Kayden's figure bolted through Brinestone at daring speeds. Just like last time, he managed to swerve past busy streets and pedestrian areas, untill eventually, he found himself taking a sharp turn into his neighborhood.
Just like before, he didn't stop till he made it to John's abode, taking his own spare key out from his pocket before unlocking the door and heading inside.
I don't even feel tired after running like that… Kayden muttered, heading to his room before changing out from his school uniform.
While there, he couldn't stop pondering about the current issue looming over his head. Upon coming out of the shower and wearing his regular clothes, his eyes panned towards the pile of dirty laundry sprawled on the chair by the side. I'll wash them once all of this gets sorted out.
He emerged from his bedroom right after. I guess I should make myself something to eat. Can't just let myself starve around here. He said to himself as he stepped into the kitchen.
As he opened the fridge and the kitchen cupboards, he went to work cooking up something for himself.
Once he was done making his lunch, he took his plate and went back into the dinning room to enjoy it in silence.
Minutes after he was done, he took his plates back into the kitchen and got them washed. After all, this was the habit that his uncle had drilled into him growing up. To the Williams, routine mattered a lot. Even when it seemed like things were falling apart.
At least he doesn't complain about how messy my room is. Well, not always… Kayden eyed the interior of the building with a blank look. Not all of us are perfectionists like him.
Kayden's vision trailed everything he could see. The walls. The pictures. The minimal flower designs. Even the furniture.
It was then that his eyes landed on the main entrance.
Seconds later, he walked towards the door, grabbed the handle, and pulled it open.
Stepping outside, his eyes scanned the streets. Although their own area was kept clean, beyond their front yard, piles of garbage laid gathered in heaps. Even the neighbors aren't interested in the whole cleanliness thing… Kayden whispered before locking the door behind himself.
He began to walk along the streets, nostrils taking in the pungent air of the neighborhood.
As he walked, his mind raced, desperately searching for a solution to his problems.
He took a turn at the end of the street, arriving at a different part of town. There, he could see people of all ages, just like on his own steet, going about their lives as they normally would.
He kept on walking, his mind replaying yesterday's events in an endless loop.
It was then, that in the midst of his thoughts, he heard someone call out to him. The voice was hoarse and raspy, like the sound of a man who smoked a pack of cigarettes daily.
Kayden's footsteps slowly came to a stop. The next moment, his head turned over his shoulder, only to see a short old man standing a few meters behind him.
"Ugh…can I help you, sir?" He asked, turning around fully. "I don't mean to be rude or anything, but I have a lot on my plate right now. But if it's something within my power, I might be able to see what I can do," he said.
Although I don't usually talk to strangers… Kayden muttered. Something's telling me this man isn't gonna be trouble. I don't know why. It's like I can just sense it.
The old man's lips slowly curled into a grin. "Oh, this isn't actually about helping me," he started off. "I was just passing by looking for people interested in what I have to offer," he walked closer towards Kayden.
Kayden took an involuntary step back. Although he didn't sense any ill intentions within the man, he still preferred to keep his distance, especially after what he has just heard.
"What you have to offer?" Kayden repeated the man's words. "And what might that be?" He questioned, his eyes narrowed.
However, the man didn't respond. Instead, he just kept on walking, until he stood right in front of Kayden.
Then, his hand slid into his jacket, and pulled out something from within.
"Here. Take this," the man said, handing out what seemed to be a card to Kayden. "Dial the number on the back. The person who answers will explain everything you need to know," right after that, he kept on moving forward, not waiting for another moment after explaining himself.
Kayden held the card within his fingers, oberving it with keen eyes. The card was red in colour, with an image of a man with a devilish mask on the front, along with a single piece of information printed beside the picture. Lord Of Anguish? There wasn't anything else besides that, not until Kayden turned the card over.
There, a phone number could be seen. And below it, a condition.
"Dial this number only if you possess an ability…" Kayden's jaw dropped as he read the message. How…? How did he…? He turned quickly, hoping to catch up with the man before he disappeared.
However, he was already too late.
The man was nowhere to be seen.
Even for someone his age…there's no way he could've vanished so quickly. Kayden's heart thumped loudly. Unless…he's just like me. The implications seemed clear enough. Perhaps that's how he knows…that I also have an ability.
Though Kayden had several questions on his mind, he forcefully pushed all all aside. Even though I don't understand what's going on, I do know one thing. Kayden turned back, and began his journey back home. That no matter what, Stacy's life comes first before all of this.
He placed the card in his pocket. He couldn't afford loosing it. After all, this might just be the source he needed to make that money.
Right after making it back home, Kayden didn't hesitate.
He took out his phone, and dialed the number.
The line rung. One. Twice. Then finally, someone picked up.
"You must be a new participant," the man on the other end stated, his tone aloof. "Write down this address, and make sure you come alone. Failure to meet this demand will result in severe consequences."
Kayden gulped as he listened to the threat. "Alright, sir. Just give me a second," he scrambled to his bedroom, and pulled out a pen and paper from his backpack.
Right after that, the man on the phone described the location where Kayden was meant to show up. After writing everything down, the man gave Kayden one final piece of information.
"The event always takes place at 12:00 AM. Once you arrive, you can meet the organizers so they can pick which fighters you'll face off in the ring," and with that, the call disconnected.
Kayden's back struck his bed as he heaved out a deep sigh. His right hand weakly rose the piece of paper that contained all the information he had managed to jot down.
"This is it," Kayden said with a low smile. "This is my chance to finally get that money." He then rose from his bed, a surge of excitement shooting through his body.
However, a few seconds later, that surge of energy vanished. "I need to make sure Uncle John doesn't find out about any of this," he said as he paced within his room. "I'd have to sneak out every night till I make the full amount. Hopefully, he won't enter my room to check up on me while I'm gone," Kayden hoped, his gaze shifting to his window once again.
"Two weeks," Kayden said as he walked towards it. "This'll all be over in two weeks time."
Later that night, John had returned home from work once again.
Though he always seemed exhausted after a long day at the local factory, tonight, things were far worse.
His footsteps dragged across the pavement as he arched closer to the building. His face, drained of colour, cast downward, eyes bleak as the lights from passing cars cast massive shadows behind him.
Nothing. John muttered, finally reaching the main entrance before grabbing hold of the door handle. The police didn't even bother listening to my request.What sort of justice system are these people trying to uphold? He pulled down the handle in one desperate motion, and the next instant, the door slid open.
Not again… He shook his head dejectedly before stepping into his house. We're already struggling because of Stacy's kidnapping. Now that boy wants to add more problems on my head. He closed the door behind himself, ensuring it was locked before walking towards his own room.
As he passed by the living room, whispers of Stacy's voice filled his ears.
Dad…I'm scared. I don't like it here…
John stumbled into one of the living room couches, his big toe striking the base with so much force that it turned red.
However, John didn't react to the pain.
His eyes turned frantically, searching for where the voice had come from.
But he couldn't find anything.
Please, dad. Take me away from here…
He heard the voice again. This time, it sounded clearer. More desperate.
"Where are you?!" John yelled, throwing his briefcase across the room.
The briefcase struck the wall before collapsing to the floor.
It was then that Kayden rushed out from his room, arriving at the living room to figure out the source of the disturbance.
"Uncle John… Are you alright?" He asked cautiously, sensing the unease in John's expression. "Please, you need to take it easy. Just—"
"Just what, Kayden?!" John barked. "How do you expect me to take it easy when my daughter's somewhere out there! In the hands of those damned kidnappers?!" He placed a hand on his forehead, feeling a piercing headache tear through his reasoning.
He stormed forward. Kayden's eyes widened as he saw his uncle cover the distance.
However, as John appeared right beside Kayden, he didn't even bother stopping.
He just kept on walking, until a few seconds later, the sound of a door opening and banging shut rang through the whole house.