I didn't exist.

Or, at least, up until now.

Hah, what a scary thought. It shot ice through my very core. For a reason unknown to me, the meer thought made me want to cower.

Everything was... warm. Cozy. Why was that feeling so hard to pick out?

Something red, brilliant and otherworldly, glimmered just out of reach.

"--a-o--?" A voice! The fog nearly drowned it out entirely, but there was someone else here!

Where was it coming from!? Why were they here??

Why was I acting this way over a voice??

Why can't I think clearly??

Where'd the voice go?

Hello...?

Is anyone...

...

"Diamond!" The name snapped me back to reality, blindingly bright light assaulting my eyes. "Diamond, if you do not wake up, we will be late for school!"

I grumbled, annoyance flickering inside me. I didn't want to leave the safe warmth of my bed!

Footsteps passed by my bed, stopping near the headboard. In a flash, even more light flooded the room, forcing a hiss from me.

The voice sounded tired, like they were used to this behavior. "Sometimes I wonder if I adopted a vampire instead of a human," I slowly creaked my eye open, glaring daggers at my dad. "I will wait outside for you, alright?"

I mumbled a "yeah, fine" and waited for him to close the bedroom door.

Still cursing under my breath, I pushed the blankets off. For some reason, a spark of confusion washed over me. Huh, weird.

I sat up, ever so slowly, trying to draw out the time I would actually need to start getting ready.

The room was warmly lit, bathed in bright, early morning light. What was odd was how foreign, yet familiar it felt. I've slept in this room for as long as I could remember, so why did it feel like I was seeing it for the first time?

The absurd amount of items and various knickknacks on the side opposite of mine stood out like a beacon, a taunting reminder of the lack there of on my end. Just an old, slightly dusty lamp and a birdcage in a wagon.

I pulled open my drawer, fluffing out a long sleeved light grey shirt. It was thin, maybe not the best material for the colder months, but it was my favorite anyway, and I'd wear it even if it was negative a million degrees outside.

I shot a only slightly frantic look around the room. Where was my hoodie?? It was a part of my 'look', I can't leave without it!

Groaning into my hands, I wearily marched out of my room. Maybe dad had to wash it, and forgot to put it back? Ok... I was definitely not doing okay without it...

But where could he have left it? My memory... it feels... off.

The door swung shut with a click! leading me to a warmly lit hallway.

Huh, so I guess the whole house is like this...

I let my hand run across the books lining the large shelf, fingers brushing the old looking binders. No time for that, maybe later.

The full length mirror reflected messy brown hair, tangled in wild knots and tired, foggy blue eyes. Geez, rough night, huh?

Now that I bring attention to it, I feel really weird. Not really tired. Just... wrong.

Maybe it'll get better later on in the day? Or maybe I'm just hungry? I obviously skipped breakfast by accident.

I tried to shake the odd feeling from my head, the sudden movement creating the complete opposite of what I wanted. Frantic, I pushed the bathroom door open, hovering over the sink.

I ran a hand through my tangled hair, the other clutching the sink for dear life. Slowly, I reached for my brush.

Deep breaths... Deep breaths...!

Eventually, breathing became easier, and the nausea subsided. I ran the brush through my hair a few more times, ignoring the spikes of pain that flashed through me when it caught on particularly nasty knots.

Okay... now...

The bathroom door clicked shut behind me, the sound loud in the silence of the empty house.

Oh! The white of the thick article of clothing stood out against the warmly lit kitchen, draped over one of the chairs at the table.

It slid on easily, the oversized hoodie flooding me with a welcome feeling of home. Like a warm hug.

I immediately thanked my lucky stars I was able to find it. The wind outside pelted me relentlessly, and forced me to pull up my hood.

Dad waved me over. "Diamond! There you are! We could still make it if we hurry!"

I pulled open the passenger door next to him, sliding in as he pulled the door shut. "Diamond... It is a beautiful day today, isn't it?"

He had a point, the town was beautiful this time of year, trees turning oranges, yelllows, and reds. It rendered me breathless. "I hope it stays this way when Xelqua visits next week."

I glanced up from my sightseeing. Xelqua...? Oh! I almost forgot! He has a break coming up!

"But I wonder... After the excitement of University..." Dad clutched the wheel tighter, eyes glassy. "Will he still enjoy coming home to this little town...?"

I smiled, trying to reassure him. "I'm sure he'll be happy."

He snickered. "It feels nice to hear you say that."

The car pulled into the lot by the school, and once again, cold air bombarded me as I opened my door.

I hugged my arms closer to myself, unable to withstand the cold. I rushed over to the school's glass doors, waiting for dad as he followed after me.

"Chilly out today, eh?" He joked. I grinned, giving him a light punch on the shoulder.

He patted me on the shoulder, walking with me into the building.

The school was so much warmer than outside, at least a 10 or 20 degrees temperature difference.

Dad knelt in front of me, hands on either shoulder. "Have a great day, sweetheart!" He whispered as he pulled me into a hug.

A flash of discomfort shot through me, and I awkwardly hugged back. Ugh, tough aversion sucks.

"-everyone have a-" The teacher's voice stopped short, head turning to look at the opening classroom door. "Oh! Diamond! We thought you weren't coming in today..."

My face radiated heat, and I shuffled to the side. Oh I hated this...

"We're doing group projects this month." Crab Apples...! ​"Uh... so, walk around and find a partner!"

I nodded stiffly, avoiding eye contact. Why couldn't I just do it on my own?!

Well, let's get this over with.

Slowly, one by one, everyone denied my (half-hearted, I'll have you know) attempts at being their partner. It only hurt a little bit, I promise!

Finally, it was down to one last person. Scott.

He perked up, a warm smile greeting me. "Hey Diamond! What's up? Didja lose your pencil again?" He took out two pencils from his backpack. He twirled them in his hands. "You want the candy-cane one or the one with lights on it?"

As much as the one with lights enticed me, it wasn't what I came here for. "You uh- want to be partners...?"

He cocked his head to the side. "Partners?" He hissed through his teeth. "I'm sorry, but," he nodded towards the blonde boy siting next to him. ", Jimmy already asked me..."

He must've seen the disappointment on my face before I even noticed. "But! I could ask Mr. Zed if we could be a group of 3! Only if you're sure!"

I toiled over it. On one hand, maybe being a group of just myself wouldn't be that bad, I wouldn't get teamed with Jimmy of all people.

But... the thought of hanging out with Scott again, after all this time, felt nice. "Yes. Please."

Scott raised his hand. "Mr. Zed! Is it okay if we have a group of 3?"

The Harpy next to him squawked loudly, still developing wings flaring out. "Hey! What!? Scott! I do NOT approve of this! Stop!"

Scott stared at him like he was screaming obscenities. "J-Jimmy?? Diamond doesn't have a-!"

"Mister Major?" Their teacher's calm voice interrupted him. "What were you saying?"

Scott was about to speak up, but Jimmy beat him at it. "Scott was just saying that we're fine ALONE!"

"Actually-!" Scott tried. "I just wanted to know if-"

The door burst open. The sound made me jump, heart thundering.

"h-hi, Tango." Mr. Zed squeaked out. The Blazling's long tail flicked around, irritated. His piercing dark eyes glared at the class. Everyone shut up, not daring to speak.

Finally, he spoke. "... am I late?"

Mr. Zed scrambled to deny it. "Oh! N-No! You're alright! We were just-! Uh-! Choosing partners for the next group project!"

He scittered behind me. Gee, thanks teach. "T-Tango, you're with Diamond!"

He tsk'd, walking to his seat at the back of the room. "... great."

Was that my queue to get seated? Honestly, the situation felt so awkward, I felt much more comfortable standing right here.

Mr. Zed did his best at regaining his composure. "Ehem! Now that... everyone's here! I'll write the assignment!"

He walked behind his desk, and reach for something, bit paused. He opened a few drawers, looking under a few stacks of paper. "Um-" He addressed the class. "Has anyone seen my charcoal pen? This is the third time I've needed to get a new one, and... you all know I can't start class without it!"

The class whispered amongst themselves, but no one spoke up. Though, Scott was giving Tango an odd look. Filing that away for later.

"Okay... how 'bout this? If no one speaks up... everyone gets in trouble!" He tried to threaten. Scott squirmed in his seat, but didn't speak up.

What's his issue?

"Anyone...?" Mr. Zed wasn't holding himself together very well.

Scott raised his hand again. "Excuse me! I think I remember there being a box of them in the supply closet!" He fiddled with a lock of his teal hair. "Tango and I could..."

"Great idea Scott!" Mr. Zed regained his composure. "Tango!" The teen's head snapped up. "Since you came in last, why don't you go get it for us?"

Tango didn't respond immediately, claws leaving a trail of scratched plastic behind them. After a moment, he hissed. "... whatever."

He got up, speed walking out the classroom, letting the door slam shut behind him.

"And Diamond? Can you go with him and make sure he..." I froze from what I was doing, an ongoing art piece that was slowly being drawn on my desk. "Um, actually gets it? And um, stays out of trouble...?"

Asking me? To keep him?? Out of trouble???

Numbly, I got up from my desk. Mr. Zed thanked me, and went back to... whatever he did.

Scott gave me a comforting smile. "Don't worry, he can't be as bad as he looks, right?"

"Thanks..." Honestly? I couldn't even process his gesture, anxiety flaring to new heights.

My hand hesitated at the door handle. Before I could lose my nerve, I turned the handle and pushed forward. The door clicked shut with an air of finality that I didn't exactly like.

Tango was turned away from the door, facing away from my line of sight. Still, a tell-tale crunch of something filled the air and he dusted his hands off, turning and, for a brief moment, shock lit up his face.

He forced a neutral stance, words lined with razors. "... Diamond. Didn't see you there."

I hesitated, raising a hand in greeting. "Hey."

"... hey... You didn't see anything just now, did you?" Anxiety blazed into discomfort, and the odd part of myself that felt at odds quieted, almost retreating back. He hummed, the sound ominous in the quiet halls. "Can't even say?"

I couldn't move, even as he closed the gap. The air grew hotter, beads of sweat making their presence known.

"Hey," He placed a hand on my shoulder, the touch electric. Claws gripped fabric, and I was lifted off my feet. He grinned, showing off sharp, pearly teeth. "Quiet people piss me off."

The locker slammed into my back, pain flashing through me. "You think just 'cause you don't say anything... I can't tell EXACTLY what you're thinking?" He ran his free hand through bright, golden hair, set ablaze by the florescent lights. "'It's OVER! I caught Tango eating the charcoal pen! This was his LAST chance! Now he'll FINALLY be expelled!'"

"N-NO!" I denied, shocked by my own voice. "I-I wouldn't-!"

He laughed, laughed. Like it was the funniest thing in the world. "Come on, Diamond. You shouldn't lie like that. You know it's true. Everyone's waiting for it. Everyone wants it."

Despite the smile, his voice faltered, wavering with an unknown emotion. "So, congrats. You got me. I'm done for... Just, let me say one little thing."

His grip on my hoodie tightened, claws pinching at delicate skin underneath. "Seems like a waste to get expelled just for having a snack. So, Diamond, if I KNOW you're gonna pull the trigger..." his shoulders shook as he laughed, his eyes flashing. "Why don't I just get expelled for some REAL carnage?"

He raised his free hand, thick claws gleaming. "Diamond... How do you feel..." His grin sharpened. "... about losing your face?"

"Hey- hey!" I squirmed, trying to use my small frame against him. The sharp things came with inches of my face, and I couldn't stop him.

The pressure relented, letting me fall to the cold tile. "Nah." I held a hand over my left shoulder, wincing at where the claws nicked me. "Diamond. You've got a good father. It'd be a shame to make him bury his daughter."

I pulled myself up, using the locker as a crutch. Everything about Tango felt so similar, so familiar. Why couldn't I place it?

"Alright," He stuffed his hands in his jean pockets. "Let's get this over with, and once we're done getting what we need..." He snickered, walking a few paces. "YOU'LL do our project. How's that sound?"

"Fine by-" Honestly, it was what I wanted in the first place.

Tango cut the sentence short. "Don't bother answering. If you haven't gotten it by now... you're choices don't matter." He turned, laughing quietly to himself. "Let's go, Freak."

"What a jerk." I scowled, deliberately making sure to take my sweet time. I glanced to my left, reading an old poster for a dance long past. Something about hawks and screeching at students. Weird.

Tango waited impatiently, tapping his foot loudly. I rolled my eyes, not picking up the pace. "Angel, can you walk any slower, or what?" He laughed mockingly. "Nah, I get it. Not used to walking around without someone holding your hand? C'mon."

He took the lead, stopping before a set of double-doors. "Well, here's the closest. Too bad... we were just starting to have fun."

I glared at him, but held my tongue.

Tango pushed the doors open, but jumped back, retreating next to me.

The room beyond felt... off. Not bad, just... strange. The darkness was almost physical, lapping at the light like ocean waves.

Tango's voice was small, a far cry of what he was a second ago. "Hey, Diamond, is it me, or... Is it REALLY dark in there?"

I wanted to taunt him, call him a chicken for being afraid of just a dark closest. But...

"What's the holdup? Are you gonna go in or what?" Tough words for someone ALSO hesitating! "Fine! If you're gonna be a WIMP, then I'll-!"

He glanced up at the doorway, tail twining around his legs. "-We'll both go in at the same time!!"

I almost didn't follow after him, but worry for what he might do if he saw me hesitating made my legs work on their own.

"S-See?" He voice was trembling. "Why are you so scared? There's nothing in here but old papers..." He trailed off, eyes not leaving the void-like darkness. "Let's find a lightswitch."

Tango took a few steps further in. He paused, making me almost bump into him. "That's weird. I can't find a switch... Must be further in..."

I really didn't want to delve further into the darkness, but followed anyway. Tango tried to lighten the mood, definitely for his own sake. "Uhhh... kind of big for a closest, huh...? You'd think we'd have reached the end by now..."

I hate this. Why is this kind of dark freaking me out so much???

"Hey, Diamond?" I perked up, Tango didn't look much better than me. "I think this closest's uh... broken. There aren't any walls." He was right, even if I couldn't see them, something told me that the walls just... didn't exist.

Tango tried to retreat back to a confident bravado. "Well, we've tried hard enough. If Mr. Zed wants his precious charcoal pens so much, he can get them himself." Sure, anything to get out of... here. "Let's split."

We both power walked back to the entrance. The door slammed right in front of us, making us jump.

"Wh- what the-?!" Tango rushed past me. "Hey, this isn't funny!" He slammed his fist on the door. "LET US OUT! LET! US-!"

The floor... was it shaking...? I stepped back. "Tango..."

Tango scrambled back. "The floor, it's-!"

The floor gave way, and gravity took hold.