Blackport PD: Paranormal Detectives

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

Humanus Welt

Seattle, Washington State

Year 2028

“And last but not the least, let us all welcome our school valedictorian with a general weighted average of 96.8% on all subjects, Mr. Nathaniel Rosario of STEM 12-A1,” the dean proudly announced. There are claps coming from the audience as Nathaniel walks up the stage. He gladly shakes hands with the teacher and the dean and stand in front of the crowd.

“Hello, good afternoon everyone!” he greeted. The crowd went wild and answer in chorus. 

“Good afternoon, geek!”

“OMG, he’s so lucky!”

“Yes, I wish I was as smart as he is.”

“He’s only smart, but not that good looking. Look at those big round glasses.”

Nathan just smiled shyly at them, showing his perfect set of teeth covered with brace.

He fakes a cough to test the mic, before saying his commencement speech.

“Thank you, Sir William for having me here,” he paused and smiled at the dean who just smiled at him before he continues.

“It’s my honor today to deliver commencement address for this incredible student body,” he started and looks at the crowd who is listening to him. He saw his classmates and waved at them, and they return it back. “It is my pleasure to welcome students, families, and faculty to graduation day at Seattle University. Every one of you has made an impact on the graduates who sit before me today,” he continued. Some parents hugged their child while the others just smiled while listening to him. However, some of them keep on looking at their expensive watch as a sign that they are in a hurry and has no time for this occasion. Nathan just shook his head in dismay, and continued his speech.

“I stand here before you, looking back on the last two years that we shared in senior high school. I won’t be in this spot without you, my dearest professors and classmates, and also to my best friend who supported me since day one,” he paused and looks at the crowd once again. His brows furrowed when he did not sight him in the seats. 

‘Where are you, Aubrea?’ he asked at the back of his mind. He just smiled a bit before continuing.

“I know we all need time to spend for a celebration, that’s why I’m ending my speech for now. Thank you for the legacy we made, batch 2027-2028,” he paused to gasp for air and continued.

“Congratulations to all of us, may we be ready for the journey towards our successful future,” he finally said and the crowd went wild as he start to walk down the stage.

After a few remarks and final ceremony, the graduates are now allowed to leave the area to celebrate on their own. Many people flock on the doorway that’s why Nathan stood still like the others while waiting for it to lessen down. As soon as he went out of the venue, he saw someone he did not expect to come.

“Happy graduation day, Nathan!” he said and put his shoulders around the latter.

“W-What are you doing here, Pheabo?” Nathan silently muttered while looking at him. Pheabo just shrugged his shoulders and forcefully tighten his grip to him so that he won’t get out.

“H-Hey, what are you doing?” Nathan nervously asked. Pheabo is a well-known bully, and that’s the reason why he did not graduate on time. The dean caught him in the act while hurting and humiliating him just because his best friend Aubrea, dumped him.

“Do you know why your knight in shining armor isn’t here?” Pheabo asked in a mocking tone. Nathan feels goose bumps as he shivers to what he said. He is starting to panic as he continues talking. 

“Your knight is playing with my goons, while the damsel always in distress is here, proudly talking in front of everyone.” He slowly grabs something in his pocket and pointed it at his side.

“Don’t you dare make a noise, princess. Unless you want your blood to splatter on the ground, hmm?” he said in a dangerous tone. Nathan just nods his head in agreement and silently followed anywhere Pheabo walks.

They stopped walking when they enter the forest part of the university. This place is secluded since there is restoration happening in here, that’s why no one dares to enter the place.

No one… Except them.

“I told you, I don’t want any of you!” a girl shouted not far from them. Nathan traced where the voice is coming from and its gaze landed on the girl who is severely tied in the tree, trying to avoid the goon who tried touching her.

“Aubrea!” Nathan shouted her name. The latter looks at him and shook her head in bewilderment.

“No, Nathan! Please leave! They will kill you!” she desperately pleaded. The goons around them just laughed at what she said. 

“Hey, that accusation is bad,” Pheabo gently said as he walks toward her direction. He started touching her hair that cause Aubrea to spit on his face.

“Shame on you Pheabo and your stupid friends! No wonder you did not graduate at all! You’re just angry at him because he is a lot better than you!” she shouted. Pheabo did not like what she did and slapped her hard across her face.

“No! Stop hurting her!” Nathan pleaded as he tried approaching him, but the other goons caught him in the arm and hold him tightly.

Pheabo slowly walked in his direction and stare at the hopeless Nathan.

“Are you sure you want this kind of man, Aubrea? He’s so weak and awful! The only good thing about him is his brain,” he insulted. Aubrea shouted words that Nathan didn’t completely hear because Pheabo smack him in the head.

“What’s your purpose if you don’t have that functioning brain, huh?” he asked and slapped him hard. His glasses fall off because of the pressure, and shattered it’s glass.

“No! Oh my God! Please, somebody help us!” Aubrea pleaded. She tearfully watches how those goons hurt her best friend. Her eyes widened when he saw what Pheabo pulled from his pocket.

A long, sharp knife that shines as the sun reflects on it.

Before she could even protest, Pheabo swung the knife directly at Nathan’s chest.

“No!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. One of the goons tried putting a handkerchief on her mouth to stop her from talking. Only loud sobs and inaudible words came out from Aubrea as they successfully prevent her from talking.

“A-Aubrea,” Nathan called while looking at her. He gave her one last smile before falling to the ground.

“Get that girl outta here, I’ll deal with her later,” Pheabo commanded his goons. The latter nodded and untie her. She’s about to escape when a goon caught her and punched her hard in the stomach.

Aubrea almost lost her breath due to the impact and almost fall to the ground. A goon catches her and lifts her like a sack of rice as they leave the area.

She gave one last glance at their direction and silently uttered a prayer.

“God, please send help and save him from them,” she prayed.

“Don’t worry, Nathan. I’ll give you a proper burial… right here in this exact place you’re lying at,” was the last words Aubrea heard before totally passing out.