The Disappearance of Kankri Vantas

Chapter 1

Kankri POV
Everyone at school knows me as the smartest kid and the one to cheat off of. They know that I am president of student council. They know I lead the debate club. They also know that my father is beyond strict. But one thing they'll never know about is, I hate all of it.
Being the oldest I've always been pushed to be the best in my academics. If I couldn't leave a mark on anything physical at least everyone would know I was the nerd at school who knew everything about everything.
     I at one point did like what I was doing but it just turned into my father molding me into his perfect child. There was no room for error. It was ether I gave it my all or I failed to meet my fathers standards and be a total failure at life. Let's just say it wasn't pretty when I couldn't be the best.
     But that all changes today.

      The alarm on my clock went off and I shot out of bed to get ready for school.  I shut off the alarm so the loud high pitched beeping would stop. With the sleeve of my sleep shirt I rub the sleep out of my tired eyes. Even though I had gotten plenty of sleep I was not ready to take on the day.
     A few minutes go by and birds start to chirp and the crows start to squawk in reply. The sun was barely pushing itself above the horizon. Gently I fold back the blanket and step onto the cold wooden flooring. Groggily I make my way to my closet to pick out my outfit for the day.
     Everything just looked the same. I wasn't aloud to wear anything explicate, showy, girly, to fashionable, tacky, anything with a saying over it, nothing with fancy designs, nothing baggy or skin tight ,and nothing too goth. Let's just say I don't shop for myself because I can't.  I pick the most natural of them all.  A red turtle neck sweater and black jean. I comb my dark brown hair in attempt to at least take some of the fluffy mess out of it. It some what worked. The ends of my hair still curled up and wavy. I poke my head out the door to see if anyone was up. Not a sound was heard throughout the house. I tip toe my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth. There was no way I was going to deal with my father this morning. I keep it snappy and head back to my room to put on my shoes. I lace up my shoes and grab my bag for school. Before I left my room I made sure that the guitar case under my bed was still hidden and the lyric book I write in was stashed away with my chemistry and math books in my bag.
     Yes, I am into music. No, father doesn't know a thing about this. If he found out that I wanted to go into the music industry he would literally put me into a mental asylum. He would find every way possible to bring me down and make me give up. So the less he knows the better.
     Quickly I make my way to Karkats room. He was in the middle of putting his shoes on. He looked up at me as I opened the door.
     " Learn how to fucking knock would you." He spoke loudly.
     I gave him a look and put my finger over my mouth to tell him he needed to shut up. I stood in the door way waiting  on him to gather his stuff. Loosing my patience I looked down the hall to where my fathers room was. I look down at my wrist to look at the time. It was 7:45. His alarm would be going off in 5 minutes. Karkat was running around his messy room. His stuff was scattered from an all night study session because winter break was coming and midterms were coming today.
     I take one last glance at my watch and decide he could be caught by father but I wasn't.
     " I'll be outside in the car waiting." I spoke quickly then made my way down the stair and almost broke into a full sprint when I heard the alarm go off.         
     My coat hung with my scarf still stuck in the collar and the clove still in the pockets. I slip on my coat and scoop up my keys and ran to my car.
     It wasn't the smartest ideas since the sidewalk was basically a sheet of ice and dirt. By pure luck I keep my balance and make it safely to the car. My car was a red Volvo S40 Sedan from 2007.  I put my keys into the ignition and put the heat on full blast to knock the chill off the seats.
     Karkat walks out the door with his book back slung over one shoulder. He was buried beneath a million coats and scarves. By the way he was walking he was pretty ticked. He pulled the front passenger seat door open and tosses his stuff into the back all while grumbling along and cursing to himself. Father must have caught him before he got out the door. Karkat tugged off all the extra layers and continued to toss them into the back each one was sent off with a different curse. Finally all that he had left was the coat he originally wore with the red crab print scarf his friend Dave gave to him for his 14th birthday along with a matching pair of black fingerless glove. He then started to put his seat belt on.
     I was already down the street heading to the gas station. The car ride was long and silent. Morning traffic kept us from getting to out destination. It was finally broken when Karkat sighed and leaned the seat back.
     " You know dads' gonna find out sooner or later. It's better if you just go ahead a do it. Tear that shit off like a band-aid." He yawned
     " I can't do that. Who knows what he would do if he found out I wasn't going to be going to collage. For all I know he might actually kill me and make it look like an accident." I Scoffed.
     Karkat laughed at me but it fades because he knew that he would if he found out.
     " Well your graduating this year so you might wanna think fast. Before you know it your gonna be going to collage to be a therapist just like him" You could hear the smirk in his voice.
     I punch his arm and he laughed at me.
     " I will never be like father. That man went over the edge when mom left him." I said.
     The traffic finally moved and I pulled into the gas station. I pulled up next to pump 3 then turned off the car.
     " You want anything while I'm in here?" I asked.
      He thought for a second and without turning to face me said,
     " Anything with energy."
     I shut the door indicating that I got it and walked into the store.
     In the parking lot there was motorcycle. And I knew that motorcycle from anywhere. It was Cronus Ampora's. One of the popular kids at school. He, in my opinion, is really attractive. He wasn't the most athletic but you could tell he was strong. He always has this James dean vibe about him with a touch of The Outsiders. His ink black hair was always slicked back and never out of place. His eyes were a dark shade of Violet. Where ever he walked you could here his boots clunk against the floor. He was almost perfect.
     I looked around the drinks to find something for Karkat. I came to the end where all the energy drinks were. I picked a random one then got myself a cup a coffee. I grab a random muffin for Karkat. Knowing him he'd starve all day because he doesn't eat lunch and forgot to eat this morning. I stood in line and waited for the few people to pay for there things and leave. I looked at my watch. It was 8:05. The first bell didn't go off until 8:30 and the late bell wasn't until 8:45. We have plenty of time. It's finally my turn to pay for my stuff.
     " 20 at pump three." I said and put the stuff down In from of the girl behind the casher.
     She rung up all the items and put them in a plastic bag.
     " That'll be $27.65" she said.
     I handed her the cash and she handed me the bag. She counted out my change and handed me my reseat.
      " Have a great day now." She said really letting her southern accent show.
     " You too." I waved them pocketed the change only to let it fall out and scatter all across the floor.
      " Dang it." I whisper to myself and started to pick up all the nickels and pennies.
     Someone crouched down beside me and stared to pick up the loose change.
     " Let me help ya." Said the person next to me.
     " No, no. I'm fine" I insisted and started picked up the change faster.
     I look over and it was Cronus. My brain started to go into panic mode and told me to evacuate the premises. But I couldn't because that would be rude.
     We stood up and he handed me the hand pull of change. This time I just dropped it into the bag.
     " Thank you." I said then walked off trying to hide the slight blush on my cheeks.
     " Welcome." He responded with a smile and a wave.
    My gosh that was close.
I sat the small plastic bag on the trunk and started to pump the gas into the car. I leaned against the car and watched the numbers fly by until it hit 20. When it was finished I put it up and closed the gas tank. I grabbed the back then got back into the car. Handing Karkat the bag I put my seatbelt on and start the car again. I looked at my watch one last time. It was 8:15. The drive to the school wasn't to far. Me and Karkats schools were just down the street from each other.
I pull out into the road and made it to Karkats school just in time for the last bell.
" Do you need me to pick you up after school or are you going to Gamzee's?" I asked as he grabbed his stuff.
" I'm going to Gamzee's place." He said then shut the door.
Yet again I pull into the heavy school traffic and make my way down the road to the high school.
I pull into the student parking and get out of my car; grab my stuff from the back and walked into the entry way of the school. As always students were still hanging out and talking. They just did not care that it was like 12 degrees outside and the bell was about to ring.
Quickly I made my way inside. The warm hair hit me like a bag of rocks. The school was scorching hot. They obviously don't know the difference between warm and melt your face off.
I walked down the crowded halls to try and make it to my locker before the bell. By my locker stood Meulin. She had on a dark lime green sweater on with a pleated knee length black skirt and dark grey legging underneath. Her black boot had two puff balls handing off them and had snow clumped up on them. Her long wavey light brown hair was tucked into a pony tail.
She lit up when she saw me.
" Hey!" She signed.
" Morning Meulin." I signed back.
She is half deaf and prefers to sign at school. She can speak perfectly but isn't comfortable with it at school.
" I was waiting on you." She signed.
" I see. How's everything going at home?" I responded.
Meulin held her hand up hesitantly. She was trying to figure out what to say.
" Mom still hasn't returned home yet. And dad. Well you know the story." She finished and let her hands fall to her sides.
I frown knowing what she meant. Her mother left Meulin and Nepeta with there father. And he's not the nicest of people.
She sighed and smiled again.
" How things going on at your place. You told me about a week ago that your dad was being pretty hard on you and Karkat about midterms today." She sighed and started walking with me to our class.
" He's still a total jerk no matter what's going on at school. Karkats been a mess the past week. He hasn't really slept and he's more cranky then usual." I smirk trying to lighten the mood a bit
She laughed me and lightly pushed my shoulder.
I wasn't paying attention when I walked straight into someone. Everything that I once held in my hands was now speed out on the floor.
" Oh my gosh I am so sorry!" I said.
I dropped to my knees and started picking everything up. The other person knelt down beside me and started picking things up.
" We gotta stop meeting like this." He laughed a little.
It was Cronus. I have just ran straight into Cronus Ampora. Why does this keep happening. And by keep happening I mean this is the second time it's happens today and it's not even noon.
I stood up quickly with my books and papers in hand. And just before I could make a break for it he caught my shoulder.
" Hey, uhh Kankri." He said.
Oh my gosh he knows my name. How does he know my name?!?
" Yes." I say.
" I wanna talk to you after school. Is that ok?" He asked.
Why would he want to talk to me after school. What did I do!!!?!?
" Yeah it's ok." I panic and agreed.
" Ok. Meet me at the library at 3:30." He smiled and walked away with a wave.
"Ok." I waved back.
When I turned to face Meulin she had this grin on her face. Not a grin you where when your happy but a ' I know something you don't know!!' grin.
" What?"
" Isn't it obvious!?" She looked excited.
" What?" Apparently that's all I could.
She groaned at my idiocy.
" He's going to ask you out!" Her face lit up.
" No! He can't! Why would he?! Would he!" I was so confused.
" Of course he would! You haven't noticed but I have. He stares at you a lot. And I can tell. It's just meant to be." She squealed and put her hand into fists.
I just shook it off and walks into the classroom.
First class of the day was History. On the board in front of us written in red marker was 'Happy Friday! It is December 5th, 2011. The midterm will start at 9:30 and end at 10:45'
I sat down at my desk and got out my pen. Everyone was groaning about how they 'weren't ready' and 'this is abuse'. People asked me for a pen or pencil but I was smart and didn't bring any extra.
The teacher walked in with a big smile on her face. She enjoyed watching us suffer and testing us to our wits end. Her and my father would really get along.
" Ok everyone! Take a seat a be quiet I am about to give instructions." She said.
Everyone dose as said and took a seat.
" Ok! This is your History midterm. It's worth 20% of your grade. Everything we have went over in the past two quarters will be on here. If you studied your study guide and did the practice work like I asked you will ace this test. The test will be split into 3 parts: multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short essay. You have an hour and 15 minutes to finish. Once you are handed your test you may begin. When you are finished place it in the basket on my desk." She finished and started handing out the test.
I was handed my test and a sheet of notebook paper. The test has 30 multiple choice questions; all with an 'all the above' or 'none of the above' answer, 25 fill in the blanks; some with more than 2 blanks and no word bank, and a 1000 word essay.
The test was easy. But I'm the only one who could say that because I was the only one who did the practice work. People attempted to cheat off me but was terminated by Mrs. Carver. I flipped over my test and began. It was easy. It was a synch. A thousand words isn't that much. I looked over my work and let out a sigh, I was finished. Everyone from what I could tell was still stuck on the multiple choice. As told I stapled my papers together and put them in the basket.
I return to my desk and shortly after Meulin passed me and place her test in the basket. Time passes and eventually time is up.
" Pencils down time is up. I will walk around and pick up any tests still out. Once you are packed and quiet I will let class out." Mrs. Carver said walking around.
Everyone started packing up. Some looked like they had just come home from a 10 year journey; happy but really sad looking.
Everyone left the class. It wasn't the end of testing at all. If anything we had 5 more tests today.
The day went on with testing and everyone was counting the seconds until it was the weekend. Once the bell rang everyone fled to the halls. Some leaving straight away some staying behind to talk to friends.
I walked to my locker. Meulin was waiting on me because I was her ride home today.
" You ready Kanny!!" She signed and looked really excited.
" Ready for what?"
She punched my shoulder.
" Your suppose to meet Cronus at the Library in 10 minutes!" She said.
" Oh right. What if I just not do that?" I was honestly really nervous and I don't like facing my problems head on.
" How about you go to the Library and I'll wait by the computer lab." She said.
" Fine." I groan.
You can't argue with her because if she doesn't get her way she'll cry and if she cries it's like the worlds ending and guys from all over the school will try to comfort her and 'be her friend'.
We walked down the hall and up the stairs to the library. I stopped at the top of the stairs.
" Whats wrong?" Meulin asked.
" I'm just nervous." I said.
She just smiled and grabbed my hand then dragged me down the hall.
Cronus was standing there. His book back at his feet. He was leaning on the wall next to the sign that read 'Library'. I built up just enough courage to walk up to him.
He caught glimpse of me and smiled. I stopped in front of him. I was about to jump out my skin. My nerves are out of control.
" Hey chief."
" Hello Cronus." I said trying not to sound like I was dying inside from stress.
" Look umm, Kanny. Wait! I mean Kankri." He shuffles his hands around in his pockets and switched all his weight into his right foot.
" There's no easy way to say this so I'm just gonna say it and try not to sound like an idiot." He paused for a minute and closed his eyes.
He's really cute.
" I really like you Kankri!!" He blurted out like he had it in for a long time.
" What!" I tried to sound surprised but Meulim ruined it for me.
     " I know we don't exactly know each other that much but I like you. Your like really smart and really cute and I just..," he continue but I kinda tuned out after he called me cute.
     He's being put up to this. I bet there like gonna record it and post it everywhere. 'Pranking The Nerd!!!'
     " So how about it Kankri? Are you free today?" He asks.
     Before I could answer Meulin stepped in. She knew I was going to refuse.
     "He'll be free as soon as he drops me off at home." She spoke!
     Why is she speaking to him?!?
     " Kewl. Then how about coffee. My step-mom owns this place downtown." He added.
     " That sounds great. What time?" I asked.
     " 5:30. If you give me your address I'll pick..," He didn't get to finish.
     " DON'T PICK ME UP!" I spouted quickly.
      He looked at me surprised.
     " Sorry it's just. My father is really strict. If you show up with a motorcycle he will not open the door. And if for some reason you do come in there will be none stop questions and you'll wish you had never met me." I said.
     He just laughed at me. My gosh man this is no laughing matter!!! My father would murder me if he found out I brought a guy who rides a motorcycle and wears leather home!!!!
    " Then I'll meet you there." He smiled.
    " Yes, I will meet you there." I said.
     He picked up his stuff and walked away.
Meulin squealed in excitement then tackled me in a hug. She was more excited then I was. Not that I'm not excited that I'll be going on a 'date' with my crush. It's just I'm nervous that this whole thing is joke. No one has ever liked me that way before.
" Oh my gosh!!! Your going on a date with one of the most popular kids in a school!! " She was almost glowing.
" It's not exactly a date. Where just going to go get coffee and talk. " I said trying to make it more casual than she was making it out to be.
" Well he asked you out. You are going somewhere. And you are alone. I think that pretty much makes it a date." She had this smug look on her face that said 'I just out smarted you'.
I let out a sigh and shook my head in disagreement.
" Come on Meulin. We still have to go pick up your sister from school. I'm pretty sure if we keep her waiting any longer she'll blow a gasket. " I said while leading the way down the hall.
" Oh come on Kankitten be a little more excited!" She said and started to fallow me.
" I am. It's just kinda scary of how out of the blue it was. And I thought I told you not to call me that!"
" But Kankitten it's so purrr-fect for you." She giggled
" Oh gosh your back at it again with the cat puns." I groaned.
" There just so furr-eakin fun." Now she was just doing it to annoy me.
I smiled at her and shook my head.
We made it to my car. Not everyone but most of everyone was gone. It was mostly teachers and students here for after school clubs. Meulin placed her green cat book bag in her lap and I threw my satchel into back where all of Karkats coats and scarves lay in the floor.
I pulled into the neighboring high school pick up area. Nepeta stood there with her school uniform on her phone. Meulin let out a sigh of annoyance.
I look over at her. She doesn't usually get annoyed easy.
" What's the matter? You usually don't get like this." I asked while I pulled into the pick up area.
" She's texting him again." She said and leaned more into her seat.
" Who?" I asked.
" This guy Equius. Her friend Aradia dated the guy. He lives in Texas. And she's constantly talking about him. And if it's not that it's 'Equius said this Equius said that' and it's driving me up the walls insane!!" She was almost screaming.
" You never know she might be texting Karkat." I said trying to calm her down.
" Oh really," she laughed a little," When she gets in here ask her." She dared me.
Nepeta happily for into the car. Her eyes still glued to her phone.
Meulin moved her hands to motion that Nepeta was now in the car and I needed to ask.
" So who are you texting?" I asked
You could tell Meulin already knew why she was going to say
" My friend Equius." She smiled.
I was looking at Meulin the whole time and she mouth every word perfectly. She then darted her glare to me and sighed some pretty nasty words. I raise my hands in surrender.
The car ride was silent until we made it to the first red light.
" Nep guess what?" Meulin said trying to catch her younger sisters attention.
" What?" Nepeta put her phone aside.
" Kankri's going on a date today."
You could tell that she got her attention. Nepeta lived for this type of stuff.
" No way! Kankri actually got someone to ask him out?!" She sounded so surprised.
I was a little affected at her attitude.
" First off, triggered! Check your privileges. And second, I could have gotten a boyfriend anytime I wanted!" Meulin was laughing so hard; beating the dash and everything.
" Then why didn't you?" Nepeta was taunting me.
" Because I was busy." I tried to justify myself.
" Meulin was busy and still managed to date Damara." Nepeta was pushing her luck.
Meulin stopped laughing instantly and turned around in her seat to face Nep.
" I told you to never bring that up." Her voice was so dead serious it was unnatural.
" But she was so funny!" Nepeta was edging the conversation on.
" She is the apidimi of a kinky ass porn star." Nepeta was giggling in the backseat.
" Anyways," Meulin spoke out really loudly. ," Guess who asked him out?"
" Who?"
" Cronus Ampora."
" How the heck did Kankitty manage to get the the team captain of the swim team to go out with him?" Again with the extreme shock.
" Nepeta if your so into love then why don't you have a date?" I didn't notice how stupid I sounded until it came out. I was arguing with 13 year old. And I was starting to argue like one.
" I do! He just live in Texas!" Nepeta argued.
Meulin's head hit the dash. Her little sister has a boyfriend. And he's the guys she won't shut up about. She sat up quickly and turned to look at Nep again.
     " Nepeta Leijon! Why are you dating a guy you've never met in person?!?! Do you not understand how dangerous that is!" She was screaming.
     The only reason Meulin was furious was because she cared. She didn't want her younger sister getting hurt.
     I finally pull into the driveway of their house. Meulin unbuckled her seat belt and grabbed her bag.
     " We will discuss this when we get inside." She didn't yell but spoke loudly and very clearly.
     Nepeta groaned then kicked open the door and dragged her bag along with her into the house. Meulin clicked her tongue then opened the door.
     " I don't know what I'm gonna do with that girl." She sighed and got out the car. Before she could close the door she said one last thing.
     " Test me about your date later. And thanks for the ride." She smiled then closed the door.
     I pulled out the drive way and headed back to my place to dump my stuff then some how make it look like I am not a nun.
     My house came into view and my fathers car wasn't in the drive way. When I pulled in I checked my phone to see if I had any missed calls or texts. I didn't. This was really confusing. He wouldn't be home late without shooting me a text. I got my stuff and went to the door.
     Did someone steal the car?
     I go to open the door to see if it was locked. It was. He really isn't home.
     I take my keys and unlock the door. This was weird. I take my coat and gloves off and hang it up and walk to the kitchen table. There was a note. I pick up the neatly written note and read it to myself.