Last week of elementary school:
Before today, Zed believed he had already faced death. That thought stayed with him for a while. Today, however, he forgot about it. He only thought about having some fun today. He got to hoop with his friends during lunch. The games had little to no physicality until Ezio joined that is. Only seconds after hooping, Zed sustained several injuries. Yet, despite the fights, it was still enjoyable because Zed was heavily impressed by Ezio's effortless skill. When class started, he joined a group of friends, working to come up with fun nicknames.
Laughter often filled the room, but the mood changed when Cyrus, the Leader of DEATHKNIGHTS entered the classroom to greet each student. He handed out a few group tags, expecting most students to form groups to discuss new schools. Zed decided to talk to his three friends, but when it was his turn to speak, he was speechless. All he knew is that he wanted to remain with his friends. He refuses to go to different schools. Noticing the pause, Cyrus suddenly joined the group.
Cyrus: Can't come to a decision Zed? I can give you more time. For now, I want you to be accustomed to your group. Start with fun nicknames. Still can't decide that? Since Ezio is the loudest, you are Lion. Fox. Bird. After a little more conversation, Cyrus swaps his attention back to the rest of the class. He announces that the field trip farewell party is tomorrow night. That though filled Zed with excitement. Cyrus goes back to Zed.
Cyrus: Tomorrow night after the party should be enough time for you to come to your decision.
After school, Zed felt re-energized. He spent most of his time playing video games, doing homework, then going to bed with a laugh.
The next day (4:15 p.m.):
Zed ran water across his face. A normal black shirt was fine for the party. He was told to meet Fox first, then Ezio, Bird last. Apparently, it was said to be impossible to reach the location alone. After all, Zed was still a child. As he thought about his friends however, the memories flooding back gave him strength. Zed didn't have to feel alone if he had them. That is when Zed noticed how nervous he is for the party. Would this be goodbye?
Cyrus: I got all the stuff at the back of the van. I'm sure there will be enough room. Fox. Passenger seat. Ezio. Zed. take a window seat.
It became peaceful only after the stuff was fully set. Since there was not much to do now, Zed decided to nap. Upon arrival it was already 5:15. Ezio slipped out of the car window. He looks around. Ezio noticed a few familiar students. Someone then brushed past Ezio. When they were a distance away, Ezio rushed forward to get a good look at the person's face, but before he could, they weren't there. Ezio curses but came to the decision to ignore whoever that was. There was a lot to carry from the back of the car to the party after all.
At the party (5:35):
First, Zed noticed that the place was fully decorated. It was clearly not a small party. There is a big room only for dancers. A big stage for performances. Whoever created all this must have gone crazy for sure. The energy was really overwhelming. Zed already catches Ezio showing his moves to Bird. Cyrus returned from the van soon after, then begins teaching Fox some basic moves, all the while Zed watches completely stunned.
That's when Ezio noticed that there was also a basement downstairs, attic upstairs. Ezio chose to explore upstairs with Bird, so Zed took Fox upstairs. Zed doesn't know her really well. Only Cyrus does, but he still loves her playfulness. Despite the authority Cyrus held, he was still only a high schooler, therefore often busy with high school stuff. Zed still remembered when Ezio had to swoop in to save Fox after a group of gang members suddenly targeted Bird. Ezio made them run away, so when Cyrus arrived to find out what had happened, he was truly grateful for him. Meanwhile Zed can barely defend himself. His best move to either endure blows for the group being the meat shield he was at that age or avoid the situation entirely. Zed completely forgot he was at the basement for a second. Not that it matters, cause the basement was mostly empty.
When it was time to get back up, Zed heard creepy voices. He turns to Fox bit does not notice a reaction. It must be him getting paranoid, yet he can't seem to shake the feeling. He does believe the supernatural is real after all.
Start of the party (6:15):
Once at the table, Ezio talks about what he saw upstairs with Bird. There wasn't much. Only a few rusted armors stand, then weapons. The walls had a few paintings old family members, but besides that, there was not much. Apparently, the basement, attic was supposed to be off-limits. When dinner was over, Zed got to watch the dancers. Ezio had to leave for a few minutes, so Zed was told to have a performance with Bird. However, Zed didn't know if he had what it takes. What's worse, he lacked the talent for it. Before Zed could apologize, a figure approached Bird. He was unfamiliar. He wore a black tracksuit, carried a black weapon. Wait. Is he wearing flip flops or sandals? It looks like he came from the beach!
One called Devil: "*are to? I know how to sway*
The unknown man holds her fingers close, then sways perfectly with her, almost as though he knew exactly what he was doing. Zed didn't know what to do. He was stunned beyond belief. He hid his embarrassment under a table. Luckily, no one would see him. Once the party was over, Zed went home alone. He did not cry, but he knew his heart bled. Ezio would never have allowed that to happen.
After party (7:35):
Cyrus: I don't see Zed. Did you three see where he went? I wanted to meet here but I don't think it's worth keeping you for too much time. I guess I'll drive you home first. You have school tomorrow after all. Can't keep you late.
Before Cyrus could get his three students to the van, a group of gang members returned, this time with weapons. Cyrus pushes Fox inside the car. One of them charged at Cyrus with a pocketknife, but Cyrus deflects it effortlessly with a single poker card. One of them decides to hold Ezio hostage, but he was no match. Meanwhile the leader grabbed Bird's hair. Before more could happen, the sound of a gun could be heard. One of Cyrus's team members arrived with his crew, the gang members departing without wasting time. Not taking the risks, Cyrus worked with his crew to contact the parents of the students, then reporting all of it to the police. They took all the precautions to ensure the students would return home safety. Cyrus then takes his time explaining the situation to his crew. They also discussed about Zed. How his unwillingness to show could cause problems for them.
The next day at school, Cyrus arrives late to school. How could he explain the bad news to his students.
Cyrus: For the rest of this week, classes are cancelled.
This surprises almost all of the students.
Cyrus: One of your classmates has passed away. I assure you, we did all we could to protect our students. But it turns out even that was not enough.
Ezio sat silently as he tries to process what was being told. How could this have happened so suddenly. He would not forget this so easily. Meanwhile Zed stayed home, completely unaware of the situation. He went full try-hard mode playing his favorite game. If class was canceled for the rest of the week, that means he could rest at home. All the energy he had before dissipated. Now he was recovering from giving up his friends so easily.
Last week of middle school:
Zed receives a call from his parents' phone. He picks up the call. It was from Ezio. Ezio talks fast but it is clearly about the situation that happened years ago. Zed completely unaware shits down the call, then goes back to nap. Soon, Cyrus appears at the door leaving Zed no choice. They both decide the bookstore was the best place to talk. There would be less noise there. Cyrus explains how a lot is different since the breakup of the friend group. Ezio had joined a prestigious academy, Fox, a yuri one far away. Meanwhile, Zed talks about how he enrolled to a regular school to live the easy, peaceful life. They continue to talk. Cyrus does not provoke Zed. Cyrus only listens.
Later that night:
A gang member begs Ezio for mercy.
Ezio (Unknown Reaper): Stop trying to blame other people. Live up to your actions. I asked who killed her. I know one of you thugs did it. No one dared to speak. Especially when they had no clue who it could have been.