Chapter 8: Beast in the Beauty
[TW: Character Death, depictions of Violence]
The group walked through the woods, Ari in the lead.
“How are we so sure he went this way?” Luna questions, “He could be heading down south.”
“I know, But we still need to check.” Ari answers, “Besides, it’s best to work from one direction to another.”
Darkness stayed close as Violet lagged behind.
‘How foolish. Look at me, wasting my time for these idiots.’ Violet scoffs internally, ‘Why would we even look for that crybaby?’
“Violet?” Ayla glanced over her shoulder, “Come on, hurry up or you’ll be left behind.”
Violet looks at the girl before nodding.
“Of course.”
From the shadows a mask watches them… In particular, A crying mask.
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“Have you noticed how close Ari and Darkness are?” Avalon looks at Len, “I don’t know how I should feel.”
“It seems fine to me.” Len shrugs, “You’re probably just overthinking.”
“Perhaps so.” She glances at Len. Something seems to be on her mind, but she’s unsure whether to say it or not.
“I just want to find Kayden. And stop Prospero.” Len looks at Avalon, “That’s my biggest concern. You’re my friend, Avalon. I need your help in this.”
“Of course.” There’s doubt on her face as she thinks: ‘Does he really not remember?’
__________
“We’ve been walking for a while, Should we stop and take a break?” Ayla speaks up.
“Yeah… We’ve walking for an hour at best.” Ari nods and takes a seat on the grass, “Is it just me, or are you guys getting the feeling that we’re being watched?”
“You’re not the only one…” Luna mutters, “We should be on our guard.”
Violet watches in amusement before speaking up.
“Did anyone bring weapons?”
The group nods. Violet is satisfied.
A figure emerges from the shadows, quiet yet obvious. Ari looks over at them before jumping back to his feet. The group’s eyes widen once they see them. The figure had a black mask, with a crying face displayed on it. The figure stands there and watches the group.
“Who are you?” Ari glares, stepping forward, “What do you want from us?”
“Paranoia…” The figure says, “But I’m not here for you.”
“Then who are you after?” Ari maintains his cold look.
“Her.” Paranoia points at… Violet. Her eyes widen as she steps back.
“W-what?” Her voice shakes, “Why me?”
“We aren’t going to let you do that!” Luna holds her sword in front of her, and Paranoia laughs. “So be it then.”
He lunges forward.
Ari swings his sword, but the man dodges, instead, he swings his knife and it cuts the boy’s shoulder. Ari gasps in pain. Ayla runs up to the man and tries to get him from behind, but Paranoia smirks, stepping back and throwing the girl to the ground. He stabs her side.
“Alya!” Luna grabs her bow and tries to shoot Paranoia. He dodges and grabs one of the arrows, stabbing the girl in the abdomen.
“Luna!” Darkness cries, He holds his sword in front of him as Paranoia steps forward. “You’re going to regret that.”
Paranoia watches as the boy runs and tries to get him, but instead, he moves out of the way and stabs Darkness’ leg. Violet gasps and tries to step back.
“Times… up.” Paranoia smirks maniacally, “You have no idea about how long I’ve waited for this.”
Violet tries to run, but Paranoia grabs her arm and pulls her close to him. She struggles, tears starting to form in her eyes.
“Please! Let me go!” She begs, “I’ll do anything!”
Paranoia sneers before pulling out his knife, and Violet’s struggles and cries increase. He brings the knife down on her, Not once, not twice, but 13 times. In her neck, chest, arms. The blood sprays out of her like a sprinkler, showering Paranoia in blood. Her lifeless body drops to the ground.
< Violet was slain by Paranoia >
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Delilah drops to the ground, her eyes widening.
“N-no…” She sobs, Daniel immediately rushing to her side. “NO NO NO!”
Tears quickly fill the couple's eyes, their daughter, Violet was killed. But It can’t be. Who would want to kill her?
“Delilah! Daniel!” Len rushes into the room, moving to comfort them.
“I- I can’t- why?!” Delilah cries, “Why her!? Who would ever- Who even in this person!?”
Daniel holds Delilah close to him, his eyes filled with tears.
Len tries his best to support them.
Mira leans against the willow tree, they can’t help but smile.
“Finally, the bitch got what she deserved.” Their smile falls slightly, “But… Who is this ‘Paranoia?”
_________
“NO!” Ari shouts, “You bitch! I’m going to kill you!”
Paranoia turns around, and as he does, Ayla, Darkness and Luna - despite their injuries - stand up as well.
“We all will.” Darkness grits his teeth as he grips his swords tightly.
“I would love to see all of you try!” Paranoia smirks gleefully.
___________
<Darkness was slain by Paranoia>
<Ayla was slain by Paranoia>
<Luna was slain by Paranoia>
<Ari was slain by Paranoia>
“What… What the fuck…” Mira’s eyes widen. “This… Oh no…”
[Hydrangea - Heartlessness]
I don't care whatever it takes, Just kill that Bitch. [ REVOLVER - Royal Scandal ]
