After school, as soon as he entered the living room, Matt, dressed in a gray sweatshirt, threw his backpack with his Naruto drawings to the ground.
«My classmates are getting on my nerves!» he let out.
After his outburst, his father, Basil, sitting on the black couch in an old sweater and sweatpants, turned to him. He had his bare feet propped up on the grey ottoman, and the flat-screen TV mounted on the wall was showing a political program, but Matt's anger forced him to look away from the screen.
He had his bare feet propped up on the grey ottoman, and the flat-screen TV mounted on the wall was showing a political program, but Matt's anger forced him to look away from the screen [https://img.wattpad.com/34b1f9fd46d5a40022a70ea4be6db9fe9340914a/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4653713247454b62514c484276673d3d2d313438313131343838322e313830643034613438323737323739373530373238363539313134362e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
«What are they doing?» Basil asked, surprised, before grabbing the remote and lowering the volume.
«They clown on me for how I dress, and they hit me too,» his son complained, glancing down at his legs. «They hit me a hell of a lot,» he went on, looking away. «I'm fed up with this. I wanna smash them!» he shouted, clenching his fists.
«Violence won't solve anything; it will only make things worse,» his father replied, glancing at his backpack.
«Huh? They won't stop bullying me unless I do something!» Matt shouted, stepping forward.
Meanwhile, his mother, Monique, who was cooking lunch in the kitchen and was dressed in a comfy robe and slippers, overheard everything and approached.
«We should find a peaceful solution instead,» she advised as she walked over.
«Peaceful solution? What do you mean? You want me to act like a coward?» Matt asked, turning toward her with a furrowed brow.
«It's not cowardly to talk to the principal and see what they can do,» Monique continued, crossing her arms.
«Yeah, right, that's what people say when they can't fight,» Matt retorted, turning his back on her and gesturing with his hand.
Basil got up from the couch and approached, standing in front of Matt.
«I've told you before. Violence only breeds more violence and will never lead to a good outcome,» he said, touching his arm. «I'm thirty years older than you; you need to listen to me!» he then exclaimed.
«But I wanna do to them what they did to me!» Matt shouted, breaking free from his father's grip.
«You wanna be suspended from school? Wanna end up in jail? You need to handle conflicts with respect and...» Basil continued, his gaze firm.
«With respect?» his son interrupted. «They've never respected me since day one. I WANNA FUCKIN' KILL THEM!» he yelled, slamming his fist on the coffee table.
Monique approached the table, wiping her hands.
«Calm down; have you talked to your teachers?» she asked in a more soothing tone.
«Yeah, but they don't give a crap. They act like everything's cool,» Matt said, scrunching his nose.
«Alright, I'll hit up the principal, but I can't promise anything,» Basil said, as he moved to grab his jacket.
«Okay, keep me posted,» Matt replied, as he was his father opened the white door of his house.
Matt's father had a meeting with the principal, but it was useless. His peers continued to mistreat him and took Jacob's side, clapping in unison and chanting a taunting song against Matt during breaks.
«Matt the coward, Matt the Chinese, popopo.»
Matt didn't have many chances to chill, and after lunch, he felt super lonely playing by himself with his ball in the yard. He was wearing a blue soccer shirt and green shorts and his soccer kicks were laced up tight. But out of nowhere, he heard a familiar voice cut through the silence.
«Hey Matt, pass!»
Matt looked up and met Cyrus' gaze, who was wearing a red soccer shirt and black shorts, completed with white soccer shoes. The two boys had met after Matt moved to Vicary City and soon became great friends.
Cyrus was tall and slender, with dark hair cut in a buzz cut, bright green eyes, and a big smile.
Cyrus was tall and slender, with dark hair cut in a buzz cut, bright green eyes, and a big smile [https://img.wattpad.com/0d05435b059cf27b75a4f0b34b868fa912889935/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6a76546952447431616d656571413d3d2d313438313131343838322e313830633862626161316566343833333631303733343134333436382e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
«Hey, Cyrus, sure,» Matt replied, turning around and passing him the ball.
Once they got into the rhythm of the game, Matt stopped, holding the ball between his feet.
«You know, Cyrus, I've been having a tough time lately...» he admitted, then passed the ball back to Cyrus.
«What happened?» his friend asked, surprised by his words, passing the ball back to him.
«There are these bullies in my class, and they're making my life a fucking living hell,» Matt admitted, stopping the ball and plopping down on a beige wall.
«Bullies?» Cyrus replied, scooching closer and sitting next to him. «Spill the tea,» he said, turning to look at him.
Matt locked eyes with Cyrus's green ones for a sec. They didn't know each other for very long, but deep down, he felt like he could trust him. Cyrus had never clowned him and always treated him like he deserved. He took a deep breath and opened up.
«It all kicked off a little while back. There are these dudes who bully me, push me, and hit me for no reason,» Matt confessed, looking down. «I've tried to stand up for myself, but it just makes things worse,» he added, shrugging a bit.
«They mess with me 'cause I'm new here, and they think I'm an easy target,» he explained, staring at the ball.
Cyrus's dark eyebrows knit together as he listened to Matt's story.
«I'm really sorry you're going through this, man,» he said, blinking a little. «We've known each other since you moved here, and you don't deserve to be treated like that. Is there anyone in your class you can count on?» he asked, leaning toward him.
Matt put his hands on his face and hesitated for a moment before answering.
«Well, there's a guy named Marijan,» he explained, shrugging his shoulders. «He's been really helpful and has protected me when he's been around. But when he's not in class, the bullies keep at it...» he continued.
«Those idiots are pure trash,» Cyrus said, gritting his teeth. «They feel strong only when they're in a group, but individually, they're worth nothing! That's why they target you,» he exclaimed, catching Matt's gaze.
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«That's what I've always thought. Thank God at least you understand me,» Matt replied, looking at his friend.
«Of course,» Cyrus replied, nodding decisively. «Real friends help each other out. One day, you should introduce me to Marijan. I'd be happy to meet him,» he continued, showing a smile.
«I think you two would get along great!» Matt replied, smiling too as Cyrus moved a little closer.
«You know, Matt, if I were in your class, those bullies wouldn't dare touch you,» he said, giving Matt a pat on the arm.
«Do you really think so, Cyrus?» Matt asked, surprised, pulling his neck back, and Cyrus nodded with a little smile.
«Bullies are cowards. They only pick on others when they think they can get away with it. They would run away if they had to deal with someone like me,» he said, winking at him and puffing out his chest a little.
«I wish you were in my class, Cyrus. Things would be so different...» Matt replied, tilting his head a bit.
The boy felt the weight of loneliness fade as they played and chatted; it was like having a friend who understood and cared for him. However, when Matt returned home for dinner, he realized his father was even more upset.
«The principal said there's nothing he can do,» Basil confessed, taking a bite of meat.
«Oh, sure, and how could he? They're not professors to me. They're just a bunch of cowards. I want to leave this school!» his son burst out, putting his cutlery down beside his plate.
«Come on, maybe you got under their skin. That's impossible!» his dad said, leaning in a bit.
«I thought you knew me. I don't start drama with anyone. They threw the first punch!» Matt shot back, slamming his fist down.
«Maybe you're not standing up for yourself enough. You gotta show them you ain't scared!» his mom chimed in, raising her voice.
«For real? And what do you expect me to do? Just turn the other cheek? It's tough to deal with!» Matt exclaimed, turning to Monique. «You've never had these problems, so you can't understand... How stupid I was to think you'd help me. If Grandpa were still here, he'd spit in your faces!» he shouted, pointing a finger at them.
«How dare you?» his father replied, slapping him.
The slap was hard and hit Matt right on the cheek. The kid stumbled back a bit and put his hand on the spot that got hit. Then he looked up at his dad, who still had that furious look on his face. Next, he glanced over at his mom, who didn't even flinch at the violence. Matt kept staring at his parents for a moment, gritting his teeth while still holding his hand on his cheek.
You... bastards... he thought as he widened his gaze a bit.
«You're just like those scumbags!» Matt retorted as he recovered from the shock. He then headed to his room, seeking comfort from his little dog, Jackie.
«It's all my fault, isn't it? You decided to move us to this shithole neighborhood. Thanks a lot!» Matt shouted from his room.
Grandpa would never have allowed this. Yes, it's all their fault, but they'll never admit it. In London, I felt so much better, and no one would have ever picked on me, he thought, as he petted Jackie.
Matt felt trapped in Vicary City, unable to consider it a true home. He flopped down on the bed, the pillow covered in Dragon Ball Z images, and tears started streaming down his face as he stared up at the white ceiling. He gritted his teeth and squinted his eyes.
Then he wiped his tears with a tissue on the shelf nearby [https://img.wattpad.com/a3d4115d78eb29b34933b8c916396e016c6e2c0b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f39797036434d62657433546e61413d3d2d313438313131343838322e3138306430363930623438646131633232393535343932393034322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Then he wiped his tears with a tissue on the shelf nearby. When fatigue took over, he fell asleep and found himself in a dark room, and the silence around him was interrupted by a terrifying voice.
«All that is yours belongs to me by right, and mine... IT MUST BE!»
What? Matt wondered, looking around but it was pitch dark, and his vision was blurry.
Then, the room became a little lighter, and a strange scene unfolded before his eyes as two figures emerged from the shadows.
What's happening? Matt thought as he saw the two get a little closer. That guy... he... he looks like me but he's much... older... Matt wondered as he leaned a bit forward.
And who's the other one? He's... scary... Matt still pondered, squinting.
To his right stood his adult self, dressed in a tight gray shirt that highlighted his pecs and abs, with a fierce look. On his left, a distorted alter ego displayed a malevolent grin. This figure, while bearing the same features as his mature self, had a much darker face. Both the face and the exposed torso, covered in even more defined muscles, were marked by scarlet and glowing scars.
Both the face and the exposed torso, covered in even more defined muscles, were marked by scarlet and glowing scars [https://img.wattpad.com/402269ffd9995984cd8be919d5b3a52a0a9c71e4/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6d4c2d526c4e4e517957424e65513d3d2d313438313131343838322e313830643037386565653831313762373436313233383230393036352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The younger version of Matt couldn't take his eyes off this duo and tried to comprehend the meaning of the apparition, but to no avail [https://img.wattpad.com/338adb002521ef212cb9f203a83cf186bf9d3213/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6b714f794f6a6252775f73796d513d3d2d313438313131343838322e313830643037393163373963653534633930343333393137383332382e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The younger version of Matt couldn't take his eyes off this duo and tried to comprehend the meaning of the apparition, but to no avail.
«W-What does all this mean? W-Who are you?» he asked, trembling.
Then, his future self and his doppelgänger nodded simultaneously and stared at each other for a moment before being drawn toward each other and merging like Goku and Vegeta in Dragon Ball Z.
«What are you doing? Wow!» young Matt exclaimed, covering his eyes with his hands before being overwhelmed by a blinding light.
After the fusion, a new version of Matt emerged, with a red left eye and a face and body marked by the same scars as his Doppelganger. This new figure approached his younger self, which was frozen. Paralyzed.
«W-What...?» young Matt stammered, before seeing his future self smile. «Can't believe it,»
«Matt,» the new entity began, taking another step forward and tilting his head. «I know what Jacob is doing to you, but you have to stay strong,» he continued, leaning his head forward. «There's a great power inside you waiting to be unleashed, but it will be up to you to bring it out...»
«Huh? A great power? What are you talking about? I'm so... afraid...» young Matt replied, shrugging and assuming a sad expression.
Future Matt turned his gaze away from young Matt and looked toward the darkness. Then, with a mysterious expression, he turned back, barely turning his face to look at him from his left shoulder.
«You'll laugh at your fears when you find out who you really are...» he replied as he gradually faded away.
But the dream was far from over. The scene changed, and the young version of Matt found himself amid a crowd in front of burning hotels.
The scene changed, and the young version of Matt found himself amid a crowd in front of burning hotels [https://img.wattpad.com/a91a747fd9747c068c4719d7376a6d40b0c854ff/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f776e646e38574159464a4d394c413d3d2d313438313131343838322e313830643038333434653766393937323736333938353434323831302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Where am I? Who are these people? he wondered, looking around.
In the chaos, his adult self jumped onto a car with a megaphone in hand, flanked by a group of friends. There was a tall, muscular guy with red hair, another guy of average height with dark long hair tied in a ponytail, and two guys he knew well. But they looked different.
Marijan? Cyrus? Is that... them... as adults? young Matt thought, seeing their figures to the left of future Matt, who addressed the crowd.
as adults? young Matt thought, seeing their figures to the left of future Matt, who addressed the crowd [https://img.wattpad.com/77f4e413dc45c74d42c4c97fc6a5d67854234f51/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f58426847593762677a3539494f513d3d2d313438313131343838322e313830643038333832636661383735303935393938393334393533372e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
«No more suffering. No more being oppressed. A new tomorrow begins today!»
However, the dream took a darker turn, and young Matt found himself in front of a door adorned with the emblem of the Cobra clan.
A snake symbol? What the... Matt wondered as he opened the door with a trembling hand and what he saw was unexpected.
The kid found himself in what seemed like a huge storage room, with bodies on the floor, but none recognizable, and blood everywhere. Various types of weapons were scattered on the ground, but everything was blurry.
The only thing Matt could focus on were two figures [https://img.wattpad.com/a5a5c2112d8086a987d25e76cd360e5e80718a3e/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f666b5541794b4f367368744172673d3d2d313438313131343838322e313830643036316539643034336465663336373932383433383231352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The only thing Matt could focus on were two figures. In a corner to his left, there was a tall blonde figure wielding a blue, curved dagger.
«Jacob? Is that him? It can't be!» young Matt exclaimed at the sight.
On the other side, future Matt faced his unarmed opponent with his fists before his mouth, solely relying on his boxing technique. The two of them charged at each other, screaming, and just before they collided, young Matt was flung away. When he woke up the next morning, his bed was soaked in sweat, and he clung to the sheets, trying to shake off the lingering echoes of the dream.
It all felt so... real... he thought between labored breaths.
Was it just a dream, or had he caught a glimpse of his destiny?