Tantiedan: The Awakening

AN: Co-written by myself and my friend Kevin, TANTEIDAN: The Awakening is the first in a trilogy, now it is the basis (and explanation) for what comes to happen later in the series. We wrote this over two years ago.

TANTEIDAN: The Beginning

Jatin Tanteidan considered the board. His green piece was located in the brownish study with the little lead pipe. He scanned his cards: Mrs. Peacock, a rope, a revolver, a wrench, a hall, conservatory, library, lounge, and ballroom.

He consulted his checklist. The knife and candlestick were clean; the murder didn’t happen in the lounge; and Colonel Mustard and Professor Plum were innocent. He rolled the die and slid out of the room through its secret passage.

To his left sat his twin sister, who rolled and made a few notes on her list. She slid her red piece forward across the small marble-esque tiles.

“J,” she said, “you haven’t even tried to cheat!”

Makafushigi was right; normally he would have tried to slip into his sister’s mind to take a peek at her cards. He sighed. For the first time in recent years, Jatin Tanteidan was at a loss for words.

Makafushigi Tantenidan could not figure out why her brother was stumped. It was just a stupid game of Clue for God's sake!

"What the hell’s wrong with you Jatin? Normally you would’ve already won!" She yelled at her brother.

"Makafushigi, I’m just not myself..."

"Maybe you should see a therapist," she said.

"I'm not paying someone to be my friend...it's probably just an after effect from…y’know…that possession..."

The room around them was empty. The walls were painted a cool, calming mint-blue and, in the center of the wall, there hung a painting of a sailboat, charcoal on canvas.

From the far end of the hall, beyond the doors, walked a man, looking rather sheepish and shaking his head.

Shigi stood up and grabbed her brother’s shoulder.

“This is it…”

A Few Months Earlier

Sophie wasn’t exactly sure what it was she was hiding from, but, whatever it was, it was big and coming after her. She ran up the stairs, not taking time to glance behind her. The creature seemed to glide across the wooden floor, screeching loudly as it came at her. It didn't seem to be able to see her so she quickly darted under her bed. The presence stopped in front of her hiding place and she held her breath, hoping against all odds that it could not hear her. It let out a small vaporous hiss and she shrieked. It approached the bed and she could see that it was floating and transparent. Then it was out of her sightline, somewhere above her on the mattress. With a loud thump the bed came crashing down; she rolled out from underneath it just in time. Now, exposed, the thing came at her.

"AHHHH!" The television droned. Eurith Tanteidan was watching an old zombie movie on AMC while his two teenagers argued. The phone leaped off the cradle with a loud ring.

"Hey," screamed Eurith, "shut up! I gotta' take this." Somewhere in the other room the twins quieted. "Hello, Eurith Tanteidan speaking." The voice at the other end was teary and hoarse.

"Eur...It’s...something happened, Sophie's dead!" Eurith did not need to hear anymore, he knew what he was supposed to do.

The twins were staring at each other, in the other room, when they heard the phone slam. Jatin stood, while his sister remained sitting; they both knew it only meant trouble when Eurith slammed the phone down that hard.

He entered the room, "Kids, I'm going out." He kept his face blank, hiding what had happened, but still knowing that somehow they would know. Makafushigi stood, dropping her stuffed dragon.

"Who is it?" she whispered. "Don't tell us that nothing's wrong. Don't lie to us."

He sighed, "I'll tell you when I get back… get dressed and go to school; I'll be there at two to pick you up." And with that he left, not knowing what would happen, but knowing with a certain dread that it would throw a wrench into the twins’ lives.

2: 49 P.M

The twins waited restlessly on the curb in front of the school. Shigi was not looking forward to having their dad sign her Calculus test; she'd failed miserably doodling in the side margins and writing I HEART JOHNSTON over and over. Jatin, however, had passed his Calculus test with flying colors. Both of the twins had parent-teacher conferences in the making.

Today, unlike most days, their father was late. A black Jaguar pulled up in front of them at the curb and admired the two. Jatin had his tie undone and his eyes - one green one bronze - were hidden by hair. Shigi was wearing a navy blue skirt and looked the opposite of Jatin, the only resemblance being the eyes. The door to the expensive car opened and a man gestured them forward.

"If you're offering candy," said Shigi, "we don't want any." The man flashed an ID.

"Eurith Tanteid - wait a second...what are you doing with my father's badge?" Jatin asked.

"Get in," was all the man would say.

The twins sat in the back of the Jaguar, its black leather seats surprisingly hot for the cool autumn weather. Neither of them spoke; they didn't have to. Jatin's mind was in utter chaos, puzzling out all the reasons that this man had his father's badge. Shigi sat there; her eyes glued shut, heart pounding. Normally she would have hugged her dragon to her chest, using it to keep calm, but it was at home, so she rocked back and forth. The road around them was surprisingly green for the season; an eerie mansion lay on the road in front, its onyx stones setting it off against the periwinkle afternoon sky. The car jerked, spinning to a stop, and the man grunted, "Get out." So they did, both on their guard. They both reached for the doors, but the car drove off, its doors automatically closing.

An Asian woman rushed out of the enormous house. Bowing, she said, "Welcome, Tan-chan and Dan-san, to your new home. Your Grandfather is waiting for you in the study. Please for you to join him there shortly. Follow me, please." Grandfather? They had always figured he was dead. New home? They had a home, what was going on? Curiously exchanging looks, the twins followed.

Inside the enormous entry hall the woman adopted a fake demeanor and cleared her slender throat. "This house was built in the early 1800s’ by a wealthy nobleman by the name of...erm...please to bear with me for a moment..." The woman's face contorted.

"Spare us the bullshit," Jatin spat out, "what the hell is going on here? Are there cameras somewhere? I am not signing a release form...HELLO?" He waved his hands in the air and started punching and kicking the walls. He kicked a hideous statue of a portly man and it spoke up.

"PLEASE DO NOT HIT THE DECOR, JATIN, OR I WILL BE FORCED TO DEAL WITH YOU HARSHLY..." Jatin leaped a foot into the air. "What the...? How did…?"

A voice spoke up behind him.

"It's called a speaker system, Jatin." It was the same voice, only not as loud. "On a much lighter note, hello children. So sorry we haven't met, your father and I...we didn't get along all that well."

What was with the past tense? What was going on?

"Nevertheless, I am Harlan Tanteidan, but in time I would appreciate it if you just called me Grandpa. Welcome to my-your new-home! I am afraid, however, that this meeting comes with rather awful news...Your father, my Eurith, has suffered an unfortunate accident. He's," Harlan's voice failed him, "...dead." The twins' world shattered with the final word.

Shigi's eyes clasped closed. Both she and her brother were experts at reading people, so they knew Harlan was telling the truth.

"Excuse me, Mr. Harlan… Can you please show us to our rooms? I think that my brother and I need to be alone for a while…" Her voice broke, and her small frame shook, holding back tears. Jatin put his arm around her shoulder, attempting to try and calm her somewhat, even though his heart was also breaking into a million pieces. He'd never seen her cry, and the fact that she was so close to tears worried him.

She shrugged him off, “We have to get home! I can't stand to be in a place so unfamiliar with people telling us that our father is dead!”

Jatin straightened. "Although we're very happy to know that we have family that will support us in our time of need, it would be best for my sister and I to be at home, our real home. I'm sorry, sir, but we are both old enough to take care of ourselves. So, please, call the car back."

His request was met with a glare, "You shall find your rooms here to be exactly the same as the ones you had with your father. The only difference is that they are not connected or next door to each other. I don't approve of him letting you two carry on such a close connection. Some might even say that you two are in love."

Shigi snapped; she didn't even try to stop it. "You bastard! You have no right! He's my brother, damn it." She slapped the older man, blood pooling at the corner of his lips. "If you try… no matter how much, nothing changes the fact that I love him, but we're twins! That's why they let us stay so close." She backed down, biting her lip, trying to retain her calm demeanor. "So back off."

Jatin's face showed surprise, it'd been a long time since his sister snapped. He was supposed to be the protective older brother. He realized that he and Shigi were inseparable, they had been since the day they were born, and the old man just shouldn't have pushed it. Not today.

"That sort of behavior will not be tolerated in this house, young lady. You will not receive punishment today because of the tragic loss of your father, but, from this point on, if you strike me you shall find your punishment to be worse than anything you have ever had to endure."

The next week went by in a haze. On Monday the twins stayed locked in their rooms; Tuesday they prepared to part forever from their father, and fittings for proper funeral attire took place. Their father’s funeral was on Wednesday (their “grandfather” wasn’t wasting any time); the twins were legally adopted on Thursday and their new life began that morning when the Asian woman yanked the drapes open.

“Ah! Good God, woman, what the hell are you doing?” Jatin screamed as the light hit his pupils and the blankets were yanked away from him, exposing his half-naked body. “Get out! Get out!” He grabbed the covers and walked towards the bathroom he and his sister shared, it connected their rooms. He walked into the wall, much to the Asian Woman’s delight.

Thursday morning, Shigi was fast asleep dreaming of Johnston when somebody screamed out a few rooms away. Shigi registered her brother’s yell…it was time to return to their dreadful routine. Wake up, go to school, get picked up by…their father was actually dead…buried; six feet under…they would never again see or talk to him. Shigi shed a tear with realization and shock. What was the last thing she had said to her dad? When was the last time she’d told him that she’d loved him? Shigi composed herself…whatever her father was doing, it had killed him…and the way people were going about their daily lives, you’d think nobody had died…they were all too busy pretending to not notice the void the two teenagers felt inside.

Breakfast was waiting for them at the dining room table.

“Where’re the Frosted Flakes and Pop-Tarts?” Shigi inquired upon finding soy milk and powdered eggs. A speaker sat in front of a high-backed oak chair, this was where Harlan usually sat.

“Good morning, so sorry I couldn’t join you. I had to…ah, yes, leave uncharacteristically early. I’m afraid your eating habits will have to change, however. So, I have taken the liberty of putting you two on diets. Well, not I exactly…but our house-maiden, I do hope you three are getting along well-“

“I’ll say,” interrupted Jatin, “She’s a bit dodgy if you ask me…crazy bitch…”

The recording continued on. “-she’s an old friend of the family. She’s taken to you both quite well it seems. Ah, me…I could continue on for hours...but I’m sure the two of you find this quite boring…” The speaker stopped playing.

“Now to find us some real food,” Jatin said. After forty minutes of searching the kitchen pantry, Shigi and Jatin gave up. “There’s simply not any thing decent to eat around here! C’mon, Shigi, let’s get the hell outta’ here.” Jatin and Shigi grabbed their things and exited the house.

Upon their exiting a limousine pulled in front of them. “Now that’s what I’m talking about! Let’s go!” Inside the limo they found a mini-bar and raided its contents. Soda and candy…the perfect breakfast. When they pulled up in front of the school they were held back by the driver.

“Empty the contents of your backpack, please,” he said. They both did as they were told and the man scooped up their sweets. “Your grandfather will be most disappointed. It seems you have failed his little test. Tsk, tsk.” The limousine pulled away, leaving behind the angry teenagers.

“Screw him,” Jatin told Shigi. “He can’t control what we buy for lunch, can he?”

Indeed, he could. When the two approached the cash register to pay for their food, the lunch lady said, “Oh, yeah…, the Tanteidan twins-you’re on a special diet, no more junk food for you two.” The woman took away their trays and gave them each salad and yogurt that looked years old. The twins sat down sulkily and ate their horrid meal.

"That's it. I've had enough!" Jatin stood, slamming his fist into the table. "He's screwed with our lives enough!" Johnston (Stone) flinched.

"Shit man! Calm down! As your best friend I'm supposed to support you… but geez, this geezer must really be getting to ya’." He put a restraining arm on his friend, its thinness not looking as if it had enough muscle to push Jatin back down onto the bench.

"He's right; we'll never get anywhere if we're not calm. Now listen, I have a plan." Shigi said, turning to Samantha (Salem), "I think we might need your help, and yours too Stone, if you don't mind." Her act was flawless… no one could tell she liked him even slightly, except her brother who saw it in her mind.

You know… if you two ever go out and break up I'd have to kick my best friend’s ass... Shigi stood, storming off. Before leaving the room, she turned back, "You know what? You’re a real ass!"

“What’s that about?” Salem gave Stone a quizzical look and he just shrugged.

“Beats me…I don’t know what’s going on half of the time anyway…”

“Guys…shut up!” And following his sister, Jatin, too, left the cafeteria.

After School

“Hey, Grandpa, I hope you don’t mind, but we brought some friends home to study…” said Shigi upon entering the entry hall. Their grandfather was nowhere to be found, but there was no doubt that he could see and hear them. The speaker in the statue spoke up, “AH…, YES…THAT’LL BE FINE I GUESS…”

“Thanks, Gramps,” Jatin said and Shigi said, “Yeah, thanks…Love ya’.” Their plot was in motion.

The Next Night (Friday)

Shigi come on…let’s get a move on it! Jatin was frustrated and anxious. He did not want to get caught.

Outside, past the huge iron gates and across the street, a car was parked casually, its occupant hidden well within its confines. Waiting in the shrubbery outside was Stone. He had managed to loose himself upon exiting the mansion and remained in the bush. Salem sat in the car waiting for the signal to act.

I’m trying J. but my pack is heavier than yours! She shifted her weight trying to balance herself, for her pack was stuffed beyond its zipper.

Maybe, if you didn’t have so many shoes to bring…you could do without a few, no? I mean where’ll you put them all?

Just then Shigi tilted a vase over causing it to spin and fall over the edge of the coffee table. Jatin dove low for the vase and caught it, but he had triggered an alarm system. The walls of a cage sprouted up from the hardwood floors, capturing the twins within it.

“INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT! STAY WHERE YOU ARE! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXIT,” the speakers shouted. Harlan entered through a hidden door and gave his best attempt at a sad face. He was wearing a bathrobe and loafers and he was smoking an old pipe.

“My, my,” he said examining his grandchildren. “Just like your father. So naïve, so stupid…what am I going to do with you two?” he walked around the cage. “Typical of you two to be so criminally behaved when your father was such a prosperous cop….What a shame, I am sure he’ be disappointed in you two…”

“We wouldn’t know,” Jatin spoke through gritted teeth, “he’s dead remember?”

Jatin, what’re you doing? You’re going to get us in even more trouble!

A guard suddenly entered the room pushing two teenagers in front of him: Stone and Salem. “I found these two wandering around…I think they’re with them,” he acknowledged the twins with a nod.

“Very good, in fact, I am sure, if it weren’t for your services to me and the clever security system that these two might have slipped through my fingers….Nevertheless, I am afraid you two will be punished significantly….”, Expecting pain, Jatin flinched, but was surprised when it didn’t come. Beside himShigi let out a small gasp. Harlan Tanteidan hadn’t been talking to them; he had been talking to their friends.

Saturday Morning

Jatin and Shigi awakened early; there was work to be done. Salem and Stone had not returned since the previous night, and the twins suspected they never would. Why would one continue to be friends with them after what had happened? How they loathed the man who was said to be their father’s father! It was no wonder Eurith Tanteidan had never mentioned the man a single time. Was Harlan’s horrible treatment of the two a reflection of his contempt for his son? Why, this seemed more plausible than not and the twins took comfort in the fact that their father, even in his death, had pissed off this evil man. The only sad part was that he’d abandoned them and forced them to pay the price.

Shigi entered the bathroom, splashing water onto her face. She knew that the old man was smart, but if she and her brother really tried they could beat the bastard at his own game. She picked up her red scarf, wrapped it around her head, quickly smeared on some lip gloss, and returned to her room. She opened her window to find her brother already on her balcony waiting. He looked at her and gave her a thumbs-up sign indicating he was good to go.

The twins knew of only two others that could help them, both had worked with their father and, in fact, had helped raise them. They were like the uncles they never had. All Jatin and Shigi had to do was reach their office and ask them to take them away from this Harlan, they could return before they would be missed. And they had another reason to visit their Uncles; they had to find Salem and Stone.

1515 Police Plaza

They entered the building, looking into familiar faces. They approached the front desk. "Hey Ms. Kai, is Mark or Wash here? ‘Cause we need to talk to them," Jatin asked, dark glasses hiding his eyes. Shigi played the part of the depressed teen-girl, clutching her brother's arm, cheeks wet from 'tears.'

"Oh sure! Of course you can talk with them… I am so sorry about your father… We may not act like it, but we all miss him so… We just don't have time to dwell on it…" She buzzed them in.

Detective Mark E. Brandon was waiting for them at the door. He hugged them both for what seemed like eternity, then he opened the office door and led them in. The office smelled new, yet the door looked old, its windows sticky with goop where letters saying: Detective Eurith Tanteidan used to be. Wash was sitting in a maroon leather, rolling chair behind an expansive oak desk. A nameplate was placed squarely in front of him that said: Eurith Tanteidan. For an instant the two had been hopeful, for they had never learned Wash’s true name.

Many figured that Wash stood for Washington, but others figured it was just a nickname someone had given the tall black detective. He was a little over six feet tall and was not fat, but not skinny either. He had sagging shoulders and walked slow as if he was absorbing every step. The demeanor with which he carried himself seemed to say that he had been around for ages and had seen it all. He was quick to laugh and smile and a bit hard to understand at times. His eyes were dark and full of wisdom.

The last time the twins had encountered Wash was at their father’s funeral and, then, he seemed on edge. Now, he welcomed the Tanteidan Twins with open arms.

“My, who’s got a hug for Uncky Wash?” He joked, running towards Shigi like a monster.

Mark leaned on the doorframe, his feet crossed.

If you’d have asked Mark Edward Brandon to describe himself he’d give you one word in response: Perfect. Then he’d go on about how not perfect he really was. In actuality, Mark was about six feet and two inches, white, with thinning once-blonde-now-brownish-white hair, and deep-set blue eyes. If he could do away with anything, it would be his weight-like Wash, he wasn’t fat, but, unlike his partner, if he continued his eating habits he soon would be. Mark, in many ways, was still a child and not the forty-six year old man he presented himself as.

“So, what’s the problem?” Mark asked cutting straight to the point.

“Well…it’s…Harlan Tanteidan! The man is ruining our lives! Why do we have to live with a man we never met until the day…the day…dad died,” said Shigi.

“Ah…I see…problems abroad. Well, first of all, he was willing to take the two of you and he is your grandfather. Second of all, he lives fairly close to your school which is convenient for the two of you in many ways-“

“But he kidnapped our friends!” Jatin interjected.

“What? That’s preposterous! What are you talking about?”

“Look, Mark, Harlan Tanteidan is pure evil! He had his guard, or whatever he was, take our friends…”

Wash spoke up, “Well…I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding, he can’t be that bad! What were you two up to that your friends were in on? Don’t give me that look, Shigi.”

“Well, we…were trying to get out…run away…and they were going to help us and he found them and we haven’t seen them since…”

“Well, you see that right there! He probably just called their parents and told them they were bad influences or something,” said Mark, always looking for the best in someone (even when he didn’t know them).

Jatin pouted… It couldn't possibly be true, Harlan was just too evil! He looked sidelong at his sister.

I hate it when people don't believe us, which happens to be most of the time, sadly. Looks like we're on our own again…

Shigi turned back to as she heard the slight noise of a dial tone. Mark had picked up the phone and was dialing. "What the hell are you doing?”

"Hey! I'm just looking out for you kiddo! I'm just callin' Harlan to make-" He cut off as the phone clicked and a voice rasped hello on the other line. "Oh. Hello I'm Mark Brandon, I was a good friend of Eurith's. I was just wondering if maybe it'd be better for the kids to stay with me or Lieutenant Wash for a few nights…you know support of those they know? Putting them into a new environment right after this tragedy can be very pressing mentally. Err… are the kids doing okay?"

"Yes the kids are fine….and no, you cannot take care of the kids, they are Harlan's responsibility now, his son would have wanted it this way….Now, good bye." The line went dead.

Wash looked at Mark, "Geez, what a little- Kids, would you mind getting home? I'm sure you'll be missed soon."

"Fine! Hopefully we'll see you soon, Mark, Wash." They left, letting the door click loudly behind them.

They're hiding something from us. Did you see the way Wash stopped mid-sentence?And how they seemed to rush us out of there?

Jatin shook his head, "God, I hate it when people hide things."

"Human nature, bro, human nature…" They walked into the sunlight and found the Jaguar waiting for them. They glared at it filled with hate, "God… that car needs to burn in Hell."

Harlan opened the door. "Get in. I'm extremely disappointed in both of you for going to the police! Why?"

"We didn't go to the police old man. We went to go visit some supportive family members. You know, ones that actually had a hand in our growing up?" Jatin stressed his words, the dislike spilling out. "So why don't you leave us alone? It's not like you actually have a right to control us like you are! When we turn 18, I'll have you know, I'm taking Shigi and we're leaving."

Harlan's face grew red, and then turned a darker shade of purple, like a giant eggplant. "You little brat; I go through all the trouble of taking you in, giving you a good house to live in, not to mention the support of your only living family and this is how you treat me? Would you rather be with your mother dying in that hell-hole of a country?"

Shigi was about to snap, mentioning their mother, that was too far.

"Mother died years ago doing what was right! She helped out those poor souls who were dying because of a war! Don't lecture me, old man, or else you may just learn that it is not wise to stretch my temper." She shoved herself into the car, pushing her brother in before her.

Shut up, don't say anything… We don't need him being even more of a bastard than he already is.

When they returned home they expected a harsh punishment, not just being forced to clean the bathroom and then staying in their rooms for the rest of the day. They both sighed in unison, in their separate rooms, wishing that some how they could get away, both not looking forward to the next day when they had to once again live in this house; both wondering where Stone and Salem were.

Sunday Morning

As usual, the Asian woman woke them up. This time, however, she brought formal clothing with her. From what they could tell, they were being forced to go to church. As usual, Harlan was waiting in the dining room.

“Hurry up, children, God does not wait on us…rather, it is the other way around. It may seem odd to you, at this time, that I am taking you to church when, for so long, there has been none in your lives. Today, this changes, for today is a new beginning, a second chance to make what was a first impression. Please eat quickly, you shall find me awaiting your arrival in the car.”

Mephistopheles’ Church of Life

They arrived late, as the choir was singing the opening hymnal.

It’s like…in Latin or something thought Jatin. Shigi could make out few words here and there, having taken Latin for three years now. One word seemed to be the reoccurring basis in this song: good. What kind of church was this and why had they never before noticed this building so close to their (former) home? The minister approached the podium, opened up an old book, and read.

“And whosoever shall go against the ways of Mephistopheles shall perish.”

Shigi and Jatin noticed that sitting in the front row, absorbing every word the minister said, were Stone and Salem. They seemed transfixed on the projection screen and hardly noticed when Jatin and Shigi sat on either side of them.

As Shigi sat she watched the screen with growing interest. It was so colorful. She looked to her brother’s blank expression and then to Stone, who seemed to see what she did.

Jatin looked to the screen trying to figure out what was so captivating. To him the screen appeared blank and dull. Somewhere behind him he heard the rustling of clothes and knew that Harlan was sitting behind him, glaring.

Stone looked to Shigi; he felt a slight urge to grab her then turned away. What was this strange feeling taking over him? He looked back toward the screen that they had been watching. Figures appeared on the screen followed by bright, brilliant colors. Stone looked over again; he noticed that Shigi wasn't able to look away either. He grabbed her hand and a surge of energy rushed through him. He let go, and looked back to the screen.

Shigi felt her head nod forward at the strange sensation. The screen no longer seemed to captivate her thoughts…

Shigi had always loved Stone, but she never imagined that he would feel the same, if that feeling was his.

Stone turned back to the screen waiting and watching Shigi’s reaction through the corner of his eyes. When he saw her turn back slightly he felt another rage of emotions cut through him. He grabbed Shigi and pulled her to him fast with fury. Their eyes met and it seemed like time was slowing down for them.

Shigi grabbed the back of Stone's head and moved her fingers through his smooth hair. Stone worked his hands down her body and back up as the sensation rose. Their lips pressed hard against one another and moved like a waltz.

Jatin looked at his sister, she was uncomfortable. He glanced at Stone… He was making a move on his sister! He snapped, even if Stone was his best friend (not to mention his sister's crush) it didn't matter. Shigi was biting her lip, and quickly snatched her hand back, her heart racing… something was wrong. Her head spun, she stood, and Jatin was there to catch her when she fell.

The noise of skin striking skin rang out; Stone fell to the ground, face already swelling where Jatin had punched him.

"What's wrong with you?"

Stone growled, standing up, there had been no need for violence, but if Jatin wanted to play rough then fine. He launched himself at his friend.

Shigi pulled herself forward, shoving her brother out of the way. She fell to the ground, a loud crack rang out. Her arm throbbed, and hurt to move. "I think I broke my arm, J." She whispered to her brother as he pulled her up, glaring at Stone.

"Come on. Let's get you to a doctor." He pulled her forward, pushing through the crowd of people. The finally reached the door, exiting into the bright light of day.

"Why did you hit him? That was stupid!"

"Well… you looked uncomfortable, he was hitting on you. I don't care if you like him… it was just something that overtook me, you know, an urge."

"But it was still stupid."

"Yeah… well, I guess it was."

Mephistopheles’ Church Confessional (after church)

"You said it would work!"

"Something must have gone wrong… I was sure he wouldn't do anything to help her. And it seems that our drug isn't working on her all that well, her will is too strong. We’ll have to find another way."

"Fine, just get it done!"

Harlan stormed out of the church… those damn kids. Leave it to his son's children to ruin a perfectly simple plan. The time was fast approaching and they were hardly ready. He turned a corner, walking briskly, and almost ran into the Tanteidan twins. Damn, he thought, just what I need!

“Why aren’t you in the car?” He asked, trying to be polite and remembering that he was trying a new approach at separating the twins.

“Well, it was hot in there…and you were taking a while so we decide to go for a walk,” said Shigi.

“Nevertheless,” he said, “it’s almost noon…there could be…predators out.”

Shigi raised an eyebrow.

Jatin laughed and said, “Don’t worry, Gramps, I’ve got it covered. I won’t let anything happen to Shigi.”

Harlan scanned them curiously, calculating millions of possible paths he could choose to take. “Well, come on then. I suppose we best get going.” He led the way back to the Jaguar.

1515 Police Plaza

Mark and Wash were pouring over the contents of a thick manila folder. They were combing through crime scene photos and Wash stopped when he saw Sophie’s lifeless body strewn about. She looked nothing like her usual beautiful self, she was torn apart and dirty, her naked body was scratched and bloodied, and her fingernails were cracked and yellowing. Her left pinky finger looked as if it had been bitten and almost torn off. An oval pendant hung loosely around her slender neck on which serpents encompassed a ruby-red gemstone.

Mark looked over Wash’s shoulder at the photo and thought, My, she looks a lot like Shigi.

Mark wondered what had happened to the two, for he hoped they weren’t too angry with him for sending them back. In a decisive instant, he turned around and left the office. He was heading for his car when he heard his name from somewhere behind him. It was Wash, he wanted to come too. Mark laughed to himself, sometimes Wash could be such a kid.