[PRE-NOTES] "I felt overwhelmed at the time. ...It felt like I needed to do something. And I did." - Charles Cullen. [/PRE-NOTES] It was dark when I awoke. I lay on Anon's bed thinking about last night, how I raged and lashed out at him after prom and… Naomi, that... snake... that fucking bitch! I knew she was planning on something because of how she acted around others. Like asking Me and Naser how we are doing, but this ?! Does Anon love me? Truly? I got up, it was 5 AM, and I didn’t have much in the form of normal clothing. I put on the shorts of my 'dress' that I took to prom and quietly left Anon's apartment; he was fast asleep on the floor. I silently walked down the stairs heading to the first floor. As I walked out the front door I was greeted with a cool breeze. It helped clear my mind a bit as I walked back home. Anon… He said that Naomi put him with me to ‘fix’ me. He also said that she did that so she could get Naser’s attention to her instead of me. Anon was used as a tool by Naomi to ‘ fix’ me. I feel like I should’ve known what she was planning but fuck, not like this. If Naomi planned this for Naser, does that mean he was a part of it? I pondered the idea with dread. I'm halfway home now. I know I'm going to get grounded for being several hours late. Like that's the least of my worries. I had to get back at Naomi somehow. Maybe I could tell Naser about her ‘plan,’ or I could beat the shit out of her. If Naser already knew about the plan, he probably wouldn't do anything. As for Naomi, there had to be something more I could do to her than something as simple as beating her. I began to rack my brain for ideas about how to get back at her. I felt… wrong as I tried to think of something, but the thought of seeing her bleed felt… good. I saw my home in the distance, I knew Dad was going to grill me alive when I got in. I could see the lights on through the window. I prepared myself as I went to the front door. I opened the door and entered the building, and I saw Dad looking at me across the kitchen table holding something. “Where the hell have you been!?” He demanded. I looked at him and said: “I was at Anon's place.” He stared daggers into me. “Oh really? I was just going to visit him. Did he do anything to you?” He asked as he pocketed something behind his back. “No, he didn’t do anything,” I replied. I would rather be alone right now. He looked suspicious of me, “I told you to be back by 11 PM, and you're 7 hours late Lucy, 7 hours!” I looked at him. “Dad I had the worst night of my life can-” “No, you’re not getting out of this one Lucy, you're grounded until after graduation,” he interrupted. Wait the entire month? “Wait, you can't do-” He interrupted. “Yes I can do that, now go to your room, and get out of those clothes, they’re filthy.” I look at him bewildered, “Are you fucking kidding me? I got booed off stage, and I had drinks thrown at me. Why-” “ Lucy …” he interrupted, “do you know what I was prepared to do to your ‘Boyfriend?’” “What? Were you going to throw him into jail for existing?” “Not exactly,” he said as he pulled out something tucked behind his pants. It was a revolver. More specifically, his 5-shot .44 Magnum service revolver he had since he started in the police force. I remember shooting it on the range once a year ago. “I was prepared to kill him, Lucy. If he didn’t do anything to you then that means I won't have to kill him. Do you understand?” he asked. I didn't say anything as I looked at the gun he showed me. It had the words ‘.44 Charter Arms Bulldog’ etched on the side; it looks aged but well-maintained. I nodded to Dad in response. “Good,” he said as he went into the kitchen. He unloaded the gun and put it in a small aged leather bag as he takes it upstairs. I followed shortly behind; he entered his study. I peeked inside and watched him put it in the closet inside. I stopped looking and entered my room to put something fresher on. As I put on my usual cropped tank top and black ripped jeans. I wondered how I would get back at that orange control freak named Naomi. I wanted nothing more than to beat her face to a bloody pulp. I swear to God- if Naser knew about this the entire time… Why don't I ask him? He is home after all. Almost on cue, I heard a soft knock on my door. I sighed, “Come in.” The door opened, revealing Naser. He looked worried. Why would he be? It's not like he was booed off stage or had fruit punch thrown at him. He entered the room and closed the door behind him. He looked at me, “Look, Fang, I'm sorry for what happened at prom.” “Why would you be sorry? It's not like you or that pompous bitch had it any worse; isn't that right, Mr. ‘Prom royalty,’” I said to him angrily. He sighed, “Fang-” “I mean, where were you when they were laughing at me? Where were you when they started throwing drinks at me!?” I interrupted him. He looked saddened, “I'm sorry, Naomi-” “Naomi! What was she doing that was more important than helping me? Was she blowing you off behind the curtains or something!?” I yelled at him. “What? No! She held me back from beating the snot out of the crowd.” He protested. “Yea, probably by your belt buckle.” I quipped. He sighed heavily, “Look, Fang, it wasn't like that.” A moment of silence passed between us. “Naser, can I ask you something?” I ask him. He looked at me, giving his full attention. “Sure thing, what is it?” I stare at him dead in the eyes. “Did you know about Naomi’s plan?” He looked at me confused, “Uh… what?” What am I talking about? Of course he does. “You know what, never mind,” I said to him. “Wait, Fang, what plan are you talking about?” I looked at him, pissed off. “You know what plan,” I told him. “No, I don't, Fang, perhaps if you can-” “Of course you know about it. Otherwise, you would’ve helped me on that stage,” I said. He looked bewildered, “Fang, you’re not making any sense right now. What did Naomi plan? If you tell me, I could ask her about it, so tell me!” He pleaded. He was starting to piss me off. “Of course you would help her; stop playing dumb Naser. If you truly didn't know then your just a fucking tool.” He looked worried, “Look, Fang, what are you even talking about right now?” he asked. “You know! Naomi’s plan to ‘fix’ me!” His face changed back to bewilderment “What?! Why would she… Wait, fix you? How would she even do that?!” I felt dumbstruck that he didn't know. “She tried to use Anon for that by putting him in my classes.” Naser stares at the ground for a moment before focusing his attention on me. “Fang, I swear I didn't know about any of this. In fact, I wouldn't have wanted anything to do with this ‘plan!’” he pleaded. “You didn’t know about it!? I find it hard to believe Naser!” I said with growing hatred in my heart. “Fang, please you have to believe me. Look, let me talk to her about it tomorrow then we can figure something out. Maybe–” Naser stopped himself as he noticed me getting more pissed by the second. I looked at the tool before me; he was such a fool. He knew about it; he was simply trying to hide it. I felt the anger flare inside me as I looked at him. “You know what, Naser?” I said as I looked into his eyes; he looked worried. Is he even worried? There is no holding back for someone like him. “I wished you had died on that fucking cliffside,” I told him. He is taken aback by what I said. “Fang… y- you don't mean that.” I looked at him with vitriol in my eyes. “I do mean it Naser. I wish you died on that cliff, so I didn't have to deal with your crippled-wing ass every single day.” I snarled at him. He looked hurt. “Fang-” “You know what, Naser, just leave,” I said to him. He attempted to say something, but he didn't as he walked out of my room. Good riddance, I thought to myself. I lay back on my bed; now where was I? Ah yes, how to get back at Naomi. Still, nothing better came to mind as I racked my brain for answers, but that feeling of wrongness was back. What could it be? I mean, she deserves anything, right? Anything… Could death be one thing she deserves the most? Death… What am I thinking? I sat up and looked at the time; 8 AM already? I headed downstairs to see what was for breakfast. Death. That sounded… appropriate for someone like Naomi. I looked into the kitchen after heading downstairs. Mom was awake and cooking eggs with bacon. I took a seat at the table; I saw Naser sitting across from me. He was avoiding eye contact. Good. Dad on the other hand, was reading a newspaper. The front page read: "Guns: America's one solution for killing those who wronged you.’ What? I blinked several times, and the front page read: ‘Guns: America's favorite weapon put to question.’ A plate had been put in front of me. “Here you go Lucy!” My mother chirped. “Thanks, Mom…” I said. She looked at me and hugged me. “I heard about what happened last night dearie… I'm sorry,” she said. I hugged her back as I smiled. “Thank you Mom,” I said to her. She eventually let go of me and gave the rest of the family plates filled with food. I looked at the bacon and over-easy eggs in front of me. There was a face on one of the eggs… it was Naomi's face. I looked at the face of the one that wronged me. I poked it with a fork, and the four holes that punctured her face spilled blood; then I cut across it with the fork, and it poured out more blood. Seeing it made me feel… Good . “Uhh, Fang?” I heard Naser speak. I looked up at him. “You good? You looked like you zoned out.” He said. I gave him a sour look; he looked away. My eyes gazed back at the bleeding face. It was now an egg with the yolk broken. I finished my breakfast and headed upstairs into my room and lay back on my bed. Then my eyes noticed a few texts on my phone. I opened it to see what they are. They were from Anon; well, I did leave on short notice. Anon: Hey, you alright? Anon: Just noticed your dad was pretty livid last night. Anon: Guess he must've been writing all night long. I could only imagine what kind of things my dad sent to his phone. Death threats and threatening to throw him in jail. Should I respond to him? No, I would rather be left alone right now. As I returned to my thoughts, I set my phone on the nightstand beside me. Naomi. As I thought about what to do to her, the results got more violent and bloody. From bashing her head into a plank of nails to ripping out her throat with my claws, all the way to gouging her eyes out. She truly does deserve death, doesn't she? The more I thought about it, the more I felt good about killing her. But who says it only had to be her? There were so many of those that wronged me. If only there were a way to get them all at once. Then a solution entered my mind. The revolver was my solution. The revolver is… perfect for what I'm planning to do. First Naomi, then everyone else; it was the perfect tool. I sat up from my bed and looked for my notebook. I found it and opened it up; then, I flipped it to a blank page as I grabbed my pen. That bitch will have her due after all. She denied any control over my life, and she vilified me. She had fucked Anon and me over. I began to sketch her face. I felt anger when the sketch started to look more like her. When I finished, it was slightly crude but resembled her well enough. Under the crude sketch, I wrote down her name. I started drawing the revolver on the next page. Yet again, it was crude but looked exactly like the revolver. I felt free as I drew it. I flipped the page and— There were no more pages; I looked blankly at the white, blank, hard paper. I looked at the final page that I flipped. It contained a drawing of the front of the school, yet again crude. There should've been 20 more pages. I flipped back a page, and the page I flipped to contains scribbled words, doodles, and meaningless symbols. The doodles depicted Naomi and other dinos being killed in various ways. Some were gutted alive, shot to death, bisected, hung from their entrails, and other gory depictions of death. Most of the doodles were of Naomi... That fucking bitch; I would love to do a lot more to her than shoot her. But then I wouldn't make the others pay equally. I looked at the scribbled words; it was various. Some comments were ‘Make them pay’ or ‘Naomi’ or ‘Free at last.’ Then there were the symbols. Some were simple, like spirals, loops, and circles. Others were more complicated; skulls, a dagger pointing downwards, and a weird eight-pointed star. There were twenty pages of this… art I drew. I looked at the time; it was noon. I completely lost track of time. I flipped back to the blank, stiff paper. There is one other thing I must put down. A set of lyrics for a song with no happiness, music, or freedom. 'Control over my life you denied, And now death approaches from the sky, why'd it be me you had to vilify? Goodbye Volcano High' I looked at the hopeless lyrics before me, then I closed the notebook and put it on top of the dresser. I felt a tug on my lips, then a smile formed. This was no sweet, loving, or happy smile. It was one borne of pure malice. I felt a chuckle escape my mouth. I was committed to this. Committed to murder, committed to a school shooting. I think I knew why other shooters did what they did now… they were wronged; just like me. I could only imagine how Naomi's head would explode from the bullet if it could at all. Would it explode like a watermelon, or would it just make her entire face disappear? I would love to find out; I could hardly wait for tomorrow to come. I wonder how Anon would feel about me… killing— The smile on my face disappeared. I looked ahead, and I saw myself playing the guitar for him. We were supposed to study for the finals, so we got preoccupied with learning the guitar instead. Or at least helping Anon learn it. He missed a few notes, but he got the hang of it. I found the tune I was looking for while he played it. I played until I began crying; he got up and comforted me. Just before he did, he said the kindest thing he ever said. Or should I say mumble? ‘All that matters is her.’ Then I think back to the rooftop where he listened to me as I lost my shit. I felt like I needed to speak, to rant until I was hoarse, but he interrupted me before I could vent more of my feelings. At least he stayed and listened to what I had to play on Mr. Jingos ‘hall pass.’ Then, the one time he spoke up for me about playing the guitar instead of the bass. I was surprised he stood up for me at the time. I'm sure I would have managed it alone, but he did it anyway. Then that time we played our first venue. It went perfectly, everyone enjoyed it. I remember hugging Anon after the show and mostly Moe calling Trish a trigger out of habit. The one time we ditched Naser and Naomi; the two of us chased each other in the park as we made our way to Lil’ Tru to look for Moe’s diner. The two of us were happy- happy… I felt my face become wet. Am I crying? I felt the tears streaming down my face. One moment I’m plotting a shooting; the next, I'm crying my eyes out. If I go through with it, there is no chance I can see Anon or any of my friends again. But I must… No, I have to go through with it. That slut did me dirty by playing Anon and I like puppets in her own little show. I don't think Anon would agree, honestly, I think he would try to stop me. The worst part is… I think he might succeed in doing so. I can't bear the thought of accidentally shooting Anon. Sure he is a complete idiot, but he still cares for me. And I care for him too, despite everything. I must find a way to make him stay at his apartment. Perhaps I can go over there tonight and stay with him. And apologize for trashing his apartment, that should do. Now that I think about it, this could be the only night of me being free… or alive for that matter. So if I'm spending the night with Anon, who says I can't make it more special? for me and him. But if I do go to his place. I must be careful. I can't have him be suspicious of me. I can't have him stopping me. Not now, not at his apartment, and most definitely not at school. I am committed to this. After all, I'm right. I mean how can I not be? They need to pay, all of them, especially Naomi. She never should’ve fucked with me. I got up and looked at the time: 2 PM. Time seems to be flying fast today. I get up and I look for my guitar— It's gone. Fuck, I left it at school when it broke. I think back to when its string broke; I was hysterical, then Trish handed me a bass, ‘Come on Fang! We will show them how it's done!’ Did she know? That it would go very wrong. She knew we played well with me using the guitar. So why did she hand me a fucking bass? And what's worse was I followed through. Reed and Trish left me on the stage, and only god knew what Naser and Naomi were doing. Then Spears helped me off the stage, he even put his suit jacket on me. When I left the stage I just ran to the auditorium just so I could be alone. I didn't realize I brought the bass with me, when I did I felt so much rage fill me. I looked at the bass, the instrument that fucked me over again and again. Then I smashed it onto the ground over and over until the head of it remained. I then sat on the cold ground of the auditorium and wept. Eventually, Anon found me and tried to calm me down. He then said something that right now… made sense to me. ‘Fang, repeat after me. It doesn't matter.’ ‘I- It doesn't m- matter.’ “It doesn't matter…” I whispered to myself, It truly didn't. I waited for the last few hours of my life until dinner came around. It was quiet at the dinner table; there was fried chicken served. I looked at the morsel before me. I wasn't hungry, and besides, it didn't matter if I was slightly peckish; No one said anything about it, except for my mother. “Lucy? Are you sure you're not hungry?” She asked as I gave her back my plate. “No, I'm fine Mom,” I told her. She didn't say anything as she took the plate and put the leftovers in a bag. I went upstairs and had a hot shower. Probably the last one I'm ever getting, but that didn't matter. After I finished I went back to my room to put my pajamas on; just to show the appearance that I'm going to sleep soon. Then after everyone is asleep, I leave with the revolver in tow. Now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure Naomi goes through mental gymnastics like this on the daily… fuck. Well, at least I'm not as bad as her; at least I'm more direct in what I'm doing. As I began to lie on my bed, there was a soft knock on the door. “Come in.” The door opened revealing Naser. Great, what does he want now? Naser’s face showed concern. “Fang, I uh- saw that you didn’t eat anything during dinner. You know you should have at least something right?” I said nothing as I glared at him. He sighed as he grabbed the bridge of his snout. “I understand why you're pissed, believe me I do. So hear me out Fang, I swear I have no hand in what Naomi was planning. Hell, I didn't even know anything about it. Most of all, I wouldn't want anything to do with it.” He began as he approached the bed; sitting on the foot of it. “I do have one question, how did you find out about it?” He asked. I looked at him with suspicion before I answered him. “Anon told me.” Naser’s eyes widened at the news. “Wait! Anon knew about it?! How did he find out?” The gears in my head started turning. I came to no conclusion as to how he found out. For all I knew he might’ve even been in on it, and he might’ve been playing dumb the entire time. “Wait…” Naser spoke. I focused my attention back on Naser as he realized something. “Remember when you ran off with Anon a few months back?” I sighed as I nodded my head. What is he getting at? “Before he excused himself to go to the restroom; which he didn't do by the way. Now I wouldn't know anything about an A– Human looking miserable, but Anon looked pretty disturbed when he left. I wasn’t sure why until now.” “Wait, you're telling me that Naomi told Anon about it long after she started her plan?” Naser lays his back on the bed “I dunno, maybe? But from what I saw; Anon most likely didn't want anything to do with it. That's probably why he ditched Naomi and me in the first place.” I sunk further into my bed. Anon didn’t have a hand in it. “I guess that's why he said he had no control over it.” The room fell silent; after a few minutes, Naser spoke up. “I asked Mom to have you stay home for tomorrow. Lucky for you she said yes.” I sat straight up right after he said that. “Wait, why did you do that?” Naser looked at the ground before he said anything else “Fang I’m not dumb. I know how bad this is affecting you; with you acting weird during breakfast and you not eating dinner. I can only imagine what you will do to Naomi as soon as you catch a glimpse of her.” I felt my heart start racing, does he know? No, he couldn't have known. “W- What about Dad?” Naser smirked, “You and I both know Dad won't disagree with Mom at any time of the day.” Naser then started rubbing the back of his neck. “Though I’m pretty sure I'm going to catch hell for it later.” “What about Naomi? What will you do with her?” I asked. Naser slumped his shoulders and his wings as his smirk vanished. “I’m… not sure; don't get me wrong she shouldn't have done that at all. I'm considering dumping her after I talk to her tomorrow.” I almost couldn't believe he would even start considering that. Naser really had no hand in Naomi’s plan. The thought that Naomi actually went behind my brother's back to do something like this makes me want to pull this revenge off. I put my hand on Naser's shoulder, Naser looked back at me surprised; then calm as he smirked and placed his hand on top of mine. “Well that's a first. Fang, I’m sorry this happened to you. Naomi shouldn't have done that, especially behind my back. For Raptor's sake, I’m her boyfriend! She should’ve at least attempted to say something to me.” I felt pity swell within me, drowning the fiery rage for Naomi. I leaned forward and hugged Naser. Naser seemed confused. “Uh… Fang what are you-” “I'm sorry…” I whispered. Naser seemed slightly shocked by what I said. “Sorry? What are you sorry for?” “I’m sorry for what I said this morning… you didn't deserve that.” Naser realized what I said. “Oh… Oh! Fang you don't have to apologize. Even though it was hurtful, I know you didn’t mean it.” What was worse was that I meant it, from the bottom of my heart I meant every word of it. I decided not to tell Naser that. Instead I just held onto him tighter. Naser soon returned the hug. “I guess we haven't been the best siblings huh?” I asked “Yea.” He replied. I don't want Naser to be at school tomorrow. After all, the puppet master owed her dues now more than ever. Maybe I could convenience him to stay home; I can at least hope he listens to his si– sibling. “Naser, could you stay home with me?” Naser was quiet for a few minutes. He finally replied. “Sure Fang. Anything for you. Though I don't think Dad will be thrilled about that.” I chuckle. “When is he ever thrilled about anything?” Naser shrugged as we let go of each other. “I dunno. Anyhow, I’m tired and ready for bed… Oh! Here, I brought this for you.” Naser hands me a granola bar. “Please don't starve yourself like that. You still have your dinner in the fridge for tomorrow.” I smile as I take the bar “Thank you, Naser.” “No problem.” He said as he got up and just before he exited the room; he paused at the doorway and looked at me. “I love you, Fang.” I looked back at him. Naser just wanted to make his sib– no… his sister happy. I felt warmth grow inside of me as I thought that. “I love you too Naser.” Naser smiled as he left my room and shut the door. I looked at the granola bar, maybe some things do matter. But Naomi… People like her don't matter. I ripped open the packaging and swiftly ate the bar. I’m more than determined to end her pathetic life now. I just hoped that Naser doesn't realize I'm long gone when I start. It was 11 PM; it was time. I put my regular clothes back on, then my mascara First orange, then purple. I didn't want Anon to be suspicious about anything, and I’d make sure he wasn’t. Everyone should be in bed and hopefully asleep by then I silently crept out of my room, backpack in hand. Then I slinked into my father's study. It was dark, so I used my phone's flashlight to illuminate the room. I then made my way to the closet that contained the instrument of my vengeance. I opened it and silently scoured through the contents within. I looked on the top shelf and I found the leather bag sitting next to a couple of shoe boxes. I opened it, and the gun was sitting in there. I pulled it out and observed it longingly. Its freshly polished surface still shined brilliantly. It brought justice before, and now it will do so again. I bagged the revolver— fuck, almost forgot the ammo. I looked up at the shelf and found the box of .44 within; I managed to pull out 10 rounds of ammunition. I put the leather bag and ammo box back where they were. I looked at the cluster of bullets in the palm of my hand. The brass shined in the phone's light. I bagged the ammo and made my way silently out of the study, silently making my way downstairs. Not a sound was made once I reached the bottom. I left through the front door, then I started making my way to Anon's apartment building. I walked through the silent streets of Volcadera, and I drafted three texts for Reed, Trish, and Naser, all three of which contained the lyrics to my song. I would send them when the time is right. There seemed to be no one in the streets that night, it almost seemed peaceful. I managed to get to Skin Row. I held onto my bag tightly now; the last thing I needed was to lose the gun to a thief. I reached his apartment with nothing noteworthy happening, and I entered the building and walked up the stairs to Anon's apartment. I walk down the barely lit hallway. I had to make sure he wouldn't go to school tomorrow, and that he’d know that everything will be okay…I knew it wouldn't be, but at least I would be the one in control this time. I would show that apricot-colored cunt Naomi how it's done. I stood outside his room, and I heard something from outside. I– is he playing fucking Rock Ring? After what happened last night!? That actual dumbass! I should've at least expected this. Especially after that one time when he tried to joke his way out of getting his ass beat. Sure, he did apologize for that, but that was a dick move. Speaking of that, he might apologize for what happened last night. I didn't want him to apologize for shit. I just needed him to stay in his shithole of an apartment for the day. Then the apartment fell silent; not a sound to be heard. It's now or never: I knocked on the door. After a few seconds of nothing, I jiggled the doorknob only to find it unlocked. To be honest, I was surprised that he hadn’t been robbed yet. I opened the door and entered. “You– oh…” I was about to say he left the door unlocked— Only to find him cowering on the floor. “Um. why are you huddled in the fetal position?” I asked. He looked up and saw me. “Fang!? Oh, thank fuck!” He spoke as he scrambled to his feet. “I thought your dad came over to kill me!” He chuckled nervously. Well, that would've been the case if I hadn’t returned home. “Ah, yea sorry.” I apologized as I set my bag on the table inside. He looked at it for a moment, then back at me. “So…” he began. Oh, he is going to start talking about last night, isn't he? “Fang about last night.” Of course he is. I came to apologize, not him. “It’s fine.” I blurted out. He looked at me, his face marked with confusion. “What?” He asked. “It's fine Anon, I don't blame you for what happened. In fact, I'm sorry for overreacting last night.” I assured him. He looked even more confused. I swear I think he might be retarded in some way. “I- what?” "I said I'm sorry. I should not have blown up on you last night." I said. He looked at me less confused and more concerned now. Is he catching on? I needed to think of something to shut him the hell up. “Well, even if it wasn't my fault I should have–” “It isn't, Anon.” I interrupted him. I kept trying to find out what exactly to do— I'm spending the night with Anon, who says I can't make it more special. - Well if it is my last night free or alive, I might as well make it special. “But-” Before he could say anything more, I grabbed onto his shirt and pulled his lips to mine. I practically forced my tongue into his mouth as I kissed him. I pulled out eventually, and he looked dazed. I enjoyed every second of it. “I- Fang– What-” He tried to put together what exactly happened but to no avail. Little did he know, there was more where that came from. I guided him to the bed and sat him down; then I got on top of him. Don't worry Anon everything will be fine… Right? I woke up sometime in the night; I was still on top of Anon. I slowly got off of him trying not to wake him. He was fast asleep; he’d better stay that way. I looked at his clock: 5:55 AM. I unplugged the clock so his alarm wouldn't go off, then I collected my clothes strewn about the room, and then my bag as I went into the bathroom. As I put my clothes on, I wondered when I should start killing. Naomi should be the first to go, so if that's the case then I would start at the beginning of 3rd period. It's the only class Naomi and I have together. I finished dressing back up. I looked at the bag and brought out the revolver. It was unloaded; I opened the cylinder and scrounged out 6 bullets… Fuck, it only takes 5. I started loading the cylinder, and each clink the bullets made when they fell in felt more and more satisfying. Once it was loaded I closed the cylinder and looked at it. It felt heavier now; I was pretty sure it was the bullets within it. I put the gun in my bag and pocketed the other 5 rounds. I silently left the bathroom and checked on Anon. Still asleep, just like I wanted. Then, I left the apartment altogether. As I walked to school I kept thinking to myself: Would I kill enough? What if someone overpowered me? What if Anon magically appeared out of nowhere in the nick of time? Each thought or worry was suppressed quickly. I had to do this either way, I just couldn't let Naomi get away with something like this. I stood right in front of the school. I had about an hour until the first period started, Trish and Reed were somewhere within. Hell, maybe I could have one last chat with them. I walked into the school; I'm pretty sure Naomi isn't wandering the halls yet. Knowing Reed, he might be in the cafeteria satiating his munchies on some cheap breakfast, as usual. Trish was probably hunting down whoever was at prom; little did she know I would do that for her. I went to the cafeteria first. At least Reed is in one place most of the time. I walked into the cafeteria, it wasn’t exactly crowded with as many students as I thought. It was sparse, about less than a dozen perhaps. I saw Reed helping himself to a mountain of food at the line. I didn't want him or Trish in the way when I started. I waited for him to finish stacking his tray and paying for it. He saw me and froze; he stood as still as a statue. “Uh… Reed-” Before I could say more he dropped his tray and embraced me. “ Fang! Oh, thank Raptor Jesus you're okay!” He said as he held onto me. “Uh. Yea, I'm fine Reed.” This was unlike Reed to be this worried. He eventually let go of me, his eyes were watery. “We tried to text you, but you never read any of them… we thought something happened to you.” “Wait, you did?” I checked my phone, and sure enough yesterday at 1 PM: 1:07 PM Reed: Fang we are sorry for ditching you last night. How are you holding up? 1:15 PM Reed: U good? 1:22 PM Reed: Trish is hysterical RN, are you okay? 2:00 PM Reed: Trish wants to talk to you, it's important. Meet me whenever Monday, K? 3:01 PM Reed: Fang? 7:27 PM Reed: I'm sorry, just plz let us know ur ok, okay? How did I miss these? I should've at least noticed them when- I was looking for the gun. Did Trish have something important to say? I could only wonder what that would be. “Shit… I’m sorry Reed, I was preoccupied. What did Trish have to say?” He looked at me, he looked rather worried. “Um— It's nothing, just about you leaving your guitar behind is all.” He assured me, then he began fidgeting his thumbs around. There was more to it than that: he looks nervous. Perhaps I could use this to get them to safety before I started shooting. “No. I would like to hear what she has to say.” He looked at me, his eyes wide open, “I can assure you, it's nothing Fang.” Why was he dodging the topic? “Reed, why are you nervous right now? Did Trish do something to my guitar or–” As soon as I said that he interrupted me. “She has it in its case in the auditorium!” He blurted out. He looked relieved as he said that. He put his hand on the back of his neck, “She wanted to give it back to you after prom, but you left with Anon so she held onto it until today.” The nervousness in his face eased, but not completely. “Okay, how about the three of us meet up in the auditorium? How does 9 AM sound?” He looked at me confused, “At the start of 3rd period?” “Yea, you did say Trish had something to say to me, right?” Reed looked even more worried, why would he be? “Yea, sure… 9 AM, auditorium. Don't worry Fang, Trish and I will be there.” He then pointed finger guns at me; the tension on his face eased a bit, or so it appeared. “Alright, see you later.” If I do. He gave a thumbs-up as I walked away. He looked very worried at the mention of me meeting up with Trish. I wondered what they wanted to talk about, but I couldn’t back down now. Not when I was so close. At least they were out of the way. Each period passed with growing tension. Then, before I knew it 2nd period ended, and I made my way to 3rd period. I felt the gun in my bag grow heavier and heavier with each step I took. I was eager to kill Naomi as soon as I saw her. But I should ask her why she fucked with Anon and me. Just some clarification before I end her miserable life. I carefully checked the bag. The revolver was still in there. I reached in and cocked the hammer; I had to be careful not to swing the bag around too much. Then I was right outside the door leading into 3rd-period class. The bell rang, sounding out that the passing period was over. I sent the drafted texts to Reed, Trish, and Naser. Then I scrolled past Anon's name in my contacts. I should at least text him the lyrics, even if he might not know what they mean. So I typed it out: 9:02 AM Fang: 'Control over my life you denied, And now death approaches from the sky, why'd it be me you had to vilify? Goodbye Volcano High' -Sent. Okay, now that's over with— What? 9:02 AM Fang: 'Control over my life you denied, And now death approaches from the sky, why'd it be me you had to vilify? Goodbye Volcano High' -Read. The fuck!? He was supposed to be asleep, how- I don't have much time. I put the phone on airplane mode. It was time, I looked at the doorway into class. I took a deep breath and yelled into the room. “ Hey, Naomi! ” I see her head peek out of the doorway. I may as well spare myself the trouble and shoot her already. “Oh! Hey Fang, it's good to see you.” She chirps, she examines my expression and her face grows some mask of concern. “Um… are you okay?” She asks. I look at her sternly “I know what you did.” She began to fake confusion, “What's that supposed to mean?” She asks. Is she playing dumb? Well, let me refresh her memory. “I know about your ‘plan’ Naomi… What was the end goal? To have Anon shoved into my schedule to what? ‘Fix’ me? I knew you were planning something, but this takes the fucking cake! ” I flared my wings to my sides as I yelled. I felt powerful. Naomi looked surprised that I knew about it. “How did you– Did Anon tell you?” she asked. I nodded at the bitch. She looked more worried by the second. “Well, Fang I- I uh… Let's be honest, you do need to change your attitude a bit.” Is- is that all? I expected something more, but whatever. If that's her response then so be it. I put my hand in the bag and grabbed onto the revolver's grip. “You know what Naomi, maybe I do need to ‘change’. But right now.” I looked into her eyes. “It's way too fucking late for that,” I ripped out the revolver and aimed it between her eyes. Before she could process what I had just pointed at her I pulled the trigger. A deafening sound bellowed from the gun as it fired. I was looking at Naomi the entire time, and I'm glad I did. Her head jolted back as an explosion of skull, brain, and blood ruptured from her face. She leaned forward spilling more of her cranial contents; then she fell on the spot. Only the bottom half of her face remained intact. A rush of euphoric pleasure tingled my spine. She was dead, and in the most beautiful way, too. I stepped back a bit; savoring the feeling. I looked around me, and a dozen terrified students looked back at me. All of them seemed to have frozen in fear. Wait… I recognize that one, he threw the fucking punch at me! I pointed the gun toward him and fired. His throat ruptured open, he fell backward clawing at his throat as fresh blood flooded from it. The other male next to him began to run. He didn’t make it far before I shot him through his right lung. He fell forward and clutched at his chest as he tried desperately to pull air through a blood-filled throat. Each kill felt better than the last. I sensed movement behind me. I snapped around and sent another outside the classroom to an early grave with a pull of a trigger. I looked at the lockers ahead, a female student had her back to the lockers as she begged to be spared. I just smiled at her as I raised my gun and blew her brains out all over the lockers. At least her fate was swift. The ringing in my ears wouldn't stop, I looked around for another target. I saw a student trying to aid the one I shot in the throat. Not knowing the wound was already fatal. I didn't recognize who they are, but they had a lilac hue to them. I raised my gun at them, and they noticed me and froze. I pulled the trigger and- *Click* What? The gun was spent. That's easy to fix: I opened the cylinder and emptied its contents. The empty brass clinked musically onto the floor. The delightful sound was almost inaudible through the deafening ringing of my eardrums. One by one, I loaded the last five bullets in. If I knew it was going to be this easy, I would have brought more. After I finished loading, I closed the cylinder with a flick of my wrist. The student began pleading for their life. Strange I don't remember asking for you to beg. I couldn't even understand what they were saying. Well whoever you are, you will be rewarded with death for staying on your knees. I raised the gun and– Before I could fire someone tackled me to the ground. I hit the ground with my attacker. They were saying something, but I couldn't understand what they were saying. Whoever they were, they were trying to wrench the gun from my hands. I managed to face my attacker, I don't even recognize who they are. They were straddling me as they attempted to wrestle the gun off my hands. I smiled at their pitiful attempt, then I managed to wrestle the gun from their grasp. I pointed the barrel to their chest and pulled the trigger. The attacker fell backward as they clutched their chest. I got up and looked at the pitiful writhing mass before me. Whoever they were, they had shitty taste in fashion that would rival Naser’s taste in fashion- wait that jacket… My eyes focused more on the features of the person before me. Yellow eyes, orange crest, buzzed haircut, dark scales, and a beak… No- it can't be. The person before me was no other than Naser. The smile that was on my face disappeared completely. Naser's shirt was darkening with blood, soaking from the bullet wound I put dead center of his chest. He looked up at me; he looked surprised and pained. “F- Fang?” I ran. I didn’t care where I went, but anywhere was better than there. My brother, my baby brother… I crippled him that day at the cliffside, and I killed him today. Oh god, what have I done? I stopped suddenly, and I felt cool air hit me. Where I went was clear to me now, I was on the rooftop. The sky was gray with clouds as they blotted out the sun. It wasn't dark, but with the morning fog; the city was covered in a dense gloom. I looked down at myself; there were blood stains on my clothes. Undoubtedly Naser’s blood, since he was on top of me when I- shot him. He was just trying to stop me and I- fucking shot him. The reality of what I truly did set in. I killed people out of hatred and what's even worse was… I liked it. What have I done? I didn't mean to shoot Naser, why didn't I recognize him?! Why did I not recognize my own brother? Why did I not recognize- I felt pain sear over my wings, I looked at them. They were tattered with bald patches on them. I looked at my free hand to see it occupies a fist full of feathers. I’ve been preening without even knowing it. The loose feathers around me get carried away by the gentle breeze. I- I’m a monster. I remembered the near-orgasmic feeling of euphoria hitting me as I shot down those people . To think I enjoyed it at all was sickening. Then there was Anon who thinks I'm doing something fucked up. Then there are my friends who wonder if I'm okay. God, what kind of life am I going to live after this? Would I even have a chance at a free life? No, of course not. Who would let me see the light of day after what I did? I felt the ever-growing presence of the revolver in my hand. Then it hit me, I didn't expect to live free after this.I suspected it might be my last day alive. Do I have to kill myself? I think I- before I could process my predicament more I felt someone touch my shoulder. “Fang?” I snapped back to reality, And in a surge of adrenaline, I spun around and fired. My shot was low but my target was hit- wait- Anon! He fell back grabbing his left shin; crying out in pain. How long was I standing there- Oh god is he getting up? No, stay away from me. Please. “Fang…” he said as he stepped forward, his pant leg soaking in blood. “Anon don't…” I stepped back, Please don't come to me. I threw the revolver to the side. I didn't want to hurt anyone anymore, especially not you, but I failed at that. “Fang, just come with me I-” Before he could say more his shin gave in and broke in half; tearing flesh as he fell. “No no no…” I stepped back. Please stay away from me. Hell, I even used you like a fucking tool, just like Naomi. I'm a fucking monster, did he not see that? Oh god, he’s crawling to me now. Leaving behind a smeared trail of blood. “Fang just stay with me…” I stepped back, and my foot hit the lipped edge of the roof. Right where the hole is in the suicide fence. I had nowhere to go other than down. That's what someone like me deserves right? “Fang- Please…” I looked at Anon, and he looked desperate. I looked over the hole. Nothing but solid concrete at the bottom. I braced myself against the edge of the hole in the chain-linked fence. I know what I must do now. Before I decided to take one last step over the ledge, I heard one last plea from Anon. “Please don't leave me alone…” I looked back at him, I see tears streaming down his pale face. “Please?...” ‘All that matters is her.’ I smiled at him, and this smile wasn’t malicious. It was warm and reassuring. The tears I had finally ran dry. Even though you were an ass half of the time, you still loved me. Don't worry Anon, where I'm going I will always be with you. Even when you least expect it. I love you… I step off- “Wait- FANG DON'T…” As soon as he said that it was far too late. I began free-falling to my death. Wait what am I- NO . I began to use my wings to slow my already fast descent. I'm still going too fast, I braced myself for the impact on the concrete. Hopefully that- I felt my legs give in to the impact; my left leg hyper-extended until it broke while my right leg’s shin dislocated and tore flesh. Then my right arm hit the ground and became a dislocated and mangled mess. Lastly, my head hit the ground face first. Then after that, everything went dark. When I came to, my vision was blurry, and my ears were ringing. Then the pain hit me like a truck; It felt raw when It hit. I tried to scream, but I couldn't. My beak felt– loose . It was hanging on by a thread. I saw shapes form around me— are these people? “-uck is she even-” “-k at her le-” “-id she jump from th-” “-ait I know he-” I attempted to get up, but my body refused. None of my limbs were under my command. My hearing came back properly, this time. “-ts the bitch that killed Nathen!” “Are you sure man? She doesn't look armed.” “Conor, I swear to you it's the chick that shot him. Look, she has feathered wings, and that bird skull amulet just like I said.” “Well If that's the case, why don't we teach her a lesson? ” I strained to get up again, and I almost managed to get on my arms when they forced me to the ground. They began to beat me all over; I felt them kicking my ribs and one of them stamped my beak in. Then I saw a sneaker rush in and kick me right in the head. I began to lose consciousness after the sudden blow. The world slowly become dark, and I lost lucidity.