The King Must Die

Chapter 1

It's cold. Dark. I don't know where I am. The only thing I know is I'm running. I hear footsteps behind me. Chasing me. What am I running from? I don't know. My mind keeps saying run as fast as you can. I trip and stumble, almost falling, but I regain my balance. Keep running I tell myself. My legs start to ache. Keep running. My lungs burning. Keep running. I stumble again. Keep running. I run until I can't run no more. My legs give out from under me and I fall. I try to get back up, but can't. I hear the footsteps behind me slow until they stop beside me. I look up to see who the footsteps belong to, but it's to dark. I can't make out any details. Whatever it is, it's breathing hard. It kneels down beside me. I feel a hand rest on my shoulder. I'm terrified. My body starts to tremble. I can feel it breathing down my neck. Next thing I know my body feel like it's on fire. Like it was just set ablaze. I want to scream, but the pain of the burning is to much.
I then wake with a jolt to find myself in my room starring up at my mom as she's trying to wake my up. It was just a dream.
"Kody, get you butt out of bed, your you gonna miss your bus. You don't wanna be late for school now do you?" She says sternly.
"No mom." I say as I'm wiping the crud from my eyes.
"Good. Now get dressed and come get breakfast. I made your favorite." She leaves and closes the door. I could just smell those delicious chocolate chip pancakes.
I drag myself out of bed and to the bathroom. I take one look in the mirror and the first thing I notice is my hair. It's a mess. I don't have that long of hair but, I swear it has a mind of it own. I wet it down and use some styling gel to spike it up a tad in the front. Much better. I quickly brush my teeth and head back to by room. I end up throwing on an old Batman shirt and jeans.
As I'm getting ready, I can't stop thinking about that dream I had. It would be the fifth time in a month that I had that dream. Why was I having this dream? Is it supposed to be telling me something? If it is, my subconscious has a weird way of telling me. I grab my backpack, put on my shoes, and head downstairs.
As I walk into the kitchen, mom was just putting some fresh pancakes onto my plate.
"Yum. Thanks mom! You make the best chocolate chip pancakes." I say as I stuff a fork full in my mouth.
"Thanks honey. So, do you have anything planned today after school?"
"Mom please. I'm seventeen, almost eighteen, please don't call me honey. I'm told old for that. And I'm probably just coming home and doing homework."
"I don't care. You're still my honey wether you like or not."
Mom can be a bit annoying but I love her. I'm almost as tall as her. I keep telling her she better watch out because she will have to look up to me someday.
"Oh, I might not be here when you get home from school. I might have to fill in for Joanna. She is still getting over the flu. She's not sure if she will make it in today."
Mom works at Joe's diner that's about two blocks from our house. Even though we have a car she walks to work. She says it's good exercise and good for the environment. She only takes that car when the weather is shitty out.
"Hey you better hurry up if you don't want to miss your bus." Mom says as she's cleaning up from the pancakes.
I grab two more pancakes and my backpack, give my mom a quick kiss, and head out the door.
As I'm walking to the bus stop I'm shoving the two pancakes into my mouth. I also get the creepy feeling that someone's watching me. I take a quick glance around but see no one. I just pick up the pace. I reach the bus stop just as the bus is pulling up. I hop on and head toward that back where my friend Luke is saving me a seat. As I am walking to the back I spot Cameron sitting near the front. As I walk past him he gives me a weird look.
Cameron is the outcast at school. He transferred in last year. He doesn't really interact or talk with anyone. Keeps to him self. He does have the looks that any guy would kill for. With his short spiked blond hair and his dark blue eyes. The girls at school are always trying to talk to him but he just ignores them. He also wears a lot of black. Mostly black shirts sometimes with a hoodie. Along with a pair of worn out beaten up jeans and a pair of ordinary sneakers.
I just ignore him and keep on walking
"Hey!" I say to luke as I plop down next to him.
"Sup." He says as we fist bump. "So have you heard there's gonna be a pop quiz in trig. today?"
"If there's one I'll past it no problem." I say confidently.
"Good for you" Luke says "just because you're better at math then don't mean you need to rub it in."
"Whatever. So I caught Cameron looking at me when I got on the bus. What do you think is up with that?" I ask.
"Who knows. He's a freak." Luke responds.
About a couple minutes later we pull up at the next bus stop. A group of girls get on. Crystal, Maggie, and Bridget. The IT girls. They went and sat at the front of the bus. It wasn't long before they where laughing and giggling. Talking in low voices so no one can hear them.
"Why do girls always have to gossip. It's so annoying." Luke says annoyed.
"It's just what girls do. Plus if you're lucky enough to get close enough you can hear what they are saying. Sometimes it be really interesting." I say.
"Whatever." Luke says and looks out the window of the bus.
I just ignore him. I pull out my phone and start playing a game. It wasn't long after when I hear someone say my name. It sounded like a woman's voice.
"What?" I say looking up from my phone and looking around.
"What, what?" Luke asks giving me a look.
"Did someone say my name?"
"Nope. You must be hearing things." Luke says going back to looking out the window.
Mhm, weird. Whatever. So I go back to to playing my game.
"So did you see what Brittany was wearing yesterday?" I heard Crystal say.
"O.M.G. Yes. I mean I know her outfits are always trashy but, with what she was wearing, she looked like a slutty Barbie doll." I hear Margaret say. Crystal and Bridget giggle in response.
"Hey!" I say aloud. Brittany is one of my closest friends. I wasn't gonna let them make fun of her. "Just because she dresses the way she dresses doesn't make her a slut!"
"Excuse me?" Crystal says.
"You heard me."
Crystal gets up and walks back to where I am sitting. She stops and leans against the seat in front of me. She leans forward giving me a stare. "I don't know what you heard but keep you nose out of our private conversations. Got it."
"Well if you wanted it to be private you shouldn't of been talking so loud that the whole bus can you." I say.
"Uh. no we weren't."
"Yes. You where." I turn to Luke. "Right? You heard them." I ask.
He looks at me confused. "I don't know what you talking about." He says.
"Really dude. Your just gonna sit there and not defend me?!"
"Look I don't know what you want me to say. The bus was quite before your opened you big mouth." He states
"What?" I take a quick look around The bus. I noticed that everyone was looking back at me. "I don't understand? I heard you guys clear as day making fun of Brittany." I say looking back at Looking back at Crystal.
She lets out a small laugh. She then bends over and gets in my face. "I don't know how you hear that. But from now on keep your perverted eavesdropping ears out of our business."
"I'm not perverted." I say
"Ha. Whatever." She says as she straightens up and leaves.
"Ya says the girl who almost got pregnant last year!" I yell after her.
She freezes in her tracks. The bus was filled will oooooh's. I even heard a snicker. She says nothing. She stands there for a second before returning to her seat.
"He is such a fag." I hear her tell the other girls.
"I heard that!" I yell back.
She snaps her head around. The death stare in her eyes. I just ignore her and back to looking at my phone.
"Dude!" Luke says slapping me on the arm. "What the hell was that!?" Confusion in his face.
"They where making fun of Brittany. They called her a slut. Like hell I wasn't gonna defend her." I cross my arms
"I didn't hear them say anything. I'm over hear minding my own business next thing I know you're shouting."
"Seriously, I heard every word they said. Crystal clear. It was like they where sitting right next to us." I say pointing over to the empty seat next to us.
"Look. I don't know what you heard or how you heard it but, next time try to not make a scene." He says putting on head phones. He continues looking the window.
How was I the only one to hear them? If Luke was right and they weren't talking aloud, why was I able to hear them? I wasn't even paying attention to them. I was playing a game on my phone. Then boom. I could hear every word. Maybe I'm just that good at hearing I just never noticed? Maybe my hearing is getting better? I don't know. I look up toward the front where Crystal is sitting. She is now looking out the window. While Bridget and Maggie where on their phone. That's when I notice Cameron. He's sitting with his back leaning against the window. Hood pulled over his head. Just looking at me. Feeling uncomfortable I quickly look away. What was up with that?
We finally reach school. Crystal was the first off the bus. Maggie and Bridget right behind her. Cameron was next to follow.
After getting off the bus Luke and I part ways. We only have lunch and eighth period together.
After gathering my books from my locker I head to my first class. Calculus and trigonometry. Most kids in my class hate it. Me I'm pretty good at it. I like the way how figuring out the problems makes my brain feel.
As I walk into class I am greeted with a huge hug from behind. I turn and see it's Brittany.
"Hey bro!" She exclaims.
"Hey sis." I say returning the hug.
Brittany and I aren't really brother and sister. We've been friends for almost six years now. Whenever we are together we become inseparable. We have such and incredible bond and we are practically family. She even started calling my mom, mom. She lives with her grandmother and step grandfather. Her mother wasn't around much when she was younger. To the point where she ended up living with her grandparents. So her calling my mom mom is like having the mother she never had. I even call her grandma my grandma. She has long blond hair with green eyes. Her fashion taste is outrageous. I can see where she looks like a life size Barbie. Sometimes her outfits can be questionable but that's who she is. She embraces it. Doesn't make her a slut. As far as I know she's still a virgin. Yes, we tell each other everything.
"How are you?" I ask as I take my seat.
"I'm good." She says taking the seat next to me. "So I heard you stood up for me on the bus this morning"
"Man word travels fast. But it was nothing. Just mean girls being mean." I say as I flip though my math notes.
"Well thank you." She leans over and gives me another hug. "I couldn't of asked for a better friend."
The bell rings and everyone hurried to their seats.
"Good morning students." Mr. Figgins says strolling in the classroom with his briefcase. "Today we will be learning about explicit functions. But first" he pauses "pop quiz!" He says pulling the quizzes out of his briefcase.
Most of class let's out a disappointing groan. Whatever. I got this.
The bell finally rings ending first period.
"Ok classes before you leave don't forget the homework you can find online." Mr. Figgins states.
Brittany and I walk out together. We walk arm and arm together until we reach her locker.
"Ok well I'll see you at lunch." She says opening her locker.
"See ya." I say as I continue walking.
As I'm walking to my next class I get this feeling of being watched. I look around and see no one looking at me. Not paying attention to where I was walking. I ended up slamming right into Cameron.
"Watch where your going!" His voice angry.
"I am so sorry. Won't happen again." I say and hurry off.
I've only hear Cameron speak once. Last year someone bumped into him in the cafeteria causing him to spill his drink on himself. He called the person an idiot and walked out of the cafeteria.
After what seemed like forever it was finally lunch. Man I am so hungry I could eat a cow. Today for lunch is pizza. I could literally sit and eat a whole pizza if I wanted to. After buying my lunch I go and find Luke sitting with the rest of our friends.
"Hey." I say taking a seat next to Morgan. Luke sitting across from me.
"Hey, so do you have any big plans after graduation.?" Luke asks me. "My family and I are taking a trip to Florida. I was told I could bring two friends. You in?"
"I don't know. I'll have to talk to my mom. When do you plan on going?" I ask.
"Toward the end of June. We will be going to Disney World and Universal Studios. It's sort of a graduation present from my parents. You have to go. It will so much fun."
"I'm going." Morgan says. "I already talked with my parents and they said I could go."
"So that leaves one spot for you" Luke says pointing at me with his fork. "So you better take it before I give it away."
"Like I said I will have to talk to my mom." I say taking a bite out of my pizza.
"Hey y'all." Brittany says and she takes the seat next to me. "What are we talking about today."
"Luke and his parents are planing a trip to Disney World and he wants me to go." I tell her.
"Nice! Sounds fun. Hey if you can't go I'll happily take your spot." She nudges me.
"Hey, I'm the next on the list to go if Kody doesn't." Derek chimes in. He is sitting in front of Brittany, next to Luke. "So get on line missy!"
"Who are you call missy. I just so happens to know, and don't ask how, that you still wear Barney the dinosaur underwear and sleep with stuffed animals." She says throwing a grape at him.
"I do not! Take that back!" He demands
"Make me!"
Derek throws the grape back at Brittany.
"Hey, hey, hey, knock it off." Luke says ending their little fight.
"So Kody." Morgan says. "What happened on the bus?"
"Geeze. Does everyone know. Look it was nothing. Crystal and her possie where making fun of Brittany and I defend her." I say looking down playing with the salad I have.
"He also forgot to mention that he was able to hear what they where saying when nobody else did. They are at the front of the bus, whispering and being all secretive, while we where sitting in the back. Nobody else on the bus was talking when all of a sudden loud mouth hear starts taking loud for no reason. Like he was talking to him self. Then Crystal comes back and gets involved and I have no ideas what's going on." Luke says this all while looking at me.
"I guess I'm just good at hearing." I say annoyed while shoving a cookie in my mouth.
"Did ya develop super hearing. Fall in a vat of toxic waste. Get bit by a radio active spider." Morgan says while wiggling his fingers like spider legs at me.
"Knock it off." I say pushing his hands away.
"What about radio active spider?" I hear. Great just what I need.
I turn my head and see Dylan, my younger brother, standing next to Brittany with his tray of food.
"Is this seat taken?" He asks gesturing to the seat next to Brittany.
Dylan is about two years younger than me. Five inches shorter. He can be annoying at times but hey, aren't all little brothers. He has dark brown hair and turquoise eyes. He's a sophomore. He plays on the varsity soccer team. He's pretty great at it. He's been playing since he was six. He also has a great hand when it comes to drawing.
"Nope. All yours." Brittany says pulling out the chair.
"Thanks." He sets his tray on the table and sits down. "So who's getting bitten by a radio active spider?"
"Your brother here." Luke gestures to me. "He clams he can hear what people are saying when no once else can. Like if they are talking quietly or whispering."
"Oh. Is this about what happened on the bus?" Dylan asks.
"Ok enough about the bus! Moving on. I didn't see you at breakfast." I tell Dylan.
"Ya. Shawn came over and picked me up for soccer practice before school. Didn't mom tell you?"
"No. I over slept some and was running late. Didn't have time to talk much."
"Oh ok. Hey when you get home can you tell mom I'll be late coming home. Coach is us practice longer because of the big game coming up." Dylan says before shoving a slice of pizza into his mouth.
"Will do." I say as I take a bite out of my cookie.
"Hey so does anyone know when practice is for graduation is?" Derek asks.
"They posted schedule today over on the wall over there." Brittany says pointing to where the sign was hanging.
Derek looks over at the schedule. "I can't read it. It's to far. Can anyone else read it?"
"Why don't you get off your butt and go over there and read it." Morgan says.
"Because I'm lazy. I don't wanna get up." Derek whines.
"It says graduation practice is May 27th-31st in the auditorium form 3-5pm." I say.
"Hold up. You can read that?" Luke asks then looks at the schedule. "That really small print. What do you have binoculars stashed somewhere. A telescope? I can't even read it unless I walk over there to read it."
"Maybe he now has supervision." Morgan says elbowing me.
"I do not have supervision." I protest. "I'm good at seeing."
"No one else can read that from here." Brittany says.
"Well I'm sorry that I have better hearing a vision then they rest of you." I say a little upset now. That's when feel my phone in my pocket vibrate. Pull out my phone and see I got a text from a unknown number. Curiously I open the message to read it. The text read:

"Second floor. Janitors closet. Five minutes. Come alone."

What the? Why would someone want me to meet them and then be all secretive about it? Should I go? I bet it has to do with what happened on the bus. Crystal getting her revenge. Probably gonna do something to make me look stupid. I'm not going. I'm not gonna let Crystal get the last laugh. Nope, not going. I shove the phone back in my pocket.
"Hey, what up?" Brittany asks questionably.
"It's nothing to worry about." I say as I continue to eat.
Not even a minute later I feel my phone vibrate again. Really. I pull it out. A text from the same random number.

"I mean it!"

Ok? How did the person know I wasn't going. I look around the cafeteria to if anyone was watching me. No one.
"Dude everything ok?" Luke asks
"Ya, my mom texted. Wants me to call her. So I better go see what up." I stand to leave. "See you guys later."
"Hey while you talking to her don't forget to ask about the vacation." Luke says.
"I will see. Bye."
"What. What vacation?" Dylan asks as I walk by him.
I turn to him. "None of your business." I turn back and head for the trash.
"Fine. But, while you talking to mom, don't for her to..."
"I got it." I say cutting him off while holding a thumbs up over my head pretending to care. I dump the remains of lunch in the trash and head for the second floor.
I take my time walking to my destination. I'm nervous. I don't know what I'm walking into. This whole thing could be a trap. I could walk away.
I turn back in the other direction.
But. If I don't then that might show that I'm scared. A chicken. Which I'm not.
I turn back in the right direction.
But, I could end up humiliated in front of the whole school.
I turn back in the opposite direction.
But, if I don't stand up and show that whatever it is doesn't bother me, will show that I'm not a coward.
I turn back in the right direction.
Ah screw it I'm going.
By the time I reach the janitors closet on the second floor I was about a minute late. I look around and see no body. So I decided to wait for a few minutes.
It's been ten minutes now and nothing. Whatever I'm
Leaving.
Just as I'm about to walk away I get grabbed from behind and pulled into the janitors closet. The door shuts and it's pitch black. Besides the small crack of light coming from under the door. I can't see anything. This just got creepy. I chill runs down my spine.
"Hello?" I ask. "Who's there?"
That's when the light turns on. Blinding me for a second. I use my hand to block the brightness of the light. Letting my eyes get adjusted. When I pull my hand away I see who else is in the closet with me. To my surprise I nearly stumble backwards. Stunned. Panic washes over me. I would have never of guessed it would be Cameron staring back at me.