Chapter Four - The First Murder

It was a horrifying shock. To see such a gruesome, bloody scene on school grounds. Who could have done such a thing? No one could clearly tell, and no one could clearly think at the moment. Panic and fear were thick in the air, as the police arrived. Not a single student was allowed to leave, until after their interrogation. But after awhile of no success on the police's part, they had dismissed them.

"What's the girl's name?"

"Kokona Haruka, sir."

"Such a shame..."

"I agree, sir."

"Where was she killed?"

"In the gym, sir. The killer had dragged her all the way to the furnace, then left."

"Now why would he do that..."

"No one can really tell, sir."

"What time was she found?"

"The student had said around 1:00 pm - there lunch time, sir."

"I see... Get this place taped up and make sure it's all cleaned up by the end of the day. The kids still need to continue going to school."

"But, sir, can't we just cancel school till we're done?"

"Yes, but we need to ask the school board first. Besides, the student's education are important."

"If you say so, sir."

"Get this place checked, boys."

Laying in his bed, phone clutched tightly in a fierce grip, Budo heaved a rattling breath in, then out. Who could have killed Kokona so heartlessly? It couldn't possibly be one of the students, could it? Apparently, whoever the murderer was, wasn't finished. She or he had planned on burning the body, getting rid of the evidence, but it hadn't had time. The weapon was still supposedly in his or her grasp.

"What a psycho..." he breathed out disdainfully.

And what was even worse, was that they still had school. How can they expect the students to pay attention when a murder had taken place, right under there noses?! The teacher's hadn't even been the one's to find the body - it was a damn student who did! Whoever the student was, Budo prayed silently for a quick recovery of what he or she had seen.

The fear Kokona must have felt when she realized she was about to die. Budo squeezed his eyes shut. Dammit! People weren't supposed to die young! Whoever the killer was, Budo swore he would find them.

Beep!

A sharp beep from his phone alerted him to a message. Checking it quickly, wanting to be rid of his dark thoughts for now, the martial art's leader cracked a reassured smile. Good. Taro and Osana had made it home safely. The two of them were his closest friends. He couldn't afford to loose either one.

Budo messaged back. Leaning against the frame of his bed, he pondered silently if Aishi-chan had made it home safely, as well.

Walking through the empty hallways of Akademi High, Kokona Haruke was a bit surprised to see someone approaching her. It was lunch time, so most students had left for the free time that they had to themselves. Saki wasn't with her today, so Kokona decided to stay at school for the time being. The person's head was done, but appearance alone showed that it was a girl. She didn't seem to have any real eye-catching standards, but Kokona was taken aback by how sweet the girl sounded.

"Hi! Follow me. I wanna show you something!" she excitedly said, practically tugging Kokona along.

Her childish excitement was what got through Kokona's barriers, as she lightly chuckled and followed the girl. Kokona didn't know the girl personally, but she had seen her around the school and the sense of childishness and safety she had felt, had eased her mind. So, what was the girl going to show her?

They continued to run, the girl promptly looking back and smiling at Kokona, her black ponytail swinging around wildly behind her. In turn, Kokona would smile back and keep up pace. They eventually stopped at the gym - which was empty for the time being - and the girl gestured for Kokona to step inside.

"What were you going to show me?" Kokona asked, looking around suspiciously, a kind smile stretching her lips.

Clunk!

The firm sound of the door locking behind her, sent an almost reflexive screech of surprise through Kokona. Turning around, the purple haired girl's eyes opened wide. Before her, the girl she had followed held a knife in her hand. She brandished it expert-like. The smile of the Devil on her face as she slowly approached Kokona.

"N-no!"

Thunk!

The knife lodged into her throat, effectively killing Kokona as she gasped for air. Her eyes were as large as plates, visibly showing her fear as the girl broke out into a fit of gleeful laughter.

"Demon... Y-your a demon..." was the last thing Kokona could manage out, too much blood flowing out of her and blocking her throat, as she coughed and then collapsed, on the gym floor.

The last sound Kokona heard, was the girl laughing and saying, "I guess I am a demon, Kokona Haruka."