Lurking

The aggressive greenish-yellow eyes shimmered.

Mitsuko: 'Shocked.' Shit! (Regaining his composure.) It's just a fox. You nearly gave me a heart attack there, little buddy. (Laughing it off.) You don't have to be frightened of me, little one.

Mitsuko realised that the fox wasn't looking at him; it was looking past him, to where Akio was standing.

The wind died down for a moment as the hairs on the back of Mitsuko's neck perked up. It was a sensation he hadn't experienced in a long time, not since his youth. He had the feeling that someone was standing behind him; it was an uneasiness and suffocating presence.

The snarls were no longer audible; Mitsuko watched as the fox's gum curled back down, hiding the glistening white teeth as it darted away from the fence, whimpering past the bushes. The flickering amber hue of the street lamps came to life, washing away the darkness from the narrow pathway, while the slight hum of the ancient incandescent bulbs hummed above.

For a second, a flicker of a shadow appeared along the fence that towered over Mitusko.

Mitsuko whipped around, his heart pounding in his chest.

Mitsuko: 'Confident.' I don't know what your issue is, buddy, but... (Fists balled up.)

Akio, who was still standing three metres away, was the only one there.

Mitsuko: 'Bewildered.' What the hell? (Looking at Akio.)

A gentle patter of heels rang down the alley, followed by an even softer voice calling from underneath the black umbrella.

Maria: There you are! (Lightly panting.) Akio, what are you doing out here in the rain? 'Gasping.' 

The young boy did not respond or show any signs of motion.

Maria: (Reaching for Akio's hand.) Mitsu... hey Mitsu? 'Growing annoyance.'

The young boy's feet moved back, retreating away from the gentle, outstretched hand. 

Maria: 'Soft.' It's me, Akio; it's Miss Maria. (Leaning in.) Last year, I taught you art. Do you recall the blue flowers you painted for me, which I adore so much? (Hand still outstretched.) They were beautiful.

Akio's hands began to move, rummaging around in his pocket, pulling out a small notepad and marker. In the rain, Akio began to write.

As Maria shielded him with her umbrella, the rain stopped.

Mitsuko: 'Confused.' Maria, did you see anyone just now? (Glancing at Maria.)

For a brief moment, Mitsuko's heart thumped again, waiting for the answer. Still standing motionless under the conifer, Mitsuko looked in Akio and Maria's direction. A cold wafted over him. 

Maria: (Shooting up a brow.) Just you and Akio, why do you ask? 'Pouting.' Though, I do see someone who is about to catch a cold!

Mitsuko: (Pinching his eyes.) It's probably just my imagination; I thought I saw something. 'Sneezing.'

Maria felt a gentle tug on her tanned raincoat; it was Akio, holding a small piece of paper in his hand.

Maria: (Kneeling down.) What is it, Akio? (Observing the note.) Ah, you want me to read it. 'Smiling.' Once we reach the car, I promise. Now, hold onto my hand and stay close to me while under the umbrella. Okay? 

No reply came from Akio; the small hand wrapping around Maria's was all she needed as they walked back up the now-lit alley. As Maria propped it under her right arm, the umbrella lurched backwards, the wind returning.

Mitsuko watched as the small student and the slender figure walked on, like a mother and child. He turned and looked down the alley, watching the lights above flicker. The fox was no longer there, and he stood alone for a moment—that is, until someone called his name. 

Maria: 'Shouting.' If you die of a cold, I won't bury you! (Stamping her heel.) Now get in the car, Mitsu! Running off like a darn hooligan, I swear some day's you act before you think...

The tirade faded as she moved further away.

Mitsuko: 'Defeated.' Yes, dear. 'Muttering.' Where's my coat?

Maria: 'Jokingly.' Did I hear something?

Mitsuko: No, my dear. (Looking at the two in front.)

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Meanwhile, on the 37X bus en route to the Mykon district.

Veonna sat at the front of the bus, looking outwards over Onka, a once sprawling city. As the lights flickered on in a sea of light in torrential darkness, the rain lightly letting up, her mind mulled over what happened not long ago at the bus shelter, gripping the note in her hand.

Brakes screached as the bus gradually came to a stop, and the hissing of hydraulic doors slid open. 

The soft taps filled the humming bus chamber, and the reflection of a well-dressed man in a grey suit made his way to the girl sitting on her own. The mutterings of students attracted Veonna's attention.

The man in the suit: 'Polite.' Lady Veonna? (A white glove unfurled into an open hand.) This car is waiting outside; your father will be glad you're safe. (Bowing.)

He stood, untouched by the rain and dirt, waiting for her response.

Veonna: (Standing, brushing her skirt.) Let's. I wish to speak to my father about something when I get home. 'Calm.' It's about someone. 

Veonna turned. She was looking up at the middle of the bus, her eyes locking with a girl sitting at the back holding the dotted umbrella.

More muttering began to grow. 

Student 1: Who is he?

Student 2: Look at the suit; I wonder how much it costs.

Cold eyes turned in the direction of Veonna's gaze.

The man in the suit: Very well, my lady. (Standing up straight.) I will let him know as soon as we get home, please. (Gently guiding Veonna off of the bus with one arm.) 

Veonna: (Glancing at the driver as she passed by.) Thank you for letting me off with the full fare. (Bowing.)

Bus driver: (Waving his hand.) I'm just doing my job, ma'am. I can't have you walking home in that rain. 'Sincere.'

A blur appeared in front of the payment kiosk. The man in the suit reached into his blazer pocket, pulling a golden coin out and placing it onto the payment tray with a soft clink.

The man in the suit: 'Polite.' The Yammakora group appreciates your service! (Exiting the bus.)

As Veonna left the bus, thoughts raced through her mind, she was gripping the note tighter. The rain finally came to an end, and a new downpour began to streak down Veonna's face.

Veonna: Did you give up your bus fare for me? 'Hurt.' Please forgive me...

The bus pulled away, heading into the city of lights; within it, a horror was brewing.