grew a brain perhaps? he''s always been a bit of an airhead''

    "Okay you two, go get your stuff. I''ll drive you to school with your mother"

    As the two girls leave to get their bags, Baiyu starts cleaning up. "Darling here" Charles pulls one more box out of the bag and gives it to Baiyu.

    "What''s this?" Baiyu exclaims in surprise.

    "How could I forget a present for my lovely wife?" Charles is grinning from ear to ear with an expression saying praise me.

    Baiyu opens the box and inside is a necklace no inferior to her daughters, engravings of roses and a similar gazebo with just two inside. A husband and wife she thinks, as she opens the pendant there''s a picture of her family including herself, daughters and husband. The words "Forever yours, charles" are etched on the back.

    Baiyu''s eyes grow moist, tears begining to form. "Thank you darling, I love it! I thought you forgot about little old me" Baiyu pulls charles in, arms around his neck and gives him a sweet kiss.

    Charles enjoys the praise and holds his wife gently.

    The two seperate after a long embrace. "Just wait till I get home a few days from now, I''ll squeeze you dry till you''re a bag of bones" Baiyu whispers seductively with a teasing expression.

    Charles is stunned by his wife''s reply, a feverish expression could be seen on his face seconds later.

    "Mama, papa! let''s go!" Meiying rushes into the dining room excitidly, her bags in hand and meilin in tow.

    "Lets be off then," Charles can''t wait till his wife gets home. ''Bag of bones she says? I am a peerless dragon between the sheets, this proud and arrogant phoenix will be slain by me!''

    Charles is laughing foolishly thinking about his future battle, completely forgetting the fact that he had been slaughtered by that arragont phoenix many times before.

    Meilin and Meiying look at their fathers giggly delusional state and shrug.

 Chapter 3 - Meeting Friends

    The morning sun is escpecially bright with not a cloud in sight, only an endless blue with the occassional flock of birds passing by.

    ''This is a good day for a trip'' Meilin thinks.

    Charles has just dropped them off and now the girls are walking through Norsbrook Highschool.

    "Meilin take your sister with you to the assembly hall for the role call, I''m going to meet that interesting teacher you''ve told me about" Baiyu looks around the school, it''s quite large without considering that it''s connected to a subschool called Norsbrook Elementary which Meiying attends.

    "Mama Ms Evie is really nice, and her friend is too" Meiying laughs.

    Even though Meiying goes to the school beside Meilins, she''s met her sister''s teacher before and it was a memorable experience.

    "Mom! please don''t embarrass me by hassling Ms Evie!" Meilin is worried, Ms Evie is her favorite teacher.She''s an absolute genius that breezed through highschool and college always at the top of her class and is admired greatly by her.

    "Stop worrying, I''m just a bit excited to meet this imaginary friend of hers" Baiyu replies.

    Yep.. her teacher is an eccentric. She talks to her imaginary friend Watson a lot, often in the presence of others like he''s just another real person.

    If it wasn''t for this, she''d be teaching in some prestiegious college or university overseas and not a highschool in some small town.

    It''s a shame, she''s such a talented woman.

    "Just don''t point out that watson is imaginary mom, it makes her real angry" Meilin stares at her mother pleadingly.

    "Don''t look at me like that meilin, I''m a nice lady" Baiyu shows a dissatisfied expression, ''I''m a polite woman'' She thinks.

    "Hmph" Meilin looks at her mother suspiciously, nice? Her mother may seem nice when it comes to family but she can get real competitive and aggressive, she often enjoys antagonizing others her earn her displeasure.

    There was one time when the neighborladies dog deficated in her garden, she was absolutely furious chasing the dog around in circles with a broom in hand before going over to the neighbor to complain for hours, coming back the next day and the day after that.

    Eventually the neighbor got a restraining order. It was truly embarrassing, every now and then she still sees her mother eying in the neighbors direction with a hateful glare.

    "Okay now, off you go" Ignoring her daughters suspicious eyes, Baiyu sets off in an another direction.

    "Come on sis! Lets go" Meiying skips merryily towards the assembly building. "Wait for me Yingying!" Meilin gives chase.

    Norsbrook Highschool and Norsbrook Elementary are both connected side by side, they share the same facilities including pool, cafeteria, trackfield, gym, assembly hall, school trips and even principle which happens to be her teachers grandfather, probably why she managed to snatch a job teaching here.

    Coincidentally, her class 6 and her youngers sisters class 3 are on the rotation for a school field trip.

    The two sisters enter the new building. The assembly hall is quite grand, it was a dull building with it''s bad 70''s style carpet and dusty broken windows before the refurbishing, however it now has a stylish skylight and shiny mahogany flooring treasured by the principal.

    He had a fit of rage when he saw scuff marks on it thus forbidding anyone from wearing shoes even during important events where visitors come to see a school play. The hall itself is big enough to fit a few hundred people, currently there''s only around 8.

    "Looks like we''re early" Meilin mumbles, she looks around and sees her two friends waving at her.

    "Hey Meilin! over here" Sky is extremely happy to see Meiying, she just can''t wait to cuddle that cute little figure.

    Lily sees Meiying and rejoices, she''s been suffering under Sky''s constant suffocating hugs for a while now and here comes the replacement.

    She doesn''t mind Sky''s advances, it would be better if Sky would take her on a date first. While Lily is caught up in her yuri fantasies, Sky stops huggingher and walks over to Meilin and Meiying with a voracious gaze.

    Frightened like a rabbit Meiying hides behind her sister and observes her arch-nemisis, she could feel those predator like eyes staring at her ever since she entered the hall.

    A tall beautiful woman walks over, tan skin, fit figure, sharp nose, a strong jawline and blonde hair that is tied up in a ponytail. The two weapons of mass destruction that populate her chest are capable of sufficating the firmaments, she''s a true american bombshell.

    You wouldn''t think she''s dangerous but Meiying knows better, the moment she let''s her guard down is the moment of death.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Meiying much prefers Lily who is a witty petite girl just a bit taller than herself. She has long auburn hair tied into cute pigtails, small nose, deep brown eyes and light skin. More importantly, Lily knows the suffering she endures at that hands of this female dragon.

    "Morning Sky" Meilin smiles with a knowing glance.

    Sky sees her smile as the "ok" for an attack, she peers behind Meilin.

    "Meiying aren''t you going to greet your big sister here?"

    "B-b-baka! stay away!" Meiying is on red alert, looking in every direction for possible escape routes.

    "That''s a naughty thing to say, be a good girl and come over to big sister Sky" She grins with a devilish smile.

    Meiying attempts to run for it but how could she outrun the fitness freak Sky?, she''s quickly cornered.

    Meiying with a serious expression makes a holy cross with her fingers "Stay back you baka succubus demon!! Back to the pit with you!"

    Sky giggles "Accept your fate little Meiying, you can''t escape this succubus" Sky picks up Meiying like a kitten and hugs with utter bliss painted on her face.

    "Nyah! brph-prhhh, sister help!" Meiying manages pull here face away from the soft mounds before calling for help.

    "Such a cutie! I''m not letting you get away" Sky is on cloud 9 right now sniffing Meiyings fragrance drunkedly, she returns to her seat with the struggling Meiying in her embrace.

    "I''m sorry Yingying, there''s no other way" Meilin says and shakes her head, she goes and sits beside Lily and Sky.

    She tried stopping Sky before but got cuddled instead, those sufficating mountains are truly frightning and she does not want to face them again.

    "Meilin, did you hear about Mr Evans?" Lily asked.

    "No, what happened?" Meilin is curious, Mr Evans is the teacher of class 4 so she doesn''t get to see him much. He''s quite the grumpy man.

    "Apparently, he got into a fight with his wife and later that evening she went missing"

    "Really? you''re not pulling my leg right?" Meilin gives a shocked expression.

    "What? why didn''t you tell me Lily, am I not good enough?" Sky frowns and lets out a disapproving sigh.

    "You didn''t even give me a chance before you ran over and snuffed me out with your bear hug!" Lily glares at Sky in frustration.

    "It''s not my fault that you''re so small and huggable" Sky laughs embarrassingly.

    "Humph! HUMPH! I''m not telling you now" One of things Lily hates the most is when people mention her height.

    "Come on Lily, there there" Meilin gently pats Lily on her head to cheer her up. "Just ignore sky, tell us please?" Meilin makes her famous pleading expression which in no way loses out to Meiyings.

    "Hmm.. Okay" Lily enjoys Meilins gentle pats with a silly smile. ''Hmph, you think that''s enough to get into my pants Meilin? Think again, I''ll have you work harder before you can taste this sweet apple!'' She''s gets lost in her yuri delusions again.

    Liliy''s shakes her head and speaks seriously. "I heard from my brother that Mr Evans was brought in for questioning"

    "Oh right, your brother recently got a job at the sheriff station" She definitely knows how to pry information from that tight lipped brother of hers, ''I wonder if she can teach me some skills?''

    "Here''s the thing" Lily motions for them to come closer and whispers. "When they brought Mr Evans into the station, he looked like he lost his mind and kept repeating the same words"

    Both Sky and Meilin are surprised, Lost his mind? What could cause that kind of trauma?

    "What were the words?" Both Meilin and Sky ask.

    Meiying has already stopped struggling and has already accepted her fate, now her attention is being drawn to Lily''s story.

    "Hands in the dark are what took her.. right before my eyes.. and they''re gonna come for me too!" Lilywhispers in a spooky voice.

    "Well, that''s quite creepy" Meilin is a bit skeptical but something about it gives her the shivers.

    "What a bunch of nonsense, I''m sure he killed Mrs Evans and hid the body somewhere. There was always something off about that man" Sky never liked Mr Evans, he always ogled her chest.

    "QUIET! Get ready for roll call!" A loud deep voice interrupts the students idle chatter.

    Without Meilin and her friends noticing, the assembly hall had filled up with the students of classes 6 and 3, numbering around to 46 not including teachers.

    The owner of that loud voice begins to call out the names from both classes. He''s a tall man ripped with muscles, heavily tanned skin from being out in the sun for too long, veins popping everywhere, a shiny bald head and really long brown beard that''s been braided.

    This is Mr Fergerson, the teacher of class 3 which Meiying resides in. He looks scary but is known to be kind and considerate, but it''s a different case when he gets angry. Many students have been scared stiff when Mr Fergerson gets serious.

    Eventually the role call ends and a peerless beauty walks towards the stage, her hair a deep red in the style of a long bob.

    With a slender figure, perfect curves and reasonable height similar to Meilin herself. She wears a light purple office dress and some leather knee boots which surprisingly suits her and to finish it off, elegant wireframe glasses cover her murky green eyes.

    "Ms Evie, stylish as always" Lily mumbles.

    "Really? I always thought she''d look great in a sports bra and workout shorts" Sky replies.

    Lily rolls her eyes "What do you know about fashion? can you even tell that her clothes are haute couture?"

    "There you go again speaking some gibberish alien language" Sky remarks in an annoyed tone.

    Lily smirks "Such a peasant"

    "Lily stop picking on Sky, she doesn''t know french or what you''re talking about" Meilin says.

    "Okay then, at least there one educated person here besides myself" Lily grins in satisfaction.

    "Phew" Meilin wipes the sweat off her brow, frankly she doesn''t know what Lily''s talking about either so she gambled on whether lily was speaking french or italian, thankfully she went with her instinct and chose right, not making a fool of herself in the process.

    "All right, listen up" A soft melodious speaks out.

    "Today, we set off on our annual field trip for classes 3 and 6. We are first headed to the Grand Canyon and we''ll spend a couple days there doing various activities when we reach it"

    "The second part of the trip will be a tour through Las Vegas which will last two days and will end with a luxury dinner in the Top of the World restaurant!"

    There''s various cheers and whispering among the students.

    Evie gives the students a sudden sharp stare and they quiet down "Remember No.. Misbehaving! And if I catch any of you older students giving the young ones a hard time I''ll have Mr Fergerson here personally discipline you.." Evie speaks with steely tone.

    Dalecracks his knuckles and grins.

    The older students who see this gulp anxiously.

    "We should be returning on friday evening if there are no interruptions, if we do get held back for whatever reasons, expect to be back on saturday. In the case that happens, we''ll go straight to your homes and drop you off one by one"

    "Students, hea-" She''s interupted "What was that Watson?" Evie asks in a surprised tone. "Really?.. interesting" Evie gives a brief glance in the direction of Meilin and her friends before continuing. "Students, head to the bus with your bags. Be quick, no pushing"

    The students of class 6 are used to Ms Evie''s eccentric behaviour and begin moving to the bus excitedly, the younger students of class 3 are left bewildered before being told off by Mr Fergerson and hurried along.

 Side Story 1 - Baiyu Meets Evie

    After parting with her daughters, Baiyu walks through the main school building of Norsbrook High on her way to class 6.

    "Wow, they did a good job renovating the school" Baiyu looks around in amazement, new floors, walls, paint. Truly, it''s up to date with modern schools now.

    A few years ago this school was really bland and worn down. Baiyu was frustrated about sending her lovely daughters to this run down school but as the only good school with all the facilities in this small town, she had no choice.

    Some male students walk past her and gasp, surprised to see such a beautiful woman here.

    She has light jade skin, a perfect curvy figure and slender waist. She''s wearing a modern red blouse, sexy hiking shorts, black leggings and some stylish outdoor boots.

    Baiyu''s sharp gaze catches this and she struts by confidently, the corner of her lips raising into a faint smile.

    The students are left blushing, ''it''s truly a good day seeing a beauty so early in the morning'' they think.

    She giggles and whispers "Such innocent young boys, still drinking their mothers milk"

    ''I can''t wait to get home and tease husband, he was such a boy once''

    Baiyu continues her silly thoughts all the way to class 6, as she''s about to knock on the door a gente voice calls out from within. "Come in"

    Baiyu is surprised.''How did she know? Did she notice my shadow under the door? or maybe she heard my steps from the hallway? What an observant woman''

    She opens the door and is stunned by the beautiful woman inside, no way inferior to herself. An alert gleam shines in her eyes.

    "Oh my, why aren''t you a perceptive one Ms Kane" Baiyu laughs, she grabs a seat and sits in front of Evie who''s currently signing some paperwork.

    "Not at all, Watson told me you were coming" Evie says in a matter of fact tone.

    "Really now? My daughter has told me about your.. friend, I hope it isn''t having a negative influence on her" Baiyu''s says sternly, her expression serious.

    "Don''t worry" Evie finishes her paperwork and looks at Baiyu with a faint smile. "Watson is a kind gentleman with useful advice and opinions, he doesn''t impact the students learning at all"

    "As for influence, I''m sure you would know whether or not Meilin has been affected negatively. You are her mother after all"

    "You''re right. Still as I parent, I should ask these questions"

    ''I''m such a good mother'' Baiyu thinks.

    "I understand your feelings Mrs Guang, I''ll keep them in mind" Evie replies.

    Baiyu feels a gentle wind blows across her neck and shivers, she looks to the window and sees that it''s open. Sighing in relief she laughs at herself. ''I almost thought this Watson might be real, such foolish thoughts''Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    "Well then.. thank you for looking after my daughter, her grades are excellent so you must be doing something right as her teacher" Baiyu praises Evie, even though this lady before her may have a screw loose she can''t help but want to get closer to her. There''s a strange kind of charisma that this woman radiates.

    "Your daughter is an excellent student and Watson praises her abilities too" Evie smiles. "Lets get down to business, here''s how I want your help during the Grand Canyon section of the trip. I''ve got the Las Vegas tour covered"

    "Mr Fergerson is in charge of the barbeque so you don''t need to worry about that, what I could use your help with is supervision during the rafting trip"

    Baiyu gasps "Isn''t that expensive?"

    Evie shakes her head and smiles mysteriously "I managed to get a good deal"

    "Well if you say so Ms kane" Baiyu replies ''Good deal? she must have some connections''

    As Evie finishes informing Baiyu about her role during the field trip and the various events taking place Baiyu asks her curiously "Ms Kane, I heard the original trip was just to the Grand Canyon and back, did you have something to do with it changing?"

    Evie confirms "Yes, I thought it would be boring just going to the Grand Canyon like all the other classes and Watson agreed with me too"

    Evie laughs mischieviously "We both agreed that a Las vegas tour would be fun so I nagged my grandpa till he agreed. When the other teachers heard, they were flushed with jealousy" Evie shows a satisfied expression.

    Baiyu giggles "Why aren''t you a sneaky girl, I like the way you think" Her eyes shine competitively. "Mentioning Las Vegas Ms Kane, how about we play a game of blackjack? First to win 3 rounds is the victor, of course.. with a wager on the line"

    Evie shows an interested expression, her eyes looking at Baiyu with similar competitiveness. "You have my attention Mrs Guang, what''s the wager"

    "As you said before, that bus driver Briggs is a bit of a pervert with a wandering eye, and an unpleasant man to speak with which is why Mr Fergerson is supposed fill him in on the change about going to Las Vegas"

    A cunning smile flashes across Baiyu''s face. "Whoever loses has to replace Mr Fergerson and meet that nasty Briggs instead"

    "Those are some high stakes Mrs Guang, you sure you want to bet on a game of blackjack? you''ll have no house edge" Evie laughs.

    "What kind of woman do you think I am Ms Kane? I wouldn''t be so unfair as to make a bet where the odds are in my favor" Baiyu says feeling a bit dissatisfied.

    ''Do I really give off that impression?'' She wonders.

    "Okay, i''m in" Evie confirms confidently.

    Baiyu takes out a pack of cards from her purse and lets Evie shuffle them and hand them back.

    "Casino blackjack?" Evie asks.

    "Why not? the house rules are as the dealer, stand on 17, hit on a soft 17" Baiyu deals the cards and the bet begins.

    The first two games end with Baiyu winning and close to victory but Evie snatches a win with a skillful double down with a hard 9 in hand before tying with a surprise lucky ace and 10 combination.

    "Last round Mrs Guang" Evie gives a bewitching smile, she has really enjoyed this game.

    "No hard feelings if you lose Ms Kane" Baiyu gives a similar smile.

    Baiyu deals Evie her cards. Evie decides to stand with her base card value at 19, confidence can be seen in her expression. She has to hit, her card value is a pitiful 5 so she continues to draw cards. First drawn is a 2, then a 6.. she''s getting a little worried now.

    The next card she draws is a 3! Her card value now 16, the next card she draws will decide the winner.

    With the pressure mounting, she looks at the smiling Evie and draws the last card, it''s a face card putting her over 21!. She breathes a despondent sigh and smiles wryly at Evie.

    "Looks like you win this time Ms Kane, congratulations. I''m not giving up though! Next time I''ll be the winner!" Baiyu says with renewed confidence, giving a brilliant smile.

    "Certianly Mrs Guang, I''ll face you anytime!" Evie replies, her smile brighter than before.

    "I''ll meet you at the bus, tell Mr Fergerson that I will be greeting Briggs... I''m not looking forward to that" Baiyu gives another sigh before leaving.

    Evie looks at the door silently before looking to a vacant space "Yes.. I think she''s an interesting woman too" She replies.

    Evie whispers silently "I hope we can be friends"

 Chapter 4 - Pale Man: Part 1

    When the group of students reach the bus, Meilin and Meiying see their mother who is frowning deeply.

    "Oh mom! looks like Ms Evie taught you a lesson" Meilin giggles. ''Serves her right, she''s always teasing me to no end''

    "Ara ara, why isn''t it my cute daughters and her little friends. Students, put your extra bags in the bus storage and board the bus orderly desu wa!" Baiyu grins with a smirk.

    The surrounding students give Meilin and Baiyu a weird look like they''re gazing at rare animals.

    "Mom! you.. you idiot!" Meilin is flushed red with embarrassment and attempts to cover Baiyu''s mouth, her mother skillfully dodging like a slippery snake.

    Baiyu laughs with a proud smile as she dodges Meilin''s fruitless attacks. ''Teasingmy daughter is just too fun''

    Meiying still being carried by Sky is surprised. "Wow, it''s rare to see sister so flushed!"

    "Meilins embarrassed face is so cute" Sky looks at Meilin greedily, moments later her predatory gaze is drawn to another direction.

    "Here comes Ms Evie and Mr Fergerson" Lily is enjoying this little scuffle but it looks like it''s about to end.

    "Alright, enough messing around" Evie is amused. ''Winning that bet with Mrs Guang was quite satisfying''

    Baiyu gives Evie a competitive look. "Ms Kane, why don''t we sit together? I still won''t admit defeat so easily so you better be ready"

    Evie gives Baiyu a confident gaze. "Of course, I''m ready anytime. After you" She smiles.

    As both Evie and Baiyu stare at each other, sparks could be seen flying.

    Dale sweats a little in panic and tries to straighten his back, but it''s no use. He definitely wouldn''t want to get between these two monsters when they''re fighting.

    "All right everyone. On to the bus" Dale says in a weak tone.

    The bus is steely grey with black highlights and large enough to fit 50 people.

    "What a comfortable bus, it even has tv''s and air conditioning!" Sky mentions in surprise.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    "It''s a luxury bus, Ms Evie pulled some strings" Lily speaks as if it were expected.

    "I''m sure the original trip was just to the grand canyon like all the other classes, Ms Evie must have added the second part to Las Vegas herself. We''re so lucky" Meilin says in wonder, she and her friends take thier seats while talking.

    With everyone seated and chattering, the engine of the bus roars to life and drives onto the highway heading to thier destination at a steady pace.

    "Meilin, what do you think got Ms Guang so riled up?" Sky is curious, Mrs Guang is like a tall mountain with it''s peak in the clouds and herself a small pebble. An unbeatable woman, her confidence was destroyed when the strength she''s so proud of was absolutely crushed in an arm wrestle with Mrs Guang. Her arm aches just thinking about it.

    "My mom can get really competitive when she meets similar outstanding people comparable to her, especially women" Meilin sports a mocking grin "I''m guessing mom challenged her and lost" Meilin smirks. ''Challenging Ms Evie? that''s suicide''

    "Ms Guang lost to Ms Evie? I think they''re both equally matched, it could go either way" Lily wriggles uncomfortably on Sky''s lap, she''s not sure who to root for.

    "Hmph, I don''t believe it at all. Mama is undefeatable!" Meiying voices her disagreement, she''s in full support of her mother.

    "Meiying swap? please?" Lily asks desperately, she wants to play her switch but with Sky hugging her it isn''t happening anytime soon.

    "Sorry Lily, you lost fair and square. No take backs" Through a rock paper scissors game with Lily, Meiying managed to avoid sitting by Sky and getting cuddled to death. Meiying makes a silent prayer for the suffering Lily.

    Noticing that there''s no chance, Lily sighs indiscontent.

    "Oh my naive little Yingying, nobody is undefeatable" Meilin rustles Meiyings hair.

    Feeling annoyed with Sky''s incessant hugging, Lily brings up a topic that Sky''s touchy about."Hey Sky, I heard that Mason Hamilton asked you out. How''d that go?" Lily asks with a mischievous smile.

    "HMPH!" Sky''s eyebrows knit. The question seems to have touched a sore spot. "Like all those smelly guys before, I''ve turned him down" Sky replies with with an irritated face.

    Lily''s question seems to have backfired because Sky''s begun to squeeze a little tighter. She laments in sorrow.

    "Aww he''s not that bad Sky, isn''t he our schools football quarterback?" Meilin asks teasingly.

    "He''s just like the rest of them, all lecherous idiots that are always drooling at the sight of my chest! I''m more than these beautiful.. full.. breasts!" Sky replies in an indignant tone with an expression of injustice.

    Meilin looks at her own modest chest which seems to be dwarfed by Sky''s, she snorts and glares jealously at Sky.

    "I''d much rather hug a cute.. soft.. nice smelling girl" Sky sniffs Lilys hair with an intoxicated expression.

    Lily humphs. ''You think I''m that easy Sky? You have to show the proper etiquette before courting this noble lady''

    Sky seems to remember something. "Ahh that''s right, I still haven''t gotten my daily dose of Meilin" Her predatory eyes lock onto Meilin.

    "Prepare yourself Meilin, you''re gonna get a cuddle the next time this bus stops" Sky gives Meilin a greedy smile.

    Meilin shudders "Hmph, you''ll never catch me" She remarks wearily with an alert gaze.

    Meiying and Lily giggle, you always say that but always get caught in the end they both think.

 Chapter 4 - Pale Man: Part 2

    The next 3 hours seem to pass by in an instant, the bus arrives at a lone gas station for refueling. Students get off to stretch their legs, buy snacks and use the toilet.

    "Ahh! my legs are all tingly" Sky complains.

    "That''s what happens when you have someone sitting on your lap for for 3 hours" Meilin says mockingly.

    Lily snorts heading off to the restroom.

    Sky gives Meilin a possessive look "Come here, it''s time to feed big sister Sky her Meilin medication.. " Sky giggles and approaches slowly like a predator stalking it''s prey.

    Due to Sky''s sudden suspicious movements, Meilin backs away instinctively. "Hands off you beast! Go attack Meiying, she''s surely a better target than me!"

    Meiying is astonished "Really sis? you''re gonna throw your cute feeble little sister under the bus so soon?"

    "Of course, to save me from this mobile mountain range you should feel proud! Sacrificing yourself for oneechan is a meritorious service!" Meilin tries to give her little sister an encouraging smile but it comes off as fake.

    "I''ve already had my fill of Meiying and Lily, it''d be unfair to you if they got all my affection" Sky cackles like an evil villain and pounces at Meilin with great speed.

    Meilin dodges skillfully, still she''s far from reaching her mothers slippery snake like movement.

    "Help me Meiying, your oneechan needs you!" Meilin cries out helplessly while dodging back and forth.

    "Hmph" Meiying turns her head, nose to the sky and arms crossed. "This is what you deserve sister, don''t blame me for being harsh"

    Meiying leaves her sister to her inevitable fate and begins exploring around the gas station. It''s an old gas station with serveral gas pumps littering the front, the canopy just seems large enough to fit the big bus under it. Apart from the tarmac that''s tattered and cracked and a rusty 1950s ford truck to the side of the building, everything else looks well taken care of.

    A cute girl the same height as Meiying with platinum blonde hair comes up to her and points "HUMPH! Finally you''re not around that boobzilla, you think you could hide behind her forever smelly ying?"

    Meiying''s eyes narrow "Well if it isn''t her majesty baka-head Alice sama! What hole did you crawl out from today?"

    "You- you''re the baka-head!" Alice says with a flushed face, her hands bunched up into tiny little fists. "I know you''re cheating, how could I always lose to you in the school tests? the last one was just so close! you must be doing something shady!"

    Meiying softly humphs "That''s not cheating, that''s skills. Only a baka like you can''t figure it out"

    "Skills? more like shady tricks!" Alice snorts.

    "Look Alice, you should stop bothering me about this. If you continue, I''ll get big sister Sky and have her hug you to death!"

    Alice shows a look of horror "Killing me with a borrowed knife? You think the police will let you off?"

    "Humph! What the police don''t know won''t hurt them, plus I have someone on the inside who can sway the case in my favor" Meiying gives a proud grin. ''Lily''s brother can definitely help me out''

    Alice points at Meiying in disbelief "I''ll catch you one day Meiying, you better watch yourself" Alice gives an adorable glare before storming off.

    Meiying calls out teasingly "Don''t let the door hit you on the way out"

    Alice almost falls over hearing that, she shivers in anger then leaves.

    Meiyings gloating is interrupted, a flyer blown by the wind snags on her leg.

    She picks up the flyer, curious she reads what it says. "Greenwood Springs, come and visit this humble resort town! Our famous hotsprings pool is known to relieve even the most tired and worn, for the ladies your skin will glow with richness and vitality.

    Stay at our 3 star colorado hotel and our chefs will serve you a meal not easily forgotten, the alpine coaster and mysterious caverns are great activities for any family.

    Our town welcomes any and all. Greenwood Springs where the trees are green and hot springs are hot!"

    "We''re gonna be passing this town, maybe we can have a swim at the hotsprings pool" Meiying speaks excitedly. She looks to where the flyer came from and sees a strange man with his back facing her.

    Meiying walks over to the man and asks him "Mister, did you drop this?"

    The man turns around and Meiying gasps, he''s wearing a vintage cream colored suit that has delicate gold embroidery, silver buttons with strange engravings that decorate it and a gold pocket watch that hangs from the man''s breast pocket. The white gloves that cover his hands and the vintage black leather shoes go together with his suit perfectly.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Meiying finally gets a good look at his face and once again is surprised. He''s very tall, taller than Sky and seems to be middle aged, has sunken cheekbones a long nose, and thin lips. Age lines and crows feet around his closed eyes make him older than he looks.

    His hair has gone completely white and is styled in an undercut, but those aren''t the most startling things about him. His skin is so pale and sickly, it''s like someone went to the hardware store and bought the whitest paint they could find before painting themselves with it.

    The strange man gives off an eerie feeling but Meiying pushes that thought to the back of her mind.

    "You can see me little one?" The man''s voice is immeasurably deep and layered by what seems to be many voices speaking at once, the mere sound of it seems gives an unfathomably disturbing feeling.

    "Of course I can silly, you think you''re some kind of sneaky ghost or something?" Meiying tilts her head, she doesn''t seem to notice anything wrong as if the man wasn''t strange at all.

    Something about this man seems to warp the perception of those who notice him thus the abnormal becomes normal.

    "Sneaky ghost?" The man cracks a smile and begins laughing, the air around them vibrating from his voice alone.

    The man stops laughing abnormaly quick, his expression changing back to normal in an instant. "Perhaps I am.. yes little one, I did drop that" The man affirms.

    "Here you go, you shouldn''t litter the ground mister. Mama said that it was a naughty thing to do" Meiying gives the flyer to the man.

    "Really now.. what a kind mother" He replies expressionlessly after taking the flyer, the man turns to the direction he was facing before Meiying interrupted him as if there''s something that catches his attention.

    Meiying is happy with the man''s praise "Yep, mama is the best!, she''s always teaching me the proper manners"

    "What are you doing mister?" She asks.

    "Looking at the end of a tunnel" The man replies.

    Meiying''s surprised, looking? but his eyes are closed so how coud he look at anything?

    She looks at the man closely showing a curious expression "Say mister... why are your eyes closed?"

    The man''s ears perk up as soon as she asks that question and his head contorts into an unnatural position, he stares at her creepily, "Do you want to see my eyes little one? The eyes are the gateway to the soul" The man says in an ambiguous manner.

    Meiying nods her head "Mister, it''s impolite talking to someone with your eyes closed"

    "And what if those who see my eyes die?.. " A smile gradually appears the on the man''s face.

    "Humph! that''s rubbish mister, I won''t believe your excuses" Meiying replies in a dissatisfied tone, not convinced at all.

    "Are you sure little one? curiosity.. killed.. the cat.. " The man''s face comes closer, the sinister grin on his face growing by the second.

    "Absolutely, correct your impolite ways mister" I will teach this silly man she thinks confidently.

    The man''s sinister grin stretches in a horrifying manner, his teeth finally shown in full. They''re pitch black, giving off an abnormal aura.

    Finally, the man''s eyes open and Meiying peers into them, in the man''s eyes is complete darkness, a void that swallows all light. The more she looks, the more it feels that she''s about to be sucked into them.

    Meiying gets the feeling that there''s countless suffering people within his gaze trying to claw their way out, calling to her for help.

    She shudders, an instinctive feeling of fear erupts from within, seconds pass.. Her shuddering self begins to calm and she returns to normal as if nothing happened.

    "Mister your teeth are really black, you should brush them more often" Meiying covers her nose and replies in disgust.

    The man looks at her with an amazed expression, he returns to normal and gazes at her with extreme interest. "Little one.. you''re truly extraordinary"

    "Humph, of course I am" She grins with a pleased smile.

    "I knew you were pulling my leg mister, I''m still alive aren''t I?" Meiying braggs happily.

    "Truly you are.. little one, one more adds to the two from before" The man shows a thinking expression, looking at the smiling little girl from time to time.

    Meiying doesn''t seem to understand what he was saying but nods her head anyway.

    "You may ask one wish from me Little one. Think carefully now, you can get anything you want, the possibilities for your wish are endless.. but remember, you get only one" He''s quite interested to see what this little child wishes for.

    "You''re a genie now? Wow mister.." Meiying applaudes with a shocked face.

    The man frowns at the thought of being called a genie but concentrates on her waiting to hear the wish.

    Meiying knits her eybrows and is unable to come to a decision, she gulps and notices her throat is dry from the hot weather.

    Her eyes light up "Mister I''m thirsty, I wish for an ice cold orange fanta!"

    The man shows a dumbfounded expression while pulling an orange fanta out of thin air.

    He gives her a strange look and sighs "Here''s your refreshing beverage little one" The man smiles with his black teeth showing.

    Meiying takes the drink and remarks in astonishment "That was amazing mister, you must be a magician!"

    "I''m feeling generous today so I''ll give you a some advice. Keep a light close to you in the days to come, the place you''re heading will have some intriguing events" The man says mysteriously.

    His words seem to resound in her mind leaving her in a daze.

    Beep! Beeep!, the bus horn honks signaling that students should return and board.

    Woken up by the loud horn she collects her thoughts "Okay mister I will, thanks for the drink and my name''s Meiying! don''t forget it" Meiying begins walking to the bus waving goodbye.

    "I hear people call me the Pale Man, I guess you could call me that" The man gives a bow and waves with a stiff arm.

    "Okay mister Pale Man, bye!" She quickly hurries towards the bus.

    "Meiying huh? What an interesting young lass, I''ll remember.. " The man grips the flyer gently, it turns to dust that scatters in the wind.

    Meiying gets onto the bus and sees where her sister and friends are sitting.

    "Over her Meiying!" Lily waves.

    Meiying goes and sits beside her.

    "Phrhg- where have you been Meiying, oneechan is angry!" Currently Meilin is sitting on Sky''s lap, getting hugged and sniffed vigorously.

    Meiying sticks her tongue out and rejoices in her sisters poor state "I was talking to the pale magician oji-san, he gave me drink for free" Meiying pops the lid off her orange fanta and takes a sip.

    "What pale magician? I didn''t see anyone like that" Lily''s confused, she was fairly alert when looking around, she saw Sky chasing Meilin, Mrs Guang and Ms Evie behind the bus playing the slide hand clap game and Meiying standing alone near the edge of the gas station, but she didn''t see any pale man.

    "He''s over there" Meiying points out the window but sees that the pale man disappeared.

    "I don''t see anything, he must of left -phrgh" Meilin is pulled back into the arms of Sky.

    "Stop moving Meilin, I can''t sniff you properly" Sky is enjoying herself to the fullest extent, hugging the soft Meilin and sniffing her hungrily.

    Meilin cries in indignation while Lily and Meiying giggle.

    With the bus back on the road, the journey to the Grand Canyon continues.

 Chapter 5 - Black Clouds

    "Hey, hey sis! why do I call you that?" The cute tiny 6 year old Meiying asks, her eyes glowing with curiosity.

    "Because, that''s what you call a reliable big sister like me! now come on, say onee-chan" Meilin grins suspiciously.

    "Hmm... I don''t know sister, something mama said.. she said not to listen to strangers with that smile you''re making"

    "Humph! Mama again? She''s always getting in the way of my plans, someday I''ll get my revenge!" Meilin remarks as she grips her fist in an exaggerated manner. "Anyway, I''m not a stranger I''m your trusted elder sister!"

    "If you say so.." Meiying gives a doubtful expression.

    "Yes, listen to your good older sister and you will never be lead astray" Meilin says trying to give an assuring expression but failing badly. "Now then, since I''m such a kind and virtuous sister call me onee-chan like a good little sister should!"

    Meiying looks at her sister still feeling a little doubtful.

    She suddenly remembers something, a crafty smile appearing on her cute little face. She holds out her hand and says "Candy!"

    Meilin gives Meiying a dumbfounded expression "Huh.. what did you say Yingying?"

    Meiying replies "Give me some candy sister, mama said if you ask me to do something strange I should ask for some compensation first" Her little crafty smile growing by the second.

    Meilin almost coughs up blood. In a dejected tone she replies "Okay, I can give you my candy allowance for this month.. "

    ''Mama why?'' Meilin feels like the world just lost a little color.

    Meiying gives resplendant smile "Okay, deal!" She shakes Meilin''s hand in agreement and replies. "You ready sister?"

    Meilin nods heavily, her head going up and down like a chicken pecking grain.

    "Onee-chan!" Meiying says in an extremely cute manner, something about saying that embarrassed her so her face goes red like a cherry.

    "Gyah!" Meilin shudders and stumbles backwards, a little blood dripping from her nose.

    Meilin recovers after a while and says "That was so worth it! thank you my little Yingying" She gives Meiying a hug, lifting her up and spinning her around.

    "Hehe" Meiying giggles.

    After the hug Meilin puts her sister down "Hey Yingying, would you do your oneechan a little favor?"

    Still in the afterglow of that spinning hug Meiying replies happily "Okay sister!"

    "The next time you see mom.. call her a baka! And you can''t say it was me who told you" Meilin gives a cunning grin, thinking how smart she is for coming up with such a devious plan.

    "Baka!" Meiying says pointing in Meilins direction with an innocent expression.

    Meiling notices something off, she feels a chilling aura coming from behind her.

    As a cold sweat runs down her back she slowly turns her head around and sees her mother Baiyu''s head poking out from the doorway.

    Baiyu''s expression is frozen and eerie, her eye twitching she says "Meilin.. I see you''ve been teaching Meiying some bad things" She enters the room rolling up her sleeves approaching Meilin at a steady pace.

    Meilin backs up in fright, stuttering she quickly replies. "Ma-ma-mama lets not g-get hasty here, I was j-just playing a joke!"

    "Hmm... maybe I could let you off just this once" Baiyu says with a half convinced expression, her rage dissipating.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    "Phew!" Meilin breathes a sigh of relief but before she could wipe away the sweat on her brow, she hears a cute voice.

    "Hey mama! you''re a biiig baka!!" Meiying giggles, a hint of mischievousness can be heard in her laughter.

    "Meeiilin!" Baiyu''s anger reignited, her eye twitching far more furiously than before.

    Meilin looks at her little sisters cunning smile in hopelessness.

    "Such a naughty girl, your little butt needs a good lesson!" Baiyu Moves closer and closer, Meiying''s back eventually touching the wall from her scared retreat.

    "Come Meilin, come.. to.. mama.." Baiyu giggles sinisterly.

    "MAMA NOOOOO!"-

    Meilin is awoken from her dream, her breathing a little heavy.

    "Oh!, wakey wakey eggs and bakey sleepyhead" Sky says smiling playfully, hugging Meilin gently she asks "How was your dream?"

    "It was good.. until mom gave me a spanking" She sighs and continues "I must say Sky, your boobs are the perfect pillows" Meilin snuggles into a more comfortable position.

    Sky softly moans, she''s a little sensitive from hugging Meilin so long, she''s nowhere near as small as Lily and Meiying "Your mom gave you a spanking? you dream some weird things"

    Lily looks at them with a jealous expression "As much as I hate to admit it, Sky''s embrace is really comfy when she''s not squeezing you to death"

    Meiying had also fallen asleep using Lily''s lap as a pillow, the exciting day seemed to have exhausted her.

    "How long have I been asleep" Meilin yawns and asks curiously.

    "You''ve been sleeping for 2 hours" Lily says after taking a look at her watch then continuing to play her nintendo switch.

    "The way your little nose twitches when you sleep is so cute!" Sky rubs her cheek against Meilin face.

    Meilin sighs "I''m just glad I don''t snore" still feeling a little lazy she casually gazes out the window.

    "Even if you did snore I''m sure it would be the cute kind" Sky laughs.

    As Meilin''s sleepy eyes focus she looks out the window and notices the dark clouds covering the skies. She''s a little shocked, it was all blue skies a couple hours ago.

    "Hey, is it supposed to rain?" Meilin asks.

    Sky looks outside and gasps, she tunnel visions a lot so she didn''t notice. "I often check the weather report and the didn''t say anything about a storm"

    "Those are storm clouds?" Lily asks with a surprised expression, she noticed the dark clouds before but didn''t think it was that serious.

    "Yep, I often go for long runs and have been soaked by rain on a few occasions so I made a habit of checking the clouds before and during my jogging time" Sky speaks from her expreience, she hates the rain because when her tanktop got wet it revealed her sizable chest for all to see, that was a really embarrassing memory for her.

    As Meilin stares at those passing clouds something about them gives her unease "Do you guys feel anything strange about those clouds?" She asks, pointing towards the ones in the direction they''re traveling.

    "Now that you mention it, something does feel off about them" Sky replies, her brows knitting.

    Lily stops playing her game and observes the clouds more closely, her perceptive eyes catches something and she says slowly "They''re black and the clouds surrounding are grey, now isn''t that strange?"

    Both Sky and Meilin feel the same, they look at each other with baffled expressions.

    "Could it be air pollution?" Meilin asks curiously.

    "Only something drastic could produce some clouds like those and we''re about to go under them" Lily replies.

    "They look ominous" Sky hugs Meilin a little more tightly feeling slightly spooked.

    "Sky don''t hug me so tigh"- In the next moment an extremely weird feeling passes through the girls bodies startling them and making their bodies shudder.

    "What was that!?" Evie''s soft cry is heard throughout the bus.

    Various voices of the students break out, some frightened, some puzzled and some making jokes and laughing.

    Even Meiying was woken by the the strange feeling.

    "Mmm.. what was that?" Rubbing her eyes sleepily, Meiying asks.

    "It seems we''re not the only ones who felt that.. " Sky says, she restlessly looks around with her attention fully alert.

    "I don''t like this" Lily has a strange sense of foreboding "That feeling, it felt like we passed through something" She remarks with a thoughtful expression.

    The students within the bus could be heard talking more loudly, unease can be heard in their voices.

    "QUIET!" A loud voice silences the growing chatter.

    Dale gets up an says in a stern voice "Calm yourselves and listen, there''s nothing to be worried abo"-

    *BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!*

    He''s suddenly interrupted by the deafening honk of the bus horn!

    "OH MY GOD WATCH OUT!!!" A loud voice from one of the male students yells out in terror.

    The bus shakes from side to side violently, the passengers attempt to steady themselves.

    Sky instinctly moves into action, grabbing Lily and Meiying pulling them into her embrace along with Meilin. Her wide arms holding them tightly and securely.

    The bus makes a final swerve "FUCK!" A vulgar swear can be heard from the front of the bus, presumably the bus driver.

    The bus hits something with a little thud that gives sickening wet cruching sound and begins to tip sideways at high speeds.

    In Sky''s embrace Meilin closes her eyes, her heart beating incredibly fast. She, Meiying and Lily hold onto Sky for dear life.

    A brief moment of weightlessness is felt before a booming crash, fierce rolling and tumbling along with cries of pain, it continiues until she feels a sudden knock on her head.

    Haziness consumes her mind as the feeling of sinking envelopes her consciousness.

 Side Story 2 - Jackson Briggs

    Walking towards the bus with an ill feeling in her heart, Baiyu spots Briggs leaning against the large bus, harassing a few women.

    He looks to be in his late 30''s, has brown hair that reaches his shoulders, crooked nose which probably resulted from an injury, hazel eyes and average slim build. Wearing an old colorado rockies baseball cap, green shirt, blue worn jeans and some white sneakers.

    "Hey pretty ladies, want to take a ride on my long.. hard.. bus?" Jackson smiles lecherously.

    The two young ladies walking past him give him a scornful look, one gives him the middle finger while the other one says "Fuck you asshole! Go and die!"

    Jackson looks like he swallowed a fly as he watched the two women walk away. He shakes his head and sighs "Women these days, not cute at all.. "

    Disgust appears on Baiyu''s face, she sighs and approaches.

    Jackson notices the mature beauty approaching him, he''s smiles confidently and thinks ''Finally, someone who recognizes the natural charm and grace this extremely handsome man radiates''Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    "Well hello there, are you from Japan cause I''m trying to get in Japanties"

    Baiyu looks at the man in shock, her face flushes red with anger. She runs up to Jackson and kicks his shin, she held back because her boots are steel-toe''d and it could break something.

    "Ahh!" Jackson hugs his leg in pain.

    Baiyu glares at Jackson "Hmph! There''s been a change of plans, after staying at the Grand Canyon for a two days we''ll be heading to Las Vegas for a couple days before returning back home on friday. If there are any delays, we''ll return on saturday and you''ll drive every student home, those that drove are to be returned to school where they''ll drive home themselves. Make your preperations"

    Jackson stumbles into the bus under her glare and grabs his ipad. He remembers the details and makes revisions to the previous plan on his ipad including places to refuel, stay and traffic conditions.

    Jackson comes out with a wry smile and weakly replies "All done"

    Baiyu gives him a final glare before snorting and walking away.

    Jackson shudders and mumbles "What a scary woman, similar to that loon with the imaginary friend"

    He sighs "Maybe it''s just not my lucky day"

    Just as he''s lamenting, he spots a group of young women walking along the street. His eyes light up, with a lewd smile he straightens up his green shirt tidies himself up in front of the bus''s side mirror.

    "It''s definitely my lucky day!" Jackson smiles with renewed confidence.

 Chapter 6 - Memories

    "Big brother are we really having boil up for tea?"

    Two skinny boys are walking down a residential street, the day cloudy and the wind cold. The pathways are in minor disrepair and abandoned broken down cars can be seen occasionally along the road, the houses are of the cheaper kind and most are run down and in disrepair.

    "Yeah little bro, that''s what mum said yesterday" The older boy says.

    The younger boy goes silent but hesitantly asks "Is it... because Dad''s coming back?" Fear can be seen in his small eyes.

    The older boy shudders and his fists clench tightly, eventually he sighs "Yeah little bro Dad... just got outta jail"

    A forlorn expression covers the little boys face "Mum''s been so happy ever since dad went away and she smiles everyday.. but.. but now he''s coming back" the little boy rubs his eye and sniffles.

    The older boy sees his younger brothers sorrow and feels his chest tighten, resoluteness flashes in his gaze "Don''t you worry little bro, I''m definitely going to get stronger! I will protect mum"

    "Really big brother?" The little boys eyes shine.

    The older boy laughs and flexes his non-existent muscles "For sure, look little bro, I''ve been working out lately and I feel like I can take down a lion!"

    The little boy looks at his brother with admiration and he stops sniffling "I believe you big brother, maybe I can help too?" The little boy laughs.

    The older boy ruffles the little boy''s hair and smiles "You can help by getting some good grades in school"

    "Alright big brother, it''s hard but I''ll try my best!" The little boy replies.

    ...

    *Bzzz, Bzzz, Bzzz*

    Woken by the alarm clock, a young man groans sleepily. With his arm flailing about he attempts to hit the stop button, after several unsuccessful tries he finally turns the noisy device off.

    As the man rises from his bed, he rubs his sleepy face before opening the curtains close to his bed.

    Light shines in from the windows illuminating the dark bedroom. His bare figure can finally be seen, he''s a tall young man in his teens. Light bronze skin, black eyes that shine with weariness, black hair in a high fade style, straight nose, strong jawline, light stubble and incredible physique that give off a feeling of sturdiness and strength.

    Stunning tribal tattoos cover his back which extend to his arms and chest, buttocks and legs. The patterns are vivid and direct, flowing along his skin like an untamable river.

    It''s majesty only ruined by the intimidating words "Black Power" on his lower back.

    "Such great weather, not moody like.. " He sighs, shaking his head.

    A cell phone on the nearby table begins ringing. He picks up the phone and answers "Hello?"

    A voice says in reply "You ready yet kawana? I''ve already picked up Mason and Jensen and I''m on my way to your house now"

    "Oh sup Eric" Kawana stretches tiredly "I just got out of bed but I''ll be ready by the time you get here"

    "Late to get up as usual" Eric laughs "Cool, be ready when I get there otherwise you''re walking dude"

    "Yeah yeah, later" Kawana hangs up, changes into clothes the new school clothes and putting spares and essentials into a couple bags.

    Looking at himself in the mirror he mumbles "They really went all out on the new uniform, truly stylish" Shiny black leather shoes, long black dress pants, white school shirt and a black jacket and blue tie.

    After tightning his tie Kawana laughs "I look like a real business man" He grabs his bags and walks down to the kitchen.

    "Morena auntie" After greeting his aunt Kawana prepares some cereal, fruit loops to be exact.

    "Morning Kawana" The middle aged woman smiles, her skin tone is a little darker than Kawana''s, she''s wearing a blue apron covering her white shirt, long yellow skirt and slippers.

    The few wrinkles she has fail to conceal her modest beauty.

    "Why don''t you look smart" Arihi giggles before continuing "You missed breakfast, it''s not good to stay up so late"

    "Don''t worry about it auntie, just some part time work" Kawana casually says.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    "I know you''re saving up for a plane ticket back home, don''t work yourself too hard ok?" She says with concern.

    "Thanks for the thought" Kawana looks at her a smiles.

    Arihi decides to put her worries to rest "Your school trip is today isn''t it? When will you be back?"

    Kawana wolfing down his fruit loops replies with his mouth full "Should be back by friday"

    "Swallow your food first before speaking, it''s bad manners" Arihi scolds and gives Kawana a weak slap on his head.

    Kawana coughs and gulps, he replies with a wronged expression "Auntie I''ve got to hurry, my friend''s about to pick me up"

    Arihi laughs "Excuses, excuses"

    Kawana finishes his cereal and lights up a cigarette.

    Arihi sees this and sighs, she shakes her head and continues her chores.

    While he puffs on his smoke, Kawana recalls the phone call he got a few weeks ago.

    ...

    "Finally answered your phone huh?" A croaky voice grumbles.

    "Sorry old man, I didn''t charge the phone. I just needed some time alone"

    "I know you''ve been through some things boy but that''s no reason to neglect your child.. "

    Kawana is shocked "Wha-what did you say old man?"

    "That''s right boy, you left in such a hurry with your sister that your girlfriend didn''t have a chance to tell you she was pregnant with your baby girl"

    "It''s a girl? What''s her name?" Kawana asks in excitement.

    "Boy, Kaori is waiting for you to come back so you can name her together. You shouldn''t have left in such a rush" The old man reprimands.

    "I.. I didn''t, it was a spur of the moment thing. Awhina didn''t want to stay, with how fragile she was at the time"-

    The old man interrupts "Look boy, I don''t want to hear your excuses. I know that some bad shit happened to you and your sister with.. your losses and all but you need to harden up and come back. Support your child boy"

    "Auntie can''t spare any cash so I''ll have to work and it''ll take me a few months to earn some money. Please look after Kaori for me until I get back"

    "I will, she understands your grief boy, but she''s angry about you leaving without informing her. Prepare your ass for a beating when you get back" The old man laughs.

    Kawana smiles wryly and replies "Old man.. do you think you can send me some pictures"

    "Of the baby? sure, now don''t dawdle boy. She gets angrier the longer you''re gone and you''ve been gone a while.. " A shiver can be heard from the old man''s voice.

    "Hold the fort old man, I''ll be sure to come back as soon as I can"

    The old man grumbles again before hanging up.

    ...

    *Beep! beep!*

    Roused from his reverie by the loud honk of a horn, Kawana sighs and puts out his cigarette.

    "They''re here" Kawana puts his bags over his shoulder and gives Arihi a kiss on the cheek "E noho ra auntie" He says while leaving through the door in a rush.

    "Haere ra" Arihi waves goodbye.

    Walking to the driveway Kawana sees Eric''s car, it''s a silver sedan made during the mid 2000''s. He walks over to the boot and hears a click, opening the trunk and putting his bags in.

    After closing the trunk he enters the backseat of the car, inside Kawana sees Jensen sleeping and Mason texting on his phone.

    Jensen has a thin build, black eyes, soul patch, dark skin, long dreadlocks that poke out the hole in his beanie and a piercing on his eyebrow, he''s the runningback of Norsbrook High football team, the so-called fastest man with two legs he jokingly says.

    Mason has a tall strong phyique as expected of the quarterback, clean shave, long nose, short black hair, brown eyes and tan skin.

    Eric looks at Kawana from the drivers seat and grins "Sit back and relax, I''ve got a new CD mixtape" Eric is the wide reciever of the football team, having mid length light blonde hair tied up in a pony tail, pale skin, thin goatee and stark blue eyes.

    "Really? Last time there was a cannibal corpse song that nearly gave me ear cancer" Mason remarks with an eye roll.

    Eric snorts "I don''t know how that got on there, anyway these are greatest hits for the 2000''s" He pushes the play button and pulls out of the driveway, heading to Norsbrook Highschool at a moderate pace.

    Kawana sees a cute little face peak out from the other front seat, she''s petite, has a cute little nose, wide blue eyes and long platinum blonde hair. Given a few more years, she''ll turn into a breathtaking european beauty.

    As soon as she sees him looking, she blushes and quickly hides behind the seat.

    Kawana smiles wryly paying no mind, ever since he saved her from being harassed by a few perverts, she''s been absolutely smitten with him.

    Coincidentally, that''s how he became friends with Eric, Mason and Jensen, learning that she was Eric''s little sister and that her name was Alice.

    As the song plays he rolls down the window. His arm resting on the car door, hand gently tapping to the beat of the song.

    (Lady, Hear me tonight-

    -Can''t you see, You''re my delight)

    Looking at the passing houses in a daze, the song reminds him of a distant memory.

    ...

    "Mum, where are you taking us?" Kawiti asks curiously, the car radio playing in the background.

    "To the beach son" Aroha says focusing on the road ahead, beautiful green ferns and trees bathing in the sunlight pass by quickly in a blur, the skies blue with barely a cloud in sight.

    Kawana asks "Mum, why are you taking us there?"

    "For a picnic! I''ve made some yummy food for us to eat when we get there" Aroha replies with a gentle laugh.

    "We could''ve eaten at home mum, there''s tv for us to watch too" Awhina says in a disappointed tone.

    Aroha sighs "Bunny, there''s also another reason"

    "What''s the reason mum?" Kawiti asks eagerly.

    "To make some memories son.. some good memories" Aroha''s eyes grow moist, a tear silently slides down her cheek.

    Kawana feels that something isn''t right, he''s noticed that his mother has been acting strangely ever since she received that phone call.

    "What''s the use of memories we''re gonna forget in a couple months?" Awhina asks curiously.

    "Bunny you may not understand now but in the future you will, anytime you and your brothers feel sad or lonely you''ll remember this memory and maybe.. it might just lift your spirits and hopefully you will also think that it wasn''t all bad.. " Aroha says feeling like she''s trying to convice herself just as much as her children.

    Kawana notices the tone in his mothers voice, something about it made him sad "Don''t worry mum, we''ll make some great memories right?" He gives a little shove to his sister and brother.

    They don''t really understand what''s going on but after a nudge from Kawana, they both nod and agree.

    Aroha sees them in the rear view mirror, she laughs and gives her children a brilliant smile, the immense love in her eyes cannot be hidden.

    ''As long as I have them.. I can get through anything'' Aroha thinks feeling a little optimistic about their future.

 Chapter 7 - In The Dark

    "AAHH!"

    "Kya!" Alice squeals in fright from the loud yell.

    Everyone in the car is surprised by a sudden outburst.

    "Jesus Jensen! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Mason remarks angrily, he picks up the phone he dropped.

    "Jensen you dummie!" Alice cries out, an angry expression covering her cute face.

    "Mmm.. sorry man, haven''t been sleeping well lately" Jensen replies in a tired voice, his eyes red from fatigue.

    "You''ve been jumpy the last few days, something happen bro?" Kawana asks curiously after being snapped out of his daydream.

    "Yeah jensen, what''s got you so twitchy?" Eric remarks.

    "You guys wouldn''t believe me even if I told you" Jensen responds with a sigh.

    "You''ve got me curious. Come on, tell us" Kawana''s interest is piqued.

    Jensen looks at their eager faces and gives in. "Ok.. but man it''s crazy, even I still can''t believe what happened" After a brief pause he collects his thoughts and continues. "Last friday night I was walking home from my part-time job at the construction yard, it was really dark that night and the only sources of light were the street lights"

    Mason puts away his phone and listens to the story.

    "I was walking along the street and I hear a someone running, the sound was coming from a nearby alleyway. It was dark, and I couldn''t see who was down there but it was getting closer"

    Alice was feeling a little anxious, she asked in a weak voice "What was it?"

    Jensen replies "It wasn''t anything scary, it was just an old homeless man but the look on his face.. there was absolute terror painted on it" Jensen''s face expression becomes solemn. "The old man mangaged to get halfway into the light of the streetlamp before suddenly stopping, it was like he got snagged on something. The old man called to me for help, he was crying in pain so I ran over to the him to see if he was alright"

    Jensen''s expression changes to one of fright "The old man grabbed onto my arm and demanded I pull him into the light, I was thinking he might be a bit of a nut but I hear a crunching sound. The old man screamed so loudly I can still feel the ringing in my ear"

    Alice begins to shiver, she''s not good with scary stories.

    "The old man gave me a fright with his scream and his grip on my arm got so tight I thought he would snap it off" Jensen pulls up his sleeve and shows Alice, Kawana and Mason a bruised handprint on his right arm.

    Everyone gasps.

    Jensen continues, the fear in his expression growing "I pulled as hard as I can to try and get away from the old man and I hear a tearing sound. I look back and see that I pulled the him into the light but.. the half of him that was in the dark was completely gone!" Jensen''s voice grows louder with every word.

    "I was breathless and couldn''t move, I just looked at the old man screaming in pain. Strangely there was no blood at all, his lower half was covered in some kind of black liquid that kept eating away at whatever was left of the man"

    Kawana notices jensen visibly shaking and frowns, ''whatever happened seemed to have traumatized Jensen'' he thinks.

    "In the next moment the street light begins to dim and almost flicker, I was so scared I ran to the next streetlamp over, while I was running I heard a final loud scream before complete silence. When I looked back to the streetlamp I was just was under it was no longer flickering. As for the old man, he was gone. There''s wasn''t even a trace of him"

    "That''s not funny Jensen, how could that be happen?" Eric remarks in disbelief.

    "I don''t know man.. I try think that it didn''t happen but this bruise on my arm just keeps reminding me. I also keep feeling that something is watching me in the dark causing my lack of sleep the last couple days and I haven''t gone anywhere near any dark place" Jensen pulls out several flashlights from his bag.

    "My folks at home think I''m going off the deep end, frankly I''m starting to think so too" Jensen says, his voice tired.

    "Try not to think about it bro" Kawana is skeptical but still comforts Jensen.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    "Well whatever happened, it''s in the past now" Mason pats Jensen on the shoulder.

    "Er-eri-eric!! Yo-you need to b-buy me a flashlight!" Alice stutters, she''s trembling in fright.

    "Aww Jensen look, you gave my little sis a scare" Eric sighs.''I might have to buy some nightlights for Alice in the future''

    "Heh. Sorry Eric, still it feels good to get that off my chest" Jensen grins.

    "All right guys, we''re here" Eric parks outside Norsbrook Highschool.

    After getting out the car, they walk to the Assemby Hall and on the way run into Ms Evie and Mr Fergerson.

    "Morning Ms Kane" The 4 boys greet their teacher.

    Evie nods with a faint smile.

    "You kids were almost late, hurry up and get to the Assembly Hall!" Dale grumbles.

    "Sorry Mr F!" Alice replies with cute pout.

    Dale sighs and nods.

    They walk past the two teachers, Evie notices something. Frowning she calls out "Kawana, stay behind. I have something to speak to you about"

    She tells Mr Fergerson to go with the students to the Assembly Hall and gives Kawana a piercing stare.

    Kawana gives a wry smile "Ms Kane, you need something?"

    "Kawana, I thought I helped you kick that habbit" Evie says in a disappointed tone.

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about Ms Kane" He says evasively.

    "Don''t lie to me Kawana, I can smell that cigarette smell you''re giving off" Evie snorts.

    "Ahh.. looks like I can''t hide anything from you. Sorry, i''ve just been a little stressed lately and the smoke calms my nerves" Kawana replies.

    "You better have a good reason to tell me otherwise I''ll begin taking actions, I don''t want you influencing the other kids in class who I helped stop smoking" Evie says sternly.

    "You''re oddly interested in my personal affairs Ms Kane, could it be.. that you like me?" Kawana teases.

    Evie crosses her arms and scoffs. "Don''t change the subject, now hurry up and explain"

    "It''s personal and I don''t want to speak of it" A serious expression appears on his face.

    "If you tell me, maybe I could help you out. It''s not good to bottle your feelings Kawana" Evie replies and vaguely glances to the right before her gaze returns to Kawana.

    Kawana knits his brows as a strange wind blows beside him.

    "I don''t know why I''m telling you this Ms Kane" Kawana''s eye twitches, a mysterious feeling was urging him to speak his worries.

    "Some bad stuff happened that affected me and my sister badly, she and I both didn''t want to stay at home any longer and auntie was kind enough to take us in so we left. I was in a rush to leave and didn''t contact my girlfriend before I got on the plane so she didn''t have a chance to tell me that she was pregnant"

    Kawana sighs. "I just wanted to get away from there, everything just seemed to remind me of... " He pauses, various emotions could be seen flickering on his face including rage, sorrow and helplessness.

    After a moment of silence he calms himself and continues. "Being here isn''t helping my girlfriend or our newborn at all so I''m trying to get back home as soon as I can. I''m doing my best to earn enough money for the plane ticket back but at my current pace it''s gonna take a while and It''s been stressing me out.. the smoke helps, sorry if I inconvenienced you Ms Kane"

    Evie sighs. "Kawana, I can lend you the money for your trip back home"

    "I shouldn''t take your money Ms Kane, I don''t want to trouble others" He refuses.

    "I want to help you Kawana, it''s only a little money" She replies firmly.

    Kawana looks at her strangely. "Why do you want to help me Ms Kane?"

    Evie looks at him seriously. "Kawana, you''ve been my student for over a year now. You''re different from when you first came to my class, there was a gloom surrounding you and your violent anti-social behaviour worried me. Time has passed and you''ve made some new friends and I feel that you''ve recovered from whatever trauma happened to a certian extent, at least on the surface but recently.. I''ve noticed that you haven''t been well and I can see you becoming like your previous self again if this matter isn''t resolved. I don''t mind helping you out if it prevents that so don''t refuse okay?"

    "Are you sure Ms Kane?" Kawana looks at Evie, he has felt like the rage he had suppressed before has vaguely effected him lately. ''I almost snapped when I argued with Jensen the other day so maybe she''s right''

    "I am, there''s three conditions though" Evie smiles.

    "Of course, anything!" Kawana replies.

    "First, you have to stop smoking. Second, you have to pay me back"

    Kawana nods.

    "Third.. be a good dad" Evie gives a breathtaking smile.

    Kawana is stunned by her third request, with his spirits lifted he gives a wide grin.

    In his excitement Kawana lifts Evie up, kisses her on the cheek and gives her a spinning hug. "Whakawhetai ki a koe Ms Kane, thank you! It''s a deal!"

    Evie is surprised by the kiss on her cheek and being spun around like a ragdoll.

    Kawana puts Evie down and apologizes "Sorry Ms Kane, I got a little excited there" He smiles embarrassedly.

    Still in a daze Evie replies "It''s alright, you''ll get the money after we come back from the field trip now go quickly to the Assembly Hall"

    "I''ll definitely pay you back Ms Kane!" Kawana says before running off to the hall, he was still feeling a little weird but shrugged it off.

    After shooing away Kawana, Evie calms her troubled heart.

    "Thanks for that" Evie speaks to the vacant space beside her.

    .........

    As if she her heard something ridiculous, she looks strangely at the vacant space.

    ..............

    "Don''t speak nonsense Watson, I''m not giving him special treatment, I''ll always try to help out my students" Evie snorts.

    ...

    "You call that a kiss? It was only a small peck on the cheek" ''Humph, back in your day? It''s modern day Watson'' She rolls her eyes.

    ...........

    "I''m not getting old, I''ve barely entered my prime!" She retorts with a frown.

    ........

    "I was just surprised that''s all, it doesn''t mean anything" Evie crosses her arms in annoyance.

    ...................

    Evie gives a thoughtful expression and whispers "Maybe.." before shaking her head and saying "Watson, stop putting bad ideas in my head!" She angrily kicks the vacant air beside her before storming off to the Assembly Hall in embarrassment.

    ... ...

    Wind blows beside the spot where Evie kicked sounding like weak wails of pain, if the wind had a face it would surely be that of a grieving man with a wronged expression.

 Chapter 8 - Tell us a Story

    Walking to the bus Mason asks "Kawana, you''ve been smiling a lot. Something happen?"

    Alice looks at Kawana curiously, she noticed it but was too shy to ask.

    "Man you''re almost as bad as me" Jensen laughs.

    "It had something to do with Ms Kane right" Eric hit''s the bullseye.

    "Humph!" Alice snorts. ''Ms Kane better back off or I''ll have to get nasty''

    "It wasn''t anything serious, just a little scolding, that''s all" Kawana replies.

    Mason shivers "Being scolded by Ms Kane is terrifying, her piercing glare could freeze a river! Why would you be happy about that?"

    "Secret" Kawana replies with a laugh.

    Alice bites her lip in jealousy.

    Eric grins "That''s right Mason, on your first day of school you were half an hour late! Ms Kane gave you a scolding in front of the whole class and glared at you for the rest of the day"

    "Don''t bring that up Eric, it''s still a sore spot for him" Jensen covers his mouth, trying to stop a laugh from escaping.

    Mason hides his head in embarrassment.

    Alice suddenly she cries out in panic and hides behind Kawana.

    Everyone''s attention is drawn to her.

    "What''s wrong" Kawana asks.

    "It-it''s that boobzilla!" Alice stutters and points.

    "Oh it''s goddess Sky" Jensen replies.

    They look over and see an incredibly alluring tall and busty beauty staring fiercely at Alice.

    "Oh that''s right, you''re the only one who managed to escape her heavenly hug!" Jensen laughs.

    "Heavenly hug? Bleh!! the other girls in class told me that it was a suffocating hug of death" The more she mentions it, the more afraid she gets.

    Mason looks over and sees Meiying being cuddled by Sky, jealousy could be seen in his gaze. He sighs in disappointment.

    Eric sees this and with a sly grin appearing on his face, he mentions. "That''s right Mason, didn''t you ask Sky out?"

    "Oh yeah, didn''t she reject you? Haha that was shame bro" Kawana remarks with a laugh.

    "Another brother cut down by the blade called Sky" Jensen gives a wry smile, he remembers the time he asked her out and got shot down.

    "She didn''t even give me a chance, it took me a while to muster the courage to ask but just one small glance at her chest ruined it all" Mason shakes his head in disappointment.

    "Small glance? Your eyes didn''t move away from her chest the entire tme you were talking to her" Eric scoffs.

    ''What a perv!'' Alice gives Mason a look of disdain.

    "Eric, you''re exaggerating!" Mason replies in denial.

    Jensen shakes his head in sympathy. He knows the feeling. ''Once you talk to Sky you just can''t help but look at those grand moons'' he thinks.

    "Hey who is that beauty?" Jensen asks curiously look in a certain direction.

    They see Meilin attempting to catch a gorgeous mature woman.

    "That''s Meilin''s mother I think, they look quite similar" Eric sighs, he likes Meilin but is not confident enough to ask her out.

    Alice consoles her older brother with a gentle slap on the back, she knows he likes Meilin but her silly brother just won''t grow a spine.

    "What a bombshell" Jensen gasps.

    Mason playfully nudges Jensen "Your eyes are popping out"

    Kawana laughs "Don''t ogle too much, some women are as prickly like a needle"

    "I wouldn''t mind being pricked by that needle" Jensen whispers in awe.

    While everyone was enjoying the show from the two beauties, Ms Kane and Mr Fergerson come long.

    "Wow look at that, you can literally see sparks coming out of their eyes!" Kawana remarks with a laugh.

    "Looks like Ms Kane and Mrs Guang have a rivalry going on" Mason is curious. ''what could have happened between those two?''

    *Cough, cough* "All right everyone. On to the bus" They hear Mr Fergerson say.

    "I want to sit in the front" Alice demands in a spoiled manner.

    Eric pinches her nose "Okay little sis"

    Alice gives an angry pout before entering the bus.

    Jensen smiles "What a doting brother, looks like we''re sitting in the front"

    <hr>

    Several hours later the bus arrives at a lone gas station.Stolen novel; please report.

    Eric stretches lazily "Me and Jensen are gonna go buy some food, you guys need anything?"

    Mason still stretching says "I''m good"

    Kawana replies "Get me some skittles bro"

    "I want some tropical fruit bubblicious!" Alice demands.

    "Alright we''ll be back soon" Eric and Jensen leave.

    Their attention is drawn cries for help, as Kawana, Mason and Alice look over, they see Meilin running away from Sky in a desperate manner.

    Alice notices a certain someone walking around alone and bites her lip in frustration.

    "If only Sky would give me a hug, I wouldn''t dare to resist" Mason gulps and looks at Meilin enviously.

    Kawana smiles "You should of trained that wandering eye of yours bro, you might''ve had a chance"

    Mason was about to reply when he noticed someone missing "Where''s Alice gone to?"

    Kawana looks around and sees her walking toward another young girl.

    Mason looks over and sighs "She''s gone to annoy Meilin''s sister again, poor girl"

    "That''s Meiying right? doesn''t she have the best grades?"

    "Yeah and Alice thinks there''s some conspiracy behind it" Mason replies.

    Kawana gives a thoughtful expression with his hand on his chin. "Maybe Alice just wants to be friends with her"

    Mason claps his hands "Hah!, I think you''re right!"

    After arguing with Meiying Alice come''s back with a angry expression, her little face as red as a cherry.

    Both Mason and Kawana back off a little in fear of angering the little princess any further.

    "Alice, here''s your candy" Eric and Jensen walk over with recently their bought goodies. "Your face is all red, do you have a cold?" Eric asks with concern.

    "Humph!" Alice grabs her candy with an agressive slap before running onto the bus.

    "What did I do?" He asks still baffled by what occurred.

    Both Mason and Kawana shake their heads and board the bus.

    Jensen quickly follows, interested in finding out.

    *Beep! Beep!*

    The bus horn honks surprising Eric.

    He sighs before getting on the bus.

    After hours of getting the cold shoulder and the no comment replies from Mason and Kawana, Eric''s curiosity grows to a boiling point.

    "Alice, what did brother do? tell me?" He pleads.

    After eating her tropical fruit bubblicious Alice calmed down but was still feeling a little awkward for taking her anger out on Eric.

    "It wasn''t your fault, that smelly ying.. " Alice grips her skirt and goes quiet.

    Eric finally understands, his little sister has wanted to be friends with Meiying ever since they first met but because of her proud little attitude things went sour and they''ve been butting heads ever since.

    Eric sighs and pats Alice''s head.

    She rubs her eye and sniffles.

    "Don''t worry, I''m sure Meiying will become your friend one day" He consoles.

    "Humph.. who would want to be friends with her" She whispers.

    Eric smiles, he notices that his little sisters mood has improved. Suddenly an invasive feeling coarses through him, like passing through a curtain.

    Everyone gasps and feel like they passed through something foreign leaving them confused and worried.

    "What was that!?" They hear Ms Kane cry out.

    Jensen shivers. "Jesus man, what the hell was that?"

    Eric replies. "I don''t know, Alice are you all right?"

    She nods her head, Alice was frightened by the sudden feeling.

    "I haven''t felt this jittery since the scolding from Ms Kane" Mason looks behind and sees the other students whispering and even panicking.

    Kawana has a bad feeling that he can''t put his finger on. "Everyone felt that right?"

    Mason, Eric, Alice and Jensen nod their heads.

    "QUIET!" A loud voice silences the students chatter.

    While thinking Kawana stares out the front window, his brows knit as he sees some black mist on the distant road.

    "The hell is that?" The bus driver seemed to notice the mist too.

    Dale gets up an says in a stern voice "Calm yourselves and listen, there''s nothing to be worried abo"-

    A strange woman appears from out of the mist like a ghostly phantom, her clothes looked to be covered in blood.

    *BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!*

    Jensen followed Kawana''s horrified expression and sees the sudden appearance of a woman, he screams in panic "OH MY GOD WATCH OUT!!!"

    The bus driver just manages to swerve out of the way and avoid hitting her but loses control of the wheel, the bus shakes from side to side violently from the bus drivers failed attempts to gain control.

    Attempting to pull on the breaks, the driver is horrified. The breaks don''t seem to be working.

    Kawana is shaken and holds onto his seat tightly.

    Mason already fell on the floor and is attempting to stand up with Jensen''s help, Eric holds Alice who''s in a state of shock in a strong embrace.

    Up ahead Kawana sees two more people run out of the forest and onto the road, they didn''t seem to notice the oncoming bus.

    "FUCK!" Unable to gain control of the wheel and seeing more people suddenly show up in front of the bus, the driver curses loudly.

    The two people who seemed to be afraid of something are brutally hit by the bus and seem to pop like watermelons painting the front window red.

    No longer being able to see, the driver panics and dives between the seats. The bus begins tipping to the side as screams of panic could be heard.

    Kawana feels himself float into the air as everything seems to slow down, with his chest tightning in panic he finally slams into the wall of the bus with a thunderous crash.

    <hr>

    "Brother tell us a story?" Awhina asks in a weak voice, her eyes red and wet with tears.

    "Yeah please big brother, I want to listen to a story" Kawiti looks at his older brother with hope, his eyes also wet with tears. His body shivering, not from the cold but from fear.

    "You two... okay, my stories aren''t that good though" Kawana replies.

    He holds his little brother and sister in his embrace, they''re huddling on the worn but comfy bed. The room is dimly lit and few child''s drawings litter the rooms walls. It''s an empty room apart from three beds, a closet and a couple dressers, rain slides down the old window and seeps into the rotten windowsill.

    Kawana smiles warmly, a red mark covers the left side of his face which seems to be swelling. "Once upon a time there was a knight, he wore armor that had a roaring tiger on his breast-plate and it''s claws as pauldrons. His sword, made from holy steel tempered in the fires of a distant volcano and shield blessed by one of the last grand magus. He was a paragon, a great knight who had defeated great dragons, monsters and demons for many years keeping the realms of man safe. After many years of fighting and earning glory he returns home to his mother, younger sister and little brother"-

    Interrupting his story telling are loud banging noises and yelling downstairs. Awhina and Kawiti shiver.

    Kawana continues his story. "One day the knight''s family is kidnapped by an evil sorcerer, he finds a note left behind telling him to come to the mages dark tower and save his family"

    Awhina and Kawiti seemed to have been distracted by Kawana''s story.

    "What did he do next?" Kawiti asks eagerly.

    "Having left no choice the knight fought through countless dangers including gargoyles, possessed skeletons and a legendary bone dragon, finally he reached the top of the dark tower. He sees the evil sorcerer and behind him he saw his family in chains, calling for help"

    The screams downstairs continue to grow louder and they hear a loud roar of a man. "YOU FUCKING BITCH, YOU''LL DO AS YOU''RE TOLD!" A crisp slap could be heard along with the sobbing of a woman.

    Awhina and Kawiti begin weeping silently, they hold onto Kawana tightly.

    A vicious look of hatred could be seen in Kawana''s eyes, his fists clenched so tightly that blood drips out from his nails embedded in his palms.

    A few minutes pass and things downstairs seem to have calmed down.

    He continues the story "Seeing the sorry state of his family, the knight threw himself at the gloating sorcerer. Their battle was fierce, the evil sorcerer threw all manner of dark spells and curses at the knight but he held steadfast, with the protection of his mighty shield he fought tooth and nail with the sorcerer, after many close encounters with death, the vicious battle that lasted 3 hours finaly ended. The knight finally slashed the evil magician to pieces with his trusty blade and saves his family, the family retutn to their home and live out the rest of their lives in warmth, happiness and love"

    Kawana looks down at his little siblings who seem to have fallen asleep, he gently wipes away their tears and lays down.

    As he closes his eyes he thinks about the offer he recieved.

    ''Maybe with their help I can become strong enough to protect my family.. from that man.. ''

 Chapter 9 - The Situation

    "Argh.. " Meilin groans and rubs her head, there''s a slight swelling.

    Looking around she sees that the bus seems to have flipped on it''s left side with some windows broken and others merely cracked or bent, the students are flopped around in various positons with some whimpering in pain and others shaky and confused.

    She sees that she''s still being held by Sky, her face is a little pale and she looks to be in pain.

    Both Lily and Meiying seem to be fine albeit a little dizzy.

    "Sky are you alright?" Meilin asks worriedly, she holds Sky''s face gently and massages it.

    Sky knits her brows and slowly opens her eyes.

    "Ah.. I''m feeling sore" Sky says in a weak voice.

    Meilin''s eyes water "Thank you Sky" She hugs and kisses Sky on her cheek.

    Sky blushes in surprise.

    Lily looks at them in a daze, a little envy can be seen in her gaze.

    Meiying pecks Sky on the cheek "Thank you big sis"

    Lily gives Sky a tsundere look and remarks "Don''t think that''ll get you into my good graces, but.. thanks anyway" She turns her head away and her ears go red.

    "Gah!"

    Sky laughs and hugs Lily. "Such a cutie!"

    Lily snorts but doesn''t struggle.

    "Come, we need to get out of here" Sky stands up, her legs are not hurt at least. Just some bruising on her back.

    Meilin tries to stand up but quickly falls down in weakness, she''s caught by Lily.

    "Don''t push yourself" Lily looks at Meilin with worry.

    "Sister are you alright?" Meiying looks at her sister with tears forming in her eyes

    "I just got a little bump on my head" Meilin looks around with blurry vision, rubbing her eyes the blurriness fades.

    Sky checks the bump on Meilin''s head and replies "It''s not bleeding and it''s not big, probably just a small concussion"

    Meiying sighs in relief.

    "LISTEN UP!" The girls hear Mr Fergerson yelling in a strained voice. "Those who can move, exit the bus through the open door at the end of the bus, don''t come to the front. If you can''t reach, ask one of the taller students to give you a boost. No pushing and be careful of the glass"

    The students shake off their dizziness and begin moving with expressions of worry and eventually they successfully exit the bus. Mr Fergerson along with some of the stronger students carefully move those who are incapacitated out of the damaged bus.

    The bus has flipped on it''s side and slid off to the road hitting a large tree, due to the crash the already worn asphalt has been left cracked and broken. Tall grey tree''s litter both sides of the road, they''re quite sickly in appearance and their leaves shine with a black hue while the clouds above cover the sun with minimal sunlight poking through.

    After leaving the bus, the students gather in thier usual groups and begin to chatter. Some still shaken from what happened, others excited for whatever reason, though a small few notice the gory scene at the front of the bus and shudder with a few even vomiting. They''re quickly driven off by the enraged Mr Fergerson and forbidden from approaching.

    After Meiying, Meilin, Lily and Sky get outside, Meiying spots Baiyu.

    "Mama!" She runs towards Baiyu and hugs her tightly, Baiyu holds her daughter tightly. "Are you okay? where''s your sister?"

    Meiying nods before saying. "Sister hurt her head"

    Sky helps Meilin walk over with Lily.

    "Mom are you alright?" Meilin asks.

    "You should be asking yourself that! Meilin are you alright?" Baiyu sees her weak daughter and becomes worried, she quickly runs towards her and begins checking Meilin''s condition.

    After checking Meilin''s head she sighs in relief "Luckily it''s just a small bump, nothing serious"

    "Mum why did we crash?" Meilin asks.

    Baiyu frowns "Apparently, some woman ran onto the road and caused Briggs, the bus driver to lose control" She hesitates and her frown deepens, eventually she sighs and continues "After he lost control two more people ran on to the road.. and got hit"A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    The girls collectively gasp.

    Meiying holds onto her mother tightly.

    "My god.. " Lily''s gaze moves to the bus but she can''t see the front, she could imagine that it''s a horrendous sight.

    Sky becomes nervous and gently holds Meilin, she buries her nose in Meilin''s hair in an attempt to calm herself down.

    "That''s horrible! we need to call the police" Meilin replies while looking towards the bus.

    "I''ve tried calling but I couldn''t get through, I even tried calling husband. Maybe the teachers will have better luck" Baiyu fiddles with her phone with an annoyed expression.

    "It''s probably bad reception" Sky mumbles.

    Meilin and Lily seem to agree.

    "That shouldn''t be, mama we''re close to Greenwood Springs which is a resort town. The signal should be good" Meiying knitts her brows.

    "How do you know that?" Baiyu asks with surprise.

    Sky, Lily and Meilin look at her curiously.

    "I read it on a flyer that Mr Pale Man dropped, I was going to ask Mr fergerson if we could have a swim at their hotsprings pool but it looks like it won''t happen now" Meiying expression becomes crestfallen.

    Baiyu thinks before saying. "We could go find help if it''s so close. The trip may be over but we will probably stay at Greenwood Springs for a few days while the police work things out. Maybe we could even go to the hotsprings pool" She smile and rustles Meiyings hair, attempting to lighten the mood.

    "Mama stop it, you''ll mess up my hair!" Meiying lips curve into a small smile.

    <hr>

    Over at the bus, the last of the wounded students are being brought out of the bus.

    "Kawana over here, careful now" Dale lowers his arms down the bus doorway, ready to carry.

    Kawana lifts up the unconscious male student that has a little blood dripping down his forehead.

    "That''s it, you and Mason hop out now since he was the last one" Dale gently pulls out the wounded student.

    Mason and Kawana nod before climbing out.

    "Ugh.. my back" Kawana remarks in complaint, rubbing his back gently. "That crash really did a number on it, you lucky bastard Mason, coming out of that without a scratch.

    Mason laughs wryly and looks at his little pinky which has a small cut. "Without a scratch? Look at my pinky Kawana, it''s fatally damaged"

    Kawana scoffs. "That? That''s nothing"

    "It could get infected you know, I might get rabies or something.. " Mason mumbles.

    Kawana replies. "You''re worried getting that? Haha don''t be silly, you only get rabies when a cow bites you"

    Mason nods at Kawana and decides to believe him.

    "What I''m worried about this heat, why''s it feel like I''ve been waiting in a locked car left in the sun for hours.. " Kawana mentions.

    "Strange.. " Mason wets his finger and holds it in the air.

    "What''s strange?" Kawana asks.

    "There''s no wind" Mason replies.

    "Now that you mention it" Kawana looks around, they''re in a valley with quite a few mountains in the distance. "It should be windy in an area like this.. it''s probably global warming" He jokes.

    Mason laughs. "It''s always global warming, come, let''s go find the others"

    Kawana and Mason walk towards Eric, Alice and Jensen who are resting by a large rock.

    "How bad was it?" Eric passes Mason and Kawana a water bottle.

    Taking a drink Mason replies. "Pretty bad, there were a lot with broken bones, a few still haven''t woken up"

    "Yeah, now we just have to wait till the police arrive" Kawana wipes some sweat off his brow.

    "It''s crazy man.. two people dead" Jensen shivers and looks toward the bus, he remembers when he saw the front of it and nearly threw up. Mr Fergerson forbid anyone from going near the the scene after a few students fainted.

    Alice cries and covers her head.

    "Don''t talk about it Jensen" Eric speaks solemnly.

    Kawana walks over to Alice and pats her head, she stops sobbing and tugs Kawana''s shirt. He sighs, Alice also saw what happened to those two people. She''s going to have nightmares for a long time and will need some counselling.

    Kawana sits beside her and pulls some skittles out of his bag "Here have some" He pours some into her little palm.

    Alice nibbles on the skittles quietly.

    Eric laughs "When I offered her some food I was refused, as your older brother I''m sad"

    Kawana grins and looks at Eric "You jelly bro?"

    Eric forces a smile and shakes his head.

    Mason and Jensen laugh.

    Listening to them joke around, the corner of Alice''s lips rises as the mood lightens.

    After putting down the injured student next to the others who are being taken care of by a few of the students, Dale walks over to Evie who is speaking with the bus driver .

    "What''s the situation?" She asks.

    Dale breathes a sigh. "We were lucky that none of the students died but there are quite a few serious wounds that need immediate attention. Out of the 46 students, 4 of them are unconscious and could have severe or light head injuries, 11 may have fractures and the rest have small injuries that aren''t anything serious. Did you manage to call the police?"

    Jackson shudders and stutters "It-it wasn''t my fault right? tho-those fucking crazies ran onto the middle of the road by themselves! I had no chanc-"

    Dale inturrupts "It''s alright, Kawana and Jensen told me the same thing but we''ll have to wait for the police to investigate first"

    Jackson hangs his head.

    "I can''t contact the police or anyone.. " Evie replies with knitted brows.

    "What? that shouldn''t be.. we''re only a few miles from the next town over" Dale frowns.

    "I''ll walk towards the next town and get some help. Ms Kane, you should stay here and look after the students, maybe that woman Briggs mentioned might appear"

    Evie seemed to agree before she turns her head toward the space beside her, a shocked expression appears on her face.

    "No! We must walk back the way we came. We''ll grab our bags and stock what food and water we have and leave anthing useless behind which can be collected later, the stronger students are to carry the injured" Evie replies with a worried expression, she won''t take no for an answer.

    Dale is startled, with a baffled expression he replies "Uhh.. Ms Kane, we''re closer to the town why are we walking back towards the gas station that we passed miles ago?"

    A serious expression appears on Evie''s face, she stares firmly at Dale and replies "Trust me"

    "But.. " He stops and sighs "All right.. I''ll round up the students and bags" Dale wanted to try change her mind but eventually gave up. She''s the principals daughter and always get''s her way, it wouldn''t be wise to anger Evie especially when just a word from her could leave him out of a job. Dale sighs again with a forlorn expression.

    After Dale left, Jackson with a curious expression asks Evie "Why did you stop him?"

    Evie stares in down the road "Watson told me that he has a bad feeling, worse than any feeling before and it''s all coming from the direction of that town.. "

    Jaskson looks at Evie whose back is facing him with a weird expression, he whispers silently "I knew it, she''s loony alright"

    "I heard that" Evie remarks.

    Jackson goes stiff, a cold sweat runs down his back.