3 Days till the end
chapter [ 4 ]
[ Justice boy ]
the girl walks in class and introduces herself as rika. the new student.
rika: nice to meet you all. i hope we can get along and be friends. thanks for having me here
teacher: good job rika. go find a seat for yourself
she sits down in the back center of class to avoid trouble on her first day in class. connor sees axel staring at her for a while.
connor: what are you looking at you idiot. trying to get her attention at first day
axel: shut up. i was thinking about another thing that's it.
connor: ok ok lover boy. don't forget about our meeting after class.
the class resumed as usual and axel is looking lost in his own mind. form the moment rika walked into the room his mind seems to be focused on something. the sound of the bell ringing.
connor and axel head to the roof of the school. connor asks about what happened yesterday after he left. axel thinks about telling connor the whole story but he stops and changes a little bit of details before talking as he still doesn't trust connor fully.
axel: i don't think your whole regeneration theory is right. i mean who is the crazy person who will try hurting himself just for experiment.
connor: you're such a coward. whatever you can hide it as you want but I'll still definitely believe what my eyes saw yesterday.
a sudden voice interrupts their conversation. it's one of their classmates called kelly.
kelly: I've been looking all around school for you two idiots. the teacher has been calling all students to gather in class because he wants to announce something.
connor: what does he want?
kelly: i don't know but you better go to class because I'm done with searching for students. I'm tired.
as connor and axel return black to class they see all students sitting and focusing on what the teacher is about to say.
teacher: as you all know we were supposed to go on a school trip next week but i was surprised to be informed from your class council that the trip money was gone. she will explain it to you.
class council [ rin ]: i was keeping the money safe in my locker everyday but today i forgot to lock it before going to my p.e class and when i got back it was stolen. I'm very sorry for my lack of caution and i beg everyone that may know any information about what happened or who took it. please help us to find it
the tension rises in class. whispering is spread among all students while everyone is starting to doubt the person they hate the most. the school's arrogant bully jane stands up and starts speaking with a mocking voice.
jane: i think we should search all students bags before going home. especially that new girl rika. a poor filthy looking girl like her is not far away from stealing something.
jane group of girls start to laugh quietly. all this tension in class brings back the memories of that day to axel. he's slowly remembering the memories that he always wanted to erase from his childhood. he remember how he sat still during all this unable to say anything or defend rika due to his lack of courage. he remembered that back in his past life this incident ended with the money being in the student council other bag in her home because she mistake both bags since they have the same color. she apologized the next day for this accident and the problem was solved but that started the routine of the bullying that rika had to suffer from jane and her group. axel refuses to let this happen again so he stands up from his desk and speaks
axel: it's a dumb thing to start accusing anyone. we should not use this moment to ruin the reputation of some people that we have grudge against. so stop it jane
jane: huhh!! and what does that have to do with you idiot. she can speak for herself.
axel: maybe an accident happened and it wasn't someone that stole it. we should think logically before saying anything.
before the class starts to turn to chaos the teacher stops everything with a loud clap.
teacher: now now stop everyone and listen. axel is right you shouldn't accuse anyone.
you're all friends here and that's not kind behavior. I'll let you all go home today without any search. and i hope that tomorrow we will form an extensive search for the money with the help of all students. now you can all go home. class dismissed
the students start packing up their things ready to leave. jane gives mocking looks to rika and axel. connor and axel walk to their home as they are trying to figure who was the stealer.
connor: that was very kind of you mister gentleman. you sure defended your girl back then.
axel: shut up. it was just an unfair situation so someone had to step in and say something.
connor: yeah sure sure. but if tomorrow comes and it turns out that she was the one who stole it you're going to be in trouble.
axel: it will be fine nothing will happen. i trust her.
connor: ok lover boy we'll see tomorrow. goodbye
axel: shut up.... bye
axel again to his home. the usual routine of his gloomy house. his mom overwhelming herself with work while his dad comes home late once again. the sound of them arguing fills his with noise just like everyday preventing him from sleep. he looks at his hand that got burned and recovered back. it's the gift that he ahs to use to change his life this time. he's determined on protecting and saving rika for some reason. he feels the need to it but his memories of his past life are still blurry and distorted. and despite that he will still follow his emotions and heart.
axel: i have to save her. but from what? i still can't remember what fully happened but all i know is that she is a big part of my past life and this life also.
is it a feeling of affection or is it something else?. the thoughts wonder and wonder in his mind till he falls asleep.
the next day comes in. axel mom is preparing his food box while watching tv. she's watching a discussion meeting between three people. it appears that some kind of crime happened in this quiet town
the news reporter: so mister willam you're telling me that the two kids had been kidnapped and killed by similar situations and scenarios. do you have any information about the suspect if you have one already.
william { a crime investigator }: the two kids have been reported missing at late afternoon after thier parents said that they never came back from school despite it ending hours ago. the two crimes have a one week gap between them. we found both bodies near a small river that located far away from thier school. both victims were female students aging 13 and 14. the bodies were filled with bruises and their necks were dark purple showing clear signs of choking and that's the confirmed cause of death after the hospital examined both bodies. unfortunately they also found many signs of sexual assaults on both bodies. it indicted that the main motive of the killer was mostly a psychopathic sexual urge. we advice everyone to stay cautious everywhere and everytime and we especially hope that parents would pay more attention to the safety of their kids. we promise everyone in this town that we will catch the killer and bring him to justice.
axel finishes wearing his school uniform and opens the door to head out for school.
mom: dear be safe please. the streets are dangerous these days. come back home as soon as you finish school.
axel: no need to worry mom. ok I'll head now. bye.
she waves at him back with her concerned eyes. on his way to school axel wonder about the reason for his mom's concern. he remembers vague memories about some crime case happening in the town. a case that his mom kept trying to make him forget it in the past. that's why he doesn't know much about it even in this life.
as he heads to class and sits down on his desk. the teacher enters the class as usual but this time he wants to inform all students about something.
teacher: the student council just told me that she didn't find the money in her home confirming that this turned into a stolen property case so we will have to do an extensive research starting with this class
axel is shocked by what he just heard. the money is supposed to be with the student council today while she apologizes for her clumsy mistake but this time the events changed.
the students start to search each of their bags. mostly everyone confirms that the money is not with them until one of the girls stands up with a shocked face. she is jane friend lacy. she puts her bag on her desk and reveals the money out of it in a moment of shock and embarrassment. but she soon start to speak to defend herself.
lacy: teacher please trust me this must have been a mistake. someone put it in my bag. i would never do that
the whispering starts to spread once again in the class. turning most of the students against lacy while all jane and her group can do is sit in silence and anger. looking at rika with a rage full gaze. being almost sure in her mind that she was the one who did it.
the teacher stops the class once again with a loud handclap.
teacher: stop all of you. nobody will speak of this until we solve everything. now for you lacy i want you to meet me at my office after class and bring the money with you and i also need to talk to your parents so make sure to give me thier number. now everyone sit down. we'll start the session.
all today's sessions resume like usual despite the unsettling atmosphere in the class. the bell rings to save everyone from this embarrassing day.
connor: hey you won. it turned out that it's this idiot lacy fault. dude can you predict the future now I'm scared.
axel: quit it you moron. i was just acting upon my own sense of justice.
connor with a smirking voice: ohh look at this hero who follows his Heart. we get it justice boy.
as they both are heading to the school gate to walk back home they pump into rika who stops them to say something.
rika: hey i know this might sound weird but thank you for defending me back then. i was too nervous to say anything but thanks to you now i will make sure to have the courage to stand up for myself next time.
axel: oh don't worry i just did what anyone would do. it's nothing special.
rika: it's special.. at least for me.
axel: oh.. then you're welcome.
connor breaks the embarrassing and nervous moment between the two with a silly joke.
connor: i think he will be more happy with knowing your number.
axel punches connor on the shoulder
axel: shut up idiot
rika giggles at the two of them enjoying their chaotic behaviors.
rika: I'll be heading home then. see you tomorrow
axel: see you.
he waves back at her.noticing a few scars on her legs that raise suspension but he doesn't think about it a lot at the moment because of his idiotic friend behaviors.
the days pass by as axel tries to know the limits and capabilities of his regeneration ability. trying different methods of injuries but not going too far because of the fear of physical pain. time flies reaching finally the day of the school trip.
all the students gather near the bus after a long drive trip. the teacher starts to divide them into groups of four.
teacher: connor and axel. kelly and rika. you're going to be a group number 7. make sure to get along and don't go anywhere far without telling one of your teachers.
connor looks around at other groups noticing group 3 which has jane and lacy in it.
connor: hey why is Lacy there. didn't she get punished?
axel: i heard that she kept saying that she didn't do it and that someone put it in her bag to make her fall in trouble. also her parents have good relations with the school principal so i think he let it slide this time. damn authority really can make you get out of troubles.
connor: well that doesn't matter let's find a good place to camp in and have fun.
as the four of them camp in a nearby forest not far away from the gathering spot that they all have to go back to before the sun goes down. the four of them decide to play a volleyball game two vs two .
connor: axel and Rika are going to be a team and I'll play with kelly because no one else wants to
kelly: shut it you jerk. don't stop me from winning with your lazy moves
the game begins and it soon becomes intense with only one point left for both teams. Connor sends the ball so high that it's almost impossible for a middle schooler to reach that high. but axel surprises everyone with a high jumbo that it almost seems non-human. he spikes the ball and gets the win for him and rika.
connor: wow that was amazing. you looked like a superhero jumping.
axel: it's nothing like this. i just thought about wanting to reach the ball so badly and it kinda happened.
connor: somebody doesn't want to reveal the secret to his strength.
axel: shut up it's nothing.
axel thinks about the possibility of his strength being related to the regeneration power. maybe it has more potential to be something bigger. maybe it's a much higher power. he needs to unlock its full strength.
the four of them head to a cliff that gives them a beautiful view of the mountains nearby. they set the small table and prepare the food and have lunch at this wonderful place. as they are going down the cliff and heading back to the gathering spot. rika notices that her necklace is gone.
rika: my necklace i can't find it anywhere. i took it off and placed it near our stuff before playing volleyball and now i searched all the things and i can't find it.
axel: it will take a long time now if we head back to the forest and the teacher will be worried.
kelly: I'll go with her and search for the necklace. we'll make it quick and come back before the sun goes down.
axel: but...
connor: don't worry axel they will find it and then catch up with us. don't be late you two.
kelly and rika head back to the forest while connor and axel go to the gathering place. the doubts are still roaming around axel mind.
an hour passed and rika and kelly still searching for the necklace.
kelly: what does it look like
rika: it has a star shape.
kelly: is it expensive
rika: it's not but it's so important for me. it was my last gift from my dad before he died. i can't lose it
kelly: don't worry we'll sure find it. i won't go till i find it for you.
rika: thank you.
kelly: you're welcome. i think we should split up and search to cover more area. we'll try to find it before 6:30 but if we pass this time let's both agree on heading back to the gathering spot and then search later with the teacher ok
rika: ok
as they both separate and keep searching. time passes more and it's now near 6:30 pm. all students should be back by now but rika and kelly haven't arrived yet.
as kelly is still searching she finally finds the necklace.
kelly: it has a star shape just like she told me.
kelly looks at her hand watch and realizes that the time passed already.
kelly: oh shit. i have to go back. rika and the others must have been waiting with the teacher. ugh i don't wanna get scolded.
suddenly kelly feels that something is moving around her. she turns her head behind but there is nothing. before she could realize what's happening. a big hand covers her mouth from behind by force. keely can feel a presence of someone behind her but she can't turn around because this mysterious person is holding her still. suddenly he starts to speak with his deep voice.
???: shhhh no move.. try to scream and I'll kill you. make a sudden move and I'll kill you. don't even try to call for help. just shake your head if you understand me.
kelly shakes her head in fear. then the unknown man uses a sleeping drug to put her to sleep.
at the same time axel and connor are still waiting at the gathering spot. then they both see rika running towards them.
axel: rika you finally came back did you find the necklace?
rika: no i didn't. have you asked kelly if she found it
axel: but kelly isn't back yet. i thought that she's with you?
rika: we split up to search better but agreed to come back here before it gets late.
as the teacher hears their conversation he realizes that now kelly is missing
teacher: stay here students. I'll call the rescue team and local police so we can search for her. everything will be fine. why didn't you all listen to me i told you to not walk around alone.
rika keeps apologizing to the teacher. feeling guilty because of her selfishness kelly is now missing.
teacher: no time for regret now. nobody moves. stay here and wait for help i called everyone that could help they will arrive soon.
suddenly axel runs to the forest by himself determined on finding kelly
teacher: come back here axel. ugh these kids never listen. rika come with me you'll have to guide me to the place you both were in. we have to catch this idiot before he gets lost
rika: yes teacher
as axel is running very fast he feels that this same thing happened once in his past life but with a different outcome. he can remember that a kidnapping case happened in his school. everyone was shocked and it ended horribly.
axel: how the hell have i missed it. the necklace being lost. them going on their own to find it. it's all signs i should have caught. i can't let such a gruesome case like this happen again.
axel starts to notice that he can run a lot without losing much stamina or feel tired. he can also see well at night. all his surroundings are clear to him.
axel: i feel weird. all my senses are sharp and enhanced for some reason. does this have to do something with my power.
all his thoughts are cut when he sees a small old looking cabin. he pushes the door and enters to see kelly alone in the cabin. tied up to a chair. she looks unconscious and there is a blindfold on her eyes.
axel: who did this?
as axel tries to untie her ropes. he can feel something behind him and before he can turn his head. a strong axe swing slashes his head from behind and decapitates him with less than seconds. making his head fall on the ground and separating it from his body that soon began to bleed from the neck. the gruesome view of a kid head and body being on the ground filled with blood doesn't even make the killer flinch. he throws his axe away and approaches the unconscious kelly. wanting to touch her
killer: how did this stupid brat come here. curious brats are what i hate the most. but maybe i can sell his body and organs. that would get me some free money at least.but first let's have some fun before someone comes.
before the old killer tries to do anything with kelly he feels something moving behind him. he turns around to see the dead body of axel standing up on its own without a head. he can't believe what he is seeing. it's moving almost like a zombie. then as he starts to focus his gaze he can see some weird black fragments almost looking like black small crystals reforming from his decapitated neck. these fragments starts to reform internal organs from flesh to bones until his whole head is reformed again but without skin or hair. axel looks at the killer with his newly reformed and bare flesh head. making him utterly shocked and scared to death.
killer: what's this monster. ugh move away don't get near me you freak.
he starts to scream and tries to run and crawl away but his shaky legs make him fall on the ground. unable to stand or move as axel still approaching him. the killer pulls out a gun and starts shooting axel in the shoulder the leg and his left hand and then he misses the rest of the bullets because his hand is shaken. making the gun go out of bullets.
the bullets that hit axel soon pops out of his body with little to no scars at all. his regeneration power is working at its highest level. making him like an immortal monster
soon enough the black Crystals reform axel facial skin back with his hare. as his new head is fully reformed his whole consciousness is back to him. seeing the old creepy killer in fear in front of him unable to move with his shaky legs.
{ axel in his mind }
did my head just been torn apart and recovered. did i just come back from death. this power is truly amazing.
he stops thinking about the reasons for his power and focuses on the killer in front of him. filled with rage and anger. axel clutches his fist with all the rage in his heart
axel: so it was you scum. you're the one who kidnapped her. what were you planning to do to her you worthless trash.
the killer: i wasn't going to do everything. believe me
axel: i don't want to hear anything from you anymore. this world will be a better place without rotten scumbags like you.
as axel hatred and rage grows more and more. something starts to form around his right arm. making it look like a super shielded arm with solid black Crystal fragments. and sharp pointy blades at his finger tips. making it look like he has sharp knives in place of all his fingers. he delivers a strong punch with his new shielded arm straight into the killer stomach making him bleed all over from his mouth and knocking him down with one punch. almost killing him.
as axel throws this strong punch. he then turns around to go and free kelly but as he walks to her he feels all his stamina and power drained out and his sight is getting blurry. he then falls on the ground and loses consciousness before getting to kelly. the black Crystals on his arm disappear like nothing happened and his head that got torn apart also disappear leaving behind it a small trail of black ashes almost looking like Crystal ashes.
the teacher and rika finally arrive at the scene followed by the local police. they see both axel and the killer on the ground while kelly is still taped and cuffed. the moon shines on this eventful night marking the end of an unforgettable day.
axel wakes up in a white room. the window is open to his side making the sunlight flow into the room. he soon realizes that he's in the hospital. he turns his head to the other side to see rika and connor and kelly by his side. they all are happy to see him wake up finally.
connor: you finally woke up sleepy boy
axel: what happened.
before anyone says anything. kelly holds axel hand and thanks him for saving her. she can't remember what fully happened but she had been told that axel had stopped the killer and saved her. and also because he was the only one on the ground next to the killer so everyone made the prediction that he was the one to save her. despite not knowing the complete story.
axel: no need to thank me. anyone would have done it.
kelly: but still i can't express how much I'm grateful to you. thank you.
axel: you're welcome.
axel notices that rika is feeling down and looking sad. she blames herself for everything that happened.
axel: don't think about it like this rika. it wasn't your fault.
rika: but i ended up causing everyone trouble.
axel: don't blame yourself for anything. what matters is that everyone is ok so stop crying ok.
rika nods and tries to wipe out the tears from her eyes.
connor: how does it feel to be a hero. justice boy
axel: shut up.
the three of them leave axel room to let him rest. as axel is resting in the room. a tall man with a brown coat and a police badge enters and takes a chair to sit. he starts to introduce himself. his name is william.
william: hello young kid. I'm investigator william from the local police. sorry to come at such an early time without giving you space to rest but i need to know the full details of what happened yesterday.
axel seems to be a little nervous but he soon calms himself and starts to speak.
axel: i arrived at the cabin when he was about to assault her. i kept quite and moved very silently behind him. got an old wood stick and hit him on the head from behind. the hit didn't knock him down but it sure made his mind dizzy. then he jumped on me and tried to choke me but i soon took the wood and hit him again and this time i hit him in his stomach and that knocked him down. then as i was approaching my classmate to free her i lost consciousness because of him choking me for a long time and little oxygen getting into my body and that's how i fainted. that's all i can remember sir
william seems a little suspicious about axel story because while it matches some points and details of the crime scene. it doesn't add up to other parts and doesn't answer more questions.
william: when we examined the killer body it didn't seem like he was struck on the head. also the cabin was filled with bullets. it seemed like he fired a whole set of bullets. have you seen him hold a gun?
axel: i can't remember seeing any gun sir. maybe he had fired these gunshots before he even kidnapped my classmate. maybe this cabin was his place for former kidnappings.
william doesn't seem satisfied with the answer but he passes the question anyway.
william: also i found out some weird looking ashes at the crime scene. at First i thought it was human ashes but it wasn't. i kept it with the local police hospital at the mean time to examine it more. do you know anything about it.
axel swallows his salvia hardly but tries to keep cool.
axel: no sir i don't know what you're talking about. the cabin was soo. dark and i barely saw the killer so i can't remember seeing something like this.
william: ok young kid. thanks for your corporation i will come later for other questions but I'll let you rest now. it was a pleasure to meet you.
axel: it was nice to meet you too sir
william: oh sorry for taking too long. your mother just came. I'll let her see you. goodbye for now.
axel mother rushes to him and hugs him tightly. her eyes tearing up and she can't hold her happy voice.
mom: thank god you're ok dear. i was so worried about you. i stayed all night by your side yesterday. hoping and praying that you will wake up.
axel: thanks for your concern mom. don't worry. your son is strong and he won't lose to such horrible people.
mom: I'm very proud of you dear. you're truly a hero. here i went out to get you some food. eat up. you need energy.
axel: thanks.
as axel eats the food he goes on talking with his mom for a long time. feeling very happy deep inside because he finally can see the outcome of his efforts being shown in this new life. he can't help but feel hopeful that he can live rightly this time. he will sure keep on improving and changing his cruel path. and maybe become a real hero. or at least that's what he thought bach then.
A few weeks passed by and axel got honored in school for his brave attempt to save one of his classmates. he became well known in his class and loved by his classmates. his Friendship with connor and rika and also keely seems to get better day by day and everything seems to be going fine. at the same time in a surprising turn of events. the people are witnessing something strange on the news and on the internet that it became all what people talk about outside and at any place. even in schools. many videos were being published everyday at random times but all these videos have the same pattern.
someone sitting in their room facing the camera and revealing his face and name as he talks about all the bad and corrupt things he did. confessing about all what they have done. from scammers to predators and even some corrupt politicians and high authority people. it was like there's someone lurking in the shadows and applying justice over people who abused thier power once. there was also something shared between every video especially near the ending of the videos. after confessing to everything they done. they take a sharp black blade. almost looking like a knife but with dark black shiny color. and they use this blade to carve something on thier skin while saying that they will never do any bad things again. the words they all carved on thier hands were a meer three letters
CHX
this weird almost looking like code thing made the internet go crazy trying to figure out what it means. from conspiracy theorists to trolls on the net and even police got involved in this to find out if this soo called CHX is a person or a code or some kind of a group that has political or rebellious goals.
some say that whoever is doing this is a hero saving this world from earth trash while others consider him as a self proclaimed fighter for justice with a god complex. peoples opinions are divided which is causing many troubles and controversy day by day. but the only sure thing is that this world is heading into an unknown path.
back to the present time. another normal day in school for axel and his friends.
connor: today is the new release of the third part of galaxy savior. i have to go fast to the game store and buy it. you're coming with me right axel?
axel: I'm kinda hungry so i think I'm going to go to the restaurant nearby.
rika: I'm also hungry. we can go together
connor: come on you can't skip this event. it's our favorite game.
kelly: stop bothering them you idiot.
kelly pulls connor from his shirt and talks to him in a low voice.
kelly: can't you read the room you idiot. let them go together.
connor: ohhb that's what you mean. hehe you're sure smart for someone this annoying.
kelly: I'll kill you. ok guys you can head to the restaurant and I'll be heading home with this idiot. my house is near the game store so it's like killing two birds with one rock.
kelly pulls connor by force and takes him so he can't ruin everything.
connor: hey let go of me you monster
kelly: shut up
as kelly and connor wave their hands and walk away. both axel and rika walk together and arrive at the restaurant. they sat and began to order.
axel: what would you like to order.
rika: coffee and pancakes seem good.
axel: ok then we'll take two coffees and pancakes.
as they are waiting for their food. axel notices that rika is looking distracted and mind blurred.
axel: is everything ok?
rika: the news is going crazy over this CHX thing. what do you think about it? is it a person or a group.
axel: i really don't watch news that much so i don't know but whoever he or she might be. they are doing something influential.
rika: do you think they have the right to do it? i mean forcing their own sense of justice upon others. if we do this then what's the point of the law.
axel: i think they are targeting people who abused the system. people whom the law can't reach them.
rika: maybe you're right. do you think that if this CHX was a person. would he listen to worthless people requests like me?.
axel: you're not worthless don't say that. I'm sure that someone who follows this sheer path of justice would never abandon the voice of people who seek help.
rika: you seem pretty sure about it. is it because you're the CHX
axel: what are you saying? you're bad with jokes.
rika: back then at the cabin.... i was there nearby. i arrived before the teacher or the police and i saw you. you wear dead and without a head. it shocked me to see you like this.
axel: what!!?... what are you saying?
rika: and then your dead body rose from the ground and a new head started to grow. it was both terrifying and unbelievable thing to see. i thought you have turned into a monster but when i saw you defending kelly with your crystal arm. i knew that you are still the same. i might have not known you for a long time but on that day i felt your emotions flowing inside you when you knocked down the killer. it was like seeing a miracle for the first time. i couldn't express how much i felt relieved and happy to see that he got what he deserved and i couldn't help but hope that someone would save me like you did to kelly.
axel: you must be mistaken things rika. i can't do such things like this. that's almost like magic.
rika: the crystal blade that the people use to carve on their skin in the videos is the same one you had on your arm when you were in the cabin. i know it when i saw it at the videos. i was shocked but it confirmed my prediction. especially since the killer incident and the CHX appearing where at a very close time gap. you're truly a hero now.
axel: you saw everything. are you going to tell someone?
rika: why would i? I'm not evil to prevent someone from cleaning this world from scum. in fact I'm fascinated by your ideal way of thinking. i see that power should be used for justice sake. to protect the good and erase the bad. it's something that should be obvious yet people of our time have forgotten this. blinded by this never ending cycle of miserable life.
axel: when you said you wanted someone to save you what have you meant by this?.
rika: can i ask a favor from you? as the CHX and not the axel i know
axel: y.. y... yes
rika: can you please kill someone for me?
axel: huh!?