There was a saying that goes, “A man with no talents can be a challenge no one suspects.” It was a saying taught to me by my ancestors. You see, my grandfather became one of the world’s most iconic figures. He stands to be the man who conquers all. But, just like fairy tale stories, the good has to come to an end.

He was executed after his announcement of his communistic ideology. It was a sad end for him but a valiant effort in trying to express his own views on the world. But sadly, others were affected too.

My family got a bad reputation by the society and community. We were all prohibited from entering through malls, businesses, companies, hell even school. I mean, what can I say? After having an iconic figure, a hero, and a pillar of greatness, fall due to the public, there’s nothing much we can do against society. It’s a reality me and my parents had to face….. Even though the past lives to be the past.

Once I was kicked out of school, I had to study everything through the pages of a book on each subject I find interesting. I somehow find that school is more confusing due to the unnecessary examples given by teachers as opposed to getting instant information through examples and questions. I mostly fell into those action pact stories where the main character travels through different cities in search of his loved one or to find an artifact.

Months after the constant belittling and depression, gangs and school delinquents came. They teamed up and barged into my home, stole my shit and attempted to murder everyone living in the vicinity. There, I saw my mother and father get slaughtered and hammered. It was the most disgusting moment of humanity that I've ever witnessed. At that moment, my rage and anger led loose as I pounced out of the closets and began to engage in hand to weapon combat. During my unsocial years, I trained and read about martial arts. I triumphed at the end.

We were all assumed dead and the government closed down our residence. They reopened it a few months later in hopes that other eagerly customers would want to stay in it. Because you know, they need that cash.

That being said, my past was pretty much a shit fest where I witnessed the death of my parents and have to now live by myself at a very early age, about 14 years old. Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself.

My name is Jacob Arvid, or what they call me, Shad. With the skills I gained throughout my silent and isolated years, I’ve learnt the ways of becoming a perfect thief and versatile fighter. I would always bring in a small blade with me whether in my sides or behind my back where it is covered by my trench coat. I always preferred the colour black because it represents the darkness of the night. As cheesy and edgy as it sounds, that’s just how most people feel, don’t judge. I’m a 17 year old kid who grew up in Dallas, Texas, USA.

My trust for others always starts from rock bottom. But, as long as they keep their cool and their promise, I stand my ground and face them as an acquaintance. And no, I don’t have friends because friends who backstab you in the back are not friends. Ever since that stupid day, I’ve been treated like garbage.

Enough of my past, let me tell you what’s happening in the present. I currently stay in the same house my parents were murdered in. Of course, minus the furniture, everything seemed quiet and peaceful. I got my own souvenirs such as a big double barreled-shotgun, knives, paintings, and of course, dozens and dozens of jewellery.

I finished completing one of my client’s tasks and currently plan on taking revenge on that kid who picked on me since third grade. I found it satisfying, having to do things in the name of vengeance, killing for the sake of good, and getting the final word out of those who recognize me before their death. Though, for this one, he will be lucky to see another day.

This kid’s name is Ryan, Ryan J. He has been one of the ‘cool’ kids and a school delinquent. Lost his v-card at the age of 13 and is practically feared by most juniors and seniors alike. He fights like an average dude who would know how to do a strong punch and kick. Getting to meet him in almost 5 years gets me excited. And seeing his face will be priceless.

I stopped writing on my journal and began to walk towards my wardrobe. I took a rather casual attire, a white shirt covered by a dark blue long sleeved shirt accompanied by black pants. Knowing that today was going to be cut short due to some democratic agreement, the school and most jobs would half their time to join the massive flaming debate.

I grabbed a small knife, enough to fit my pockets without puncturing through them. It was weak, but something of use when things get a little hectic. With that, I looked at the time and quickly headed out.

12 pm is the special time for today and right now stands to be 11:30. 20 minutes to look at the school and the other 10 minutes to construct a rather diabolical plan.

It took me less than 5 minutes to reach school grounds. Everything still looked the same, only change was the side paint of the school and some…. Interesting graffiti arts splattered against it. Either the principal has given up on this school or the kids became too rebellious. But, either way, this school is a total mess…

I hopped over a fence and softly landed on the school swimming pool. I never really had the chance to go swimming or had enough time to even find the fun in swimming, so I avoided getting physical with it whatsoever. But, my attention was drawn to the abundance of leaves stacked upon each other floating across the pool.

I sighed and took the leaves out and placed them on a nearby garbage bin. Hey, I can be nice, but more definitively, I still have morals. Aside from all the killing I have to do, I do things for a reason.

The bell rang signalling school dismissal. I heard doors slamming against the wall and quickly students ran for the exit. Smiles could be seen from them all showing the joy of not having to finish school until its destined time.

I stood against a wall and waited for my prey. Slowly as time passed by, a small smile crawled into my face.

Finally, what felt like ages, he showed up…..

His hair was just as fuck-boy as I remembered with his blonde crew cut. Surrounding him were a bunch of girls who just wanted his cash or his tiny dick. Behind him were a group of boys who tried their best to act as cool as him, but failed to do so.

He wore the traditional jockey clothing with sunglasses…… indoors.

Jesus, he needs to learn practicality.

I smirked as they slowly came closer to me. A boy behind him who so happens to be my old friend, looked at me with widened eyes, it was filled with nothing but a jolly good emotion of surprise. It was more surprising to me that he wasn’t showing any signs of disgust or anger.

But, my eyes drifted to the eyes of the kid who ruined my childhood. Our eyes met and he stopped dead in his tracks.

Though, I thought that changing the hair colour and style would help me in keeping my identity. I guess not.

His eyes turned just as huge as the rest of his group, while some gave a rather intimidating glare. Before anything turned mildly awkward, I pushed myself against the wall and came face to face with the boss.

“Well, if it isn’t Ryan J. I see that you’ve grown even more popular since the last time I’ve seen you.” I said with a smirk. At this point, my identity has no place to hide as my voice kind of gave it away.

He shook his head sideways and began to give me a glare of the same confidence, “Woah, I thought you were dead from all those raping they did! I’m guessing you sucked all their cum dried until they died, hah!” He began laughing. That wasn’t even close to a good insult bud.

His buddies behind him began to laugh like crazy. Though, I was unmoved.

“You know, being a dick won’t make yours any bigger.” I commented while keeping my smirk.

Everyone stopped laughing and looked at me with even surprise.

“Hey! I bet yours is tiny!” One of the girls spoke.

“You have no right to talk because you have none, little lady. I’ll have you know that bitches like you end up in sex dungeon being fucked by dogs.” I said coldly.

They cringed and Ryan began making his move.

“What are you here for, punk!” He came closer to me than I would have liked.

“Come any closer and that makes you gay.” I stated.

“You’re the only one ga-!“ He tried to push me but I grabbed and pinched one of his muscle tissues.

“Keep talking kid, you should know how to talk with respect.” I said while keeping my cool with my other hand in my pocket.

“Let him go you fucker!” One of his bulkiest bodyguards came rushing at me with his big fists.

With one swift motion, I slowly angled myself just enough to dodge it and pinched his weak spot as well.

They both screamed in pain and I was enjoying every single bit of it. The rest of his gang wanted to have a go on me but my glare was too much to handle.

A girl from a random group behind came up to me with hands together, “P-Please let him go sir! H-He d-didn’t do anything wrong!”

She looked like an average girl with brown hair and a cute long dress. My glare softened as it met her eyes.

“And why would you think I would do that young lady?” I asked nicely.

“B-Because he d-didn’t do anything t-to you!” She said.

“Hmmm…. It’s been 5 years since that day he tried to stab me with a real knife. I wonder what he did that was nice….”

Ryan grabbed my arm and tried to crush it, but failed as I twisted his already pinched muscle. A few words came out of his mouth, “You and your stupid communistic family should go kill themselves in hell!”

“I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the word ‘change’. It’s rather easy to understand but complex in so many ways. I’m guessing that little head of yours hasn’t changed much?”

Ryan tapped my arm rapidly, telling me to stop and he has given up. I sighed and dropped both him and his buff dude.

“How boring. I thought I could have gotten into a good fight with you but you’re nothing but an attention whore.” I spat.

Ryan didn’t say a word nor did his mates. I walked passed them and barged my way through his group, they made a way for me to go through. I gave one of my traitors a deadly glare before I smirked and waved.

“I’ll be back when I feel like. If I ever see you wearing sunglasses inside again, I’ll make sure to give you a proper beating. I hate kids like you.”

Just like that, my job was done. I was thankful enough that it didn’t get into a real fight. Or else I would have ended up in jail, again. The smirk on my face lasted until I’ve reached my house. If only someone took a picture of that punk, then his manliness would have slowly crept away after a brief exposure.

I opened the lights and checked the time. It read 3:30 pm. I sighed and began to lie on my bed since I couldn’t get any sleep last night. There was nothing in particular that I had to do today after that event. Though, I had a plan to meet up with a client later tonight for more contracts. I personally don’t know these people but they give quite the sum of money, Especially for assassination contracts.

I took my time to relax and even took a short nap. Before I even knew it, the time showed 10:43. I got off from my bed and took a quick shower before wearing my usual black coat, gloves, and pants. I strapped some knife holders behind my legs and smaller ones inside my shoe. Who knows what’s going to happen when you step out. All hell might break lose, a gang might show up, or worse yet, being snitched on. That is why I always come prepared before anything.

I grabbed my phone and began to text my client on the location and money. I’m a guy who has money coming in left and right but most of it was to feed myself and the rest of the people who wanted food. See? I’m a great guy.

The phone I had was pretty expensive which fits in with the popular technological trend of this year.

Before anything else, no. I don’t carry guns because it’s really impractical at night. You don’t know how many times a gunshot almost got me caught.

I exited my house through the back door and got my location. I placed my phone in my pocket and quickly made my way towards the location. I never wanted to be late or have my clients waiting. I usually come 10-30 minutes earlier than the actual time.

I turned left behind the huge abandoned building that used to be an orphanage. I was fond with these kinds of places. They were dark, gloomy, and peaceful. The best kind of place for me.

I stayed and waited like an obedient dog.

I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

But, he wasn’t coming. I felt so annoyed and impatient for the first time in my life. I tapped my fingers on my lap as I tried to think of a beat. I walked left and right thinking of what to do tomorrow.

After 2 hours later, I got a buzz from my phone. I took it out and checked the message. It came from the client.

It read:

Sorry for not coming. I know I wasted your time but that makes it much more reasonable to give you a payment on willing to help me.

Your pay is in front of the orphanage.

I looked at it in disbelief as I practically wasted my time just thinking. Though, I appreciated the gesture of giving the money. The note sounded so sincere but I couldn’t let my guard down just yet.

I walked back to the entrance of the orphanage and there stood a briefcase. A logo on it was a celestial sun. I found it quite cool but a little childish with all those bright colours. I took it without hesitation and sprinted my way back home. I found it suspicious but thankfully nothing happened on the way back.

I opened the door and sighed in relief. I walked upstairs to my room and placed the briefcase on top of the table. Without any patience left, I opened it.

My eyes widened with more surprise and disbelief than ever before. I was speechless but soon enough came out 3 words.

What. The. Fuck.

A piece of paper laid at the centre of the inner briefcase. The words scribbled unto it were unfamiliar and somewhat ancient. But, for some reason, I could read it.

I slowly lifted my hand and placed my finger unto the paper. I moved it across as I read it carefully.

“Hakan vimi igira sinur miopiar…” I read out loud.

Suddenly, a burning sensation radiated from my finger all the way to my body. I fell on the floor with the sudden urge to clutch myself from the burn. I looked at my finger that touched the paper and it glowed brightly. I groaned in pain and soon enough, lost my mind.

I fainted moments later. The burning feeling slowly died down but my eyes were shut and my mind drifted into slumber. The last thing I could think of was…..

What the hell did I just get myself into?

Author's Note

Change of plans. Got motivated to write something like this after watching some edgy stuff. Sorry I couldn't continue the others but hey, this one will have those scenes too.

Hope you guys enjoyed!