A girl was sitting in art class waiting for the end of it so she could head home to try and spend some time with her mom before she left for a important business trip. Aika, like many people living in Japan, enjoyed art and watching TV with her mother. However, she didn't like to converse much with other students leaving her to ultimately sitting in the back of her classes. Her attempt to use her hair to cover her face on the left side so people didn't notice her was a fail. While listening to the teachers lecture before the bell rang for summer vacation a certain someone started talking to her.

"Hey Aika!" A boy yelled, making her look up from her note book.

"What is it, Haru?" Aika asked looking at the boy who called her.

"You're free tonight right? I got a new game and I thought we could have a good time." Haru suggested.

"Sorry, but I can't, my mom is going away on a business trip and her rules are to not go to anyone's house while she's gone," Aika explained with a frown. 

It seemed like no matter how hard she tried not to be noticed, Haru's attention seemed to always fall on her. She'd rather it not be like that, trust issues is a little thing she picked up after past events when she was young. It kind of started to seem like Haru only talked to her because he was also a bit of a loner. Not that she was (At least she wouldn't admit it out loud).

It was obvious he was disheartened, but chose to stay quiet and go back to the teachers boring lesson. The school bell rang, it only took less than a minute for everyone to file out the classroom. Aika knew Haru was hurt from her decline to hang out, but spending time with her mom was more important. Plus it was the only person she truly felt comfortable around.

As the students were leaving, the teacher yelled " Id like to remind you that I'm teaching summer school! Last chance to sign up!"

*Yeah no. I'm not doing that. I have a perfect idea of my summer...spending time with my mom and my drawings* she thought smiling to herself

Once out the classroom, Aika went to her locker to collect her things. It was bluntly interrupted by the throb of her scalp as her hair was yanked on.

" Look who it is, the loner " the familiar voiced called out in a snarky tone.

Aika rolled her her eyes knowing well who it was and really didn't want to deal with her right now.

"Hello Amaya, what do you want?" said Aika 

"Oh I just noticed you dyed the ends of your hair to purple, I really don't know why it wont make a difference " Amaya spoke while dragging Aika's hair along her hands.

" Why do you even care Amaya? " Yanking her own hair back behide her, Aika rolled her eyes in annoyance.

" I wouldn't any other day but I have to look at it and I'd hate to ruin my eyes with the sight of your hair. So why don't I do you a favor and fix it! " Quickly grabbing a pair of scissors from her pocket, she yanked Aika's hair to where she almost fell.

Tears peaked at the corner of Aika's eyes as the chances of getting out of this were slim, Amaya would've hit her if it weren't for the very angry male voice calling out to them. Both of them turned to see their principal standing there, presumably glaring at Amaya.

" Amaya. My Office, now " He spoke sternly.

She let go of Aika's hair with a mumble, stroking her hair trying to calm herself. Aika watched them both walk away but not before she caught Amaya's death glare.

(Aika's POV)

My name? Aika. Age? Fourteen years old. I live with my mom, I would say I have friends but I don't. I used to though. Until Amaya got accepted as a cheerleader and decided I wasn't good enough for her....I haven't made another friend since then. My drawings are all the social connection I need. That and my mom.

Besides Amaya, there is only one other person that makes my school experience a nightmare. Hinote. The captain of the football team. His huge ego and determination to get with every girl in the school has made me a constant target. It doesn't help that Amaya also likes him. She thinks I like him as well but that just makes her as dumb as she looks.

" Hey Aika~ " Apart of Aika wished she was invisible or could teleport.

(3rd Person point of view)

Aika turned around and saw Hinote leaning against a locker with a flirty smile on his face.

" What do you want, Hinote " she said turning to him.

"Hmm I want your heart," Hinote said while winking at her.

" I'm sure you do " Sarcasm coating Aika's voice " My answer is still the same, no! " She turned trying to leave.

Hinote grabbed a hold of her arms and whispered in her ear, "Aww you're still playing hard to get I like that in a girl."

Managing to pull out of his grip a lightbulb went off in her mind.

" Hey Hinote, ist that the girl on the swim team? The one with big boobs? I think she's still in her bathing suit. "

Just as he whipped around to look for the girl, Aika made a mad dash for the school exit doors. By the time he turned back around she was gone.

(Outside the school)

Aika, looking through her bag to make sure she didn't leave anything let out a sigh of relief. Walking up to the trash can she dumped all the study packets, the endless sheets of notes and anything else that was now useless.

* Finally, school is over! At least for three months * Aika said to herself.

Putting her bag back on she headed back in the direction of home. After a daunting fifteen minutes of walking she made it to the door unlocking it with her set of keys. Aika made sure to set her shoes with the others slowly making her way to the living room that connected to the kitchen.

Unfortunately the house only held her as Aika's mother was no where to be seen. Knowing her mom left already made her heart throb slightly, but work is work. She'll be back within a week so it didn't hurt that much. Besides, she's been left home before and was trusted with not burning the house down.

That and the low crime rate for her neighborhood, the occasional candy bar stealing or a bag of chip. Giving no more attention to the empty house, Aika locked the door and went to her room to get out of the discomfort of the sweaty clothes she had been wearing all day.

Aika opened the very well loved purple and black painted door entering her room. Switching on the lights she was relaxed seeing the room she would be in for the next three months everyday day. The purple ish black wall adorned skulls and many other things most people would see as Gothic. She didn't really care though.

Aika then took her back pack off and hung it up on a hook attached to the wall before taking her school uniform off and threw it to the ground.

* Ugh, finally out of that thing * Aika said to herself, just relieved to be out of those clothes.

She then went to her dresser that was right next to her bed that was on the right side of the room that was facing outwards. She opened it up and began digging through all her dresses and soon picked a dress that was sleeveless, black on the top, with a black corset in the midsection, the skirt was purple.

She slipped the dress over her head and slipped on, once it was on she grabed the clips that held the dress up and cliped them on the back of her neck. She then pulled out a pair of knee high purple socks that had black bats decorated on them. After she was done changing, Aika opened her backpack and pulled out her note book along with her other drawing utensils and went back down to the living room to draw and watch some TV.

(Several hours later)

Aika was so deep into drawing that once she was done with the previous one, there were no more pages. Glancing at her clock she watched it flash 9:00pm as the sky outside matched it.

* I don't wanna cook...that store has a restaurant in it though, and notebooks. I guess it's worth the trip * She thought to herself while getting up.

Heading downstairs, she walked to the back door after putting on her shoes. A deep black colored the sky, the flashlight that hung from one of the hangers caught her eye. Grabbing the flashlight she made her way to the store.

Looking at the wooden porch and newly cut grass with the painted fence, she smiled at herself. Aika and her mother had did it last week together, it was fun. Aika walked across the yard opening the fence gate making sure to lock it once she passed through it before making the two minute walk across the road to the store.

When she entered the building she looked, curious on how busy it was at this time of night. However no one seemed to really be in the store aside from a couple that was obviously not from Japan...probably American.

* Man, they must be pretty well grounded to come here * She thought

Aika's excitement for a new notebook was cut short when she saw that they were unfortunately out of stock. She groaned in annoyance at her luck, being reduced to having to watch horror movies and anime. To Aika, drawing was her one way to block out and escape her miserable life while her mom wasn't home. Her mom was just- if not more important than drawing to her as both things were a light in her life. The only light.

* This is just fantastic, knowing the system here they won't have a new stock in a week- dammit! * She thought angrily.

" Whatever, I'll get some food and take my butt home " Aika mumbled to herself before going up to the front to scan the menu.

"Oh Hey Aika." A familliar male voice said.

Aika looked at the worker quickly recognizing him from school as they were in the same class, the only student who ever actually talked to her.

" Haru?! You work here now? " She asked surprised.

" Yeah I just started last week, this place is awesome! " He exclaimed happily, Aika could tell he loved his job

"Oh cool, I'd like some takoyaki with no sauce and onigiri grilled with tuna in it to go please." Aika said, placing her order.

"Okay your total is 300 Yen." Haru said.

Aika pulled out her purple wallet with a white skull on it, taking the total out for the order. She handed it to Haru and he placed it in the register before disappearing back into the back. As Aika waited she heard a voice that made her head ache...the last person in the world she wanted to see right after summer started.

" I didn't know the store had you in stock~ " Hinote said seductively.

"Oh my god why are you here?" Aika asked angrily.

"Oh my dad was taking me to see a friend of his and we stopped by to get something. He's in the car because his feet are hurting so it's only me here babe." Hinote explained in a flirty tone.

"Well get your things and go back to your dad, I'm just here to get some food and I don't want to be bothered." Aika explained in an obvious tone that would let anyone know she doesn't want to talk anymore.

"Oh well, why should I go so soon? Since you are here why dont I stay a little longer?" Hinote asked smiling like he just won the ultimate prize.

" You said you were here with your dad? Go back before he drives off without you, it's late and I don't want to be bothered " She spoke. Aika's angry slowly reaching it's breaking point.

Without warning he wrapped his arms around Aika, grabbing onto her chest. Her fast reflexes caused Aika to whip around and landed a punch right to his face. Hinote met the ground with a loud thud.

"DON'T TOUCH ME YOU FREAK!" Aika screamed angrily.

" You get what you deserve. Leave my store, now " A man's voice said calmly with a hint of anger.

The two looked towards the side of the store and saw the manager. He had witnessed everything from Hinote walking in to him assaulting Aika. He knew her mother, they were regulars. Loved by him, he knew well that Aika only acted out of discomfort, reflex, and defense

"B-But she punched me!" Hinote exclaimed.

"Because you grabbed her, so let that be a lesson for when you grab a woman without their permission. Now get what you need here and leave before I make things ugly by calling the police and reporting you for this inappropriate behavior. My store has cameras so it'll surely have what you did on it." The Manager firmly said letting Hinote know that he wasn't welcomed there for much longer.

So Hinote got up, glared at Aika and the manager, before getting the item he needed, paying for it and left the store in a huff.

"Thanks for that." Aika said to the manager.

"Hey it's just my job and I promised your mom that I'd take care of you while she was gone, so if you need anything let me know." The manager said before heading back into his office.

Soon Haru came out with a bag that had Aika's food in it. She then took the bag, thanked Haru and waited in the the store, to allow Hinote to leave the area as she didn't want to deal with him anymore today. She soon saw his car leave and saw that his father wasn't in it, so she guessed he was off to cause trouble with his friends. Once she saw that he was gone she started walking out the door just wanting to get home, eat, and rest after what just happened.

"Hey Aika wait!" Haru called out.

Aika stopped, turned around, and asked "Yeah what do you need?"

" I saw you looking in the art section and forgive me if I'm wrong, but it looked like you were searching for the notebooks. I know they keep them on those shelves " He explained as his face displayed his flustered expression.

" Yeah I do, as an artist I use them up alot. The ' no friends ' thing doesn't help either. Why does it matter though? I know they won't be in stock for another week " Aika admitted still frustrated at having to wait.

" Oh! Well...I don't need it and I don't mind giving it to you, so here " Haru said holding the notebook out in front of him.

" Ha, it's the same design as the walls in my room. The book, I mean. "

" Oh! Really? I just got this and another one online, the website I bought them off asked if I want to join the artist game " Haru explained.

"Oh I wonder what that meant?" Aika asked, confused.

"I don't know it might just be an art contest, anyway here I've seen what you've drawn and it's really cool." Haru happily said.

"Thanks I really need this while my mom is out." Aika said while taking the notebook and leaving.

* Hinote...I won't let someone like you who spreads STD's like wildfires have Aika * Haru's face contorting to a scowl and the previous assault incident flashed in his mind.

He then got out his notebook and started drawing in it under the counter, he couldnt help but smile a little as he knew what he was going to do. He was going to make Hinote regret what he did to Aika and for all the bullying he put Haru through over the years.

(At Aika's house)

When Aika got in she took her shoes off and didn't bother putting them away properly since she was tired, mostly from the encounter with Hinote. So she just left her shoes where they were and went to the kitchen to eat her food. While she was eating she decided to get out the new notebook and start drawing in it. When she opened it she saw that the notebook had a purple pen in it and a little text that read "write your name and home state to enter the Artists game."

Confused, Aika didn't take it as anything. She wrote her name and state in the box. She started drawing characters and creatures unaware of the consequences, she just entered herself into The Artist Game.

(Somewhere else)

Hinote was hanging outside with his friends in an alleyway. They were smoking and conversing about what happened back in the store.

"Wow, I can't believe she punched you, must be playing really hard to get." One if Hinote's friends said.

" Yeah. I'll get her soon, all the other girls have fallen for me and she will too " he said confidently while taking another puff of his weed.

The metallic almost plastic like sound of cans was heard by the back of the alley. All three boys stood up peering into the cold dark void that was the alleyway.

" Hey! Who's there?! If it's one of you homeless fucks I promise you'll feel pain like no other! " Hinote yelled trying to sound aggressive, he could hear the fear in his voice which didn't help.

Fast swift footsteps began to aggressively approach them, they all stared in fear as a tall, thin black monster emerged from the shadows. It wielded blades, not for a normal weapon like a knife...but it's own hands.

The boys all screamed for their mothers as they tried to run away from it. Their effort would amount to nothing, the creature being too fast for them to outrun it sliced through their bodies killing them. The alleyway walls and ground now coated with a fresh crimson color. It loomed over their bodies for a minute until it shriveled up like discarded paper and torn apart.

Just then a woman walked by the alleyway. The strong scent of blood and death pulling her attention. Scanning the alleyway, she shrieked in horror as she saw the mutilated bodies of the unlucky teenage boys.

Their shrieking attracted the attention of the people in the apartment complex and convent store nearby. Some other people rushed out and were horrified when they saw the horrific scene. Some people fainted, others threw up, and another man was calling the police.

They soon arrived within a few minutes after receiving the distressing call along with an ambulance and a cleanup crew to care for the bodies and fainted people. The chief of police was looking around the crime scene for a murder weapon - just anything that could point them in the direction of what did this.

"Sir we didn't find any weapons, all we found were just shreds of paper." The officer told his commander and showed him the said paper shreds.

"Still someone had to have done this. After all people don't just split in half for no reason." The commander said angrily.

"I know sir and we'll figure out what happened, don't worry." The officer said, trying to reassure his boss.

The commander thankfully calmed down... till he remembered that he would have to tell the parents of the boys and that's something no one wants to do.

(In Haru's house)

Haru was in his room looking at his notebook with a satisfied look on his face.

* I knew my creature wouldn't let me down. Ah, I love this game * Haru said to himself

"Haru come down dinners ready and your fathers home!" Haru's mother called to her son.

"Okay mom coming!" Haru called out before closing the notebook and hiding it under his mattress so his sister wouldn't take it.

He then pulled out a picture of Aika from under his mattress and looked at it for a bit before kissing it.

" Aika... you're so beautiful, don't worry that bastard won't ever bother you again. I'll make sure that no one will EVER hurt you again " Haru spoke softly before putting the photo back under his mattress and heading downstairs to join his family for dinner.