The Fairy-Tale Hero Chapter 1

Haven't you always thought about being some kind of superhero? I’d be lying if I said I didn't because truth be told I have countless times. But let us think about it for a moment, what makes a superhero so superheroy? Is it their special powers? Secret identities? Villains they face? The image they show? Maybe it is all of these things or something else entirely. For me, being a hero is a title given to those who show their worth and are responsible for their actions. You don't need any powers to be a hero, all you need to do is just be there. There for your loved ones, your children, for those who call you in a time of need. In this day and age, someone is always calling out for help, as long as you arrive and give a helping hand you'll be their hero. However I never wanted this job, I surely am not the hero type that people see me as. But I want to ask you, what type of hero are you? - Clayton Smart

Date: 10/13/2016

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Seated on a soft cushioned chair was a young man no more than seventeen years of age. Dressed in a white Adidas zip up jacket, with a black t-shirt underneath. A pair of ripped blue jeans and some wheat colored Timberlands. He was leaning in the chair sighing deeply as he rolled his eyes at the older man across the desk. No matter how many times he came here, nothing changed. The older white man dressed in a classic black and white suit was reading over a sheet of paper as he glanced at the young man every now and then. To be honest, he didn’t even need to read what the sheet said, he has talked to this young man plenty of times so he had the gist of what was going on.

On the top of his smooth black desk read, ‘Counselor Hamilton’, and in this small room with one window that was overlooking the parking lot beneath, were plenty of plain posters and awards.

Counselor Hamilton laid the paper down and stood up, slowly walking over to the window. The young male just wanted to leave, as he glanced at his golden watch every few seconds.

Counselor Hamilton: Clayton, why do we have to constantly keep coming back to this same point every single time? I know you don’t like being here as much as the next guy, but I don’t like being here either. So tell me, why are we here again?

Clayton gazed over at Counselor Hamilton as his mind recalled what happened a few moments ago. Not knowing why his teacher sent him here, he could only say what happened.

Clayton: Mr. Hamilton I don’t know what you are talking about, Samantha sent me over here after class. Saying I could do better if I chose my friends more wisely, and my grades are slacking. If it wasn’t for the fact that she continued bickering at me coming here, we wouldn’t even be here today.

Hearing his response, Counselor Hamilton turned around and looked Clayton in his light blue eyes.

Counselor Hamilton: And, what do you think?

Clayton: About?

Counselor Hamilton: Don’t play dumb here, we both know you are a smart young man.

Clayton: If you mean me picking better friends, I don’t think that is possible.

Counselor Hamilton: Why not? People in society choose who they hang out with based on plenty of things. People toss each other aside like a piece of chewed gum once they are finished with them. It is simply human nature, so tell me how hard is it for a senior to toss away his current group of friends?

Clayton: It isn’t that simple. I’m not those people, I treat my friends as if they are my own brothers. How could one cut off all relations with their brother just because another wants them to? Would you do that Mr. Hamilton? Would you?

Counselor Hamilton: This isn’t about me, it is about you. Tell me, were those brothers there for you when your house was shot up and burned to the ground? Did those brothers ever visit your mother who was in the hospital for two months?

Clayton: No… but…

Counselor Hamilton sighed and shook his head.

Counselor Hamilton: Then those aren’t your brothers! Although you are a good kid Clayton, those friends who you call your brothers are not. Half of them already dropped out of school, a quarter of them are locked up or dead. Tell me, do you want to be like them too or be better?

Clayton: Better of course. You think I want to live like this?

Counselor Hamilton: Tell me then, how do you want to live?

Clayton crossed his arms and hung his head back for a moment thinking about it. He didn’t know how he wanted to live. Before he was in this game, he had a goal for his life, but being in it for so many years, he lost sight of that goal.

Clayton: I can’t answer you right now.

Counselor Hamilton: Fine, let me ask something else then. If you had to choice to be happy, how would you accomplish that?

Clayton: Easy, I would make money.

Counselor Hamilton: Money? What could money buy you?

Clayton: Mr. Hamilton, although you guys are here to tell us that money can’t make us happy, we all know that is some bull- that is totally not true. With money I could buy a car, a house, pay my taxes, buy anything I wanted. Although it wouldn’t be real, I could find a gold-digging wife and have children with her. A job? I could bribe my way into any corporation or with my own money make my own. Money is the way of life, if you aren’t living to get rich, then what are you living for?

Counselor Hamilton made his way back to his chair as he sat down and crossed his legs.

Counselor Hamilton: Is that you saying this, or your gangs saying?

Clayton furrowed his eyebrows as he glanced at his golden watch and slightly grinned.

Clayton: Sorry Mr. Hamilton, I don’t know what gang you are talking about, but i’m not in one. As much as I would love to finish this, it seems our session is up.

Clayton jumped out of his chair as he grabbed his batman backpack and slung it over his shoulders. Counselor Hamilton tried to stop him, but Clayton ignored him and left his office.

Time went by slowly, it seemed like it would be forever before school ended. After his fifth period ended, Clayton left the building going to the student parking lot.

Hopping on his black Honda Motorcycle, Clayton threw on his black helmet as he revved the engine a little bit. He flicked the kickstand back with his foot and pushed off the ground before twisting his wrist. Off he went as he left the school parking lot and went onto the road.

Inside his head, He already knew that school wasn’t meant for him. The only reason he was here was simply because he wanted to make his mother proud. She only graduated high school and that was already hard to do, because when she was sixteen years old she had him. If it wasn’t for her parents helping her out then she even doubted she would have been able to graduate high school.

As for Clayton’s father he only knew his name nothing else. Naturally as a young male growing up in a single parent household he always wanted to know his other parent. Maybe he was different from the others who was in the same situation like him, because they all hated their other parent for leaving. On the other hand, Clayton didn’t hate his father, he only wanted to know why he left.

Every single day that went by since Clayton was thirteen, he always wanted to know what it meant to be a man. He felt that the only person who would truly be able to answer this question was his own father, but since he was never around, he never got an answer.

Maybe it would be good for him to start new in a world where no one knows him. Deep inside, he knew that Counselor Hamilton was only looking out for him as much as his teachers were, but he could never fully commit to them.

As Clayton finally reached his parking lot, he parked his motorcycle and got off it. Taking off his helmet, he carried it in his hand as he made his way upstairs towards his apartment.

It wasn’t the best looking place in the world, but it gave him and his mother a place to lay their head. A place to cook their meals, wash their clothes, and live another day. He could afford a better place with the money he saved up from selling drugs, but it isn’t like he could say, “Hey mom let’s move out this dump and move into a better place with the money I made from selling drugs!”

If he said that he knew his mother would have a heart attack. She didn’t know what he did, and to be honest he would rather she never found out. The money they were living on was the hard earned money his mother made, it was only enough to let them get by.

Growing up, he didn’t have the luxurious things in life, nor did he want them. Maybe that was a lie considering he did love to sport some new clothes every now and again. All the money he got from his mother he saved and put away. It wasn’t that he didn’t want it, but once he got into this game, he didn’t need it anymore.

Sure he had to lie to her about him working part-time at a parts shop, but that was the only thing he lied to her about. How else could he explain the motorcycle he had, or the clothes he was currently wearing?

Whatever he thought as he shook his head and rolled his eyes. As he approached his room number, he stopped just a few feet away from the entrance. It was as if his mind went blank for a moment as all the information in his head went straight out the window.

Clayton POV

Not believing what was in front of me, I just had to blink my eyes a few more times. However the person in front of me didn’t disappear so I just knew that this was real. My left eye twitched slightly as I stared her in the eye with contempt. Although many males would be held captive by her beauty, I was appalled by it.

What gave her the right to be here, right here at my front door! Those hazel eyes that held a saddened emotion in it could drive any man crazy. If you needed proof, then look at me, i’m going crazy just looking deep into her eyes.

Sarah: Hey Clayton.

Soft spoken, sweet enchanting voice, but I knew what was really inside her. A vile witch that would tear anyone to pieces.

Clayton: What do you want?

Sarah: I… I just wanted to tell you i’m sorry.

Clayton: Sorry? Sorry? You came here to tell me that you are sorry? Please, tell me you are joking?

Looking at her jerk back a little at my sudden outburst, I knew I should calm my emotions down. But like a small crack in a damn that slowly spreads, my emotions started to spray out.

Sarah: I know what I did was wrong, but did I truly deserve that? Did my emotions mean nothing to you?

Clayton: Don’t talk to me about your emotions when you did that to me! I can’t believe you are even standing here today, what right do you have? Didn’t I make myself clear last time, stay the fuck away from me!

The slight tremble of her lips, and the tightening of her jaw made me realize how resolute she was to stand before me today after all she had done to me. Her hazel eyes moistened a bit as she walked closer towards me.

Sarah: You know I didn’t mean it, if I could take it back I would! After you left, it felt like a piece of my soul was torn apart. You think you are the only one who suffered? You think I don’t think about my actions all the time regretting, blaming myself? Standing with you, walking with you, talking, cuddling, kissing, those were the happiest moments of my life. I know you felt it too, that moment our lips touched and when we pulled apart we both couldn’t help but smile at each other. We couldn’t even describe the feeling we felt, it was like we were in our own world.

Her words held much truth behind it, but I was the fool. Fool me once, shame on me, but i’m not the kind of man who shall be fooled again.

Clayton: Regret? Blaming yourself? Why would you do that, when I should be blaming myself for ever falling for you! Do you know how hard it was to sleep, waking up in the middle of the night contemplating suicide? What we had felt like a dream, it was the most beautiful thing i’ve ever had. I never wanted to wake up from my dream, never! Then that happened, and the dream I thought I was living turned out to be reality. Do you know how hard it is to be here, looking at you right now? Even now I can’t stand it! I can’t stand the fact that you are real, that what we had wasn’t a dream.

At this point, I felt something flow down my cheek slowly.

Clayton: I tried, I really did. I tried to get you out of my head, but the pain I felt was a lot worse. I tried loving someone else, but your image haunted me every time I was close. I tried committing suicide, but I could never force myself to pull the trigger. Why? Why couldn’t I do it? Because you are here. You, my inner demon who taunts my heart and pulls its strings. But I am not going back, not to you, or that dream we had!

Sarah reached out her hand only the grab a piece of my jacket. She cried, but never came in for a hug. Maybe she thought that it would be ok, if she finally came here today. Maybe she put her hopes too high, hoping for me to forgive her.

Sarah: Sorry… i’m… sorry!

A flood of emotions surged through my body when I heard those words! Sorry! No, i’m tired of hearing people tell me that they are sorry! You messed up, you did this! Forgiveness is something you earn, not cry for.

I swiped her arm away from me, leaving her in utter shock. I’m done, with this, and her!

Sarah: C-layt-

Clayton: Girl, if you don’t get the fuck from me. Look, I know you thought we had something special, but you don’t mean nothing to me.

My words, came crashing down on her harder than the death of her father. I might have been the only person left in her life who ever loved her as much as her family. With me gone, the only person she has left in her life that will ever care for her is her child. The child that broke us apart, and ruined everything. If she hated that child because of this, then that was her fault. It isn’t that child's fault that the things she did when we were together came clean. In fact, I appreciate the child for showing me the way that even if you truly love someone, they can still hurt you in ways you will never understand.

Opening the door to my apartment, I hurry and shut the door. Even inside, I can still hear her crying. She was not the only one, as all the strength in my body faded away making me collapse to the ground. Holding my voice back, tears streamed down my face. The only thing blocking us from seeing each other cry was this thick wooden door. I don’t think, i’ll ever find another girl who I truly love. With my head resting in the palms of my hands, I ask my father who i’ve never met before; “Is this the trial a boy needs to go through to change into a man?”

Images like those of screenshots on smart phones, came into my head. The first day we met, first date I ever had, our first kiss, my first time. She was like a goddess who descended to earth just for me, if she only existed in my dream my heart wouldn’t hurt so much. At least then I would know for a fact that I would never have to meet her again. Sadly, she really exists and holds the key to my heart.

She's beautiful, outgoing, smart and the way she plays her tune is one of a kind. As soon as you listen, you don’t want it to end. What I didn’t know, was at the end of that sweet melody was a tragic end.

Holding both the good and bad memories close to my heart, I seal it away deep inside my soul. If loving you was right, then what made me feel like this was wrong? Am I a man who is destined to never know what love truly is? I ask myself once again, Is this the trial a boy needs to go through to change into a man?

Clayton POV End

Her past collided with his own as she held everything that belonged to him. You could say he was void of any emotion until she came into his life. She was the only person who he could ever feel this way for, and it hurt him to know that.

If the so called God they preach about loves all his children dearly, then why was his life always filled with tragic moments?

His body was weak as he struggled to get up off the ground, even if he was the strongest man on earth, his heart was still weak. His light blue eyes had a tint of red in it as he made his way to his bedroom.

He tried to calm his heart as he closed his eyes and took deep breaths. It has been months since he last saw her, and just when he thought she was gone from his life. Like a trampled flower, it grew life once again.

Clayton’s mind was invaded by images of her. He could still remember that pure white shirt she wore at the cafe they were at when they met. She was with her two best friends, and he was with Philip. Although it was his first attempt at talking to her, he was full of confidence.

The first date they had when the only thing they did was stroll through the neighborhood talking.

His first kiss with her that day they both ran home in the rain. Soaking wet and full of cheer, they shared their first kiss.

When his mom was first hospitalized and he needed someone's shoulder to cry on, she was there for him. Not his first time shedding a tear in front of someone, but it was his first shedding it in front of someone he was dating.

They slept together countless times without even having sex. Staying up late at night falling asleep over the phone. It all lead up to the day he lost his virginity to her.

Those moments they shared together he will never forget it, nor did he want to. She was his everything, but he wanted nothing.

Even now, he could still remember…

Clayton POV

Laying in the same bed, I stroked her long dark brown hair playfully. Her head laid on my arm while she faced away from me. We always slept together in this position. That was all we did, sleep.

Although I am young and feel the urge to do more, I know that I have to control myself. If she isn’t ready, then i’m not either. We have all the time in the world to do what needs to be done, for her, I can be patient.

Sarah: Clay, am I attractive?

Clayton: Babe, there is no one in the entire world whose beauty can come as close to yours. If I had to choose between you and Beyonce, I would still choose you.

She rolled over and smiled a little. I know she loved hearing me say that, what girl didn’t love her man telling her that she was beautiful? Seeing her like this, I couldn’t help myself as I kissed her lovely nose.

As I drew my face away, he arms wrapped around my neck and I was brought in towards a passionate kiss. Is it weird that her lips taste like cherries? I don’t know if this is what others thought, but that is what her lips tasted like.

Her small mouth opened a little as our tongues entwined a little. Our breath got rugged as we both gasped for air. She was being a little more aggressive tonight, I wondered why.

While we kissed, my hands caressed her back as they made their way downwards until I squeezed her small butt. It was soft like a marshmallow, my hands felt like they were sinking in.

She rolled over on top of me and took off her green t-shirt revealing a pink bra. My mind was in chaos, was this really happening? Looking at her hazel eyes that was revealing a seductive stare my lower half couldn’t help but rise up.

Clayton: Babe, are you sure?

I just had to ask, she didn’t need to do this. We could wait, she was worth it. Maybe one of her friends told her something that made her be like this, I couldn’t do this if that was the case.

Sarah didn’t answer me as she lowered her head and kissed me once more.

Sarah: I’m sure.

She kissed me on my neck, and her hands removed my dark blue sweater.

I wasn’t going to lie, her being this aggressive got me turned on. Usually she is more passive, but today she was going all in. It gave me a different feeling about her, one that I knew I would get drunk on if she did this all the time.

I wondered if it was childish as we rolled around on the bed. One moment she was on top the next I was. If this was a dream, I didn’t want to wake up.

Soon we were both naked as she laid beneath me with her face flushed red. She turned her head shyly away from me.

Sarah: Clay, i’m sorry this isn’t my first time.

Although she said she had a boyfriend the first time we met, I never thought that they would have had sex already. I mean, me and her are both fifteen, when did they have sex?

No, you shouldn’t think like this. Although you can’t be her first right now, you can be her first later.

I smiled gently at her.

Clayton: Babe, I don’t care if i’m not your first. However you will be my first, and my last.

It might have sounded cheesy as we were both young and we had a long road ahead of us, but I meant what I said. I could see myself being with her for the rest of my life, nothing else mattered. In this moment, it seemed as if the world I knew belonged only to us two.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

She turned her head back to me as she gazed into my light blue eyes and kissed me on the lips. With that, I gave a light thrust as we both became one.

This moment I was living in now, I don’t believe I would ever forget it.

Clayton POV End

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As time past, Clayton’s face expression changed from happy to sad. Even now, she was still in his heart.

Placing his hand over his head, he knew that he had a slight headache. Maybe it was from the dream he had, maybe it was due to the confrontation with Sarah earlier? Or maybe this was brought about because of what he did to her.

His eyes wandered towards his phone that had a small blue light flickering on and off. The first thought that came towards his mind was that it was Sarah trying to contact him again, but he still wanted to check.

Even after all this time he could still not find the courage to change his number. He knew that if he did that, she would have no way to contact him once more. Although they were not together, although that both caused each other deep wounds that would forever be on their hearts, he could never forget about her. Love is it? Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, one thing was certain, he was feeling pain. Pain that one only feels when they know their perfect world is being torn apart. It already happened once, he didn’t want to let it happen again.

Sighing as he grabbed it, he noticed there were three missed calls and a single text message. It wasn’t from Sarah, but instead Cam. The one person who he didn’t want to deal with right now wanted to deal with him instead.

It wasn’t like Cam was a bad person, so to say. It was just that when he wanted something from you, it never ends the way you want it to. And at this point, he didn’t want to deal with anymore drama. Nevertheless, he still must contact him. Simply because if he doesn’t, Cam gets angry. When Cam gets angry, all hell breaks loose, and no one wants to see that. Especially not Clayton.

As he began dialing Cam’s number, Cam called instead.

Clayton: Hey man.

Cam: What have you been doing? I’ve called you and sent you a message, I expected you to pick up the phone.

Clayton: I wa-

Cam: I could care less what you were doing. I don’t care if you are taking the biggest shit of your life, you still answer. Now look, I have a guy who needs something delivered. And guess who was the lucky one to get chosen? Oh, you can’t figure it out, well it is you.

Clayton: Who is it? That guy on baker street?

Cam: Look, don’t worry about who it is. Just make sure you bring back my money, i’ve sent you the street address along with what he wants. Make sure, and I mean make sure this goes well.

He knew from the tone in Cam’s voice that he was hiding something. He didn’t know what he was hiding, but it was something that he didn’t tell him. Usually Cam would be straight up about who it was that way everyone in the crew knows. Unless this time… he didn’t know who it was. As he thought about this very question, he already knew that answer.

Clayton: Hell no! I’m not going.

Cam: What? You- look, I don’t know what has gotten into you, but trust me on this. We’ve known each other for what? Two years now? Have I ever steered you wrong?

Clayton: Trust you? You want me, to trust you? Do you even realize what you are asking me to do? My life is on the line here, and you want me to trust you. Remember the last person who put their trust in you? He didn’t survive! Oh, but let me guess, he was just another person in the crew. A means to an end. You probably don’t even remember his name, and yet you want me to put that same trust he had in you, in me? No, i’m not going!

Cam: You know Clayton, that's what I like about you. You are one of the only ones who has the guts to talk back to me, but i’m guessing you already know don’t you? What happens to those who don’t do what I say? Listen, I won’t ask you again, this is not me asking you to go, it is me telling you to go. Either go, or well… I don’t think I have to tell you what happens.

Clenching his teeth, he knew that he should have never gotten himself into this mess. This is what happens when you join one of the most vicious gangs known in Michigan. This is what happens when you are only an idiotic child who knows nothing of the real world. That is, until you finally see its cruelty. If he had a chance to go back, even if he had to force himself to live a life alone, he would never agree to what Philip asked him to do that day. Because of that day, because of that one time he did his brother a favour. His life changed, not for the better, but for the freaking worst!

Cam: I’m going to take your silence as a yes. If it makes you feel any better, you were always my favorite out of all my brothers.

Clayton: I am not… you brother! My blood does not run through your veins. Not once have you ever been their for me. Not once! So don’t you dare say you are my brother! We aren’t even friends. I always suspected that you didn’t have any friends, but now I finally realized. You don’t have any friends, all you have are enemies. Frankly i’m surprised that anyone in the crew listens to you. And one day, one day you will get whatever is coming to you. And when that day comes, i’ll be sitting back with all the others, watching… laughing. So Cam, just you wait, because I fear that your end is very near.

Cam: Funny, because if I recall correctly, you were the one who came to me for help. Me for a better life. I created you Clayton, me, and me alone. I formed your entire personality into what it is today. And if you want to speak of brothers, then if I were you I would choose yours more wisely. Because a certain brother of yours is hiding a very, very dark secret from you. Oh, but wait, none of your brothers hide anything from the good child Clayton. Life is full of lies Clayton, the only thing that isn’t a lie is what I told you. But it seems you’ve forgotten my words the day you met her, but fear not now that she is gone, you will go back to your old self.

His blood was boiling, he knew that he should not be listening and yet his ears soaked in every word Cam told him. They were connected not by blood, but by a bond. A bond that would forever be with them for the rest of their lives. The only way to escape this bond was death.

Cam: Now then, tell momma I said hi, and stay safe, brother.

Rage took him over as the conversation ended. His grip around his phone tightened as he threw his phone against the wall. He wanted to yell out in anger, in pain, but real men don’t cry out for help. A real man handles his own problems, and settles his own rage. Because he could do neither one of these yet, he knew that he wasn’t classified as a ‘real’ man.

Closing his eyes as he took deep breaths, he tried to calm his anger. When he felt that it was enough, he picked up his phone and went to the message that Cam sent him. There was an address along with the product the client wanted.

He recalled what Mr. Hamilton told him earlier, that he should choose his friends more wisely. What he should have told him was that he didn’t have any friends. He had a single friend, the rest of them weren’t real friends. They were just people who associated with him. He always wondered if he was meant to have true happiness in his life. Simply because it seems that whatever he touches, does not turn to ash. It turns into a viel, sinister demon that stabs him in his back. Yet here he is, the fool for noticing this act, and yet, he will still do it.

His eyes wandered towards the window looking at the night sky. It was a full moon tonight, and if he was being honest, it was beautiful.

Clayton: A real man huh? Is that what you are? Is that what I am? Tell me father, what is a man?

Shaking his head, he grabbed a black hoodie from his closet along with his glock 41 from a shoe box.

Coming into the living room, he noticed that the television was on. Figuring that his mother left it on, he was tempted to turn it off, but a sentence stopped him. His eyes were glued towards the screen, a strange light could be seen in his blue eyes.

Doctor Chad: Haven’t you ever wondered about why people who can suddenly gain the strength to lift up a bus die afterwards?

???: Naturally, but in those cases they almost always save another.

Doctor Chad: That is the case, but what if I told you that one doesn’t have to die. I’ve done research into this and figured out that those people who happened to be able to do such a phenomenon have actually surpassed their human limits. We’ve always stated that people use less than ten percent of their brain, but what do we do with the other ninety percent? I believe that to unlock the other ninety percent we must first be in a state of extreme adrenaline. Only in such a state where our bodies are surpassing our limits every second can we unlock the other ninety percent of our brain. However this comes at a cost, and as we have seen before it most certainly leads to death. Now i’m here to raise the question, what would happen if someone who unlocked the full capacity of their brain lived? Would they still be able to keep their awakened strength?

???: I couldn’t even imagine if that was the case. Could you picture a human with strength that surpasses anything else?

Doctor Chad: I believe it. Forget about superhuman strength, think larger. Humans with strange abilities, like walking on water or conquering flames. These all could happen as long as a human surpasses their limitations.

???: Insane, I don’t believe it.

Doctor Chad: I’m sure of it, I would bet my career on such a matter. Humans have the capacity to overcome all limitations, we’ve seen it done time and time again. So what makes this time different? Is it because we are talking about our own body having the power to do things we couldn’t even think of? Or is it because we as a whole are afraid of what comes next. What comes after our evolution, our awakening.

Doctor Chad: I’m sure that there exist a human out there who has surpassed their limits. If you are one of those who have awakened, contact me. It is extremely important for the advancement of mankind.

???: Dr. Chad before we get int-

Clayton shook his head as he threw on his hood and turned off the television.

‘Surpassing human limits? Awakened? Only buffoons would believe such talk.’

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A black motorcycle pulled up towards the curb, as the rider looked towards a house. The house had a porch light that was on, which showed the rider the address. He hopped off his motorcycle and placed his helmet on the seat as he strolled up towards the house.

This street seemed dead, maybe it was because it was dark and it only had a single street light that actually worked. If you called flickering on and off working, then that lamp could take lamp of the year.

Clayton wasn’t worried however, he has been in worse neighborhoods, ones where the street lamps were bust out and houses boarded up. That however didn’t stop the neighborhood gangsters from making them into their trap houses. Or stop the homeless from sleeping inside them.

To him, this street was just another one. Not anything too special, not anything too irregular either. It wasn’t like he was expecting a street filled with hookers, pimps, roses, and candy. Now if he saw that, then he would have to go see his doctor for a check up.

In the dark his black hoodie went perfect with the surroundings. No one would be able to spot him unless they were vividly looking for him, and there should not be anyone looking for him. If they were, he was ready for them.

He did have a small habit that every time he did a deal he would look over his shoulders as extra precaution. This was his first time in this neighborhood, and hopefully it was his last as well.

It was as if all his senses were heightened, maybe it was due to him recalling what happened to the last person who trusted Cam. That guy took on one of Cam’s routes for him for a month, yet he never returned after his tenth time visiting that place. Him and Clayton never talked much, but Clayton would always spot him after he returned from that route. He would have bruises on his body, and his eyes would show immense fear. It was as if he saw the devil himself.

Clayton didn’t want the same ending that he had, so he decided to never take any of Cams routes. There were a few reasons why he was doing this, one was because he feared Cam, the second was because he mentioned his mother. That was one thing Clayton did not enjoy coming out of Cam’s mouth. His mother was taboo, and yet Cam was pushing his buttons.

No harm shall befall his mother, if it did he didn’t know what to do with himself.

As he made his way towards the front door, he once again glanced over his shoulder. He couldn’t shake this feeling as if someone was close by, watching him, waiting for him. But the fear he felt for Cam was more than the fear of him getting into a confrontation with some street thug.

Knocking on the door a couple of times, he waited until it slowly cracked open and he saw a pair of eyes glance through the crack. The door swiftly closed as he could hear a clicking sound before the door swung open and a middle aged man was revealed. He was wearing a black shirt along with some blue jeans, yet from the look in his eyes, Clayton knew that he wasn’t one of those junkies.

Clayton watched his eyes as they peered over in both directions.

???: Got the stuff?

Clayton: Yeah man.

???: Let me see it.

Clayton took off his backpack setting it on the ground while he unzipped it and pulled out a brick like object wrapped in saran wrap.

There was an unspoken rule when dealing, when a trade is made you don’t speak many words. Clayton could care less for what he would do with the drugs, all he cared about was living through his night.

There was a feeling, it was a strange one at that. This man seemed so familiar, Clayton was sure that he saw him someone before. Yet he couldn’t connect the dots yet.

As Clayton handed him the white brick the man pulled out a small pocket knife and cut it open. Using his pinky finger he dug it in the hole he made and tasted the white stuff inside.

???: There’s more where this came from right?

Clayton nodded his head.

???: Give me a minute I need to grab the money.

His stomach was telling him that he should hurry and run away, but he was resolute on finishing this deal. They said that your gut feeling is always right, but he chose to not listen. Surely that gut of his could be wrong, at least this once.

He felt a slight chill run down his spine as he glanced over his shoulder only to find a person was standing behind him. His first reaction was to twist his body as he pulled out his glock 41 and pointed it at the person. However, the other guy reacted faster than he could. As Clayton was in the process of turning his body around, he found himself with a knife embedded in his stomach.

Pain was all he felt as if the pain sensors in his body was turned up to the max. His breathing started to fall apart, from this calm wave to this stormy ocean. His jaw tightened as he feared to look down at the sight. They always said curiosity killed the cat, thus he didn’t want to be curious at this moment. Besides, he already knew that a knife was in him, he just didn’t want to believe it.

A bitter substance emerged from his mouth as he coughed. This could not be his last moments, he refused to die here. Strength emerged as he reached for his glock at his side, but found that something stopped him.

Slowly he turned only to find his worst thought come to life. The client who he was doing business with had his hand around his forearm. Clayton couldn’t believe it, but he could not deny the facts that were in front of his face.

The man reached towards Clayton’s glock and Clayton could do nothing to stop him. He tried to fight back, but he was powerless. Yes, powerless. Maybe he was always powerless but now he just realized it. Hiding behind a gun does not make one a man. If that was what being a man meant, Clayton wanted nothing to do with it. He would rather stay a boy forever.

To think that in his last moments, he would die alone on this cold night in the dark. At least the moon was beautiful… right?

Clayton: Why?

???: Why? Why? I’m not doing this because of you, i’m not doing this because I want to. If you want to blame someone, blame the person who sent you here.

Clayton: C-cam?

The man nodded his head as he placed his hand over Clayton’s head.

???: Yes, it was because of him that we’ve come to this. It wasn’t meant to be this way, it wasn’t meant to be you. But, that doesn’t mean you are innocent either. For my brothers sake, for my family, you must all go.

The man had a tight grip on Clayton’s hair as he threw him to the ground. Clayton was like a cub going against a tiger, there was no chance of winning.

???: What was it he told me? Ah, that was it, you want me to bring your brother back to life? You want me to give you money? You should be grateful that he died while he was under me, that was his greatest, his only accomplishment in life. Don’t you dare come to me, giving me orders! I don’t owe you anything. Besides, it was only business.

???: Can you even fathom the pain I went through? A brotherhood sworn to protect each others? You bunch are nothing but the devil's reincarnation. You all deserve to die, no, you deserve a fate worse than death itself. My brother died because of you damn brotherhood! But he doesn’t have to worry, because each and every last one of you will follow him. What was your saying? Even in death, nothing can tear us apart? Well, tell him that the next time you see him in hell!

Clayton could only hear the sound of white. The muzzle flash, and sound were both white. The bullet seemed like it was traveling in slow motion, and he felt that he could easily dodge it. Yet, his body was frozen in place like a sculpture.

They always said that your life flashes before your eyes in the final moments between your death. Yet what he was saw was not his life flashing before his eyes, it was a single bullet. He had many regrets, but the one that had fallen heavily on him right now was that he didn’t get the chance to say goodbye. His promise, his hope that he would get his mother away from all of this was now gone. This may have been the second time he has ever broken one of his promises. The first promise brought him pain, and now the second one brings him towards his death.

Yet, in this moment he didn’t want to break his second one. He wanted to fix the first one. He wanted to live!

However, it was too late as the bullet pierced his chest and all the strength faded from his body. His sight landed on the single street light that constantly flickered on and off. At this moment, in the wake of his death, it seemed that the street lamp also died out.

When one dies, they tell you that you’ll see darkness until a white light comes to take you away. In his death, all Clayton could see was darkness, there was no light. It was cold and depressing. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was lonely.

‘Because of you, because of this so called brotherhood we have, I have no one. Maybe I was always alone but I just couldn’t see it. You want me to die alone? You want me to suffer alone? You want me to face this pain alone? Fine. Fine, i’ll face your trials, i’ll face this death as it is. But mark my words, mark them for as they are spoken you shall forever lose all you have worked for. I might die alone, I might face the world alone. But I shall forever and always have at least one person who loves me. Yet, you, you will have no one. If I… if I get the slightest chance of revenge, of life… know that I will… come for you.’

As he vowed, as he made his final promise. He saw it, the glimmer of a white light. It started small but it slowly grew and the coldness he faced turned into warmth.

That light took him over, as his eyes opened and he found himself staring at a white ceiling. He didn’t even have to turn his head to look, he could hear the sounds of those waves going up and down. He could feel his heart beating. He embraced every breath with joy.

Because at this moment, he knew that he lived.

???: Finally awake are we?

Clayton’s eyes swept across the room until it landed on an older man dressed in a black trenchcoat seated in the chair across from him. Clayton searched his mind, but he could not recall ever seeing this man before. The only thing that came to his mind was that this man must be his savior.

Clayton: Thank you.

???: For what? I didn’t save you Clayton, you saved yourself.

Clayton: What are you talking about? I could not save myself, I was dead. Maybe we have two different definitions of the word dead, but my meaning is when one can’t move themselves and can’t escape their fate. When your body turns cold and all you see is endless darkness. Now that we have my definition of what it means to be dead, please tell, what is yours?

???: I assure you, you were not dead. If you were dead, we wouldn’t be here, now would we?

Clayton: I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name. What was it again? Because if i’m not mistaken, you knew my name yet I didn’t know yours. Care to explain.

Vortex: My name huh? I could give it to you, but that would be too much of a privilege. I will tell you this however, many call me Vortex.

Clayton: Vortex? Vortex…? You seriously expect me to believe that? That people, real people who aren’t insane or mentally deranged call you… Vortex? Funny, then please call me Abyss.

Vortex: I’m not here to joke with you Clayton, but you surely have a fine way to tell jokes.

Clayton: Oh, i’m sorry. Is that what you want me to say? What do you really expect when you die, wake up in a hospital and someone you don’t know who knows you tells you people call them Vortex. Please forgive me for not being in the right state of mind right now. But… I feel that I am in the right state, it is just you who isn’t. Now, should you re-introduce yourself, or should I? Wait a minute, I forgot, you already know who I am. So please, do tell me your real name Vortex.

Clayton watched as the man in the trenchcoat who claimed to be called Vortex crossed his arms. If Clayton believed him, he knew that he would really have to go get a check up from his doctor. If not he might end up in a mental hospital, which he really didn’t want to attend.

However, since Clayton knew that someone had to save him and this mysterious man was the only person in the room. He gave him the benefit of the doubt and believed that he actually saved him. Because in his head, he knew that there was no way he could drive himself here.

Vortex: You’re enjoying this aren’t you?

Clayton: Quite.

Vortex: Well then, let me tell you something else.

Clayton: Please do tell.

Vortex: I’ve seen you die many times before, and i’ve seen many others die numerous times. But out of all the ones i’ve seen die, no matter in what world, you Clayton, always survive.

Clayton took a deep breath as he scratched his head. Now the guy was telling him that he saw him die in multiple worlds, which was just too much for him to believe. If he believed anything, it was that this person needed some serious counseling. He was thinking about letting Counselor Hamilton handle this one, he could do wonders on this man in front of him.

Clayton: Ok, I think i’ve heard enough. Seriously though, enough games. I thank you for saving my life, you don’t know how much it means to me, but this… what’s going on now, is uncalled for. The chance to live again you don’t know how much it means to me. Now, I would like to take this chance to part ways.

Vortex: Only in the face of death can one really surpass all their limitations. If one doesn’t survive through death, how can one evolve to even greater heights? Clayton, i’m here to tell you that you have awakened.

Those words that he spoke sounded oddly familiar to Clayton, and slowly he recalled what he saw on the television before he left. That doctor said almost exactly the same thing.

Clayton didn’t want to hear anymore of this nonsense, but he felt himself being tempted to listen to the man's next words. He knew it was foolish, but he couldn’t stop himself. Maybe it was in his blood, or maybe his fate, but he knew that this man and him had some sort of connection.

Vortex: I know that look, i’ve seen it many times before. You think i’m lying, but what do I honestly have to gain from telling you a lie. Clayton you may sell dope, but under your facade you are nothing. And to be honest I think you know that as well, underneath all this that you put up you are nothing. But let me tell you this, there is an even greater community out there where you belong. Where you are not just another face, you are somebody. As you may have heard, no i’m sure you have heard, but the only way to awaken is to be in a extreme state. This state can only be accessed while adrenaline is pumping through your body, but that isn’t it. For it to work, one has to die to be reborn anew. One simply does not gain the strength to survive being hit by a car just on pure willpower, it takes more than that. Sure, you may run faster, gain more strength while you are under the influence, but that strength fades and so does your life. However, if you die while that exact strength is being transferred into your body you will enter an entirely new state. One that transcends all others and offers a lot of possibilities. Take me for instance, I may not have what we call super strength, but to an ordinary human I am like their superman. But my strength pales in comparison with those who have actually awakened to power of super strength. My power lies else where, I can simply jump from one location to another.

Clayton: So… you have the power of teleportation?

Vortex: I can tell from the look in your eyes that you think i’m some deranged maniac spouting a bunch of bull, but let me tell you the words I speak are the truth. And no, I don’t have the power of teleportation. I can only jump from one destination to another. Although they both seem the same, they are different. See, we all awaken with special powers that may seem the same, but as we advance our powers to even greater lengths, we see differences in them. A person who has the power of teleportation can travel through time, but me i’m able to only travel in the present time. However, I am allowed to jump to different parallel worlds. Although it won’t be any different from this place, but there are many slight differences. Like a person who likes the color blue here may like the color green in another parallel world. When I travel to those different worlds, I see things. And one thing I saw was your death, well around ten of your deaths to be exact. However every time I see you die, you always awaken Clayton. Always, this has never happened before in history. Other people can’t do what you do, not everyone awakens. Only the chosen can awaken from death, those who aren’t… well they die.

Clayton: So… from what i’ve gathered i’m a ‘super’ human with special powers. You have the ability to jump to different parallel worlds. Oh, and i’m a special person who always awakens from his own death. Let's see… did I leave anything out? I don’t think so. Now that we have cleared that up, I feel a heavy burden lifted from my shoulders. I always knew I was special, I always knew I was different. Now I know why. I’m losing my mind.

Vortex: You aren’t losing your mind, but the chance i’m giving you doesn’t come easy. There is a place that is calling your name, you have to go Clayton. This place needs you now more than ever. With you, everything changes.

Clayton: A lab rat huh? I need a moment to think about this.

Vortex: I don’t think you understand the endless possibilities i’m giving you here Clayton. The chance to have a fresh start, a place where your name will mean something. You don’t have to be this powerful person you pretend to be, instead you can be actually be that person. No more hiding behind a gun, no more contemplating suicide, no more. Clayton, you need to join us.

He was tired of people telling him truths mixed with lies. He was tired of all the fake. What he wanted more than anything was to live his life the way he wanted. He didn’t want to be bound by the shackles that held him down. No! He wanted to break free. Break free from those who tried to harm him. Those who tried to hold him down. He knew that now was the time, the time for a fresh start. A time that he would never be held down again.

It may have been disrespectful to talk back to your elders, but he didn’t care. Especially not for this elder who was in front of him. Awakened? People surpassing their human limitations? No, he could care less, much less. He was tired of people trying to drag him down with sweet lies.

Vortex: So, grab my hand and I shall lead you to even greater heights. The kind of heights that you’ve never known before.

Clayton: No.

Vortex: No? Did you just say no… to me?

Clayton: No, i’m not going anywhere! I’m not grabbing your damn hand, and I am not listening to you. Now if you would kindly, get the fuck out!

He watched as the man dressed in the black trenchcoat smiled wryly. Clayton didn’t care anymore. He was not planning on going back to that forsaken brotherhood, nor did he want to join this new ‘brotherhood’. He would rather die alone than be with them, because he knows what those ‘brotherhoods’ do to their members.

Vortex: I think you are mistaken here Clayton. I’m not asking you to go! I’m telling you to go! I came here to try to convince you out of your own free will to join, but it seems I was mistaken. You don’t want to join that is fine, you don’t have to join, but you cannot stay here. However, I know you will join because that is what they all do. Only we can help you, only we have the means to take you to the heavens.

Clayton: I don’t want to go to the heavens! If going to heaven means going with you, I would rather rot in hell.

Vortex: That my friend… can be arranged.

Clayton could see from the look in his eyes that the man before him wouldn’t hesitate to kill him. This time, he would make sure that Clayton would never wake.

Vortex: That look in your eyes, your helplessness. I can see it. You know it, just like everyone else. You are weak! The only way to get strong, is for you to join us. I’ve given you a chance, i’ve given you a choice, i’ve given you my hand. Yet you dare to defy me? No, you will not defy me. You will go, even if you think of this place as hell itself. You will go Clayton!

As the words left his lips, he disappeared and the surroundings in front of Clayton’s eyes changed. He knew, that it was over.