Kazuya and his friends gathered after school, chatting amongst themselves like a group of delinquents. One of the friends, a burly young man with a shaved head named Victor, spoke up.

  "Hey, has anyone seen Riku lately? He didn't show up to school yesterday either."

  Another friend, a lanky boy with a pierced lip named Jamie, shrugged. "Nah, man. I haven't seen him since the other night when he went off on his own. Maybe he's just sick or something."

  Kazuya, the ringleader of the group, leaned back against the wall, a smug expression on his face. "Who cares? Riku's probably just skipping again. You know how he is."

  The group fell silent for a moment, the unspoken tension hanging in the air. None of them seemed particularly concerned about their missing friend's whereabouts.

  "So, uh, Kazuya, what do you wanna do today? We're all here, ready to go whenever you are." He flashes a forced smile, trying to appease the group's leader.

  Jamie chimes in, "Yeah, man, we're all ears. Whatever you say, we're down for it."

  Kazuya leans back against the wall, a smug expression on his face as he surveys his loyal followers. He knows they're desperate to stay in his good graces, and he intends to take full advantage of their devotion.

  Kazuya pushes himself off the wall, a devious grin spreading across his face. "You know what, I'm feeling like hitting up that new club downtown. The one with the killer DJ and all the hot chicks." He chuckles, already envisioning the night's debauchery.

  Victor perks up, eagerness evident in his expression. "Hell yeah, man! I'm so down for that. Let's go show those girls a good time, am I right?" He elbows the lanky boy, who nods enthusiastically in response.

  Kazuya turns to the group, his arrogance palpable. "Alright, then it's settled. Let's go have some fun and forget about that loser Riku for now. I'm sure he'll turn up eventually." He leads the way, the others falling in line behind him as they head towards the nightclub, their laughter and boisterous chatter echoing through the streets.

  Kazuya and his group of friends make their way through the bustling city streets, the neon lights of the nightclub guiding them towards their destination. As they approach the entrance, the pulsing beat of the music can be felt reverberating through the ground.

  The nightclub is a dimly lit, cavernous space, filled with the energy of the crowd. Flashing strobe lights dance across the dance floor, where throngs of people move in sync to the driving rhythm of the music. The air is thick with the scent of alcohol and the faint tang of sweat, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

  Kazuya and his friends shove through the packed crowd, elbowing their way towards the bar. The bartenders work with practiced efficiency, pouring a steady stream of drinks for the thirsty patrons. Kazuya orders a round of shots, his eyes scanning the room for potential targets.

  "Alright, guys, let's get this party started!" Kazuya declares, tossing back his shot with a satisfied grin. His friends eagerly follow suit, the alcohol quickly taking effect.

  The VIP section, separated by a velvet rope, is where the more affluent and influential crowd gathers. Kazuya's gaze lingers on the tables, where groups of well-dressed individuals sip expensive cocktails and engage in lively conversations.

  "Hey, check out the high-rollers over there," Kazuya says, nudging his friend. "Bet we could have some fun with that crowd, don't you think?"

  Laughter and boisterous chatter fill the air as the effects of the alcohol loosen the group's inhibitions, adding to the chaotic energy of the nightclub.

  Kazuya and his friends scan the dance floor for potential targets. A group of young women, their bodies swaying to the pulsing beat, catches their eye.

  Kazuya struts over to a petite brunette, his eyes fixed on her. "Hey there, gorgeous. How about we hit the dance floor?" He leans in, his voice smooth and alluring.

  The woman glances up, a coy smile playing on her lips. "Well, aren't you the charming one? I'd love to." She slips her hand into his, allowing him to lead her onto the crowded dance floor.

  Another woman, a tall blonde, catches Kazuya's eye. "Looks like your friend's got the right idea." She sways her hips, her gaze inviting. "Care to join us?"

  Kazuya grins, his confidence radiating. "I thought you'd never ask." He gestures to his friends, beckoning them to follow as he approaches the blonde, ready to indulge in the night's festivities.

  Victor, not one to be outdone, approaches a tall blonde. "Yo, girl, you're looking fine tonight. How about we show these other losers how it's done?" He elbows her playfully, his boisterous laughter drawing her attention.

  The blonde woman raises an eyebrow, a coy smile playing on her lips. "Is that so? Well, you certainly seem eager to show off." She leans in closer, her voice low and sultry. "I'm game if you are, big guy."

  "Hell yeah, let's do this!" He takes her hand, leading her towards the dance floor, their laughter and banter filling the air.

  Jamie, not to be left out, saunters over to a group of giggling girls eager to join in the fun.

  "So, uh, you ladies come here often? I mean, not that it matters, 'cause I'm here now, and we're gonna have a great time, right?" He flashes an awkward grin, his attempts at witty banter falling flat as the girls exchange amused glances.

  "Oh, look, the little puppy wants to play," one of the women says, her tone dripping with condescension. Another girl scoffs,

  "As if. This place is for the big boys, not scrawny wannabes like you." The group erupts in laughter, leaving the lanky boy feeling increasingly out of place.

  Jamie, his ego bruised, retreats to the bar, his shoulders slumped in defeat. He flags down the bartender and orders a series of shots, downing them one after the other in an attempt to drown his humiliation.

  "Damn those stuck-up bitches," he mutters, slamming the empty shot glass on the counter. "What do they know, anyway? I could show them a good time if they'd just give me a chance."

  He signals the bartender for another round, his face flushed from the alcohol. "Keep 'em coming, man. I need to forget about this whole damn night."

  The bartender eyes him warily but complies, sliding the shots across the counter. The lanky boy snatches them up, his hands trembling slightly as he throws them back, one after the other.

  "Who needs 'em, right?" he says, his words slurring. "I'm gonna have a better time on my own, just me and the drinks."

  He leans heavily against the bar, his gaze unfocused as he stares into the empty glasses.

  Jamie stumbles as someone bumps into him, sloshing his drink down the front of his shirt. He whirls around, his face flushed with anger and alcohol.

  "Hey, watch where you're going, asshole!" he slurs, shoving the other person roughly.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  The man he bumped into, a burly bouncer, glares down at the intoxicated teenager. "You watch it, kid. You're the one who needs to be more careful."

  "Oh, yeah? You wanna go, big guy? I'll show you who needs to be careful!"

  The bouncer's eyes narrow, and he grabs the front of the boy's shirt, yanking him closer. "You really wanna try me, huh? I'd think twice if I were you."

  Suddenly, Kazuya appears, pushing his way through the growing crowd. "Hey, what's going on here?" he demands, his voice sharp and authoritative.

  Jamie turns to Kazuya, a pleading look in his eyes. "Kazuya, man, this guy started it! He bumped into me and now he's trying to start something."

  Kazuya's gaze sweeps over the scene, his expression darkening. "Are you kidding me? You're embarrassing me in front of everyone, you idiot." He turns to the bouncer, offering an apologetic nod. "Sorry about that. I'll take care of it."

  Grabbing his friend by the arm, Kazuya yanks him away from the bouncer. "You're done for the night. Get the hell out of here before you cause any more trouble."

  Jamie protests weakly, but Kazuya's grip is unyielding as he drags him towards the exit. "But, Kazuya, I-"

  "Shut up and just go," Kazuya snaps, shoving his friend out the door and into the night.

  Kazuya returns to the club, his jaw clenched in irritation. Victor, sensing the shift in his friend's mood, approaches cautiously.

  "Yo, Kazuya, you sure it's cool that we just ditched Jamie like that?" Victor asks, his brow furrowed.

  Kazuya levels a cold stare at Victor, his voice sharp. "Shut up. Don't question me."

  The burly boy falls silent, recognizing the warning in Kazuya's tone. He nods, the protest dying on his lips, and follows Kazuya back into the pulsing nightclub, the music and laughter swallowing up their exchange.

  Jamie stumbles out of the nightclub, his face flushed with anger and alcohol. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a crumpled pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Trembling, he sparks the flame and brings the cigarette to his lips, inhaling deeply.

  "Damn Kazuya, damn those girls, damn this whole fucking night," he mutters through gritted teeth, the smoke curling from his lips. He takes another long drag, the nicotine providing a momentary reprieve from the sting of humiliation.

  "Who needs 'em, anyway? I'm better off on my own." He shakes his head, his brow furrowed as he stares out into the dark streets, the glow of the cigarette the only light guiding his way.

  Jamie stumbles down the dimly lit streets, the cool night air doing little to sober his alcohol-addled mind. Despite the late hour, he spots a group of young women giggling and chatting as they make their way down the sidewalk.

  Mustering what little coordination he has left, Jamie approaches the group, a lopsided grin plastered on his face. "Hey there, ladies," his words slightly slurred. "You all look like you're having a good time. Mind if I join you?"

  The women eye him warily, exchanging cautious glances. One of them, a tall brunette, takes a step back. "Uh, no thanks. We're good." She turns to her friends, lowering her voice. "Let's just keep walking, okay?"

  Undeterred, Jamie steps closer, his hand reaching out to grab the brunette's arm. "Aw, come on, don't be like that. I just wanna have a little fun, that's all." His grip tightens, his desperation evident.

  The brunette yanks her arm away, her eyes narrowing. "Get your hands off me, creep!" she snaps, her voice laced with disgust.

  Jamie persists in flirting with the women. The women tried to get away from him, but Jamie was too persistent.

  "Come on, baby, don't be like that," Jamie slurs, his grip tightening on the brunette's arm. "I just wanna show you a good time."

  The brunette grimaces, trying to yank her arm free. "Get off me, you creep! We're not interested."

  Another woman in the group steps forward, her voice firm. "Leave us alone before we call the cops, you drunk asshole."

  Jamie's brow furrows, his expression darkening. "Cops? Nah, you don't wanna do that. Why don't you just—"

  Jamie's legs were suddenly yanked from under him, and he let out a startled yelp as an unseen force pulled him up towards the rooftops. The women watched in shock, unsure of what to do.

  "Should we call the cops?" one of them whispered, her voice trembling.

  The group exchanged nervous glances, then quickly decided it was best to leave the area and not get involved. They hurried away, their laughter and chatter replaced by the sound of their retreating footsteps.

  Jamie slammed hard against the rooftop, the impact knocking the wind out of him. He groaned in pain, the alcohol-induced haze suddenly clearing as he found himself face-to-face with the towering, reptilian creature. Talon loomed over him, its glowing eyes fixed on the lanky boy, and Jamie felt a surge of terror course through his body. All traces of drunkenness vanished as he stared up at the monstrous being, completely mortified.

  "Oh god, what is that thing?" Jamie cried out, his voice trembling. He scrambled backwards, his heart pounding in his chest. "This can't be real. It's just a nightmare, right?"

  Talon let out a low, rumbling growl, its massive head tilting to the side as it studied the terrified boy. The creature's sharp claws flexed, and Jamie couldn't help but imagine them tearing him to shreds.

  "Please, don't hurt me!" Jamie pleaded, his hands raised in a desperate attempt to ward off the monster.

  Talon sinks his jaws down on Jamie, the lanky boy's screams muffled as the towering creature's sharp teeth pierce his flesh. Jamie thrashes and writhes, but Talon's grip is unyielding, crushing the life from him. Blood spills from the wound, and Jamie's desperate pleas for mercy are drowned out by the monster's rumbling growls. Talon's powerful jaws clamp down harder, the boy's struggles growing weaker until he finally falls still, his life fading away as the creature continues its relentless attack.

  (Eddie's POV)

  I stuff Jamie's lifeless body into a large bag, grunting with the effort. This will serve as food for Talon in the future - a necessary disposal method to cover my tracks. With one more of Kazuya's friends eliminated, I feel a sense of grim satisfaction.

  My next target is Victor. I've been monitoring his movements, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike when he's alone. The hunt continues.

  I crouch on the rooftop, my keen reptilian senses attuned to the movements below. My prey, Victor, emerges from the club with a woman on his arm. Even from this distance, Talon's heightened hearing allows me to pick up their conversation.

  "Your place or mine?" Victor asks, a sly grin spreading across his face.

  The woman giggles coyly. "I was thinking somewhere a little more... exciting."

  They chuckle in unison, their voices dripping with anticipation. My grip tightens as I watch them hurry down the darkened street, eager to indulge their carnal desires.

  Without a moment's hesitation, I leap from the rooftop, I keep to the shadows, my scaled form blending seamlessly into the night as I continue to follow them.

  I crouch behind the trees as I watch Victor and the woman enter the park. They settle on a bench, their hands wandering as they begin undressing. My jaw tightens, but I force myself to remain still and observe.

  "You have an interesting hobby," Victor says, his voice low and laced with amusement.

  The woman giggles, her fingers trailing along his thigh. "I just love the thrill of doing it in public. Don't you?"

  Victor chuckles, "Well, this certainly isn't the weirdest thing I've done."

  I suppress a shudder as they give in to their carnal desires, their moans and sighs filling the air. The primal part of me is tempted to lash out, to end their depraved display. But I force myself to remain patient, to wait for the right moment to strike.

  I watch from the shadows as Victor and the woman finish their tryst, her cries of pleasure echoing through the park. Victor leans back, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

  "You're amazing," the woman sighs, her voice still heavy with arousal.

  "I know," Victor replies smugly.

  The woman pauses, then says, "I need to use the restroom. Come with me?"

  Victor nods and stands, offering his hand to help her up and they walk towards the park's restroom.

  My muscles tense, adrenaline coursing through me. This is my chance.

  (Eddie's POV)

  I slink through the shadows, keeping my footsteps light as I follow Victor and the woman towards the park's restroom. The woman enters, throwing a coy glance over her shoulder at Victor.

  "Wait for me out here, won't you?"

  "Sure thing, babe."

  Victor grins, leaning against the wall as he waits for her to return. I crouch in the darkness, my eyes fixed on my unsuspecting prey. The moment is ripe, and I feel the familiar thrill of the hunt coursing through me.

  (Eddie's POV)

  I leap from the shadows, my claws extended as I pounce on Victor. With lightning speed, I impale him through the chest, the sickening crunch of bone and flesh echoing in the darkness. Victor's eyes widen in shock, his mouth open in a silent scream.

  I grip his head in my jaws, feeling the bones crack as I tear it from his body. The warm, metallic taste of blood fills my mouth as I swallow Victor's severed head. His lifeless form slumps to the ground, a pool of crimson spreading around him.

  I drag Victor's lifeless body into the shadows, his blood leaving a trail in the dirt. The woman emerges from the bathroom, her voice dripping with annoyance.

  "Victor? Where are you?" She scans the area, but the darkness conceals the grisly scene. With a huff, she turns and storms off, muttering under her breath about being stood up.

  I let out a low, satisfied rumble, watching as she disappears into the night. My plan has unfolded perfectly. One more obstacle has been eliminated, bringing me one step closer to my ultimate goal. The thrill of the hunt still courses through me, whetting my appetite for more.

  I quickly pour dirt over the pool of blood, disguising the grisly scene. Gripping Victor's lifeless body, I hoist it over my shoulder and make my way back to the van. I don't forget to retrieve Jamie's bag on the way.

  Reaching the van, I carefully load the bodies into the specialized containment unit, ensuring they remain secure and don't rot.

  I enter the containment unit, feeling the familiar process of the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. enveloping me. In a flash, I'm transported back into my own body, my senses returning to normal. The experience is always a bit disorienting, but I've grown accustomed to it over time.

  I hop behind the wheel and drive back towards the lab.