The Hands of Time

Title: The Hands of Time
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Serj can't get over the nagging feeling in his head that he knows who this mysterious woman at all of his shows is. When she appears dead in his hotel, his past comes to haunt him.
Disclaimer: This story is totally fictional and even involves fictional characters. Any names, situations, or whatever that happened in real life and corresponds with this is purely coincidental.

*Teaser*

Chapter One.

She was there again. That same woman with the darker than tan, lighter than black skin. She didn't look Hispanic or Black or even Native American. Her hair was long, dark, and wavy. Serj couldn't break his gaze from her large, round, amber-green eyes. They caught his attention every single show, but also because she stood in the same place every time. Fourth row from the stage, center. Her gaze was expressionless. It was impossible to read her face. She didn't move with the rest of the crowd. It was almost as if she were in her own world and everyone else was oblivious to her presence.

Focus Serj, you've got a show to do, he told himself. She's probably a stalker. Just try to avoid her as much as possible. But it was impossible for him to ignore her. Through his smile he was secretly becoming worried. This woman was first in line outside waiting to get inside. He knew because whenever he went out to see the line, she would be the first person he saw. After the show, she was out back waiting for him. Not near the bus, no. She waited outside, sitting on the hood of a car that looked like his first car. She would be smoking a cigarette and would toss her hair to the side so as to expose her slender neck and Serj would swallow nervously. This woman was not normal.

And Serj was right.

After the show, he lingered inside as long as he could before he was forced onto the bus and had to walk out there, had to look into those painfully familiar eyes. They glimmered in the night with barely any light to reflect off them. They glowed. He couldn't understand where he knew her from, but he was sure that maybe it was just because he had seen her so many times already. That has to be it, he thought. Because I have no clue who the hell she is. He had seen her at every concert since he performed in LA. That was the first time he saw her. She had smiled and Serj had no choice but to smile as well. he enjoyed smiling. It felt good. And then he saw her at the next concert. Time and money on her hands. She needs a new hobby. He felt like asking her what her name was, but he felt he already knew it.

"Begins with a vowel," he muttered to himself. "Last name ends in a vowel. I'm sure of it. Arya? No, not possible." He was now standing outside enjoying a smoke. The mystery woman wan no where to be seen. He even sent someone out to look for him. When they returned with, "No one is outside, but why don't you just smoke in here? And you probably shouldn't be smoking." Serj just mumbled, "Yeah, yeah, I know. Thanks." He stepped outside and enjoyed the rush of cool, clean air rushing against his face. It felt nice outside in the desert night.

"Arayana?" He asked to no one in particular.

"Yes Serj?" Serj turned around, startled and stared at the woman. She dressed like a teenager, ripped jeans, a black pair of Converses that looked vintage, and a black hoodie that had System of a Down printed on the front with the album art of Hypnotize on it. If it weren't for the faint lines that ran from her eyes, he would have asked for ID.

"Whoa, didn't know you were, uh, right there." Serj extinguished his cigarette by crumbling it into the wall.

"I know. You don't know who I am, do you?" She gave him that same stare and Serj immediately felt uncomfortable.

"You look familiar. You've been to all my shows since LA. Where do you get the money?" Serj hoped this would be one of those cases where a dedicated yet slightly crazed fan explained how his music made an impact on their lives. That way he could play the nice card and still escape fully clothed and alive.

"Serj, how do you know my name?" Arayana questioned. "Do you remember me?" She looked so hopeful that Serj was about to say yes, but he couldn't lie.

"I'm sorry, I really don't. But you look familiar. Have I met you before touring?"

She laughed a light and airy laugh that seemed to drift away in the wind. "I was there before System of a Down got off their ass and left podunk LA."

Serj immediately began stripping his brain apart. She had almost directly quoted him. System of a Down is getting off its ass and leaving podunk LA! That's what he had said. But to whom? And who was Arayana? If it was back when he got high regularly and drank more and partied harder, she could have been one of those chicks he slept with.

"Are you trying to pin a kid on me and get money out of me lady, uh, girl?" He didn't know which pronoun to use.

"Lady. And no, I don't want your money, but you need to know something." She stepped closer but Serj remained right where he was. "Back then, I didn't think you would amount to much, but I was wrong. But you-"

"Ah ha! So you are a gold digger! I should have known. Go and find someone else. Clearly you didn't believe in the band or me so why should I believe your bullshit story now? Sorry Arayana, but if you left me then, what is supposed to make me believe you are faithful now?" He bowed slightly and began walking back to the door. As he walked inside, he heard the faint words of her light voice on the wind blow past him. "The child was yours."

----

Comment!

Same as on soadfans, but well, post the gadamn second part! Brad has to say much different things than Rob.

The child was yours.

Her words echoed through Serj’s head as he lied on his bed in the back of the bus. He didn’t have a kid, anywhere. Of all the women he slept with (and maybe a guy or two. That’s how messed up he used to get) he couldn’t think of a time where he wasn’t wearing a condom or the woman wasn’t on birth control or some other form of contraceptive. And how was he to know that she wasn’t mistaken? Hadn’t they both been drugged out hippies? All of the parties, all of his past. Every single little detail of his past came flooding back to him in a rush of nostalgic memories, scents, sights and sounds. Now he remembered Arayana. She was a friend of Shavo’s that he met at a club. He was going to try and sleep with her but based on the way she spoke and carried herself, figure she would be better for Serj. She was beautiful. She still is.

“Serj! Taste this man, it’ll kick your ass!” She laughed and swung her hair, exposing her neck.

Serj opened his mouth and let Arayana place the piece of food on his tongue. Her fingers brushed across his lips as she pulled away and Serj was suddenly entranced by her. Features he had noticed before now stood out as if enhanced by a magical spotlight. The natural curves of her body, her taut, smooth skin. He noticed her delicate fingers and limbs, how they seemed fragile, but strong.

Serj grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a kiss that eventually led to a bed. He assumed that the fact that she had said nothing meant she was on the pill and had sex with her right on the kitchen floor. Never mind the party going on around them. People were out of touch with reality or doing the same thing.

I need to call Shavo, Serj thought to himself. He wondered if Shavo would be too busy to pick up and answer a few questions since Achozen, but decided it was still worth a try. Serj grabbed his iphone off the pillow next to his head and quickly located Shavo’s number. Without surprise, he got his voicemail. “Hey guys, it’s the Shav master! Speak!” After the tone, Serj said, “Hey Shavo, do you remember Arayana uh, Carava…Caravacci? Call me back man. It’s Serj. Love you bro.” It was habit to say “love you” when hanging up with one of the guys from System of a Down. After all, they were almost family.

Serj tried to sleep. He hadn’t gotten more than a hour-long nap that day and now that he possibly had an illegitimate child, he was exhausted. Just as he drifted off to sleep, his phone rang. His hand quickly darted over and snatched it off the pillow. “Shavo?” he answered.

“Serjie! Why are you asking about Arayana? And it’s Caravicci.”

“Dude, I think she’s stalking me.” Serj sat up and tried to clear his head. Explaining things to Shavo could be difficult if you weren’t clear.

“Stalking you? Outside your window stalking or following you stalking?” Shavo sounded slightly amused. Not too long ago, Daron had dealt with a stalker who stood outside his house and whenever he came out yelled, “Daron marry me!” It was a man.

“Both man. She’s been to all my concerts since LA. That’s five concerts. I don’t know how she’s getting the tickets or even has the money, but she does. And she stands in the same spot every time and is always waiting for me outside.” Serj took a deep breath and added, “She has my old car.”

“That piece of shit Volvo?”

“Volvos are safe man.”

“Volvos are shit man.”

“This is about my stalker, your friend, not my first car!” Serj sighed and resented having friends with the attention span of a two-year-old.

“Yeah yeah, just saying. So why are you worried?”

“Tonight she told me that the baby was mine.” Serj swallowed and waited for Shavo’s response. At first there was silence.

“Shav?” Serj questioned.

“Wow man. A kid? You? A father?” Shavo burst out laughing and had he been there in person, Serj surely would have slapped him in the back of his head.

“Shut up! Do you think she’s telling the truth?” Serj prayed that Shavo would say no, say that she’s a gold digger.

“I’ve never known Arayana to be a liar, unless something in her has changed since the last time I talked to her.”

Serj’s heart fell. Somewhere, his child grew up fatherless. He now was one of the dead beats he hated hearing about. “When was the last time you talked to her?”

“About last month.”

“You kept in touch for all this time?” Serj almost hollered.

“Well yeah. She’s my friend. Duh.” Serj felt like a complete retard on top of being an asshole. He needed to talk to her, but in person. He hung up and immediately fell asleep. He decided that tomorrow would be a good day to talk. After some sleep and plenty of caffeinated tea.
----
Serj awoke, alert. There was no grogginess that usually accompanied waking up from a restful sleep at an early time. No, Serj had business to take care of, starting with Arayana. At the hotel that he was staying in, he was sure he would find her, somewhere. He would put himself in an open, easy place to be reached and she could walk up to him. As he walked off the bus, he looked down the street and saw his Volvo parked half way down the block. He shivered as a chill went up his spine and he was suddenly over come with a sense of dread. Serj watched as she climbed out of the aging vehicle and began walking towards him. Her jeans bore no holes and she was wearing a regular white shirt. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she still wore the Converses.

Use your brain Serj, not your heart. He couldn’t let his feelings immediately take over and delude his judgment. For all he knew, she could be lying for the first time in her life and just trying to get some money. He waited as she sauntered over, looking back and forth as if to make sure no police were going to jump out and grab her. When she finally arrived, she asked, “You talked to Shavarsh, didn’t you?”

Serj nodded. “How old is the child now?” He wanted to all about what he had unknowingly left behind.

“Jareth is eleven now. He’s staying with his grandmother back in L.A. He always asked me who his father was and I would tell him, ‘A genius with a big heart, open mind, and stupid moments.’ And I told him your name. He then looked you up on the internet. I don’t know how he spelled your name right.” She chuckled and looked down at her feet. Serj wanted so badly to kiss her. He wanted to apologize for everything he had not done.

“Arayana, I had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me?” He lifted her face towards his and peered into her eyes that almost swallowed him whole.

“System finally was going somewhere. A baby would have stopped you and I knew how much the band meant to you.” She averted her eyes and swallowed to stop from crying.

“I would have brought you along with us! You and Jareth!” Serj grabbed and squeezed her hand. He couldn’t understand why she kept this wonderful secret from him.

“No! Your life of a rockstar, I’ve lived it before. Drugs, sex, recklessness, it was no situation to raise a child in and I know that ultimately, you would have left. Daron and Shavo like to party. John does too, just not so much with drugs. Still. I didn’t even think you were ready to be a father then.”

Now it was Serj’s turn to look away. She was right. He was careless in his youth and with drugs he was even worse. He would have left an infant on the bar of some club while he went to get a blow job from some random chick. “I think I would have been able to step up to the task.”

“No Serj, you wouldn’t. Not even now! You could never make a good father Serj, but you need to know that you are a father.”

Arayana’s words were like a blow to the face. I wouldn’t make a good father, even now? What’s wrong with me now? He opened his mouth to argue but quit. He did recall that Arayana was master in debate and beat kids from rival schools in high school. “Can I at least see what he looks like?” He wanted physical proof that Jareth was indeed his child.

Arayana smiled and dug her phone out of her pocket. She handed it to Serj. He flipped it open and was greeted by the smiling, slim face of a young boy with curly/wavy, dark brown locks falling around his head. That smile, those eyes. He even has my nose! Oh god, I’ve doomed the kid to a life of big-nose jokes. As Serj stared at Jareth’s picture, he began to feel like crying. The boy had the complexion of his and Arayana’s, giving him a mocha tone. He handed the phone back and covered his mouth to keep from crying. There was no doubt Jareth was his child.

Chapter three

Serj walked on stage and was greeted by cheers. He smiled out at the crowd as he walked up to the mike. The energy was contagious and he almost forgot about his encounter with Arayana, that is, until he realized she was not in her usual spot. Oh well, maybe she’s around here somewhere. Yet as the show continued and Serj kept searching, he found that she was not at the show at all. At first, Serj was relieved. It meant she probably had gone home and would no longer continue to bother him. However, his relief did not last long as the same sense of dread flooded over him. He found himself wishing he were at the hotel, in case she was still there. Before he left, he asked her to come by after the show so that they could reconnect. Now, Serj couldn’t wait to leave, just so he knew she was alright.

At the hotel, Arayana was sitting by the pool, her legs dangling in the water. She decided not to go to the concert so that she could get some rest before talking to Serj again. I hope he isn’t worried about me. She smiled contentedly as she hummed quietly to herself. She hadn’t told him the whole truth, the real reason why she was here, and she hoped she would never have to.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, she heard the familiar growl and her insides all turned to ice. No, how did he find me? Arayana was almost too scared to turn around, but her father once said, “To run from a fight is to run from a lesson, and those who never fight for themselves are stupid people.” Arayana refused to be called stupid or cowardly so she turned and spat, “How did you find me here?” Her lips dripped with hatred as she looked up at the man who made her life a living hell. He was the one who put her into the hospital more than once, was never there for her or Jareth, but sent money anyways. Always sent her money. The only thing he asked from her was her body and blind obedience. Arayana put up with the abuse at first, while she was still trying to get a job and let Jareth still go to his piano and voice lessons. He chose those because, “That’s what my dad did, right?” Every day she looked at his face, she could see a younger, clean shaven Serj. One who was metaphorical, intellectual, and spiritual. One who was the opposite of the man now supporting her.

“Yeah bitch, I found you. Never should have left LA without telling me first.” He was tall and towered over her. Before, he didn’t seem like much of a threat, but now…Now he had gained weight and muscle over the years. Not to mention stamina. He wouldn’t beat her here, would he? Arayana looked around to see if anyone else was outside, but to her dismay, found that it was just her and him.

“I’m a grown woman. I don’t have to tell you anything.” She folded her arms across her chest and bravely stared him straight in the eye. Wordlessly, he advanced and hit her so hard, she fell over. Oh god, he’s not scared to beat me in public. Arayana stared up at him and forced her mouth to move.

“Please, not here…” She pleaded.

“Not here? Where then? Where? Tell me!” He grabbed her by her hair and pulled her away from the edge of the pool, scraping her knees and legs against the rough ground around the pool.

“Stop it! Please!” She cried. Arayana got to her feet but was immediately struck back down again.

“You’ll get up when I say you can get up!” The man hit and kicked her, bruising her slender body. She looked up at him through a swollen shut eye and bleeding mouth and nose. A cut was on her eyebrow. The sight disgusted him, to see her so pitiful. She was a strong woman, not one to be pushed and beat around like this. It was disgraceful.

“You weak piece of shit,” he murmured. “I’m going to fucking kill you.” He wrapped his long hands and fingers around her neck and squeezed as hard as possible. He wanted her to die. Not because of anything she had done to him, really, but because she didn’t love him. Because she loved Serj instead. A sick grin spread across her face as he twisted her neck quickly, snapping it. He let her limp body fall to the ground and quickly walked away.

Serj was caught off guard by the site of police cars parked on the street, an ambulance, and the people gathered. He was also shocked to see Shavo.

“Shavo! What happened?” He gave him a hug and then looked around nervously. Was Arayana alright?

“Hey Serj, someone was murdered. Some chick.” He peered over the heads of folk to get a clear view.

“Oh god, that’s horrible! Why are you here?” And why didn’t you call and tell me you were in town? Serj pushed the thought away from his head to focus on his answer.

“Arayana called. Wanted to see me. So I came. She told me she was here…” His voice trailed off as he met Serj’s eyes. They both shared the same fear.

“We need to get inside.” Serj grabbed Shavo by the wrist and forced his way through the crowd, saying, “Excuse me, pardon me…sorry. You all should be ashamed, gawking at a tragedy like some circus side show!” People moved out of their way and just as Serj got into the lobby, he quickly located a police officer.

“Excuse me officer, can you tell me what happened?” Serj hoped that the cop would be one of those nice ones who tell you everything, but not this one.

“There was a murder.”

“I’m aware of that. But who was murdered?”

“I’m afraid I cannot disclose that information at this time.”

Shavo asked, “Was is Arayana Caravicci?”

The police man stared, confused, before nodding. “Yes, did you two know her?”

Serj stumbled backwards, dizzy all of a sudden. There’s no way this can be happening. No, it’s not possible. Shavo reached out and caught him before he toppled over and steadied him. Not only did Jareth grow up with no father, but now he had to grow up without a mother as well.

To be more than honest? Brad loves the story!

Uhm, Rob will tell you more about it. Folks, get your ass posting here!

I love writing the story. Indeed, people need to get posting!



Chapter Four

Serj and Shavo sat at a table with a detective, Aaron Haveron. He looked about Serj’s age with and resembled Adrian Brody. Since Serj and Shavo had guessed the identity of the victim correctly, they were immediately deemed suspects.

“So,” Detective Haveron began, “You two gentlemen were close to Ms. Caravicci?”

Serj and Shavo glanced at each other. It felt like a really, really bad interview. Serj spoke up and said, “I had lost touch over the years.”

Shavo shrugged and said, “We kept in contact, but I hadn’t actually gotten a chance to see her for years.”

Detective Haveron nodded. He addressed Shavo, “Mr….Oh dag ee an?”

Shavo sighed and elbowed Serj, who giggled. All throughout his life, Shavo’s surname had been mispronounced at least a million times. “Oh dod shee ahn. Odadjian.”

“Right, my error. How well did you know Ms. Caravicci?”

“Like family.”

“Were you two ever in a relationship?”

“No,” he looked at Serj who said, “But she and I were.” Serj watched with a strange icy feeling as Detective Haveron jotted this note down. He looked Serj in the eyes, who had now changed his look from warm to cold. Bitterly cold. Detective Haveron began to wonder if the two might be terrorists, with names like theirs. And Serj’s whole look in general and the facial expression he was giving didn’t make things much better.

“When and how long?” He pulled his eyes back down to his paper and wrote what Serj said.

“Let’s see,” Serj looked up at the ceiling and tried to remember.

“It was 1995 Serj. New Years was when you two slept with each other, remember?” Shavo said, distracted. His eyes had a far away look in them. Is he thinking about Arayana? Serj asked himself.

“Yeah,” Serj agreed. “Thanks Shav. She and I dated for about a year and a half.” He fumbled with the button on his sleeve.

“And why did the relationship end?” Serj felt like Detective Haveron was prying, but understood he was just doing his job. Nevertheless, he felt like a chick talking to another chick.

“She told me she had cheated on me and gotten pregnant, so she dumped me.” He bit his lip to stop any tears that would have started flowing.

The detective nodded knowingly. “I know how that feels man, but how did you feel after hearing that?”

Serj knew he had to answer his questions carefully at this point. His motive could have been that he was angry and jealous and now decided to kill her. “I was excited about the baby. I wanted to help her raise it. I had disregarded the fact that she had cheated on me. I didn’t care about that. I cared about the baby.” He wrung his hands in his lap and took a deep breath. “She didn’t want the baby to be raised in the midst of a wild party, so she stayed in LA while the band went off to perform.”

Something seemed to click in Detective Haveron’s head. “Serj Tankian…Shavo Odadjian…”

“Yeah, System of a Down, bro.” Shavo smiled weakly.

“I knew your name sounded familiar Serj. My niece goes on about you all the time. I took her to see you two months ago in fact! Serj did this, Serj is that. Honestly dude, I started to hate you.” Serj and Shavo chuckled.

“Still hate me?” Serj asked.

“Nah, unless you killed Arayana Caravicci.”

“I have an alibi. I was at my concert.” He looked at Shavo.

“I just got in from LA. Arayana was here for Serj and wanted to see me as well.”

“Ah, okay. Well you two are free to go if you will do one favor for me Serj.” Serj knew what he was going to ask for and grinned.

“Yes?”

“Could you sign this ticket stub?” Detective Haveron pulled out his wallet and dug around among receipts and business cards before finding what he wanted. He slid the ticket over and handed Serj his pen. Serj didn’t care if he had to sign five hundred of these. He had signed five hundred copies of System albums before. More, in fact, in addition to hand writing a lot of his songs and poetry. He smiled as he handed the ticket and pen back. Shavo stood up quickly, happy that the interview from hell was over.

“Keep in touch with me Detective Haveron. I want to know who committed this crime.” Serj tipped his hat and shook his hand.

“Please Serj, call me Aaron. Detective makes me sound old and worn.”

“Are you?”

“Worn, but not old.” Serj and Aaron laughed while Shavo smiled politely. They were both taller than Aaron, but he was more muscularly defined than the both of them combined.

As they headed up to Serj’s room in the elevator, Serj asked rhetorically, “I wonder who would kill her so brutally?”

Shavo shrugged and looked at Serj in his reflection. “It’s always the last person you expect to be a killer, I guess.” The bell rang and the doors opened. Shavo hurried out the elevator, leaving Serj to unscramble what he had just said as he strolled down the hallway after him.

Serj decided he would take a walk with Shavo the next day, just to clear their heads. If they found a nice place to talk and relax, all the better. None of the hookah lounges were open in day time though, so they settled on a quaint café. What they had not settled on was being stalked from the hotel all the way to said café.

Serj had noticed a large, refrigerator-like man when they stepped out, but paid him no mind. It was when he saw him again a block later that he got suspicious. Nervous, he pulled Shavo into a café and waited for the stranger to walk by.

“Serj! What’s going on? You’ve been all jumpy and nervous since we left the hotel!” Shavo hissed.

“I’m sorry Shavo! It’s just that we’re being followed.”

Shavo rolled his eyes. “First Arayana-” Shavo stopped after saying her name and took a sudden interest in his shoes.

“I’m sorry Serj. I shouldn’t be so disrespectful, considering what you’re going through.” Shavo’s pale skin turned the color of embarrassed pink and it wasn’t until Serj wrapped him in a tight embrace that he finally relaxed.

“It’s okay man. It’s hard for both of us. But this guy is huge. He’s following us. I want to say something to him, but…”

“You don’t want to get put into the hospital. I know Serj. Let me handle it.” Shavo smiled and winked at his friend, glad that he wasn’t angry at him. “Now where is this fucker so I can go fuck with him?”

Serj chuckled at Shavo’s rough language. They waited for the man to walk by again and Serj pointed him out. Ripped, tall, dark brown hair that stood straight up and piercing silver eyes.

“Holy shit Serj, can you find someone a little less formidable to get stalked by?” Shavo sighed and pulled out a cigarette and lighter as he stepped out into the street. He took a drag before walking up behind the guy and stopping him. Serj couldn’t understand what they were saying, but it was clear that Shavo was getting angry. He had to do something.

Serj ran out the café and up to Shavo. “Dude, what’s the matter?” He asked, hoping that this was just a façade.

“This is the last motherfucker Arayana went out with, and probably her killer.”

-------

Robert Cascombe clenched his fists as his jaw twitched. “I ain’t no fuckin’ murderer man, you got your facts wrong.” His voice was deep and rough.

Shavo tossed away his cigarette and Serj extinguished it with his shoe before it lit aflame the piece of paper it landed on. Serj Tankian, he thought to himself, saving the world. One cigarette at a time.

“That’s not what she told me, Rob.” Shavo said his name like it was a bad taste in his mouth. “I don’t know how many times she’s called me after getting your abuse, in tears, but begging me to not tell anyone about it.” He smirked angrily. “Funny you’d be in town the day after she’s found murdered trying to re-kindle old flames!”

Serj had no idea what was going on, but he immediately dislike this Rob. He didn’t like any man who hurt women, and he especially didn’t like any guy who hurt Arayana.

“She’s dead?” Robert’s mouth fell open, and Shavo took his chance to punch him in it. Rob stumbled back a few steps, but immediately recovered and sent a flying punch straight towards Shavo’s skull. In a blind panic, Serj screamed, “No!” and pulled Shavo down to the ground. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get down fast enough either.

----

Serj woke up on a hospital bed with a splitting head ache. Shavo was next to his bed in a chair, texting on his phone. He tried to roll over and speak, but the movement made his head throb. Shavo looked up and placed his hand on his shoulder. “Hey buddy, you’re in no position to move yet. That guy split your skull open, not to mention took out a chunk of your forehead. You’ve been in the hospital for three days, comatose after surgery.”

Serj’s face looked scared and shocked. What kind of person could do that much damage in one blow?

“What the hell is he?” Serj mumbled groggily.

Shavo shrugged his shoulders. “Sort of like the Titanium Man. He was born with no joints and so he has titanium replacements.”

“Everywhere?” Serj asked.

“Except his hips.”

“Holy shit.”

“Yeah.” Shavo waited for that to sink in before continuing. “He took boxing as a kid and was kicked out for accidentally killing a guy in the ring. This dude is a fucking monster. He bleeds black out the back of his head and has killed more people than is on his police record, which is just that one. He can’t feel anything either. He can deflect bullets, knives, and once tackled a mail truck.” Serj gave him a puzzled look. Shavo smiled and said, “His dog was chasing after it. Thing is, this guy is nearly indestructible. But he does play bass and happens to be a great singer!”

Serj groaned and rolled his eyes. After all that, as long as he played the bass, he was cool in Shavo’s book.

“How’d you find all this out?” Serj asked.

“I asked. He told me. I decided not to let the cops take him, since he feels bad enough already.”

Serj nodded and closed his eyes wearily.

----

Robert unlocked the doors of his car as Shavo came out the hospital.

“How’s he doing?” he asked as Shavo climbed into the truck.

“He’s seen better days but Serj is resilient. He’ll pull through.”

Robert nodded solemnly and asked, “Where do you want to go?”

Shavo thought about the question before saying, “My hotel.”

Robert nodded and took off out the hospital parking lot and on to the high way. They rode in silence before Shavo asked, “Who are you seeing now?”

Robert shrugged. “No one. Decided to swear off girls after Arayana.”

Shavo rolled down the window and stuck his arm out. “Any particular reason why?”

“She made me feel guilty. I wasn’t good enough for her.”

“What the hell kind of man are you?” Shavo chuckled.

“Hey man, you knew Arayana! She was a freaking goddess.” Robert’s face seemed to soften now that he was forced to reflect upon her existence.

“I never knew her as more than a little sister, dude. I didn’t bone her.” Shavo faced away and watched the cars around them.

“Well she offered some of the best sex you can get Shavo. Don’t know why you missed out on the opportunity.”

“Because I’m not a fucking freak like you.” At this Robert pulled over the car in a screeching stop. Shavo looked around startled. “What?”

“Shut the fuck up man! I’m not a fucking freak!” His silver eyes started changing to a yellowish color and his face was getting redder and redder.

“Is this what you looked like when you killed Arayana?” Shavo whispered.

Robert’s whole face changed as he gripped his fist and punched the dashboard. He left a large fist imprint.

“Shit, now I’ve got to fix that too.” Robert mumbled.

Shavo rubbed his face as they pulled back onto the highway. "What do you mean, 'too'?"

Robert nodded towards the back of the truck where a huge hole lay in the bed and the metal lay ripped and to the side. Nervosuly, Shavo stammered, "H-how did you do that?"

"I ripped it. Duh. Some retard mugged Arayana one day and she told me about it. She looked horrible and she was crying and there was nothing I could do. It didn't hurt." He smiled weakly at Shavo, who suddenly began to rethink his previous plans.

Oh, great characters. Makes us wonder who is on the good site.... (except of Serj, Serj is the world-saver, Serj steps out cigarettes.... )

^ Yep!


Part 6

Serj stepped out of his shower, refreshed. He hadn’t had a decent shower on his own in so long, that the feeling was exhilarating. Things he took for granted, such as walking, peeing on your own, feeding yourself, and even sitting up, seemed like blessings. He would be more thankful in his life after his hospital issue. It was good to be home, even though now his tour was cancelled. He felt guilty and ashamed because of all the fans he let down, but knew it was for his own health. As he wrapped the towel around his waist, he heard his phone ringing on his bed. Grumbling and walking carefully, he stumbled towards the loud noise and answered it, exhausted. Loud sounds and bright lights triggered headaches for him.

“Hello?”

“Serj. Detective Haveron. Can I come over?” It was Aaron, and he didn’t sound too happy. Serj thought he was off the hook; he had an alibi, didn’t he?

“Um, sure Detective. I’ll be here.” Serj was surprised by the abruptness of the call. Aaron sounded cold, angry, and strangely, official. Why does so much drama occur in my life? I never did anything to anyone. I stay on the down-low. Serj groaned and tried to find something to wear. Something that didn’t seem suspicious. How much more suspicious can I look? Serj thought. I already look like a freaking terrorist.

He found a crème colored dress shirt and nice brown pants. He hadn’t worn the outfit in a year, and was thankful that he had lost weight. Hospital food is similar to that of the plastic it comes on. As he tucked his shirt in and combed his hair, he heard a loud banging on the front door. A last-minute ripple of fear danced through him, like a premonition fighting its way to his consciousness.

Serj trotted down the stairs and put on his happy face when he opened the door. “Hi Detective Aaron.” He opened the door wider to allow him to walk inside. He glared at Serj, eyes, fierce.

“Serj, I believe you are a nice guy who would never lie, let alone hurt a woman with a child.” The detective began.

“Thank you. Would you like anything to drink?” Serj offered.

“No. Now you claim to have been at your concert when Arayana was murdered.” Aaron rubbed his temple, sighing as if he couldn’t believe he was doing this.

“That is correct.”

“The autopsy showed that she was killed after your concert.” Aaron paused for a moment to let that sink in with Serj, who seemed to be unable to connect the two facts. “No one knew where you went after your concert, you had plans to meet her, and your DNA was found on her body.”

Serj felt like there was a mosh pit inside his skull. The room felt like it was moving beneath his feet. How could that be possible? Serj wondered. He shook his head, trying to regain balance. A cold sweat broke out above his brow.

“Are you okay Serj?” Aaron asked, looking him straight in the eye. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

“No…no sir. I’m just not feeling well.” Serj stumbled back a few steps and tried to get his breathing under control.

Aaron stepped closer and pulled from his coat pocket, a Ziploc bag containing a familiar pair of leather gloves.
“Those are my gloves!” Serj exclaimed.

“And these were found at the scene of the crime, your finger prints all over her body and by the pool!”

“No!” Serj yelled.

“Yes!” Detective Haveron yelled back. “You killed Arayan Caravicci Serj, admit it and we can leave her peacefully! Refuse and I’ll have to use force!” He flashed his holster from underneath his coat and Serj could feel tears welling up in behind his eyes.

“I didn’t kill her!” He screamed. He fell back against the wall and slid to the floor, crying. “I couldn’t kill her! She was the mother of my child and I loved her!” He looked up at Detective Haveron through blurry eyes. He was going to lose consciousness soon. “Somebody framed me!” He said, just before he passed out.

Aaron gasped and fell to his knees. He grabbed Serj’s face and checked for a pulse on his neck. It was there, but his breathing was shallow. He inspected his face, noticing the scars and slight discoloration on his forehead. He’s had head trauma… Aaron thought to himself. He was vaguely familiar with that. When he was in college, he was in the head with a baseball bat from some drunk kid from a different team. He had black outs, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound for years afterwards. Stress could trigger the killer headaches and symptoms as well. As he replayed what had just happened, he realized that Serj had passed out from the emotional stress and yelling. Aaron sighed and wiped his face of sweat. He gingerly lifted Serj and looked for a couch or table. He carried Serj’s limp body through the corridor until he found the living room and set him on the couch. Next, he set a pillow under his head, trying to remember all of his first aid classes.

Aaron was torn between the choice to take Serj into the station or let him stay here. He wasn’t all that convinced Serj had killed Arayana anyways. He asked his niece about it and she angrily yelled, “Why the hell would a peace-loving, vegetarian man who is descended from Armenian genocide survivors feel the need to kill anyone?!” she had hollered. “Uncle Aaron, get your facts straight and keep looking. Serj isn’t your man. He must have someone who’s hating on him enough to frame him for murder though. I say you start asking Turkish political leaders.”

Aaron chuckled and immediately felt stupid. His niece would of course be so smart. Why wouldn’t he listen to her? He glanced down at Serj, who was beginning to stir from his episode.

“Serj,” Aaron whispered. “Do you know anyone who hates you?”

Serj blinked his eyes and was silent for a moment. “Many people hate me. I don’t know them personally though.”

Aaron thought about that for a second. “What about Shavo? He might have some inner hate towards you over Arayana.”

Serj shook his head and laughed. “Shavo loves me and I love him. He wouldn’t let a woman dictate his feelings so severely.” Then he added, “Bros before hoes, dude.”

Aaron laughed at the joke and said, “I’m going to ask Shavo if he might have any ideas, okay?”

“Okay. Bye Aaron.” Serj smiled up at him dreamily and waved as Aaron stood and waved back. He let himself out and quickly began to call Shavo. His phone rang once, twice, and then he answered. He could hear music and people in the background. “What?” he asked annoyed.

“Shavo, do you know of anyone who would hate Serj enough to frame him for murder?” Aaron begged that Shavo knew someone, because he would never be forgiven by his niece, Shana, who he was raising by himself. Her parents had died two years before in Hurricane Katrina, and she had survived. He flew her from New Orleans to L.A. to take care of her. He had promised his little sister, her mother, that he would do everything in his right to raise her as a law-abiding citizen who enjoyed mosh pits.

“I don’t really know. There is this one guy though…” Shavo trailed off.

“Who?” Aaron asked eagerly.

“Haha, uh, this guy named Robert Dascombe. He’s in L.A. in some shithole apartment. Used to hate Serj for not taking care of Arayana and Jareth. Called Serj, ‘A dead beat terrorist father.’ Dude, he might have some residing hatred.” Shavo yelled something in a different language that Aaron couldn’t understand and then said, “Uh, listen bro I gotta go. Peace.” And he hung up.

“Robert Dascombe…” Aaron repeated. He dialed the number of his partner, Detective Tim Helena and said, “Hey Timmy, I need you to look someone up for me…”