| The Beat Down |

"I'm only going to ask you one more time!" Nick said dangerously. The night hadn't been fun like Nick had said, I was still in the room with bare white walls and no furniture. My face was bruised and cut, and I was continuously punched or kicked. I was still on my knees and blood blurred my vision. I was kept upright by someone holding me by a handful of my hair. Nick enjoyed it in the beginning, giggling and taunting me, but now he was infuriated. I wouldn't tell him anything. Over my dead body.

"Where is Axel!" I knew he'd probably kill him. Nick had been humiliated the first day. I still am amused at the memory of him sprawled in the dirt, after Axel shoved him off the bench. Even though I was being beaten up.

"No." I gritted out of my teeth. All I could think of was Adaline. What would happen when he found the group? He had the guns, we had nothing. Adaline's life was in my hands, if I told Nick that we were meeting up soon at the magazine store, he might kill her.

Fist coming at my stomach, oh no, these are the worst. Wompf! All the air in my lungs sucked out of me. I tried to hunch over, but I couldn't because of the stupid person holding me upright. I gasped for air but it didn't come. I squeeze my eyes shut trying to combat the pain. Do this for Axel and Adaline, they matter more than your pain. I'm starting to lose focus. Everything is muffled.

"WHERE ARE THEY?" Nick screamed at me. His nose is almost touching mine. I shake my head weakly.

"No." I said hoarsely. I watch as Nick's eyes turn ice cold. Uh, that's not good, I think, as a fist comes whirling to my face. My head snapped to the side from the blow and I sagged. I lose myself to the blackness.

XXX Vanessa

This is my second night being locked in this living room. They at least bought water and food but it was getting old. I only was allowed to be out of the room when I called to be taken to the bathroom. My eyelids started to close.. Bang! The door was thrown open. I quickly stood up, startled. Two fifteen year old boys dragged an unconscious boy between them. Wha--?? They threw him to the ground and he slid on his side to my feet. The boys smirked at me. As if to say your next. They slammed the door leaving me and the unconscious boy alone. I see the duck tape that's around his wrist and I finally get it off after a while. I flipped him onto his back. I winced. His face was a mess, bloodied and bruised. I scrambled for my water and one of my ragged blankets. I wet the blanket and tried to dab off some of the blood. He groaned. Eek! I don't know what i'm doing!! I kept dabbing, trying to do it as lightly as I could. His eyes snapped open. That scared the crap out of me! Puzzled eyes met mine.

XXX Chase

Where did this girl come from? She crouched over me dabbing my cuts. Ouch! I intake a sharp breath. My ribs flared. Even breathing bought pain. I wished for the blackness to overtake me again but it doesn't. She dabbed my split lip. I wince.

"Ow." I said. She looked at me with apologetic eyes.

"Okay, you get the wet blanket tonight, since it was your fault I had to wet it with my water." The girl said.

"But I'm wounded." I said, trying to play the victim role. Maybe she'll pity me enough, and give me the dry blanket.

"Too bad. Oh, I'm Vanessa if you were wondering." She then turned away and jumped on a sofa.

"I'm Chase." I said. My words slurred because of my swollen face. I finally get a good look around me now. I'm in a tiny looking living room. There was ugly floral sofa and a black leather chair, there was nothing else in the room except the two couches. I tried to sit up, but sharp pain my cheats made me gasp. They must have bruised my ribs pretty bad. I scoot over to the empty chair and slide into it. I lift up my shirt. I cringe at the massive bruises.

I sigh and then I immediately fall asleep.

The next morning, Vanessa and I talked about the day we awakened and led our groups. We talked for a while until the mood was ruined by guards. They busted through the door, and grinned at me. Dread filled me.

"The boss wants to have fun with you again." One of them sneered. I gulped nervously. They pull me to my feet. I immediately sagged so they dragged me out the door. I looked one more time at Vanessa, she looked terrified. I hung my head, defeated, I knew Nick wouldn't stop until he found out where Axel and the group was.

XXX Jack

I watched the apartment complex they had Chase at, patiently. I need to wait for my opening. I left a note at the magazine store, so if I didn't come back, Axel wouldn't go looking for Chase and I. This situation was tricky but I think I'll be able to handle it.

XXX Chase

They dragged me back to the same room. I cringed as they taped my wrists behind me. I'm back in the same position, absolutely helpless. I couldn't help but tremble when he spoke.

"Little sore, Chase?" He taunted. I stared at the floor. "Just tell me where Axel is, then it will be over." I shake my head.

"No." I look up at him with a defiant glare. Nick's face darkens and he raises his fist.

The door slammed open, making me jump. Nick stops his fist to my face midway.

"Not today scum." Surprise flashes on Nick's face, then I hear two buzzes. The guard holding me upright fell to the ground, so did the other one. Both of them spasming on the floor. Nick's anger was evident on his face, he was about to scream for help but then a loud buzz sounded, and he fell to the ground spasming like the rest. I turned my head slowly. Standing in the doorway is Jack.