Zack and The Protectors Ch.1 | By: David Testeman | | Category: Short Story - Adventure Bookmark and Share

Zack and The Protectors Ch.1


God, angels, Satan, demons, Heaven, and Hell . You’ve all heard the stories cause you’re told them throughout school and people preach the word on the streets all the time. The question is what if they weren’t stories, what if it wasn’t a legend, a myth or whatever. What if it was all true and the best part is it’s still going on. So why don’t you know about it and why does it seem like it can only be a story when no proof except for a bible or word of mouth are all you know of. You haven’t seen anything according to your senses. Well to answer that there is a group called the protectors and they are what they are. Ever since the earth came into existence the war between Heaven and Hell has been going on. As centuries have gone by times have changed and so have the protectors. You have the military, you have civilians, and then there’s the secret that’s been held since time began, the protectors. Their an elite group of individuals who protect our planet from the outside, below, and above. Only the very best are chosen to fight off what our world is really against. Anyone in life can be a protector. You can be the guy who puts his life on the line to save someone he doesn’t even know or run into a burning building to save an older person or kid. It’s all about what’s going through your head at the time. It’s what you decide to do to help another survive, that is what makes you a protector. The ones out there fighting in the war are protectors but when you go to a greater extent and go further than anyone has ever gone to help someone or something, that is what makes you a protector. You don’t have to believe in anything to be a protector you just have to know, is it what you want to do. To do what no one else will do at a certain time and place makes you that guy. Even when you’re the one who is an outcast around everyone else who believe they are perfect in every way. The protectors began as priests and exorcists who took their jobs above and beyond serious. People who believed in a war that was beyond our natural comprehension. Everyone has the questions of the meaning of life. Its simple really. Think of a chess board and humans are the pieces to be moved around. The devil uses his minions to screw with humanity in different ways and God uses his angels to protect us but only if we pray to him. Course that’s when your told have faith and God will not put you through more than you can handle. Unfortunately some people really can’t handle the pressure their in so they commit suicide. Through time the humans began to evolve intelligent wise, while most just wanted to be human and civil, others wanted to fight. Those who decided to fight didn’t fight ghosts or demons but themselves. They fought overseas where people were fighting each other for the right of peace or destruction. Rule the world that’s what most want. The more we fought each other the more Hell was pleased by the challenge. Things got worse people either did not believe or fought amongst themselves forgetting about the Heavens and damnation. There’s also the question of aliens and that’s simple too. Yes, there are aliens but their like humans and have also advanced. No one really knows where they came from or who created them but there not from our world. A lot of earth’s people have seen them on earth but those are more or less scout ships that have gotten past our radar and they aren’t weak at all. This is where the protectors have come into play. Their the elite group who live in stations in our universe and some also live on earth that fight off the whatever alien scouts that come around. Which is why you hear and see sightings of aliens that have been on earth. The protectors cannot weed them all out due to lack of people wanting to leave Earth to fight off far more destructive forces. Really the whole point to all of this is simple It’s all a game to see who will survive the longest. For the most part the earlier exorcists were taking out the demons coming above to wipe our planet from within humans. That was good for the most part until later on one exorcist was taking a demon out of a young boy. This boy was having problems in school, bad nightmares, he thought they were bad because of all the stress at school. He was being attacked in his dreams by some kids. Kicked, punched, chocked, spit on, and it wouldn’t end till he woke up dripping sweat. people made fun of him cause of the dark circles under his eyes. The teachers were constantly asking if he was doing drugs but they wouldn’t believe him even when he spoke of his dreams. You know the stories of kid’s like this and they go on. one night when he went to sleep he didn’t wake up and instead he was meant to stay asleep being tormented but the next morning his parents sent in a doctor and the doctor recommended an exorcist. Taking the demon out went well except before it went back to Hell the demon began laughing and jammed it’s hand through the exorcist releasing it’s essence within him. He in turn began feeling inhuman powers, he had nor resistance to this new ability and had no experience in dealing with it so it took him over. He went out on a rampage killing anything and raped a woman and gave birth to boy. At two years old the boy grabbed a knife off the table and killed his mother. Walking the streets looking for more blood he was picked up by a kind young woman who already had a girl of her own that was adopted. the girl was only three years old at the time and didn’t know who this knew kid was but her mother told her to treat him like a best friend or brother. They eventually went to school together and the boy began to snap. The boy would get angry for no reason, had extraordinary strength when called upon. He also had the gift of telekinesis being able to lift things into the air without using physical abilities. he knocked the mess out of kids without question, basically the first kid to run his mouth or even look at him wrong was on the ground bleeding to death. He scared his adopted sister bad and of course she ran to their mother telling her what was going on. The boy was only six and was too young to be put in jail. Mom sent him to a shrink and even he couldn’t help the kid. He couldn’t hold himself together, couldn’t understand himself. He learned quite quickly what sex was cause he had a way to sneak around the house at night. Sometimes he would get lucky and see mom and dad in their bed room completely naked under the covers or bare. He felt something in him wanting it but didn’t know what it was he actually wanted. One night after a few years went by and he believed he had seen enough of his parents doing it he believed he had the charm and experience to persuade his sister. No boy really like her and it wasn’t because of her looks it was her brother that scared them away. This night would be his he thought to himself. He and his sister had gone at it a lot and yes it’s incest within the family but they weren’t blood related. At the age of thirteen she got pregnant and he got pissed cause he didn’t want the child. Out of the rage he killed his parents and ran off but not after beating her nearly to death. His parents didn’t know about them having sex cause they were secretive about it. The boy hadn’t felt his anger come out through the years cause it was like the sex had actually calmed him but he went up in flames when he found out she was pregnant and told mom and dad the news. They were furious and he killed them. When he went out doors he began killing everyone out side with a knife at hand. He didn’t get to far when a cop came around shot him down real bad. The young sister did survive and gave birth to a boy who didn’t like going to church, hearing the words related to it, or having holy water splattered on him. Mom wanted him baptized and when the water hit him he screamed bad and the church was furious stating it was a demon baby and she must get rid of it. She moved away to a small town hoping to get away from it all and she succeeded for a moment. Her son didn’t have problems really bad or that he showed until he and his mother were at the store and a man tried to rape her. The boy was seven and just about killed this guy beating him to an inch of his life. It took several men to get him off this rapist. This boy felt the power as well but was able to hold it in. He made many friends, learned a lot in school, got into some fights and one fight that could have been fatal but was able to restrain himself from killing the guy he blew up on. He had gotten into so much trouble because of this rage that was consuming him that he finally got kicked out of school and was sent to court. he was given the chance to join the marines or go to jail because of the way he had turned out. He took the job but stayed in the same town he grew up in where most men worked normal day time jobs and women were doctors or school teachers. He was on leave from over seas and was also the kind who kept getting called back to war on call every other year. He did find love while on leave. He also had a son with her that was almost a chip off the old block. His wife was very loyal to him even while he had to keep going back to fight the good fight. She took care of her baby with no complaints or problems except from the neighbors who scorned her for being with that man her life. The town didn’t like criminals or military and her husband was in the military. He was the only out the whole town that fit the profile very well but she didn’t let that bother her. She understood what her husband was fighting for. While at war he was getting post traumatic stress disorder because that’s all he knew but he didn’t bring it home. His wife would take him to church saying it would relieve him of his demons that plague him. She knew of his abilities and what he could but he still bottled it inside. He hadn’t reached the full potential of his ancestors and he didn’t want to. What he wanted was to stay human and protect his family. his abilities in battle and knowledge of war were so unique that higher authority wanted to speak with him about a knew mission. While overseas he was in the bunker lying down when a helicopter landed and wanted him on it. He was taken to an office where these marines were but these guys had on space suites with the marine emblem. He was asking real questions about what was going on. They were asking him about his past and he didn’t know anything. The explained to him about the protectors and what they do and he was given the option to do something bigger than him and all the things he had known about he took the job. Course when he came into the picture along with his abilities he brought a whole knew meaning to the word protector. Anyone can protect another person just out of being noble but the protectors take care of other enemies plus demons that like to infect others. Course when you preach the bible to aliens they don’t really listen so you just kill them. When he was given leave to come home he told his wife everything and she understood the situation and believed in the cause. He was able to bring home some equipment to put in his house just I case they overlooked certain scout ships that broke through the space station. When zack was born mom and dad were extremely happy and they were happy together although he wished he could spend more time with his son. When zack, their son was growing he only knew his father went over seas to fight bad guys cause those were the stories his father told him. His father didn’t no if he inherited the curse as well because Zack hadn’t spoke of anything unnatural or showed it in any way. Zack was very quite, didn’t speak unless necessary, and obeyed his parents at all times. Unfortunately he didn’t get many friends because of his fathers past. Going through school wasn’t going to be easy for him. Everyone has a destiny if they choose to except it. This is zack’s story and what he chooses to do would with the choices he makes will have an impact on his and everyone else’s lives. Zack didn’t have the picture perfect family nor did he really want it. As he grew up friends weren’t really available to him. Everyone in time knew his father somehow or another. He seen his dad a couple of times out the year and when he did times were great. His father taught him how to fight toughen himself, and study. While dad was gone to war zack and mom had to take care of each other which wasn’t difficult. Zack liked to learn anything and everything so cooking and cleaning didn’t bother him a bit. Since he was thought of as an outcast at school he had no problems making time to study hard, learn much and forget nothing. These are the words his dad taught to live by. He studied at school and at home but he also worked out getting stronger everyday. Course that wasn’t all he did he also played games and watched tv on occasion. At times he would feel this anger build up within him but he was able to overcome it. It was more like a feeling of heart burn at the time. In school there was this girl that like zack but knew about his father like the rest of the kids making that the excuse as to wh she wouldn’t talk to him. She was having problems with math and science and took those classes with zack. She wanted to so bad talk to zack about helping her but feared she was betraying her friends talking to the outcast and that zack would deny her the help. So many times she was tempted while playing outside or during lunch to go sit with him and get help but she just used the same excuse over and over. Another thing that made her interested in him is the way he dressed. He wore cloths totally different from everyone else around them. He wore all black which everyone else called him gothic. He was quite, very quite unless someone spoke to him. The guys she hung around smoked, drank, and hung out at the local store all the time and really didn’t have a life. Zack didn’t do any of that. He didn’t smoke, drink, do any drugs or anything bad. He really tried to re frame from any of it. Although she had it in her mind every good boy needs a bad girl. He was so different from all the other guys that dressed like cowboys , emo, preps, you name it. Zack wasn’t depressed and barely showed any emotion whatsoever. She kinda understood because her parents always went to softball games and left her at home to do her own thing almost like they didn’t really care. Her dad played soft played soft ball and tried to further his career by trying to get in with the professionals but he didn’t make it. Sure he had the upper body strength but he kept getting refused on different accounts so he just stuck with his day job. He still went out with his wife and played ball with his friends though that way he didn’t have to feel to bad about his life. Dad was always going out to games every other day, which is why she hung out with her friends when she did cause they were there when mom and dad weren’t. Zack didn’t have his dad home all the time cause dad did the thing every one else in town detested. He was military and no one liked the military let alone the government. There were other reasons as well why zack was an outcast in town but she only knew a few. She couldn’t help it though she still liked him. Well it was a weekend and zack was outside beating on a punching bag that hung on a tree that was covered in duct tap in the corner of his back yard. Instead of taking his anger out on people he figured needed it on a daily bases he hit the bag. He could hear voices on the bus at school, snickering about him and his parents and how his dad was such a coward for going to war amongst other things. He meditated normally before going to bed but didn’t pray although mom took him to church every Sunday saying it was good for him especially to release the demons within. Course the demon within him was patiently waiting for him to finally bring it out. It didn’t understand why it was unable to take control of this boy like it had all the others. It was like zack had built up a resistance to it’s seed. He meditated because he wanted to keep a straight mind throughout all the crap he was dealing at school. I mean you only have twelve years to go right til you graduate. He was doing good in school and he didn’t pick fights that he couldn’t take control of. He didn’t fight but he made a point and no one messed with him. After a fight or two with some guys messing with him people began to really think he was a chip off the old block and it wouldn’t change. He didn’t start the fights but he ended them and not brutally all he did was make a point. He didn’t have to speak cause he didn’t have to his actions spoke for him. His movements basically said I’m stronger than you don’t mess with me. Always fighting, soon be kicked out of school, and eventually either end up in prison or go fight in the war cause he can’t hack it the towns point of view. He didn’t show it at school but he did hurt on the inside, he cried while he hit the punching bag. Every now and then blood would splatter on the bag from hitting it so much and he would wipe it off so his mother wouldn’t freak out. He didn’t hate his father but wondered why his dad was the way he was and if he would take that same road. Zack wondered a lot why he was always working out, becoming stronger and smarter, always asking what’s the purpose of it all. He was strong enough to be head of security at school or the prison and smart enough to tutor the students and yet they still hated him. For a moment he looked at the tree the bag was hanging off of and tried to run up it. While working out he always wore a heavy vest and weights on his wrists that looked like regular fuzzy wrist bands with the symbol of his favorite band on them. They were disguised that way so he could wear them wherever he went even in school. He also wore weights on his ankles that were basically the same as his wrist bands. When he went for a walk he always put on his dads extra duffle bag filled with heavy weights as well. Either way if he was building muscle and speed and if he took all his weights off he would be pretty dangerous. He could only make two steps up it though. Kept trying and trying after five attempts finally making three steps then four. He eventually was able to reach the limb about a foot above him. He stood around 5 foot ten so with the limb being a foot above him and he’s capable of touching it kinda made him feel like he was doing something. He got tired of messing around and started for the back door to for a walk but turned toward the bag. Planted his right foot pivoted on his left swung around and kicked the bag off the tree sending it into the wood fence behind the tree. He looked down and shuck his head. Damn, he thought now I have to put it back on the tree. After picking up the bag and hanging it back up he went for a walk down the street not really going anywhere. Head was low but was able to see where he going. he just so happen to look up and a van was slowly going over the bridge that he was crossing. The van was hanging onto the bridge only by the back wheels. He could hear screaming and from the looks of it Ashley was in the back window with her mother yelling for help. The bridge was over the lake he and his dad normally fished out of when he was home to do so. He immediately stepped into gear heading for the van and stopped at the back wheels where on the driver side he saw her dad hanging out of the car holding onto the driver’s side door. Her dad was yelling for help when he looked up he’d seen zack standing there. Hey kid go get some help or were gonna fall. Her dad took a closer look at zack and realized just by the face of who this kid belonged to. He went back to a memory back in high school when he was messing with keith, zack’s dad. Keith made it on the football team but got kicked off due to his violent behavior but he could get on anything cause he was a beast when it came to muscles and speed. He had also been talked to by college coaches at one point about going pro but declined them all. Sam ashley’s dad was not pleased with keith because he bettered him in everything. In this memory sam took up a fight with keith and was put on the ground in a heart beat and almost beaten to death. Keith stopped himself and unlike a few times before this was the first time keith managed to stop himself from going further. After the memory he thought to himself oh man I seen his father and he bout killed me in a fight and now his sons hear to watch me fall to my death. Now I’ll fall off this bridge his whole family’s a curse. Zack stood there for a minute calculating what he could do and seen Ashley crying her eyes out staring at the one boy she’d liked for a long time but never tried talking to. Would he be their savior or would he be their downfall. Zack looked at the wheels as they began to lose what ground they had left so he grabbed the railing with his left hand and a piece of the car in his right. He felt that heart burn again and it was burning bad. At one time when the heart burn began he tried taking pills for it but it made him throw up blood so he just stopped and took the pain. His eyes were turning red and stuff flashed before his eyes like they say before you die except he wasn’t dead. He thought of his dad and when he’d get home and all the stuff they would be doing again. This wasn’t his dad though this was someone who despised Zack’s very exsistance because of his father. Though who cares lets do this. He held onto the car with his right hand, dad was still yelling for help and the girls were screaming. Ashley’s face went white when she felt the car move backwards and seen Zacks face sweating along with his eyes turning red. She had to close her eyes and reopen them to make sure she wasn’t seeing anything out the ordinary. Zack began to groan from how much strength he was putting in to the car to pull up on it. Her dad looked up to see zack still standing their and hadn’t left yet to go get help. What are you doing I said go get help you can’t pull this van back on the bridge it’s too damn heavy. Zack didn’t say anything he just continued to pull. Her dad felt the oddest sensation how was he being lifted when the car was supposed to be going off the bridge. He thought could that boy really be picking this car up it must weigh a ton. Ashley was in complete shock seeing this mere boy who didn’t speak more or less at all pulling this heavy van back on the bridge. Aaahhhhh zack began to groan heavier pulling with one hand and holding onto the railing with the other. He had thought about letting go of the railing in order to pull it the rest of the way up. Zack noticed the back wheels weren’t turning as he pulled it back up and he knew her dad couldn’t lift himself into the car or else he would have done it already. Oh boy he thought to himself need to think fast. He noticed that the van had windows all around it and it clicked. He looked at her mother and made eye contact. She could see in his eyes he was saying get back. She pushed ashley out the way and let zack do whatever he thought he could. Cover your eyes zack yelled out. He quickly let go of the bottom of the car and slammed his right hand through the side window grabbing the door bar. Both girls closed their eyes and covered them, Ashley and Zack looked into each others eyes and she was completely white. She had so much going through her mind at the time and so many questions and apologies it was just unbearable.. She looked into his eyes as they were turning crimson red. She seen him in pain but didn’t know where it was hurting. His heart burn was ecstatic and wanted to grab his chest where it hurt. but he pushed the feeling away and thought of good times with his dad and pulled hard. The van began to come back onto the bridge. He saw a pattern with this pulled up on the car letting it rise. Slamming his hand through to the front of the van and brought it up again. As he pulled on it some more her dad was able to reach the bridge itself and let go of the van lessening the weight of the vehicle he thought. Dad didn’t bother picking up on the van knowing he didn’t have that kind of strength and felt bad about it. Zack could care less what her dad was doing at the moment but he steadied himself. The van was on the bridge far enough now that he could let go of the railing and now all he had to do was pull the rest of the car up. when the car was on the bridge enough he grabbed the front end, picked up on it and walked it to the right then put it down. Everyone was safe and secure now and zack bent over to take a breath. Her father was on the way to thank zack for the help when this flash came out of nowhere. Ashley flew out the car and jumped at zack holding hugging him very tightly. Ashley finally let go of zack and was very tempted to kiss him but dad was standing there. Dad this is zack he’s a friend from school. I know who he is. His father and I fought in high school and almost killed me and I really don’t know what stopped him but he did. Zack just stared at him not really knowing what to say. So he stuck out his hand to shake so he could leave. Dad shook his hand and pulled out his wallet holding out a ten dollar bill. No don’t worry about it I just helping out a friend in need and I don’t want you money. Wait Zack how did you do that I’m strong but not that strong are you on steroids or something. No sir I’m not but some things are meant not to be questioned. Her dad shook his head up and down with a tear coming down his face. Oh by the way I’m sorry about the windows. I’d rather have broken glass than a lost family any day. He nodded and began walking off. Sam put his down then looked back at zack, I’m sorry for anything that has been said kid. Zack put his hand in the air and waved at him batting away his words don’t be sorry it’s in the past. He started walking off when her dad shouted at him. Hey you want a lift. Nah I’d rather walk but thanks anyways yall have a good one. Zack waved at them and continued on his way to wherever. So you knew zack’s dad and what do you mean he about killed you why didn’t you say anything. I really didn’t know the man had kids I thought he got kicked out of school and went to war. Does he fight in school. He doesn’t fight he really keeps to himself but he did put his point across two guys messing with him. Did he almost kill them. No he put them up against the lockers and told them to stop and they did. One of them was john. Isn’t that the big football player all the girls like. Yeah but he runs his mouth too much cause he thinks he’s all that. The following Monday it was back to school and back to the normal criticism. zack was in all but one of Ashley’s classes which was a more advanced history because he figured maybe he would learn something from his past to who he really was. Ashley wasn’t liking this at all cause before she just liked him and now she couldn’t get this boy out of her head. He saved her family from a big problem Saturday and it was bugging her to death. When lunch finally came around she was next to her friends again. At first she just wanted to stare at zack cause he’s so different and what he did for her family. With the crew she was with and the way she was going she wasn’t going to graduate due to her grades. In her mind she said screw them I need this and she walked away from her friends to finally speak to zack. Zack was just calmly sitting at a table minding his own business mind on the books when Ashley come walking over. She pulled out a chair, zack can I sit here. He just looked up at her with a sarcastic look but didn’t say anything, he merely nodded. She sat down, zack I wanted to think you for the other day. Zack was looking at his book and shook his head from left to right. Look don’t worry about it, it was nothing. Why did you do it I mean I figure the way everyone. He stopped her by putting his hand on hers. She turned red in the face unintentionally and hoped he didn’t notice. Look it was the right thing to do and it just so happen I was in the area at the time. Well I don’t know your whole story line or what all my dad was talking about with your dad but I was hoping we could put all that in the past and become friends. He took in a deep breath, smiled and kinda grinned at her. It’s already in the past and no I don’t mind being friends with you. You’d be the first out of many years. She wanted to talk about so many things but instead she pushed her books towards him. Zack your in all my classes and your passing can you help me pass too. Zack smiling on the inside said I should have known becoming friends with you would come with a price. I didn’t mean it like that zack. He took his hand off her hand and waved towards himself. Come sit over here next to me so we can get you in gear kid. She got up without question and a big smile on her face and sat down next to the one guy she wanted to be with for a long time. She felt like she won the lottery although they went dating and in her head she grinned, yet. Adam was standing in the crowd Ashley normally hung around and was staring at zack and Ashley wondering what could be going on here. Ashley thought her friends were going to say something but it’s like they never noticed, just Adam. It was at the end of the day finally and zack was off the bus on the way to the house. Ashley lived only a few houses down from him and she jetted to the house like she was in a hurry. Zack went inside threw his book bag on the couch and headed to the kitchen to make a peanut butter and jelly sand which. He grabbed a dr. pepper out the fridge and popped it open. He sat it on the counter where his sand which was about to be made. Pulled out the bread and the rest of the key ingredients. After making the sand which he took a knife to it slicing it in half. He picked up the soda and before he cut get a sip he heard a knock on the door. He squinted his eyes which is something he does when he thinks. Who could possibly be knocking on our door. We didn’t have a window in the door to see the outside but it did have one of those holes you could look through. I never really like those cause you never know a screw gun could be on the other side and there goes you eyes. When he got to the door another few knocks acured and a little harder this time. Alright alright hold on mr. Impatient give me a second. He opened the door and Ashley was standing right there with a big smile and her book bag ready to come in and study. Do you mind if I come in zack my folks aint home so I’m alone like normal and the only think to keep me company are my phone, the tv, the radio, and the dog which is in the back yard now. He pushed opened the door stepped to the side and held his hand to the living room, welcoming her into the home. Mom comes walking out and asks who the guest is. Ashley this is my mother Sandy and probably the coolest mom you’ll ever have. My father isn’t here for me to introduce you to him cause he’s , zack pointed out the window, somewhere out there. Mom looks at Ashley with a smile and looks at zack. Ashley if zack hasn’t already told you anything you need just ask it’s an open house to you all I want is your honesty. Ashley put her head down as if to cry and walked over to Sandy to get a hug. I just want to apologize. Before Ash could get the rest out mom squeezed her tightly it’s ok don’t be sorry just feel welcome. I see you brought your bag over here I take it your having a hard time in school well Zack will definitely be able to help you there. He’s a very bright young man with great intention and still hasn’t a clue what to do with his life. Ashley gave a bit of a chuckle while she was still crying. Zack grabbed his dr. pepper to try and get that sip again but Ashley held out her hand to him. I haven’t had an original dr. pepper in a while cause my parents drink diet all the time. He took in a deep breath and sighed surrounding the soda to her. Mom just smiled at him and winked at him like he won something. Oohhh! Did you make this pbanj sand which I love these. She picked it up and took a nice chunk out of it and smiled yet again. Zack put his head down it’s just a sand which it’s not special just cause I made it. Mom what do you want for supper. Ashley looked at zack with a curious look. Go ahead and make that cheese dip, Ashley have your ever had homemade cheese dip. Yeah my mom makes it too sometimes but Zack I didn’t know you cooked. Most guys don’t cook I mean my dad does sometimes but he says mom gets mad cause he’s better at it than her. While getting diner started up he went ahead and pulled out her books and looked through them and there was nothing there he couldn’t handle. After dinner he showed her through the house and his bedroom. He opened the door to his bedroom , pointed inside. This would be my bedroom and without saying anything else she saw the computer. He closed his eyes and shuck his head cause for a minute it looked as if she just teleported from the door to the computer. Women he thought now what. She hopped on the computer and headed for the internet. I could definitely say she was making herself at a second home. Depending on how you wanted to look at it. Wow this internet is faster than the one at the house, ho did yall manage that. He just smiled just takes a creative mind I guess to configure computers. he started to leave the room when he felt arms around him. Thank you for everything Zack I mean it thank you and your mom’s cool too. Don’t mention it kid I’m going for a walk so have fun with the internet deal and I’ll be back shortly. Wait can I come with you I only like walking with my friends anyway cause being alone is so boring ya know. They walked down the steps and zack told his mom they were going for a walk. Ya’ll be careful were supposed to get bad weather later on. No problem mom we’ll be back shortly. They began their adventure down the road and Ashley was trying to hold Zack’s hand bad but he kept resisting it. wow either he is playing really hard to get or he doesn’t have a clue what flirting is. They looked up at Adam’s house as they started passing it by. He was kicking a soccer ball off a tree and trying to catch it. The storm had made it’s way into the town and lightning was sticking in a few places. She finally grabbed his hand, I think we need to head back now what do you think. He looked at the sky and started to sense something eary but ignored the sense. Adam was watching them out of his perifual vision just getting angrier at the fact that of all people Ashley was with Zack. This time he put the ball down and kicked it harder than the last few times. When the ball flew off the tree Adam jumped in the air to catch the ball. Zack stopped for a minute and felt that sense again. He looked at the sky again and looked towards adam. Ashley went to speak but by that time Zack was out of sight. By the time his name came out of her mouth Zack was in Adams back yard and he was holding Adam down with one hand. Adam went to grab the ball, Zack came out of nowhere and pushed him on the ground. Dude what the hell is your problem you want to fight is that it cause honestly. Zack put his right finger on his lip telling Adam to hush and pointed to the black burned smudge on the ground where lighting hit. Adam was stunned and didn’t know what to think. Zack got up placed his hand down towards Adam to help him up. He took the hint and got up. Where’s my and before the rest come out zack handed him his ball back. Dude I don’t know what to say except thinks. Don’t worry about it man I just so happen to be around same thing almost happen to Ashley as well except she was in a car at the time. Hey man you saved my life I hate to say it cause of this but can we be friends now. He just smiled sure and took out his hand for a shake and they shook hands. Hey by the way zack do you care if I come over to your house too your really good in class so do you think. Yeah I’ll help you with your studies too and I’m helping Ashley too. Hey are you guys dating. Zack just shook his head from side to side. Adam went inside after saying goodbye and told his folks what had happened zack walked over to the fence he leaped over and ashley was standing there waving him on. Comon zack I think it’s about to start raining. They were heading back to the house and lightning hit somewhere and making a big bang. Ashley yanked zack’s hand from his pocket, squeezed it and clenched herself in his arm trying to get as close to him as possible. He just stared at her try figure out what she was doing. I don’t like bad weather she say’s so you might as well get used to this as she looks at him with her puppy dog brown eyes. Coming back to the house he checked the mail opened the door and mom was sitting at the table with a candle lit so apparently the power went out. You guys alright I thought yall would be back already. Yeah I thought so too mom but I was helping Adam, another guy from school out so that’s why were late. How long’s the power been out. Oh it just went a few minutes ago. Zack was heading up the stairs when the power came back on and ashley got a text from her folks. Zack , honey could you grab some blankets from the closet it appears Ashley will be with us tonight. He was almost to the restroom when he heard that and his head went down. He thought to himself I should have known this would happen. Alright be down in a minute. he come down threw the blankets on the couch and told Ash she could have his room for the night and he’d be on the couch. Mom smiled and was heading to bed, Ashley gave her another hug with tears and thanked her yet again. Mom usually read a book before she went to sleep. As soon as mom went to bed Ash turned to zack and sat on the couch watching tv with him. Why would you give me your bed and you stay on the couch zack cause I have no problems at all sleeping on the couch. He looked at her for a second wanting to be sarcastic but with held it. Ash you have the bed the internet and whatever else you’d like so don’t ask questions just accept kindness ok. She wanted to kiss him good night but decided against it feeling it was too earl in the friendship for that but she felt like they been together forever. The next day at school she couldn’t stop staring at Zack throughout class especially when he was called to the front to do a math problem just to say he could do it, he was volun told. In the hall way she was questioned by her friends about the way she’d been staring at that zack guy and how she’d been hooked on him so bad. Other girls liked him too cause he a certain charm about himself but they were skittish about talking to him as well. Throughout school zack wouldn’t fight but when it came down to it he’d make his point. If someone tried to physically mess with him his senses would come out it was like heart burn. Before a knee hit him in the chest or a fist to the gut he would knock it out of the way and just put the person up against the wall and ask nicely to please stop. Trying to calm himself because the madder he got the worst the heart burn got. Part of him wanted to fight real bad but the other half said no. at lunch he had two people sitting with him now ashley and Adam. They were his students and he was a good teacher according to them and unlike some of the teachers he was more calm on subjects and could help a hell of a lot better. As a leader though he couldn’t see that in him his father on the other hand was most definitely a leader. Dad taught him everything he knew. He missed his dad too. A week went by and ash only spent he night three times out of each week cause her parents were always playing sports but it was a plus now cause she got more work done and her dad knew who she was spending time with the whole time and trusted him. One day when the weekend finally came around Ashley had become more accustomed to the house and the door was always opened so she didn’t need a key. Zack was outside beating on the bag and running up the tree again. Ashley and mom were sitting in the living room watching tv having all kinds of conversations. He wasn’t in there when there was knocking on the door this time but ashley was and she answered it. It was Adam with his book bag this time and he come over for the same reasons. Ashley showed him around the house along with mom and he helped himself to the fridge. Zack still didn’t know what was going on cause he’s still out there bouncing around. Adam opened the back door and was astounded at how acrobatic zack was. He didn’t say a word yet he just watched thinking him and zack being friends there could be something special here. Zack wasn’t even paying attention to adam watching him he was working out, beating on the bag, and running up the tree grabbing branch after branch and finally reaching the top. When he got to the top of the tree he just looked around at the neighborhood for a minute amused by it’s appearance. Hey you got time to show me some of those moves man. Zack looked down the tree and saw adam standing at the door with his hand covering his eyes from the sun. zack looked at the roof of the house, positioned himself and leaped from the tree to the roof. Adam’s eyes got real wide thinking oh my did he really just do that. After landing on the roof he jumped to the ground with his head facing the ground, right knee on the ground, his left foot on the ground, and his right fist in the ground. Zack looked up at adam grinning from ear to ear. Ashley was talking to sandy and watching her soap opra when she turned to the back yard window which was two big sliding glass doors. She saw zack and adam fighting and started to get up to stop them but noticed they were just playing. After their match adam was showing off his soccer moves to zack and zack was helping him with his tricks. Ashley just smiled and noticed that something special was happening now. This boy she liked for a real long time was an outcast who didn’t care about pleasing anyone but also wanted to help people. It took her ten school years to make a friend out of zack but not either their faults although she blamed herself for not trying to talk to him. She made a friend out of someone very special to her and he was something new to her in the ways that he did stuff. He also made a friend out of adam who was her friend from the get go but now they were like a group to themselves. She and adam were with a group that derived in trouble all the time hanging out at the same places all the time with nothing to do but now they were really doing something. Adam finally had someone to spar with who actually out matched him in everything and he was fine with that. She could tell zack hadn’t changed any but in his eyes she could tell he found a reason to be. They both fought each other for a few minutes and zack wasn’t even showing his true potential but was also helping Adam out with his ball and tree kicking skills. Apparently Adam wanted to join some team later on down the future. It didn’t stop here though aside from helping Adam and Ashley he was also helping Ashley’s dad with their vehicles when they malfunctioned and he didn’t ask for anything in return, he just liked to help. A few weeks had passed the three friends had come to know each other pretty well. It didn’t take long for them to get along cause they had originally known each anyway. mom was sitting on the couch watching her soap oprah and the three were at the table studying. Ashley couldn’t resist so she asked zack about the rumors and his past. Mom was quite and she began to cry but kept it to herself. Zack looked down and back at her and adam. I don’t know my past just the present. Dad never mentioned my grandparents or other family so I’m blank on everything. Ashley wanted to cry but held it in except one tear. Zack wiped her tear with his finger, don’t pitty me it’s only a thing of the past. It’s not right everyone should know their past. Ashley pulled her hair out from her eyes and rolled her eyes around kinda like restarting her mind for a minute. I just don’t understand how you can just not show your feelings and be calm with all of it. He just smiled for a second and went back to normal.. Once they knew they could trust zack everything pretty well fell into place from there. Ashley was pretty much in love with zack but was too nervous to say anything. She had shown many signs of flirting with him but zack didn’t notice. Adam was just glad he had a sparring partner. Adam was also the kinda guy who was pleased with the smallest things like if his arm was in a picture and his face wasn’t he was pleased. Zack was still doing well in school along with his two good friends at this point he couldn’t get rid of even if he tried. Usually when dad come home to see him he called before hand and a week later the guy would be home. Well he got the call but he got another call stating he had to delay coming home more fighting had to be done. So it’s kinda like getting a call from someone saying they’d be home and you can’t wait for it to happen but now you have to wait even longer. He just hoped dad was alright. Zack wasn’t concerned a bout dad cheating on mom cause it wouldn’t happen especially in war. He had an excellent relationship with his family and he wanted his dad, his best friend home. His friends were just fine but his dad was his mentor over everything. He considered dad being delayed taking time out of the father and son deal, which didn’t bode well for him. He understood the process though and he wouldn’t question it. Most things didn’t bother him that bad but this delay was and it was almost showing. It was Sunday after church mom was inside doing the norm and zack was beating on the bag. Ashley was in her house getting ready to head over to zack’s when she heard him yell real loud. She was stunned for a moment cause he scared her but she snapped out of it, grabbed her stuff and ran to his house. She made it inside and found sandy next to the back door watching zack leaning up against the tree caughing real bad. She shook her head and ashley came over putting her hands on sandy’s shoulder. What happened, is he alright. Sandy turned and held ashley in her arms and began to cry. His dad called in and will be delayed from coming home for a while so zack’s a bit upset. Ashley looked out at zack and noticed he was still coughing and there was also a few smudges of blood on the tree and the bag. She also noticed the bag wasn’t on the tree but against the fence. He picked it up and hung it back on the tree then he came back inside. He seen mom and ash hugging each other and rubbed their heads with his hands. He grabbed a drink out the fridge and headed up stairs. They were sitting next to each other on the couch when ash got a call from her folks. When she got off the phone she asked if she could stay the night or two this time. Sandy shook her head. No I don’t mind at all and actually I think it’s a really great idea that you now friends with zack now. He doesn’t know his past but his dad and I do. Ashley got comfortable cause now she was interested. She spoke about what had happened a long time ago within the family and even spoke about the exorcism. Ashely’s eyes got real big and she began to get a little nervous but at the same time was still comfortable being with zack. Something about him said he wouldn’t hurt her no matter what. Sandy smiled at ashley. I know you like zack a lot and with you and adam being his new friends yall have very little to worry about. There is far more to zack that any can understood by anyone. Ashley told her about how zack saved her and her families lives a while back along with adam. Sandy put her head down and smiled real big. His dad didn’t know if zack had it inside him or not cause he never mentioned anything so we hoped zack would be safe. Perhaps with you and adam being in his life he will be able to control himself even better now. If what you say is true then zack has it in him but can somehow suppress it. Ashley don’t let all this turn you away from zack he really is an angel on the inside. You don’t have to worry sandy i’ve loved your son from the very first time I laid eyes on him in kinder garden.. They both hugged, now go tell him the news so he can get his stuff. She made it up to his room and peeked in to see what he was doing. Zack was just laying on the bed reading a Stephen king book and in the zone. She was just staring at him thinking he was just so cute just being the way he was and how he was. She knocked on the door. Without looking, you know you can come in, right. She didn’t say anything instead just walked over and sat next to him then laid next to him. She pointed at this one paragraph, when you get here read it to me please. he kinda thought that was odd but he did. She loved how he spoke and how he used certain accents in certain situations. She thought maaybe it was the movies he watched but she didn’t care she just noticed it was really cute. He turned the page, so are staying the night again. Yeah actually two nights cause mom and dad are going to another state to see my other parents. Dad wanted to think you for putting the new breaks on his car and whatever else you did. He also said you probably wouldn’t care either way he just wanted me to think you since I was staying here with yall tonight. Then he started to read again to her and she put her finger on his lips and he gave her a really strange look. Shh. I don’t think I’d like this book. I just wanted you to read out loud cause you never talk me. When he finished that page he got the covers out the closet and headed down stairs and threw them on the couch then jumped on it. He laid down and took his book out, when he opened guess whose face was right there. He looked up and there she was. Can I get a hug before bed. Sometimes in the process of thinking he kind of twitched his nose. She smiled, you do the cutest things and don’t even know it zack. He sighed, closed his book, and got up she hugged him and kinda growled at him for not hugging her back. Which he did and after the hug she went up stairs and jumped on the computer. He thought to himself what have I got myself into. It was still early yet at school and second period bell rung. He was at his locker getting his stuff together when he heard a lot of noise and a crowd gathering. Thinking maybe a fight had broken out and maybe he could just push through it and get to class. He began walking to his next class when he saw the crowd the noise was coming from. He thought nothing of it at first just another fight. So he started pushing through and what he saw as he rose his head was not what he expected. Ashley was up against her locker with her jeans pulled down just below her but cheek. John, this football player preppie rich kid was behind her with his pants half way down as well. The crowd was cheering cause they were hoping for group sex I guess and Ashley was screaming her lungs out. Of course no teachers could hear this or they did just didn’t care. He didn’t know the answer but he wasn’t going to let this happen not now after what almost happen to Ashley the first time. He placed his hand on his chest, the heart burn was there again. What is wrong with me he said. His head started pounding with a bad headache. He looked up to the ceiling hoping for some relief but that wasn’t happening. He looked down trying to shake the pain off but still nothing. It’s like he only felt the burn when a fight was on the way or killing was necessary. There was only one way to rid himself of this pain and he didn’t want to but it had to be done. The pain began to worsen, he wanted to fight but held it in. Instead he yelled releasing his anger over the crowd let her go now and I won’t say it again. Ashley turned to zack’s voice with tears in her eyes. John rapped his arm around Ashley and held her right breast in his hand. Really, zack what are you gonna do about it you little bastard. You gonna do like your bastard daddy and beat me to death like he beats on every one else. Hey I know why your so silent all the time man. Did he beat on your mother too huh did he, is that why he left to go fight the good old fight. He’s a coward isn’t he zack it’s ok you can say it cause he aint here. Your just a little wimpy bastard zack but it’s ok nobody here likes you any way. As he continued to talk he began pulling his stuff out to penetrate Ashley from behind. Tell you what bastard I’ll pay you whatever you want to quite school so you can be at home with your abused mommy. He couldn’t do it anymore, zack couldn’t hold it in any longer. Normally these kind of things just flew past his ears but dad wasn’t coming home right now and this dude had Ashley up against the wall in a bad manner that he couldn’t take in. It was done, zack let go of his book bag and then his vision went dark. He must have blackened out. He finally woke up, it was that feeling like when you first get up in the morning you’re still kinda out of it and every things coming into focus. He was trying to focus on everything and when he finally come too he seen red. The red was blood from john face. It was everywhere john face was bruised all over but that wasn’t all. He turned to the side and if you didn’t back up far enough you were on the ground as well. The whole front end of the crowd was on the ground the rest got the hint and backed the hell up. There wasn’t any noise anymore everyone was quiet. Zack went to move his arm down from the I’m going to hit you again position and felt a force holding him back. Adam was holding on to zack’s right arm and sweating. Zack that’s enough man for real. Zack took in a deep breath twice still focusing on the situation at hand. Zack that’s enough hell die if you hit him again. He didn’t notice adam sweating or the fact he was on his right foot cause his left was in the air trying to hold zack back. Zack he said yet again wake up man. Alright adam alright let go. You sure man you ok. Zack turned his head to adam let go I’m fine. Alright I’m letting go but get up with me. Zack turned to Ashley pull your pants up please. She was scared to death with what was there and what just happened. Lets get to class although the bell had already rung and everyone was late. Zack was being held by adam to keep him stable cause he knew zack was strong but he just released some skill and was exhausted. As they walked everyone esle got up to get cleaned up in the rest room but of course john wasn’t gonna take this lying down mess. His face might have been brutally damaged but by golly he wasn’t done with zack. He got up to focus like zack had to. Looking in all directions for that ignorant bastard, there you are. Adam was holding zack and they connected eyes. Adam gave the oh shit look and moved out the way. John plated his right hand on zack’s left shoulder. I’m not finished with you yet bastard you think you can do that in front of everyone and my friends you got another thing coming. The burning came back his eyes turned red again as if this heart burn were feeding off his pain, his fear, and his anger. John threw his left hand out to smash zack’s face in but zack countered it with his right hand smashing john’s hand instead. Groaning with agony from a few busted knuckles john started crying out but wasn’t done. Zack used john’s weight and john’s right hand to pick himself up. Zack went into the air planting his right knee cap into john’s face and there went some serious blood gushing. The knee to the face sent john into the air. Zack used this, landed on the ground grabbed john’s feet and slammed his whole body into five wall lockers. Continuing towards john adam grabbed zack. Wait man don’t do it. Zack put both his hands in the air silently saying stop. John please stop and go get cleaned up. I know you hate me but I don’t care. You and the people before you are the reason my father popped off when he did. Let it go get up, and go get cleaned up I don’t want to fight you. John was pissed but listened. Ashley headed off to the restroom and then for class course she wasn’t in zack’s class this time. Adam walked with zack to their next class and seated themselves. Everyone was staring at zack almost like he’s just got into a fight or almost killed a guy. He slumped down into his seat relaxing his head down on his chest. He was worn out but not because of the fight hell he could of taken a lot more than that considering he picked up a car off a bridge. What was wrong with him. Meanwhile john and a few others were in the bathroom cleaning themselves up. Some hurt worse than others and calling zack all kinds of names some of which they couldn’t back up if they were to fight him themselves. John told them to shut the hell up or he would knock them out himself. He was in bad shape but thinking of zack in a different way now. The principle was walking the halls making sure no one was hiding in the bathroom and heard running water in the boys restroom. He sated to go in when one, two, three, up seven guys came out cussing and wiping their faces. What are yall doing and who you been fighting. Were gonna kill that little gothic bastard zack. Zack he thought to himself. Yeah right, how about yall just head to my office and well talk about your sorry excuses there. Whatever they all said, punching walls and everything else they put their minds too. That boy shouldn’t even be in this school. Ashley was in class and heard the boys talking crap about zack. She leaned back in her chair, yall just don’t understand zack he’s so much better than what yall see on the outside. One of her friends tapped her on the shoulder. So I hear you’re friends with that zack now how’s that going for you. Has he done anything weird yet. I heard he knocked john slap out. Ashley just shook her head from side to side, yall don’t know him he’s so much better than how he seems on the outside. One of the girls next to her tapped her desk. I heard you even stay at his house sometimes and your sleeping with him. Oh yeah is he any good. So many questions came up she couldn’t figure out what to answer first. She just shook her head, what ever yall want to believe I don’t care. He did save my life and my families life a couple weeks ago. She started to cry the one guy every one hates saved my families life. I should be dead right now but I’m not because of him. Really one of the girls says what happened and what did he want in return. Ashley lifted her head to the front of the class. That’s just it he didn’t want anything, he never wants anything except to be left alone, and he just so happen to be there when it happened. He’s always walking the streets and never drives. A tear fell from her eye onto her cheek. If he hadn’t been walking that day I wouldn’t be here. The two girls listening looked at each other and frowned. One smiled put her hand on Ashley’s shoulder. Zack’s cute there’s no question about that but you know what they say about him and his dad. Ashley grinned, you know him and adam are friends now right. Both the girls looked surprised. Wow really, that’s weird and to think I wanted to know if he was single or not one of the girls says. Girls is there something you all wish to share with the class the teacher asked. Everyone turned to the back of the class. The two girls told Ashley to call them when they got home to finish the discussion. The principle walked into the restroom and seen john standing next to the faucet and wiping the blood and snot off his face. John who did you get into a fight with this time or was it the boys who just walked out crying about zack. No mr. Clive it was zack who did this to us. It started out as a chuckle then a laugh are you telling me that zack did this wait which zack. John looked at mr. Clive really seriously. Zack Vincent is the dude that did this, pointing at his face with a circle motion, to them and me. He couldn’t quite chuckling. Mr. Clive was around ‘’6 ‘5 and stuck out his right hand as if to measure him self to someone else. You mean zack Vincent right the boy who has no friends, who dresses in black all the time, the boy who gets higher grades than anyone else. Yes sir that would be the one. If you don’t believe me go look outside on the ground next to the lockers my blood is probably still on the ground along with the other guys. Ok john get yourself cleaned up and head to my office so I can get your story straight along with the other cry babies. The principle walked out into the hallway and headed towards the blood on the ground. Wow he thought could zack of really done this to that giant of a guy john. Then again he is his fathers son. His dad even almost killed a few people in this school so I guess it’s only natural for the boy to want the same thing. He walked to zack’s class, knocked on the door. The teacher waved mr.clive into the class. He came in, is zack in this class now I need to speak with him. Zack was nodding off like he just took a sleeping pill and was on the way to sleep when Adam tapped him on the shoulder. Hey zack mr. Clive’s here and wants to talk to you man. Zack woke up a little and seen the man. The teacher called out zack’s name and waved him to the front. He took in a deep breath and sighed alright on the way. He got up and walked out the room with mr. Clive. Mr. Clive ut his hand on zack’s right shoulder and walked with him. So I was walking the halls like normal zack and a few guys come out with blood on their shirts and cursing your name. That’s not it though see I also went into the restroom and john was in there wiping himself up as well. He says you did the damage so my question is did you. As they walked by Ashley seen zack and the principle walking to his office. Now she started to worry hoping he wouldn’t get suspended. So you want to tell me what happened zack. Cause I’d like to think john was just saying you did all just to make you look good but if you did like he said were gone have problems. He wasn’t gonna lie about it so he explained the deal. It was me and I did do it. Mr. Clive stopped and looked at back in the eyes. You look tired back what’s wrong you taste blood now you want some more. It takes some energy out of you. Your no better than your father it seems but maybe when can help you to at least graduate. John spoke ill of my dad I lost control and blacked out. I woke up to them on the ground and told them to get cleaned up. I did not want to fight. Well I’m going to have to suspend you for this back at least for a week to get your head straight. your a smart student with a bad attitude. I didn’t put up with your dads problem and I wont with you. He got kicked out for violence and you will to if this happens again. Back wanted to say something or knock the guy out but just let it slide cause it wasn’t worth it. He told back to go ahead and leave and he would do the paper work. Back headed to the, course mom wasn’t gonna be too thrilled with this situation but it happened. With a week off though he could spend more time working out now and concentrating on other things. Well while back was on his way walking home Adam was also taken out of class being a witness to the fight that happened earlier. Course unlike back who the principle was more than happy to personally come get him out of class good old Adam was called on the intercom. When Adam entered the office all the guys back knocked out were in the office complaining and yapping about how they were gonna do a beat down on back and Adam. Adam smiled, you know it’s funny how all want to talk smack about back but can’t say it to his face but I can tell you first hand I spar with the guy and I wouldn’t want to start a real fight with him. He doesn’t show his true strength and don’t have too. John was thinking to himself and after the whole deal itself he couldn’t come to hate back now. There was something about this guy he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He sat there for a moment thinking about back and how different he was compared to everyone else. He flashed back to the fight and how he was talking to back about his folks. John was a wealthy spoiled brat and could have any girl or anything he wanted. He was also a seven foot tall giant that could bench press other football players. He thought to himself how he was to back and the crap he said to him. It didn’t take a second for this scrawny "5 10' dude to put him on his ass. He and back had gone at it before but that was cause he wanted to be the bully at the time. No one stood up to john except for back. He also knew Ashley liked back from the very beginning but he wanted her and she was one girl he couldn’t have unless he forced her. He didn’t think that back was gonna be there to do what he did though. Everyone knew back although they didn’t talk to him. He was the smartest dude in the school and now the strongest but didn’t show his skill to anyone. John was thinking hard about this and the whole time mr. Clive was talking to these guys and john who wasn’t listening like normal. What back told him made sense though with what the guys do to him and what they did to his dad are really why he turned out the way he did. John’s dad along with a few other guys ended up in the hospital after messing with back’s dad. The man had a serious anger problem that he couldn’t hold back according to john’s dad. A good percentage of the town had picture perfect families except a small few like Ashley and back. He began to shrug all this off it was beginning to be too much for his head to take. When back got home he went inside and did his normal, grabbing a sand which and a soda . Mom was outside messing with the flowers and dad came down the steps. Hello son zack bout jumped to the roof. What’s wrong with you boy you act like someone snuck up on you. I wonder why dad maybe it was you by the way I thought you were supposed to be delayed. I was supposed to be delayed but we got it done and out the way. So it’s pretty early did yall get out early or something. Zack put his head on the counter and shook it from side to side. No actually I got suspended for a week. Ha ha ha ha oh my, are you serious how did this happen. Wait you got suspended please tell me I got to know. Zack shook his head wondering what was wrong with his dad. Well after you called and said you were gonna be delayed I was bothered by the fact but I went to school any way. So I’m in my locker getting stuff out for my second period right and I hear this noise like a crowd hollering. My first thought is a fight and I don’t fight. Dad shook his dead understanding this cause zack doesn’t fight he just avoids. So I head to class and I see this crowd and I’m thinking ok it’s a fight I’ll walk through it. Well as I walk through it I see this girl and her names Ashley. Wait his dad interrupts your mom said you made a few friends so this is your girl friend Ashley. No she’s not m girlfriend she’s just a friend that I somehow saved the other day which we need to talk about that too and another thing. His dad looks at him for a minute. wait. You saved this girl and how did you manage to do this. Zack put his hand in the air I’ll get to that in a minute but I see Ashley up against the wall lockers and here’s john. John is this big giant dude who plays foot ball, he’s rich, and can get any girl he wants so he chose Ashley I guess. Her pants were down below the butt cheek and his zipper was open waiting to do his thing while the crowd goes wild. Well I just saved this girl the week before and now this guy is doing weird stuff to her. Every one was screaming and cheering and I started to get this headache. As zack speaks he moves his hands to show what he’s saying. I looked up to see if maybe I could relieve it in some way but it didn’t work so I put my head back down. I felt this burning in my chest and to me it feels like maybe heart burn or acid reflux I’m not really sure but it burns. His dad was getting curious now and wanted to speak but just listened. I rose my voice over everyone else and said stop now and I wont say it again. Course everyone got quite except john of course he just started talking smack about what ever came to his head and called me a little bastard about three four times. Normally words don’t offend me but I couldn’t hold back anymore my bag dropped off my shoulders I blacked out. John was on the ground knocked out along with about ten other guys and Adam this other dude I also saved stopped my last punch from killing the ogre. Well I finally woke up from the black out Adam helped me up we started heading back to class and john wanted some more. He went to hit me a crushed his hand, broke his nose with my knee, and slammed him into the lockers. I told him to please stop and go wash up and he did. Adam and I went to class the principle came in to take me to his office. On the way he said I acted just like you dad. He said you killed one student and put a couple guys in the hospital. He was tired of your crap and kicked you out of the school. I was suspended for a week for what I did and can still graduate if I don’t fight again. so that’s my story. Dad shakes head for a second trying to picture all this. Ok zack tell me about how you saved your friends. Zack took a breath and sipped his soda and put it on the table. Mom was still outside watering the flowers. After school a couple weeks ago I went out back to beat on the bag and ran up the tree which is a trick I’d like to show you. Dad just smiled. Well after beating on the bag for a while and doing normal exercises I went for a walk like normal. I started going over the bridge and there was a van hanging off the side. It went through the railing on it’s back wheels.i ran over to see what was going on and seen Ashley in the back window with her mom. I heard screaming so I went to the side and seen her father holding on to the drivers side door calling for help. He seen me and told me to get help. Instead of going for help I stayed to try and help and that burning sensation started up. It got bad too just like the fight. I grabbed the railing with my left hand and grabbed the van with my right and tried to figure out what to do next. I punched though the glass grabbing the door bars and pulled the car up and kept doing it till I pulled the car back on the bridge. Her dad knew me through you beating on him in school. I don’t know hat happened between you to but he’s happy to know us now. Dad paused back for a minute. Back I’m sorry for doing all this too you. Back paused him this time. Don’t apologize I’ve made some pretty good friends I course I only have two but hey it’s a start right. So after saving Ashley now she’s following me everywhere and wont let me out of her sight if she can help it. Now Adam was different. I had shown Ashley the house and went for a walk. It was about to storm so I figured I’d make it a quick walk course she wanted to tag along. We come up on Adam’s house cause it’s on the way to the bridge. When we got there it began to storm and lightening so ashley grabbed m hand and wanted to go back to the house. Which with the situation I was fine with. When we began walking back I had this feeling I was looking at Adam and he was playing with his soccer ball kicking it off a tree and catching it. I seen the lightning striking and felt that heart burn again. I ran jumped over his fence and grabbed him out the air and his ball before the lightning hit him. Course he was cussing me all up and down. I gave him his ball back and showed him the black spot that could have been him instead. He started apologizing quickly and wanted to b e friends right off the bat. Soon after that though it was ashley over here spending the night cause her folks are off playing sports and adam wanting to spar with me and teach me his game with his ball. Mom came in seen me and looked at dad. Zack got suspended for fighting but we’ve already discussed it and it’s really not a big deal. He just can’t fight anymore and hell be out for a week. Mom just come over and hugged us both and done the whole I love you routine. She wasn’t concerned about the suspension she was just glad the family was all there. Mom had some soap oprahs to watch and dad gave me the lets go outside and talk look. We went outside stood on the porch next to the railings. Dad what’s wrong with me is this heart burn or acid reflux or what why am I angry and how can I pick up a car and put it back on a bridge. I’m confused over our family deal too cause it seams everyone has grand parents and I haven’t seen mine all these years and no one has spoken of them. Dad put his head down then rose it to look at the sky. it’s time you got to know your self and family. Every one has an anger problem it’s just has to be fused the right way before you erupt into chaos and can’t be stopped. Your grandad and his and beyond experienced the same anger except it took them over and forgot who they were. I could not control myself at one point during school which in turn led to one thing then another. You say you feel heart burn when you get frustrated by something which is the anger building up. You’ve been able to over come this demon embedded in you. What’s supposed to happen is it takes you over and you go on a rampage an are eventually put down by someone. Instead of doing harm you do good and it fuels itself off the anger you put into help others. Just by what you told me inside You’ve over come what others before you could not. If you use this curse as a gift to help the innocent you could push yourself to new heights beyond what any human has done. It’s hard to find someone capable of stopping to help someone on the side of the road or with groceries or anything. Back your what’s known as a protector and it’s something that runs in the family. It’s hard to explain it all really. Every human has the ability to protect another but some don’t want to and it takes a heart as dad places his hand on back’s chest. Getting very serious with his words he begins to emphasize. Most protectors are born and some have to be created through an experience brought on by hurt in life. You were born into a life that already hated you because of what I did and I’m sorry. Wiping the tears from his eyes. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cant cry because it’s pitiful and cowardly. Crying releases some of the pain and hard times you are in or are thinking at the moment and makes you realize you care about something. You could say that you’re a dying breed and when you have a child when and if you do eventually he will feel the same thing you do in time. I had hoped you wouldn’t get this curse but you did and have suppressed it but your using it for good which is good. Everyone is different in their own way by cloths, music, life style, you name it. I know your strength cause its mine, your stronger than everyone at school and refuse to use it unless necessary which is wise although most folks need their head caved in once in a while. so the real question here instead of why me how about why not since they weren’t chosen you were, just something for you to think about. You and I have a family history that goes way back in time to the first exorcist and preachers. Back rose his eye brows at this. We have an essence within ourselves. This essence is a demon that was cast out of a young boy at one time. The demon feeds off your anger or fear when it becomes heightened to a certain point. When you know something needs to be done and no one else is or can do anything about the situation. It boils within you and you react. You pulled that car up because you seen a family in need and a friend you didn’t have at the time who probably loves you more than what she had before. You have the it’s speed and it’s strength like me but I couldn’t hold it back while I was growing up. I was a time bomb waiting to go off on the first person to say the wrong word. You have the capability to restrain yourself from becoming worse with anger. Take note this is a good thing. The demon sees it as a way out and when you feel it you feel a burning in your body. You don’‘t always need this though your old enough and plenty smart to do what you want. Your grades prove this. Zack wasn’t a believer in much of anything and he was starting to laugh at his dad for what he was trying to explain. You know those stories you grew up hearing as a child. A know the kind that talk about God, Angels, Satan, demons, heaven and hell and the rapture and all that mess. Back sighed yeah what about it. Back what if it was true even aliens what if all that was true. Well dad it’s seems a bit farfetched to me. Son I do go to war a lot but I’m no longer over seas I’m a space marine and I fight what the earth cannot. The stories you hear about with aliens attacking the earth and sightings. That’s all true because some of our space stations can’t pick up the faster scout ships that come through. The good thing though is the people on earth who know about the real deal take care of the scouts so it just seems like a story to everyone and they don’t freak out. Dad it’s ok I know you do some really secret stuff when your fighting over seas and it’s ok I don’t want to know what’s going on I just like it when we can hang out. Son you need to know these things I n case something bad does happen plus I don’t have but two weeks here because stuff gets out of hand and I’ll have to go again. So this means you wont be here for my graduation but that’s ok cause I understand all of it. by the way zack before you go understand this when and I do mean when cause eventually you hard to get routine will come to an end and a girl will touch you heart. Treat her like a woman, princess, and the right way. Their not slaves or whore’s or slut’s their just like you and me. We live by honor and chivalry. Zack nodded at his dad, I already knew that dad. That’s all great dad but I’m beginning to get tired and ready to go to bed. Besides I only have a few more pages to read before I finish my book and can begin a new one. Zack hugged his dad tight they both patted each others back and zack went up stairs. Sandy went outside and found her husband staring out at the punching bag. He’s made a few friends and a possible girl friend from how she talks about him. Keith smiled and looked out to the tree where the punching bag that had duct tape and scars all over it. That kids gonna change the world I can see it now and started laughing. He’s getting as strong as you and as smart, she likes him cause he’s different than the rest of the kids. Kieth looked at sandy with his deep dark brown eyes, I had hoped he wouldn’t have the demon within him but he does and I don’t want to lose him. Sandy just smiled, he’s gone on for this long with it in him and hasn’t said a word about it. He’s stronger than you think. His new friend adam can get enough of him either. Keith rose one eye brown and lowered the other curious about how this conversation was gonna be. Adam likes zack cause their like brothers and they wrestle all the time. The way it seems now ashley has always been friends with adam but she in love with zack. Adam is happy just to be noticed in life and zack well, you know he’s just quite and could care less about anything. Zack got to spend the two weeks with his father before he left again but ash didn’t come over nor did Adam. Apparently Ashley’s folks had come down from another state and they were gonna be here for a few weeks. Course Adam went on a rode trip with his family so I had a little peace for a minute. I know this because while dad was in the back yard with mom gardening they com to the door separately about what their plans were. Not that cared but they wanted him to know so he wouldn’t get concerned. I just smiled and nodded. Back still had a good year to go before graduation and he kinda felt bad cause it only took him all this time just to make two friends. He liked the feeling in a way cause now he doesn’t feel all that alone anymore. Being made fun of, people who don’t know you afraid of you by what you can do without even trying. Dad was gone again and it was only a matter of time before he was out of school on the way to something big. It was a weekend and a few months before graduation he didn’t go to prom or do the graduation trip because it really wasn’t all that interesting to him. There was really bad weather coming in and he sat in his room reading while mom was down stairs watching tv. Ashley’s folks were out of town yet again and she stayed the night almost everyday. This time was different though. Back was lying on the couch when Ashley come running down the steps and jumped on him. She was afraid of lightning and bad, normally she could sleep in his room without a worry cause back was down stairs or once in a blue moon back and Adam were down stairs. She didn’t have to worry about anything getting her or being hurt cause there were two guys she trusted without a doubt just below her. One she could live without the other she couldn’t let out of site without wanting to cry. As soon as she saw lightning out the window She just ran down the steps and jumped on top of him and he lost his page in the book he was reading but It don’t matter cause he can find his pages easily. He had a tendency to look at the page number in case something occurs and If he lost the book mark. She asked me to come up stairs with her so he did. Mom wasn’t too thrilled with the friends can sleep together idea but they wouldn’t do anything. Course mom wasn’t a stay at home kinda person either for the most part she worked as a hospice for the elderly. She didn’t take care of one person though there were a few. She worked at a care center and a few peoples houses. Like dad she was a worker but he wasn’t too much of the care giver. Basically she wasn’t home all the time. She worried, yes, but she knew he could take care of himself when he got to a certain age and began to understand hers and dads situation. She worked part time their for a minute then began to work full time. She started to work full time when she realized she had this gift of helping those who couldn’t find a reason to live anymore from all the hurt they felt and gave them hope. Back was more the kind of person who didn’t believe in something that he couldn’t see and everyday was a test of his patience. He believed he born and if you wanted him down he wasn’t going without a fight. Mom believed in the Christian way of life such as sex after marriage but she also understood that teens eventually become attracted to other teens and some to a great extent. She was in a way old fashioned but she wasn’t stupid. As times went by she noticed how teens wanted sex more than anything now disregarding the fact they could have kids and not intentionally. Make no mistake though back may not have made friends until way late in high school but when he did they stuck with him for life. You could say he had friends from the beginning but they were on the side lines waiting for proof he could be trusted with the rumors that had been spread for his life. zack was going through a lot in his mind ther than the usual stuff like math, science, history, pain, but he didn’t complain about any of it. There was no reason too cause no one could do anything about it Ashley wanted him to come up stairs with her and he nodded to her. She got off him and patted his head, well hurry up please. She started up the stairs and turned around to make sure back was coming. She looked at him for a minute as he got up. He started to follow her and he caught a glimpse at the door putting a memory in his mind. Back was in the zone for a moment standing in the living room after mom had gone to bed for the night. From another point of view he looked like he was staring at the door but he was staring inside of his mind. He wanted to know more about himself sort disregarding what his father had told him cause it sounded to far fetched. Though in a way almost understandable but anyone can do anything when they put their mind to something when they try, right. In zacks head he knew there was something more there has to be something more than just this life and people just don’t want to touch it. He wanted dwell deeper inside himself to find what most wouldn’t even care for. Within the darkness he felt something take his right hand and grasp it. He heard of voice call out his name. Awakening back to reality only to find Ashley standing front of him now holding both his hands in hers. Hello come back to reality would you please come up stairs with me it’s starting to get really bad outside and I don’t like lightning. Yeah give me a second as he walked into the kitchen to get a soda so he would have something to drank when he woke up I the middle of the night like normal. Sometimes he got up in the night and was thirsty so he left some sort of drank by his bed. When they ventured upstairs she hopped into the bed and under the covers. She was getting veryt comfortable because in her head she was thinking I’m about to really sleep with him and she began to grin. He looked at her for a minute raising his eye brow like his dad normally does and one of his favorite actors the rock. He knew she was up to something just didn’t know what yet. He grabbed the candle she had gotten for his room off his dresser and placed it next to his alarm clock, soda, and lamp. He also grabbed the book he’d been reading for a while and laid down next to Ashley. What’s the candle for are you trying to lighten the mood for us back. He gave her the eye brow and a small grin. It’s incase the power goes out. He wasn’t under the covers but she was an was waiting for him. She was giving him the what are you waiting for look for a minute and he wasnt paying any attention. He finally sat down and laid on the pillow. She began to growl at him, he kinda stared at her for a moment wondering why are you growling at me. Boom! Lighting hits and she clinches his arm hard. He looks at her and looks down at his arm that has claws in it. Really it’s ok it’s not gonna get you. I’m sorry did I hurt you as she looks down and sees a little blood from her claw marks. Back your bleeding did I hurt you I’m so sorry. He looked at her, you hurt me yeah right that’ll be the day and anything can bleed for no reason. She smiled, comon get under the covers so we can lay down. As she laid on his chest she noticed it didn’t take a minute and he was turning page by page in this big book. You read fast are you understanding any of it. She started asking off the wall questions and soon became annoying. He turned a page, looked down at her used one hand to hold the book and the other to place on her head. Hush and go to sleep if you don’t mind. She was just happy she was lying with him and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She literally felt like a princess on his chest and comfortable. He soon got tired put the book away and layed his head back. Later that night he was dreaming and in the dream he woke up to an empty room with his bed closer to the window. His body wouldn’t move and normally he wouldn’t get worried but right now he started to. He looked towards the window. There was a face in the window and it was ghoulish looking. The face was scratched up, dehydrated, it’s head had very little hair on it, and it’s pupils were red like taking a picture and the film shows your eyes red instead of black. Just staring into the bed room all the way till it’s eyes met up with zacks. They took a few seconds to look at each other when the thing opened it’s mouth and screetched very loud. it was just a head nothing more but it lunged at back screaming your mine. Back was awake now or so he thought but paralyzed and the only thing he could move was his eyes. Normally he wasn’t afraid but he couldn’t so what was he supposed to do. Back, back, baby wake up please. He kept hearing this over and over. Back, baby please wake up your scaring me, baby please don’t do this to me now I need you. He couldn’t see anyone although he assumed he was awake. Finally he was actually awake, ashley’s was over him with her mouth on his blowing breath over his body cause he was burning up and his mother was over him holding his right hand. When he came to mom was rubbing his hair and ashley was crying on his chest. He started to take deep breaths and mom was staring him in his eyes. Zack are you alright. Yeah I’m fine. Fine, your not fine ashley remarks, I was on your chest, listening to your heart and next thing I know it stops and you weren’t breathing . Next her mouth was covered by his hand. Sh, its ok im fine. Is this the first its happened or one of many mom says. Ashley glances at mom with a concerned look. First time mom why you know something I don’t, yeah your father had it a few times when he came home and he stopped breathing while in bed. I don’t know what it is but you need to not think about anything when your asleep that’s why you sleep so you can let loose and forget it all for the moment. He wanted to say what he saw but didn’t want to scare ash no more than she already was. Mom hugged them both and kissed them on the cheek. She didn’t ask why they were sleeping together but after this incident she was glad they were. She went to bed and Ashley scooted right next to back putting her head by his. Taking his arm around her head and lying as close as possible. He was staring into the ceiling kinda not wanting to fall asleep. What was the purpose of that he thought to himself. She put her hand on his chest and began to rub. Back you were burning up and I almost got some water to throw on you. Her arm went under his back and the other after rubbing his chest put it over around his neck. She kissed him on the neck, if you leave me I will kill you, resurrect you and kill you again. He took note of this and swallowed deeply. Oh man dad why did you jinx me. The next few days weren’t any different and it was like s the storm situation wouldn’t end. Course this was no never mind to Ashley’s parents cause they were out playing ball so ash was at my house for the most part. She would surf the web and he was either studying or beating on the punching bag. Needless to say she was very happy now in school and showing every minute of it. Her grades were a lot better, she didn’t hang out with her old friends anymore cause she found someone more interesting to deal with and Adam was back on his program with back. He was getting a lot better with his soccer skills and he was on a team at school. He actually got recommended to a college when he graduated and was gonna try for the pros. Ashley didn’t know what she wanted to do yet and after my incident she thought about hospice or doctor. I didn’t care either way I was more or less interested in either fighting or finding a better way to get better internet access cause our towns internet sucked bad. One night back was siting on the bed reading and Ashley come in the room. She was complaining about her back hurting really bad and wanted to know if he could massage her. He placed the book on the night stand and waved her over. When she sat down she noticed something and a lot of the girls at school had made the rumor she was sleeping with him. They were also asking if he was big in certain areas and she was definitely noticing something when sitting on him. He rose her shirt and she was moving around on him like she was trying to adjust her position or something. This could work a little easier if you stopped moving so much. Ok she says, she glanced at him out the corner of her eye then back at the door. She looked at the door with a huge grin on her face thinking the girls at school would be seriously jealous with this. He didn’t notice a thing either and obviously couldn’t read her mind and what she was thinking about. He used both hands on her back asking where the pain was. She kept saying lower and lower and stopped almost at her but cheeks. As he rubbed she began to go forward trying not to moan over the pleasure. As she bent more over she felt more of him and her eyes got bigger and her thoughts worse. She leaned back up turned to back, is there another way we could do this she says. He looked at her for a moment thinking then lays back. Here just lay across me and ill see what I can do. She crawled on the bed and laid over him like she was getting a tan on her back. When she laid down he pulled up her shirt just enough to rub where he had started over and over. This was an even better position she thought to herself and she felt him even better. Thoughts ran through her mind. He didn’t have the slightest clue what she was thinking about but her eyes showed excitement. Mom was at work so she wasn’t going to stop Ashley from doing anything. Normally she wouldn’t think of stuff like this actually even with the sexually beast friends that she was originally with wanted her but she refused many times. When she was with back it wasn’t about sex, she felt in love with this boy but she was feeling very frisky right now. Most guys would have definitely taken advantage of this situation but back was so different from guys nowadays she didn’t know what to think nor what he might do if he caught onto her intentions right now. In a way she was scared he would snap on her or worse announce he was gay in front of her but no way back being gay there’s no way that could happen. As he rubbed her back she would tell him to come up or go down left or right and he did just that with no hesitation. She asked him to a little deeper below where the pants started from next to where her butt started and he did. He had no urges of any kind she noticed any guy would have grabbed her ass right now and wanted to get her naked and done and over with why was he so different. Then she asked him to come up so he could do her shoulders. Next she asked if she could take her shirt off that way he had more room to work her upper body. Her body was getting hotter the more he massaged it. The pain was lessening and it felt really good how he was doing it. Best part was she didn’t have to pay for it. Paying by going to an actually therapist. He had no problem taking her shirt off and her breasts caught his eye there for a moment but quickly returned to his routine. After her shirt was off she grabbed his and began to pull up on it. Back stopped caused he was startled by this. Trust me take it off and you’ll see why. He noticed it did feel a little better with both their skin touching each other. He was just noticing how her body was really beautiful and kinda starting to get to him but he resumed. She slipped up and rubbed her nose on his chest around his neck and his face. She came up to his nose and lips slowly rubbing everywhere. He was starting to wonder what she was up to. Being done this way was really turning her on in so many ways.. She was going up and down sliding across his chest. Can you go lower now to my waist and down to wards my legs. This actually feels really good as a slight moan came out of her mouth. She began to stutter with her breathing a little from how good it felt. Yeah no problem are you alright you sound like your cold but you very warm. She looked at him and smiled cause she knew he still hadn’t caught onto what was going on. yeah i’m fine it’s just amazing how your smart , strong, and can massage. She thought to herself, he smart but when it comes to this he doesn’t have a clue My dad would like you cause he’s always stiff. He began going down towaards her waist and began around the pants. She quickly grabbed his hands, looked at him’ with her glazed green eyes. They were normally brown but when she was in a real good mood like right now her eyes went to green. Go inside my pants it feels better that way. He nodded slowly going down her butt feeling her curves and rubbing. As he touched her, just touching her body now he started to feel this heated emotion over his body. His eyes began to open to something new to him. Throughout school he noticed girls but not in the way most guys see girls in a sexual manner. She felt him grow a little and he didn’t look like he was aware of it or if he was it wasn’t showing. Soon his face started to look a little reddish. She smiled are you ok your face is looking a little red mister. Nah its just a little hot in here is all. He was really grabbing her butt cheeks and squeezing them and really couldn’t believe what he was doing so he stopped for a moment.. He really was not focused on sex period but she was gorgeous in his eyes there was no doubt about that. When he got down below the but cheeks she slid up on him so he could reach her legs and the moaning was pretty clear now. Your legs are strained you should stretch more often or start walking with me rather than sitting on the computer. His voice had a bit of a stutter to it. She looked at him for a second with a smile, im sorry what was that did you say something. He just shook his head from side to side. For a moment they both looked at each other and she had it in her to kiss him but then the phone rang. Back stopped and Ashley patted his face, ill get it. She picked up the phone and answered. Back’s mom was calling to say she would be late and for them to behave themselves. They said their goodbys and Ashley turned to back, who wasn’t on the bed any more, mom said she’d be late coming home til later tonight and to behave ourselves. When she finally realized back wasn’t there she smiled and crossed her arms. The bathroom light was on, the door was open, and he was washing his face. She came towards the door, you alright. Yeah, yeah, I’m good as he looked into the mirror and seen her standing right behind him. She knew he was noticing something now. She kinda wanted to touch his butt or touch him any where but didn’t want to scare him. She was used to stuff like this because of the guys she hung out with but back wasn’t from her world by mind set. While her friends would rough house with her he was gentle which she also liked. Com’on lets get back to bed so you can massage me some more. They got back into the same position and began the massage deal again. They got back into their relaxing positions again and when she began to feel that goodness again she moved her body up on him then down again. She was beginning to realize she was having an urge and couldn’t control it. She felt him and wanted to make love to him right then and there. He noticed she was rubbing her self against him and was feeling a little weird himself what is this I’m feeling. She out of no where placed her lips on his and they both kissed each other. They kissed for a good few seconds and he felt lost within her power. For a moment they both were lost within each other as they kissed. He woke up and snapped out of it slowly taking his hands out of her pants and putting them on both sides of her face. Whoa, whoa he began to take in a few breaths kinda like the night his body stalled on him. He tried to catch his breath wow. What’s wrong she says. I’m sorry Ashley your beautiful but I’m not ready to do this I don’t think. I’m really. Just before he could finish she put her finger on his lips. it’s ok, as she smiles with a smooth beat red face, your far different from the rest of the guys out there. At any point in time you could have taken advantage of me but didn’t. You are definitely something else back. She laid beside him put her head on his chest again. Usually it’s the girl saying she not ready but you said it which is very responsible considering That’s how most girls get pregnant nowadays. I’m just not ready for that kind of deal right now. She crawled back on his chest laying her waist on his. Back we’ve known each other for a while now do you think we could be more than friends now. He looked at her for a moment with so much going through his mind. He wasn’t ready for a commitment yet it felt too early for him. He put his hands on her face, I’m not what your looking for and I don’t want to break your heart ash I’m just not ready for a commitment like that yet and I want to say yes but not yet. She looked at him squinting her eyes. First off you are what I’m looking for and You want to say yes so you do like me in other ways. She started to smile really big, then lets be more than what we are now. Back sighed What if I say no. then I’ll just keep chasing you and giving you more reasons to want me. So your not mad. She shook her head side to side, no cause now I know you like me and your just playing hard to get and I will get you. Cause you cannot resist me. He closed his eyes for a second and started his thinking process. As he drifted into his mind he felt something wet and smooth on his lips. He awoke to her lips touching his and her tongue beginning it’s way inside his mouth. He felt her tounge touch his making him get that warm feeling again. He hadn’t felt this before what was wrong with him. Having her in his presence made everything go away. She rubbed her self on his crotch yet again and felt him. She let go of his mouth reached down to kiss his chest and layed on him for a moment. You want me I see it in your eyes. He was scared for the first ime in his life scared of this something silly. He did like her but didn’t want to go down this road yet. She put her head on his heart and noticed it racing like he’d seen the hottest girl in school and didnt know what to do. He was freaking out on the inside what the hell is wrong with me this girl is gonna get the better of me if I don’t get my cool back. He was going through so much as it was its like one more thing just wasn’t enough. He liked her and wanted her but didn’t want that relationship. He loved her but was it love or lust or both. So much was running though his head at the time he stayed there and pondered it away. After all this time they had been friends now he was nervous around her what the hell was that. At one time just her coming into the house or going into his room was easy but now he felt like he had to hide behind a rock when she came around him like a shy little boy around a cute little girl. She came out the restroom and sat down next to him. By the way you don’t have to worry about your mom she already knows I like you back. He thought freaking great but she aint gonna like it when she opens the door and sees them going at it and were not married. Then again he thought she probably wouldn’t care cause it isn’t like the Vincent’s are repopulating. He closed his eyes agin and roled them into the back of his head with yet another deep breath. Again when felt her lips touching his and her hands on his face. He was screaming throughout his mind wow I don’t want to do this but on the other hand its incredibly awesome. He remembered what his dad told him about treating girls but really what do you do about this. He tried to pull away from her hands but couldn’t resist her lips. She stopped with pure love in her eyes, you know we can either be together or friends with benefits whatever you prefer baby. Oh no she didn’t did she really just call me that he thought. See back does more talking in his head rather than out spoken cause you get in less trouble that way. She began to open the draw to the night stand and found another book and under that were a small box of condoms. She pulled them out. Back what’s this and why are they in your room. He put his head down and stared at the ceiling. Is there someone else in your life your not telling me about is that why your hesitating when you touch me. Here we go he thought. Scratching his head he gave her a stern look. If you have to know dad gave those to me a while back for insurance. I’d rather have them and not need them than need them and not have them ok. If you don’t mind put them back. No she says is there someone else I should know about. She started playing with his head now cause she figured he’d wrestle with her and they’d start kissing again cause she now knows she can get in the mood with him easily and now she could make him blush. Please put them back in the drawer before mom gets home and sees you with condoms out and talking to me leading into a conversation I’d rather not discuss and no there is no one else n my life except you, dammit he says, that’s not what I meant. She laughs uh huh you do want me. Please put them back as he goes to grab them fro her. She dodges him as he grabs for the box and puts herself in his way. By doing this he had a hold of her now. For someone so tough your really clumsy. He grabs the box trying to pull it away from her rearranging her and him. They start wrestling on the bed and eventually puts her close to him still trying to get the box. When she almost gives it to him she puts her head closer to his. Kiss me again and ill give you the box. He goes to kiss her and instantly snatches the box without kissing her. She gets upset and lays down on his bed. Acting like she’s crying course with most girl can you really tell the difference. Thats ok zack cause as soon as mom goes to bed me and you are on as she raises her fist at him. He looks at her with the eyebrow deal again, yeah ok. I think ill take the couch tonight as he walks out the bedroom. He didnt have to worry about her life with guys though because like him she never really took interest til they met each other. Everyday was a new temptation for him and her. It was getting close to graduation and everyone was doing their normal routine but now ashley was actually helping zack with his exercises in a way. She would walk with him everywhere and sit on him when he done push ups. When graduation came around Everyone’s parents came and so did zack’s mom. His father wasn’t there but he wasn’t upset cause he knew his dad was doing something far more important. Everyone done their own thing that night and zack was alone at the house which he was thankful for because there was no Ashley or Adam to deal with. Adam wasn’t a problem they fought a lot training their body’s to new limits. Ashley he couldn’t figure out what to do with at the moment. His heart thumped hard when he seen her but he thought about her through out the night now. the next day was normal as well he went out to get the mail and Ashley caught him at the mailbox. She pulled out the mail and gave it to him. She didn’t give him the envelope that had his name onbut she did open it. You’ve been accepted to Mit and they would like you to call them ASAP. He went to grab the paper from her and she waved him off. When they got inside she gave it back to him and headed into the kitchen to get a soda or zacks soda since no else drinks dr. pepper. adam come flying though the door with a smile on his face and jumped on zack along with hugging him then kissed him on the head. Zack was stunned by this and didn’t know what to do or say except trying to pry adam off him. Dude if you would so kindly get off me and explain why you are so happy then I might be able to take another breath. Ashley come in wondering why adam had her man in his hands. I have been accepted to this soccer tournament and their gonna turn me pro and pay for college and he just kept going on and on. He explained how these coaches were watching the moves that zack and him had been messing with and the coaches liked them so he was offered free college. He talked so much zack thought his ears were gonna catch on fire. He jumped off zack and headed for Ashley next kissing her on the cheek. Zack gave the eyebrow again and Ashley waived her hands in the air saying what do you want me to do. Mom wasn’t home yet and the only thing Adam did was come over and tell them the good news then he left. She went upstairs to get on the computer, back went to the couch to see what was on tv and nothing was on so he went upstairs as well to get some reading in. He was starting to get a headache so he went to lay down. She got done with what she was doing and noticed back laying down with his book flat on his chest. She put the book mark in the pages and placed it on the night stand. She sat next to him watching him doze off. He looked so calm sleeping but she wondered what really went through this boy’s head on a daily basis. What went through his mind while he was asleep. Did he think of her at all, did he think of them. She calmed his hair back with her hand asking him questions while he slept. He looked very tired, never complained, never yelled, always calm. He always wore black cloths, he never wore jeans unless forced too, so instead he wore cargo pants caused he liked to have pockets. Unlike most the people in school he never tried to be like anyone else or dress like them. Course like most of the emotional kind of guys his bangs were long but they didn’t go past his nose like some guys or girls did. You could laugh and make fun of him all you want but you better hope you can back your words up. She just stared at him, playing with his hair, going into a day dream about the both of them being together. While in her mid dream mom came home yelling up the stairs for help with the groceries. Ashley ran down the steps to help out. Mom was wondering where her son was and if they were behaving up there in his room. Ashley put her finger to her lips and grinned. He’s up there out like a light and seemed pretty tired when we got here. Mom smiled and they both got the groceries in. Mom began to brag stating she liked it when her son and husband got groceries cause they tried getting everything at once, making bets to see who could carry more and put the groceries away. So technically she didn’t have to do anything and felt spoiled with that. Ashley smiled thinking the same thing. Part of her was glad that school was over but also mad cause now times would change. She would miss Adam and back wrestling outside like brothers, the three all sleeping in the house knowing no harm would come to them. She knew Adam before back but didn’t know the Adam that he really was till back came into the picture. Adam was back’s opposite, he was outspoken, loud and proud, goofy, happy with the smallest things. He tried being like back for a day with the dress code but it didn’t suit him so he went back to his cowboy way. Every time before a fight with back he would take his shirt off trying to show off his pecs, we named him mister Hollywood and guess why. There was a lot that happened in the threes friendship within the two years they had become friends. She would miss this stuff a lot. While she was in her thinking process mom came over and thumped Ashley in the head waking her day dream. Oww, what was that for. Mom smiled, why don’t you help me get dinner started. Ashley nodded, well what about back. Mom smiled and headed to the kitchen, he’ll come down when he’s ready, he’s probably got a lot on his mind right now especially with a girl steadily on his mind, teasing him and flirting really hard with a guy who can’t see through it. Ashley began to blush, what do you mean I don’t know what your talking about. Mom just smiled, I’m a mom and I can see through you Ashley and I know back doesn’t see what your trying to do but don’t rush him, if he wants to be with you he will be so just relax. You don’t have to be right there with him on the spot although you really want to breath his air cause you know even though he’s not right there as she begins to point at her heart. He’ll always be right there even if he is always serious and very quite. There’s a long story with keith, back’s dad, and he’s always been away from us all the time but I always know he’ll never leave us mentally and will always be in our hearts but it’s so amazing when he’s home. She begins to cry, you should really see back smile when those two are together, he’s as happy with his dad as he is when he’s with you and Adam. Everything was done as far as dinner and Ashley went to yell back’s name when he come from behind her rubbing her head scaring the mess out of her. When she freaked out she smacked him in the back of the head. He turned to her rubbing his head saying oww. She looked at him with an angry look, you scared me and you deserved it. Mom was making her plate and made the remarks, he can pick up a car with no problem yet he gets smacked in the head and says ow. They all had a laugh. Ashley smiled really big cause she’d never heard him laugh before then again he never had a reason too. It mat seem like back has been leading a nice life so far put that wasn’t the half of what he did. He also worked as technician in tire lube and express where he also worked under Adams mom who was the manager in the morning. Back had a hard time trying to get a job while in school because of his situation. After hearing from Adam of how zack saved him and Ashley she turned the other cheek and told him to put an application in with Wal-mart. She also knew zack was pretty adept with cars although they weren’t his interest so she said she would try to get him a job back where she worked. Zack didn’t mind at all he was all for it. He didn’t get to work with Adam though cause he was a cart pusher. Zack done really well back in tire lube and express and with him using his dad’s truck to get back and forth from work and home he only had to wait a few hours for Adam to get off work so they could ride home together. Adams mom thought this was a good idea as well cause now she could get home and start dinner before Adam got home and she could get more done this way. Course zack’s mom was able to get Ashley on where she worked. So in theory everyone was helping each other. Everything went well for the most part on days off Adam and zack would still spar together getting stronger day by day. Ashley and sandy were getting to know each other a lot better and ash was also thinking about getting into college so now she had something to look forward to. Ashley wanted to one day become a doctor, Adam was going for professional soccer, and back well he was still a little lost although he had already gotten his invitation to ITT tech and MIT colleges. It all still worked out pretty well the same with Ashley and back though cause of her father still trying to go to games and eventually become a pro. She still stayed with the Vincent’s on a few nights. Even though they were graduated back just didn’t know where to go from where he was standing. He got off work doing his normal routine going for the doors to go sit outside on the carts listening to his music and watching Adam get carts and on occasion help him out although he wasn’t supposed to. He could see the cash registers and was almost to the door when this women began to scream. every one turned in her direction. She was screaming about her child having gone missing. Back stared at her from a good distance thinking not his problem when a scent blew in the wind heading her way. It was a burning scent like burnt flesh but human. A strong wind came through the double doors blowing past him towards the woman. Still screaming for her son to return and everyone around her was looking calling out the boys name. Back thought maybe the kid was playing around when that burning in his chest began to start up. He held his chest for a minute and looked around for something, anything. He saw something a little unnatural about the air next to the woman screaming for everything she was worth. It was a little cold outside still and he still had his jacket on. He start walking towards the odd air flow he noticed then began unzipping his jacket and threw it down off to the side. One of the customer service ladies seen him start running towards the woman or so she thought. Opening her mouth to say something but couldn’t get the words out. She put her hands out to tell him to slow down. He couldn’t though something wasn’t right. He noticed something about the air in a weird shape in between the woman and the csm. He felt the air coming from what ever it was but no one else did. When he made it to them he leaped into the air and in he went. Disappeared in front of everyone. Everyone began to freak out cause zack just leaped into the air hands first and disappeared into thin air. That’s when it appeared, this oval shaped portal showed up right there in front of customer service. It seemed to only reveal itself cause zack went inside. It was floating in the air with a lava red center. The fire itsels seemed to be flowing in on itself. A guy went to touch it slowly with his cane and the tipp melted off. The man backed up shaking his head saying no over and over getting very worried. That poor boy and young man who jumped in there. I hope nothing happened to them. The screaming lady stopped screaming. You don’t think my son went in there do you, as she began to get upset. The old man put his head down, no ma’am I think he was taken by something and that young man somehow seen this portal when no one else could and went in after your boy. The guys who worked with zack were on their way up front when they seen a crowd a round this big red floating portal in front of customer service. Adam was on his way inside as well coming in to say he was taking a brake for a minute when he seen the portal too. He stood at the doors for a moment wondering what was going on. Adam walked up to the portal along with the other guys and asked what was going on. The woman who lost her child was standing there bent over crying asking for her child to come back to her. The man was standing there holding onto his cane and still shaking his head. Adam came up to the csm and she waved him over. Back went in there pointing at the portal after her little boy as she pointed to the woman. Adam and the other guys were looking at each other knowing that back would have actually done something like that. Adam started to reach for the portal even though he could feel the heat coming off it. The man with the cane stuck it out and touched Adams hand pushing it away from the portal. If you look at the end of the stick you’ll notice that portal burnt it so imagine what it’ll do to you’re hand. Everyone in the store just about was standing around the portal now wondering if zack would return and with the boy he went in after. Adam turned to the old man asking how zack managed to jump in there although it burned his stick. The old man looked up at adam widening his eyes that is a good question. When zack went into the portal he figured he would be going into a hot room not a flaming funnel going down ward. He could feel the heat no doubt about that. As he was falling he noticed this creature dragging the boy down the funnel at a pretty good speed. He wasn’t too thrilled about being in this place cause it almost felt like home in a way which was weird. He charged the beast head first gaining his own speed. The creature just happen to turned back and seen zack following it. It screeched turned back to where it was heading gaining speed hoping to lose zack somewhere down the line. Suddenly when the beast looked like it was just gaining speed it shot straight up in stead of continuing the same route leaving zack in a curious position. Then BOOM he hits the ground face first in dirt. Apparently he landed on a platform somewhere down the line. He immediately got up and looked for the creature. Of course it was standing with no scratches in front of him screeching at him like he done something wrong. It took the boy in it’s right hand and threw him into the air. Back was gonna go after him but the boy went into the air higher along with some skeleton bones that swarmed him caging him in the air. The boy was steadily screaming for help and back knew of only one thing to do. He had to defeat this winged creature in order to leave this place with the boy. Back took a fighting stance along with the creature licking it’s beak. Fire was blasting everywhere around them but wasn’t coming from one spot more like everywhere. Wind was blowing rom all directions as well and back was squinting and blinking due to the debris flying around. The demon looked up screeching puts it’s arms to the side as if it were powering up and wiped out it’s wings to the full extent. Back planted his feet waiting for the moment to defend himself. Then it struck at an extraordinary speed but zack was able to counter it. Zak and the demon met eye to eye and the demon was mad because of it. Of all the creatures the demon had killed in it’s life, pitiful humans, and other things zack was the only one to put up a balanced fight. It wasn’t gonna play a legal game it was going for the kill. Striking with it’s claws and beak zack was ducking, dodging and fighting back. He managed to take a claw to the chest and on the cheek near his right eye but it didn’t faze him. The boy wasn’t screaming anymore but cheering for zack’s victory cause he wanted to get home and had no clue as to who this teenager was. Course most the teens that he knew were always mean cause they were older and that’s just the way the world is. Instead of being dumped into a trash can or getting a flushy in the bathroom this guy was fighting for him not against him. Getting back to their fighting they both death stared each other for a moment then went for the blow hitting and smashing each other fist to claw but not hitting each other. They were matching strikes which didn’t bold well for the demon. When the demon backed up taking a glimpse at zack he seen something different about this human than the others he had taken down. Something’s in his eyes that showed something new. Their it was the human was in pain but wasn’t showing it physically. Zack was in pain his heart burn was hitting hard feeding off the fight it had longed for a long period of time. The demon began to wonder but knew every since the fight this human was holding something back and the only way to find out was to surrender this fight this time. It still wasn’t enough though the demon wanted to fight some more but the human matched him in everything. Pissed by this problem the demon went for his neck with it’s beak and zack went at it with his right foot kicking it hard busting it’s bottom beck and drawing blood. It tried to adjust itself as best as possible then stood up, looked up at the boy and began to laugh. Turning to the edge of the platform and flew to the edge flying off it. Back thought about going after it but decided against it. The boy was more important than anything else. The question at this time was how to get the boy down and how to get out of here. The boy was yelling down at back wondering how to get down and as back looked up at him and before he a thought came to mind the bone cage opened and the boy fell to back. Back caught him and put him on the ground. He kneeled in front of the boy offering a piggy back ride. The boy smiled really big saying he was cool for everything he had done so far and he wasn’t like the guys he had gone to school with. The boy got on his back, so how do we get out of here bro if I can call you that. Zack began to look around and felt a shake in the platform itself. He thought to himself the ground was collapsing underneath him so he needed to do something now. Screw it he thought well try this. Planting his feet and bending down he ran to the edge scaring the boy to death. He jumped straight up heading back to where he came from and low and behold they were heading up. Don’t know how but they were heading up and that’s where the exit was. at first the boy was scared but now he was laughing and shouting weird things like this is so awesome and mom would freak if she’d seen me doing this, etc. man you’re the coolest guy I’ve ever met. Back didn’t know what to think right now except he was glad the kid wasn’t crying about it being to hot in this hellish prison. They finally made it to the exit and back went through it seeing daylight again but when he hit the ground he hit hard. The boy flew off him but Adam managed to catch him landing on the floor as well. When the boys mother seen him see went to grab for him and the boy hissed at her. His facial expression had changed something grotesque. Adam yelped and got up as quick as possible getting away from the boy. Back was starting to get up asking how the boy was and Adam went to pick him off the ground. The boy scratched at Adam and soap in a very different language. The boy seen his mother, smiled and lunged speaking abnormally again. Mom went for her son and zack got in the way knocking the kid back to the floor. You do not have the strength to hold me down boy as the creature to fight zack back. Zack planted the creature on hit’s back and held him down with one hand. Zack and the the creature went eye to eye. He pressed his hand down on it’s chest trying to figure out how to get rid of the demon sleeping inside the kid. Mom was screaming for zack to give her child back cause the kid needed his mommy. Adam and the other guys were holding her back telling her zack would take care of it as if he really knew what he was doing. In reality zack didn’t have a clue as to what to do except exorcize the demon but he wasn’t a priest. So out of pure nature he began saying bible versus. Laughing hysterically, you cannot save this kid with bible words you are not a priest. Back knew this he was certain things but not stupid but no one else was stepping up to the plate. It was only when back began to look at the ceiling for something an older man appeared before them both and placed his hand on the kid’s chest. Back and the man stared at each other for a second and began speaking biblical terms again. Getting louder and louder, the audience behind them were actually getting worried and wondering could this really be happening. The creature gave a sigh and closed it’s eyes dying out. The preacher sighed as well thinking God for saving the boy. Back looked at the kid thinking it’s not over that was too quick. Just when the priest rose to leave them the kid rose and laughed out loud. I already told you, you have no power even a small town preacher cannot hold me down. The preacher got back down, I hate to say it but he may be right I am just a small town preacher I don’t have that kind of power. Thinking to himself cause that’s what he does, he figured if the man is already doubting himself he didn’t need to be preaching. He looked up to the ceiling asking in his mind to any one who would listen. If anyone is there give me a reason to believe and save this child. He is too young to understand the true nature of this world. He gave it a second un aware that Adam was watching this. Adam couldn’t believe that back was looking for answers from above when he would tell you to your face he wasn’t a believer and he walked alone. He could tell from the look on back’s face although it’s the same expression he always had just with concern in his eyes that he really wanted to save this boy. It was the look back had when he saved Adam’s life. A concern for someone who didn’t know at all but was there any way. Zack was done with the asking for help routine and tried the biblical stuff again. The burning shot through his stomach and it showed in his eyes. A smile appeared on the kid’s face, what’s wrong boy you look like you’re in pain. Here let me help you as the kid put his hand on zack’s chest and squeezed. I feel it in you have a demon asleep inside you but don’t worry I will wake it for you. Zack thought to himself, no you can’t do that you could destroy everything. If it hasn’t been awake and he’s been using it’s sleeping potential who knows what could happen if it woke up. What if he couldn’t control it. The kid began to laugh zack could feel the heat rising within him. He couldn’t lift his hand up to back people away but he also couldn’t speak to get them away either. Then out of no where the demon took a breath and continued till the face went from grotesque back to normal. Could he have really done it, he thought could the boy be back to normal. After his thoughts the kid woke up wondering where he was asking everything in the world. Back felt fine so he tried to stand but landed on his knees instead. Adam came in to pick him up along with peter at his side. Still coughing up blood and getting nausiated so he just kept his head down. Adam was asking if peter could take zack to the hospital cause he needed to go get Ashley from zack’s house when zack grabbed at his chest. He couldn’t breath, he knew something wasn’t right back there. Boom, zack went flying to the ceiling and back to the ground then to the wall. Speaking in a different voice now, I have slumbered in you for far too long and you do not have control anymore. He could feel his body try to change but was resisting some how. You have abused my power for good this is unacceptable and you will be punished. Adam screamed at zack, dude if you can hear me man fight it, fight it. Youv’e fought worse crap than this and you can beat this. Why can I not take control what sort of hidden ability could you possibly have that could hold me back. Your nothing but another human to be consumed why can I not take you down. How are you so different from the rest of them all this should be easy. Zack voice popped out as he looked at everyone else, I’m not you. The demon’s voice emerged one last time, this will not happen again and I will win next time. Zack’s eyes rolled up to the back of his head, his last breath before unconsciousness kicked in and he hit the ground. Again Adam and peter picked him up taking him to the exit. As they got the car Adam glanced at peter, peter smiled I got him go get your girl friend. Adam gave him a weird look, she aint mine she his, he just don’t know it yet. Peter took zack to the doctor and Adam went to zack’s house to pick up Ashley, assuming that’s where she was. When he got to the door he knocked first before entering instead of just walking in like normal. Mom was watching t.v when she heard the knock on the door. She began to get up when adam opened the door. Oh, Adam you don’t have to knock you know you can just walk right in. Adam walked in with a downed look on his face, where’s Ashley at mom. Oh you know her she’s upstairs probably on the internet like normal waiting for back to get home and by the way where is he. Ashley get down here please in need to speak to you and mom. Mom was getting worried, Adam where’s my son at, as she came close to him. Ashley came running down the steps, hey where’s zack at. Adam had his head down looking at the floor, mom put her hand under his cheek grabbing his chin gently pulling it up. She had a worried look about her almost like she wanted to shed a tear. Ashley stood next to him, Adam where’s zack and why isn’t he with you. I talk about it on the way to the hospital peter from work should already be there with him since he drove him there. As he turned to the door Ashley and mom both grabbed his hand. Both were getting upset Ashley was more angry because he wasn’t saying anything. Adam sighed the explained it the best he could as the two girl’s jaws dropped to the floor. Now comon lets go find out how he’s doing. They were on the road headed to the hospital and Ashley was up against the window thinking of course os zack and trying to picture him doing what he did. Zack saving that little boy like he had saved her and Adam. The one boy she was in love with, who didn’t speak unless spoken to, kinder than anyone you could meet and not even realize it. You can know him all your life and still not know him well if enough to know what lies inside his dormid heart. It’s a little scary but cool knowing that a hero cof your life could be standing next you and you not even know it. That’s the kind of person zack was at least in her eyes. Some say the silent ones are the ones who will kill you or be psychotic but what about the one who is silent and will protect you or heal you. mom was in the back of the car also trying to picture zack doing this deed for this boy. It wasn’t hard to picture, it was only hard to feel cause it was her son and according to Adam he was hurt. When they made it to the hospital peter was outside waiting for them waving his hand. The girl’s didn’t run but Adam did although peter said he was still out of it but ok. He got up to the room and the little boy was with his mother sitting in the waiting room. The boy come up to Adam and told him no one was allowed in cause they were giving him meds. Adam just nodded and rubbed the boys head then his mother stood up and came over to Adam. I’m sorry young man but was that your friend in their. Adam nodded his head not really knowing what to say. Who is that boy and how did he you know do that. Shaking his head, I really couldn’t tell you but I guess there are some things you really just don’t question when it’s being givin to you. She nodded and held her boy in her arms as if she understood. She was very happy and sad at the same time. I wanted to think him again and my son did too, he sees that young man as an older brother or more like a best friend. Adam smiled , yeah I know that feeling thinking about the lightning that would have killed him if zack hadn’t jumped in. The doctor came out the office saying only he gave him a cough suppressant for the blood he was coughing up but zack hadn’t complained about any other pains. Adam smiled thinking that dude complain about pain and tapped the boy on the head with a slight push to let him know he could go in first. Along with the boy was the rest of the gang behind him. As they entered the boy went right up to his side putting his hands on the bed. Wow he’s really out of it isn’t he, Ashley come up behind the boy grabbing zack’s hand and kissed it, rubbed it on her face, and squeezed it gently. Yeah he’s out of it cause normally he would have pulled his hand back from me. The boy looked at her, are you his girl friend. She blushed and Before she could speak he just talked away, your cute I wish I was that lucky I may never get a girl cause the guys keep picking on me. If my bro was around at my school I could probably get any girl and beat up the boys who pick on me all the time as he pointed at zack. Ashley smiled, thinking oh my zack now you’ve got another friend you’ll never be able to let go. Adam was hanging next to the window and glanced at the kid. Hey kid you don’t need to hang out with him if you want the girls I can get you that easily and show me them boys and well knock em out together dude. Really the boy made a huge smile on his face and went over to Adam to have a more Adam kind of conversation. Ashley got closer to back bringing mom closer to him. They were both stunned at seeing back like this and it pained his mother to see her son like this. The doctor walked in with a notepad, so I seen these burn marks on back’s chest, not big ones but they are visible and he’s got a nice scratch on his eye so can all tell me what happened. Adam rose his hand, sorry doc but if I told you what happened you wouldn’t believe me. The doctor smiles, trust me i’ve heard a lot of stories in my time so hit me with your best shot. Adam went over to him put his hand on the doc’s shoulder, follow me cause I don’t think that his mom is gonna want to hear it again. So they both walked out the room and Adam began his speech about what happened tonight. While Adam was telling the end of the story the one person he didn’t think he’d have to see was looking in every door coming down the hall. The doctor was freaking stunned at what Adam was telling him and said he would do what he could to help back out. On the inside the doctor was laughing but he couldn’t do it out loud mostly cause he didn’t want to get punched in the face by the family. When the doctor left Adam seen john roaming through every door as if he were looking for something and he just stood there waiting for john to notice him. When john finally reached the front desk Adam still waited. The lady at the counter pointed towards Adam’s direction and john ran up to him. Hey Adam I heard back was here. Oh really where’d you hear that. John scratched the back of his head, well I was going to Wal-mart tonight around midnight and some lady at customer service asked if I knew how he was. I told her I didn’t know he was at the hospital course it freaked me out to cause I mean you know it’s zack. Zack in the hospital, to think who could of done that. Adam sighed, moron, and turned to go back to zack’s room. What did you call me grabbing Adam’s shirt. The doctors who were around turned to them both. Adam turned around twisting his shirt and looked at john dead in the eyes. Wait john thought for a minute, what did you call me. Adam chuckled, I called you a moron, but if you follow me I can show you where back is. John let him go, wow Adam you’ve gained a few muscles and how did you do that. Adam waved him on, did you forget I workout with back that’s work out enough. When they entered the room john went around touching mom on the shoulder letting her know he was there. He went to the side of the bed and seen how back was. Wow man what happened to you. Ashley was rubbing the side of back’s face, he saved that little boy’s life tonight by going through a hot, red, floating portal. He also pulled a demon from him but he was also drained from doing it which is why he’s here. John was shaking his head side to side, dude you are something else. Back’s eyes were moving from side to side behind the eye lids. Whoa dude john said what’s he doing. Ashley giggled that’s what he does when he’s dreaming. Hah really so how do you know asked john. She looked at john cause I know back a lot better than you. Wait so does that mean you two are and before he could finish the sentence. Adam cleared his throat, you finish that sentence with something you shouldn’t say I’ll lay you out right here. Wait I was just gonna ask if they were. Yet again Adam snapped at him. Ashley looked at them both, boy’s you better behave and it doesn’t matter what anyone think’s zack and I do at his house. Mom was ignoring them all she just wanted him to wake up. Zack eye’s were still moving from side to side but now a little faster. John noticed that zack’s eyes were moving more rapidly now and pointed. Hey Ashley is that something else he does. She looked at john then back down at zack. Oh, no hey mom look it’s the same thing he was doing that one night he had a panic attack. Mom just stared at him for a second and didn’t realize she was speaking out loud, son, what berdon are you taking on now that makes you do this. Now everyone was curious. Ashley put her hand on his chest and rubbed for a moment, what’s going on inside your head back, just fight it like you do everything else and come back to me. Inside back’s head he was in a dark place with a voice all around him. I will have you, you are no different from the ones I took before. Your father and the ones before him could not control me and neither will you. Back was turning in every direction wondering who and where. Your dad may shifted my essence to you but a little of me is still inside him and I will have him. It may take time but I will have you one way or another. Yes, incase you were wonder I am the demon inside you. I am that heart burn that wants a good fight, wants death. I say you are different but your not your stronger than those before you then a shadow appeared before back appearing as a shadow of himself. He thought he was looking at a mirror just more evil. It appear I can only get to you when your asleep or knocked out so lets see just how strong you really are boy. Back didn’t speak just thought I don’t want to fight. I don’t care if you want to fight or not I want your strength boy. I am in your mind I know what you think, you should feel privileged it’s not every day the human gets to meet it’s inner demon, your just hard headed and wont give in to the darkness. At that last word the demon swung at him. The fight was on both blocking fist to fist. Ashley began to see sweat coming down back’s forehead and started to wipe it off. Wow if he’s dreaming it must be a nightmare. Mom began to sway as if to pass out and Adam quickly grabbed a chair sliding it under mom. She sat down just in time and laid her hands on her as if to pray for her son. Ashley didn’t know what to do except put her hand on mom for reassurance. Back was fighting hard and of course when it’s you your fighting it can be rough and irritating cause you already know your own moves. They both clenched fists, you know now I can see who is better your human fighting without me in you. Now you know what it’s like to be alone boy. Back smiled real big and clenched down harder pushing the demons fists to itself. Wait how is this possible your no match for me it’s not right I am more powerful than you. Quickly the demon kicked back in the chest only knocking him back for a moment only to say a few words before leaving. We shall see each other again this is not over. I want to fight you again when your stronger right now your too weak for me and I want to fight when your at your max. it vanished and back thought to himself that was weird I thought I was winning. He began to notice light now because he was waking up. He finally began to open his eyes a little. Hey he’s waking up. He finally opened them completely and took a deep breath. he heard everyone in the room, seen the whole gang in front of him although they were a little blurry. Where’s the boy and how’s he doing. The boy went over to john’s side of the bed pushing john out the way. Whoa where’d the little guy come from I didn’t even see him in here. Adam cleared his throat again, he’s the new member of our beloved family, so you touch him you get this as he rose his fist. He’s the boy zack saved as Ashley talks looking at zack, and if you boy’s don’t behave I’ll send you out of the room. John and Adam both pointed at each other showing who started it and Ashley gave them both a stern look. Zack, baby, you alright, as she squeezed his hand a little more and kissed him on the forehead. He was still trying to get his eyes cleared up.the reached for zacks hand, hey you don’t need to worry about me cause I’m up and walking around. You on the other hand are hurt and in bed, so you should be more concerned about yourself. Zack smiled at the kid, I aint hurt actually I’m ready to go. As he began to get up Ashley put her hand on his chest, I don’t think so your not going any where mister you sit put til the doctor decides when your ready. So he looked at mom was who more than happy that her son was up. Adam was at the window and seen back rise up looking at him. They both merely nodded at each other and he felt this pat on his head from his right it was john. Man don’t do that again you’re the only one who can really give me a good fight so don’t let whatever it was that knocked you out do it again. Back nodded at him and the kid giggled at him. You know it seems like were all brothers meant for a purpose in here brought together from different reasons. Ashley smiled at back, it’s seems you made a friend who sounds a lot like you. Back shook his head from side to side trying to wake the rest of the way up, alright let’s go I’m ready to get out of here. Ashley with her hand still on him pushed him back down, I don’t think so you can lay back down till the doc tell’s you otherwise. As the doctor makes his way in, yes, well I didn’t see anything abnormally wrong with you except for the major coughing of blood so I just gave you some cough syrup. John had to open his mouth at this. You know they say if your coughing up blood you should probably stop smoking. Everyone looked at him but Adam was the one to smack him upside the head, he doesn’t smoke moron. John turned to Adam, like I said it’s what they say but when are you gonna tell me what moron means. Ashley thought to herself what am I gonna do with these two. Mom tapped her sons on the sad still sitting there, how did you get mixed up with all this son. Back put his hands up in a way that just said I couldn’t tell you. The doctor and back were making eye contact now and the doctor was trying to picture back in the circumstances that Adam explained. Course with the cut on his face and burn mark on his chest he could almost see it but he needed a lot more proof than that. He could also look at back in the eye and knew that if he asked him anything the boy wouldn’t lie but he didn’t bother. He was discharged from the hospital and sent home. Adam and back didn’t have to work that day so they tried to sleep in. It was the when they got up during the day Ashley had to run home to do something with her parents as a family thing. Back went out for a walk and for the first time in a while he walked alone again. He seen Adam kicking his ball but this time a little too hard on a the tree. Ashley watched zack walking down the street and wanted to be with him but knew she had others things to do. She seen him walking towards Adam’s place when his ball came flying out the yard. He did this weird but cool jump kick sending the ball back to Adam. She heard Adam say thinks dude and zack course kept walking. She shook her head knowing she would miss them cause she would be going out of town for a few days. Zack came back from his walk and went inside. He started for the kitchen to make a sand which and soda. He then grabbed a knife getting ready to slice the finished sand which when mom hollered. He stepped into the living room and a big winged demon with a big snout stood in the room holding mom in its arms. Low and behold it was the same one that took the kid. He yelled mom and dad came running down the steps. Zack threw the knife he was gonna use on the sand which but had to waste it on the demon. It struck it’s eyes making it scream in agony. Ripping it out the eye and slinging the blade on the ground then pointed at zack. Dad came around to attack it with his pistol and all it did was put it’s hand up to him with a push slamming him into the wall. He was out of it for a second. the demon looked at dad and zack two familiar faces could be related could they. Dad shot it in the side making a little blood fly out hitting his face and it let go of mom to grab it’s side. Zack done a run jump flying kick into it’s stomach when he got the shot. The demon backed up swung at zack but he only blocked it and went for an uppercut. It felt the hit and used it as an push to exit the roof of the house. Damnit, he turned you guys alright. Mom got up but was bleeding at the neck line, dad picked her up. Lets take her to the hospital just when they were leaving dad’s phone rang. They put mom in the truck and dad answered the phone and wasn’t happy with the conversation and back could see it in his eyes. Back could tell his father was only here for a day and was already being called back. He kissed mom then walked over to back. They both looked each other in the eyes hugged and didn’t even have to say anything. After the hug they both put their fists up hitting them together knuckle to knuckle. It was a thing between father and son and more like a sign of you take care of stuff here and I’ll do the same up there. One hand gesture said it all and that was all that needed to be said. Most people needed words to communicate with but with back and his dad nothing had to be said. They didn’t take him to the doctor cause his buddies always picked him up from the house. Dad was leaving on short notice cause apparently something broke through one of the stations they were protecting. Before zack even began to drive he looked up at the sky, it’s not enough you put me in the hospital but now my mom, I hope your enjoying yourself he thought. He hopped in the truck and to the doctor they went. Adam was busy with his ball so he didn’t bother him on the way by. Ashley was out with her family Adam was practicing for his ball game deal he been practicing for a while and zack was sitting in the waiting room waiting for results from the doctor. He had his head down in his hands, taking a deep breath and staring at the floor. He looked up to notice a little boy sitting in front of him probably the happiest kid in the world without a care in the world with his parents. The kid seen him and waved and zack nodded at him then the doctor showed up asking for Vincent. Zack stood up close but not close enough in hight to the doctor both still met eye to eye. Hey your mother claw mark is gonna leave a nice scar but did you know she has a heart condition. Zack took in a deep breath, how bad. The doctor began to frown, we wan to keep her here for a few hours longer to monitor her heart if that’s alright with you. Zack nodded at him, the doctor turned back to him. Raising his hand as if to say something else, if we need to keep her over night will you be alright with that. Zack nodded again then the doc gave him the thumbs up. He walked by the service desk and told one of the ladies if that young man over there by himself needs anything give it to him cause he’s the easiest guy he’s had all week. Back sat back down thinking comon give me something hard to work with why don’t you. Meanwhile zack’s dad, keith was on the roof fixing the hole where the demon decided to take off at such a short notice while waiting for his ride. He ended leaving shortly there after to go back to space. Zack ended up staying a few nights at the hopital over his mothers bad heart but also ended up going back to work as well. Ashley and her family came back earlier than expected due to family problems. Arguments accured and Ashley walked out of her house heading over to zack’s place hoping he’d be there. On the way to his house she seen his mailbox was over full. Wow, she thought where are you guys. There was an envelope with a message to the vincents by the government. It was a pretty heavy package so she grabbed it out with everything else and stood by the door crying about her family. She couldn’t resist looking at the package so her curiosity took over as she opened it. There was dvd and a necklace with dog tags, along a note addressed to zack himself. It was from his father stating how much he loved his wife and son among other things and if he had received these items he was no longer alive. She really started to cry now but then zack pulled up in the car and she wiped her tears away quickly. Zack seen her, parked the truck, got mom out, and she headed for the door. Ashley was standing at the door with her head down and the package she handed to him along with everything else. Sorry I was curious, please don’t be mad at me every one else is. He pit his hand on her head and rubbed it then slid his hand down her neck and pulled her slightly with him inside. She followed without hesitation still apologizing. He read the note and placed it on the table then read placed the tags on the table as well. Mom looked on the table seeing the dog tags and before she could take a breath back grabbed her from behind hugging her as she cried. Lets watch the tape that was sent to us back. He put it in watching from a distance as his dad was giving a tour of the station he was in. He heard a few knocks on the door and went to check it out. He opened to the people who generally tell your loved one has been killed serving his country. He let them in and as they entered to say their apologies they seen the movie and dog tags and were curious. Mom got up and told them she already knew but thank them anyway. They quickly apologized and left. as she stood she told the two she was heading for bed, Ashley hugged her and apologized for her loss. Mom smiled, I haven’t lost him as she put her hand on zack’s heart cause he lives in my son. Zack didn’t say anything. Still smiling if you would have really known his dad they are both alike really bad. Now yall behave while I go to bed. Ashley placed her hand on his face pulling him upstairs, comon lets go. They headed for the bed room and he headed for the bed but not to read or sleep but to meditate. She sat by him thinking he would be in tears but he wasn’t so she got on the computer and lit the candle that zack kept putting back on the desk. As she went through her email she noticed the candle light next to her was getting brighter so she turned to zack. He had so much going through his mind it was frustrating, if it wasn’t one thing it was another. Everything was crashing around him as if he’d done something wrong. Kept telling himself to calm down and breath so he could focus. first the kid, then mom, now dad, what was he supposed to do since no one else could step up to the plate, did he need to join the military as well and take revenge on whatever was out there. So many things went through his head. Ashley called out his name twice cause the light was getting brighter and she was getting worried it would burn down the house. Of course instead of putting the cap over it she threw a book at back which woke him up quickly. He looked at her like she was crazy, back look at this candle. They both looked at the candle and as it started out as a brand new candle it was now almost depleted. She got up, walked to the bed, and sat next to back. Is it safe to say that your starting to scare me back. Still sitting in the same position he put his head down and put his hands over his face. She put her hand on his chest pushing him on his back. He took in a deep breath and didn’t want to think of any thing anymore. She took his shirt off, laid on his chest then went for his lips. His mouth began to stutter and she put her finger on his lips to keep them from moving. Stop think and start loving she says as she begins to rub her nose on his lips and places her lips on his smoothly. He wanted to say something but decided against it he couldn’t see past her beauty now. She’d for the first time took his breath away. She kissed him and he kissed her back which made her smile big time. She whispered I told you that I’d wait til the day you’d give in. It wasn’t that he had given in but he wanted something other than pain at the time and she was more than enough. You haven’t given me a massage in a while baby. He closed his eyes for a moment then reopened them to her. He didn’t really understand what to do but he didn’t want to mess up either. She put her lips to his ears and whispered this is the first time for us both so well both go slow. Just massage me and you’ll figure out what to do from there I’m sure and sure enough by lifting up her shirt and rubbing her sides he seen what was going on. He just continued to rub her everywhere and and he kissed him the hole time. Lips and tongue were mixing together along with body to body. He was lost in her and after a few seconds she asked him to go lower. He knew theoretically what she wanted and went bellow her butt massaging her. He felt sensations he had never felt before in him but for the first time he wasn’t having a heartburn moment. His body was definitely worm but not in a bad way this time. She laid on his chest still kissing him and slowly sliding her hand down his pants unbuttoning them. He wanted to say no but it was too late this is something he actually wanted because of the stress inside. He wasn’t feeling it now, he was feeling Ashley all over him. She was kissing him and they connected eyes, she seen his eyes go from a deep brown to teal green. Wow, is somebody happy or what. He gave her a curious look. Your eyes changed colors just like that so it must mean you’ve found happiness somewhere. He wasn’t to thrilled with the happiness part cause he’s only been happy with so many things in his life. His lip began to shake it again and she quickly went to kiss them, whispering in his mouth. Relax you deserve this from everything that’s happened don’t let anything ruin the moment just love and massage. Feeling her sliding his hands down her body and wanting more he slowly pulled her pants off. She quickly kicked them off her body and continued making love to boy of her dreams. He then took off her shirt revealing the rest of her perfect body. He was really nervous about pulling his pants off the rest of the way cause he was nervous about being naked around her. She may make for of him for not being satisfactory. So he did it any way to get the embarrassment out the way. She said nothing though and just kept kissing. Staring into his eyes, comon baby you’ve made it this far lets go the rest of the way. He then went for her braw unsnapping it and she pulled it off herself. And laid back on him. She put her hand down his underwear and smiled big time, comon someone needs attention. He went ahead and pulled his off then hers off. She did the honors by putting him in her since she wanted it way more. She felt a little pain while he closed his eyes and they both basically held each other as if hugging. According to her friends when they talked about their times with sex you have to be cautious about the guys your with cause some of them just stare at you the hole time. While others want to play around and make you want to slap them. She didn’t think back would be that way she figured he was the romantic type although he didn’t show it. They both actually surprised each other cause he thought she was gonna freak out on him and part of her was thinking he was gonna do something strange as well. They were both calm and passionate about the whole thing. For once his mind was on something different rather than the road ahead and he liked it that way. He felt her worm body on him and it felt good. She was very happy through the night as they both got some rest. It was around noon when he woke up and she was still knocked out from last night. He sensed something wrong in the air and looked out the window. A house was on fire with these humanoid creatures roaming the streets gunning people down. He quickly woke Ashley up and headed down the steps. The hole time she was demanding answers, when they made it to the bottom of the steps and she was still talking he put his index finger on her mouth and pointed at the door. You could hear people dying outside and a shadow on the window showing someone on the way to the door and blood hit the door. She wanted to scream when zack turned to her so she stopped by covering her mouth. He went inot mom’s room waking her up. She was trying to see who was trying to wake her up when she seen the look in her son’s eyes she didn’t need an explanation she just nodded. He took them both down to the basement. When they reached the basement mom began to feel the wall as zack went over to the gun safe and typed in the password. Mom snapped at zack and he turned in her direction with a confused look. She pointed him to come to her. They were both standing in front of the wall and Ashley was confused more now than ever before. Mom spoke the words to her son, you are all that I will ever need. The wall began to move up as if it were a secret door which it was. His eyes got bright and Ashley jaw was on the ground. Mom and zack waved Ashley inside as they ventured into this secret area. As they walked in the door closed in behind them. A monitor turned on in the back ground revealing keith on the screen. Son if this message is playing then that means I am gone from this life and you are the new man of the house. What you see before you as the lights on both sides of the wall lit up revealing weapons behind glass. Now your probably wonder what gives but now your know what’s really going on and You’ve seen them. I leave this all to you son and your old enough now to figure out what to do with the time you are given. I love you both and hope to see you again and the screen turned off. He wasn’t concerned about the weapons cause he considered his body a weapon. He looked around and seen a jacket hanging up. It was just hanging there all calm like. He grabbed it off the hanger with the thought of trying it on when he heard a noise up stairs. The girls cuffed their mouths so they wouldn’t scream. Back was listening to the noise and where it was going too. Something was upstairs moping around but not messing with anything only searching. He took the jacket with him putting it on him and taking the girls with him out the secret room. They stayed up against the wall heading for the stairs. He heard the creatures up stairs starting to leave so he gestured to the girls with hand to follow him as they went up. He made it up the stairs and he seen a shadow still in the living room. So he put his hand down telling the girls to stay. He walked slowly around the corner hearing the snarling of the beast. Ashley made a small cough due to some dust in the air and the shadow started his way now. He waited to see the gun before making his move. When he saw the weapon he grabbed it and snatched it out the creatures hands then punched it in the face. Apparently another one was standing outside, seen it’s friend get hit, and shot at us. Back grabbed the one he punched and used him as a for the bullets the other began to use. Instead of hitting the human it started shaking, putting it’s hands in the air telling the other one not to shoot. The other one didn’t care and killed it’s friend trying to get to back. Still holding the dead one he ran towards the shooter still taking bullets but instead of slamming into the alien like originally planned there was a loud shot. Back seen a red glow before he was completely knocked back and also heard his named being called by Ashley. No, he thought, yelling at her but not capable of looking, stay back. The one in his hands was turned into a red mist and he was blown to the back wall. Both girls come upstairs at the same time and were hit by back. Smacked up against the wall by back’s body they were knocked unconscious. Back shook his head trying to focus, damn their out cold, then looked up to see the alien reloading. He noticed the room for a moment and seen the weapon he took knocked from the dead aliens hands and picked it up. Before the it could reload in time back shot it a few times in the head to make sure it was dead. He started for the door and seen yet another outside waiting him considering his buddies were dead. Both pointing weapons at each other standing at a draw. Both were aiming at the head but the alien threw it’s weapon down and put it’s fists up. Hm, back thought this should be interesting. The aliens he took out inside were at least six foot but this one was around seven. He threw down his weapon as well and Ashley and mom popped into his head and as he looked around he heard no animals and seen no people around like normal. His mind was clustered up and he wasn’t thinking right so he lunged after the alien, putting up his right fist into the air charging after it with no thought in mind. He went for it’s face but the alien countered it like it was a fighter as well, countering back punch with it’s left fist and grabbing back’s face with it’s right hand putting him on the ground. As he laid on the ground he went to get up and a gun was planted on his face. While on the ground he caught a view of Ashley and mom, thought about dad and now wondered where Adam was. Adam wouldn’t miss a fight along side back if he could help it. All he could remember in that moment was dad’s note of dying and seeing aliens swarming his town that morning. Fury enveloped him but there was no heart burn this time he was just pissed. You took my family, by saying this he meant the species itself, you will not take this planet. The alien began to laugh. Before the alien could make out words to respond to back’s remarks he knocked the gun away from his face hopped onto his feet and planted his right fist straight through the face of the alien. Pulling out his hand covered with blood the alien dropped to it’s knees then landed the rest of the way. He looked at his hand with the blood that covered it staring wondering what had he done. He took a look inside then heard the sound of a child somewhere but where. He started walking up the street when he seen this house on his left that looked to be burning and heard the kid screaming again. There were firemen trying to hose the place down but the flames were so massive they didn’t want to risk going in just yet. Taking notes of where things were and what would be easier to do to get inside without burning to death. He still had the trench coat with him and put it on. He seen a few things to jump on so he headed for the house but the fire men were telling him to keep back course he didn’t listen. He dodged them running to the house took a few steps up the wall then jumped to a window seal across from the house. Hopping from the window to a tree then jumping in to a window of the burning house. The kid was stuck in the corner of his bedroom door head between his legs screaming for anyone, anything, but save him. Back stood in front of him holding out his hand taking off his coat and wrapping the kid in it to protect him from the fire. The kid looked up scared to death but happy now that back was there. He took back’s hand and was picked up. Picking the kid up wrapping the coat around him, he headed for the window he came from that pointed to the street and jumped two stories to the ground then let the boy down. The boy couldn’t thank him enough for saving him but back just waved at him as he got his coat back. One of the firemen just stared at him wanting to say something like think you but couldn’t get it out so instead with a tear in his eye he nodded to back. Back done it back to him and started to the house to check on the girls. The girls were still on the ground so he picked them up taking them to the hospital to recover. He picked up the weapons and put them into his fathers truck along with taking the girls to the doctor. On the way to the hospital there was a glow coming from his right as he went over the bridge. There it was a ship and the aliens were getting back on it and getting in a hurry. He sped up then pulled over, hopped out the truck taking one of the weapons out to shoot at the ship. They had all gotten on the ship anyway so as the ship began to take off he hit the back end of it making it smoke up real bad but they still managed to escape. He shook his head disappointed knowing he could have done better than that but got back into the truck to get the girls healed up. The doctor said they wouldn’t be out for a few days due to the head injury they had both sustained. He also told back not to worry, they would take care of the girls while he went and done other things. Back took that into consideration and headed for the church that mom always made him and dad go to every Sunday. It was within walking distance of the house so of course he walked there although it wasn’t Sunday. When he got there he walked up to the double doors and stood there for a second. He questioned his motive on why he was there and figured it was what mom would have wanted him to do before he done something stupid. As he started for the door and began to open it when it opened, but it wasn’t by itself it was the preacher coming out to do his cleaning up on the steps. Zack how are you after this morning with all the noise I’ll be weary enough to want to get some sleep, hey are alright. Zack wasn’t very happy in fact he was still mad and his emotions were getting the best of him. Comon in and let’s talk things over. I heard what you did for that child at Wal-mart and I can tell you I really did not see that one coming you surprised me a great deal with the exorcism. They both sat down on a bench, of all the people who have so much faith in the lord you astonish me most. You say you have no faith, even when your mother and father are here you do not bow to pray or close your eyes. I will not try to tell you what to believe it is not my place but you must have found something to especially take you this far in everything you do. Zack explained to the preacher that Ashley and mom were in the hospital and dad was dead. I can see in your eyes you are being driven for revenge for what happened here and for your fathers death but you should really think about what you do before attempting anything un rational. Zack your strong like your father and you care, you’ve gained a few friends by putting the past behind you. I can’t tell you the road you must take back but I can tell you to trust in your gut on what you think is best. There is a lot of your father in you my boy anyone who knows your dad can see that so with that said, as he stood up to see eye to eye with back, he put his hand on back’s shoulder. Go kick some butt my child and don’t worry about the girls I’ll give them the heads up. Back put his hand on the priest shoulder and they both nodded to each other. As he walked outside he looked to the sky shook his head from side to side then headed for the marine recruiter. It wasn’t walking distance so he did drive and when he got there the door was locked. Taking a deep breath and thinking about what he was really doing was it for revenge or was it the right thing to do. As he thought it over a army guy came out the office looking his way. Hey man why don’t you come over here, marines don’t like intelligence and you look smart so come over here. You shut your mouth a voice from the behind him shouted out. The marine had a smile on his face, if he wanted to join you he would be at your door. Both recruiters laughed, and the marine opened the door. What can I do for you today son, as he sat in his chair turning the computer on. Back stood next to the desk with his head down, I would like to join the space marines and fight. The marine recruiter looked at back for a second and busted out laughing, are you serious space marines kid this aint no movie, now I can sign you up to be a marine but space marine comon. Back closed his eyes for a minute and reopened them taking in a deep breath, his dad was a lot of things but a liar he wasn’t. He pulled out the dog tags his dad had given him and laid them on the table. My name is back Vincent those belonged to my father, a space marine, so how do I join. A shadow popped up from behind the glass behind the recruiter. The man walked out to see who was outside. He was a big buff black guy like his father except dad was white, like it really mattered. Let me see those tags son. Back took them off the table and tossed them to the other guy. The guy put his head down shaking it, a single tear dropped from his eye onto the ground, come in here boy and let’s talk. Don’t worry Jeff I got this one. K boss, as he swung around to the computer to surf the web till the next recruit came by. Please have a seat my boy I’m Clint and I’m the one who sent that package to you and I’m very sorry for your dad’s passing. He was a very good man and saved my life a c few times. So other than you dad’s death what is making you want to join all of a sudden from what your dad said you could be in college right now working on computers making a lot cash. Back just stared at him for a minute and couldn’t find the right words to say. You look like you’ve lost more people than just your dad so tell me what you know of so far about the space marines. back tilted his neck so that it popped, he told him what his father told him on the back porch and what he seen that morning which is why he came to the recruiter to begin with. Clint took out a cigarette, you mind if I smoke. Back shrugged his shoulders and Clint smiled. As the lighter started to heat the cigarette back closed his eyes thinking of everything but trying to clear his head. Whoa, as back woke back up the recruiter threw the lighter at the door he looked where the lighter landed then looked at Clint. I see you have that problem too with fire, your father did it too without trying, he had some way to manipulate fire. You know how your fathers routine was back if you go through with this you can’t let some girl get in your way of thinking or family, this is all or nothing got it. Back nodded at him and Clint began typing up his info on the computer. Just for the hell of it I want to see how much you and your dad are really alike, back kinda done this eyebrow deal like the rock does when he wrestles. Clint put his arm on the desk like he wanted to arm wrestle giving the hint to back he wanted to test him. Back figured what the hell he needed some amusement so he reached for Clint’s arm and began. Back didn’t move his arm but you could tell he was trying hard to win this match. Whenever your ready you can begin Clint says as he begins to strain and back shook his head up and down. He figured he would put a little incentive into the moment and began to push Clint arm down. Ok, ok I got it lets finish this paper work so we can get you to basic training like you really need that. After you’ve completed basic you’ll be sent to another training facility for the space basic training. It’ll be about a month before we can do anything so go ahead and get what you need done cause you still need to go through meps and then you’ll head to basic alright. When everything was said and done they both stood up to shake, Clint went eye to eye with him, it’s good to know he still lives on within you cause he was a good man as bad as he was. Beneath the deep dark attitude was a clean fighting heart and I’m sure you’ll do him proud. They nodded to each other and back headed out the door to head to the house and as he about to leave Clint came running out. He just got a call and back was able to start when ever so of course he went for it. The girls ended being in the hospital for a week cause when they hit the wall they were knocked unconscious. Zack never considered himself a leader even while he was in basic but he earned his respect while training. while in the bay supposed to be resting he was up meditating hoping to find something in his mind something that would tell him if maybe his father was still alive or not. Could it be possible to find his father in the dark part of his mind. While meditating one of his buddies was getting up from not being able to sleep and seen zack sitting up, legs crossed with his hands on both knees, and his eyes closed. His buddy was squinting his eyes, dude you alright. One of the guards walking around taking count seen the guy talking to back who wasn’t listening any way and figured he stop by. Hey let back do his thing and don’t bother him besides tomorrow will be a long day. Back wasn’t even paying attention he had to find something and as he searched he heard something, something like a whisper maybe but couldn’t decide what it was. There it was again his head began to hurt a little from going so deep within himself. Back, a voice called out to him, it was his father’s voice, it had to be he knew his fathers voice without question. As he tried to connect to that point again a face appeared just like when he was asleep at his house sleeping with Ashley and was dreaming of that creature in the window that screeched at him. The face began to take a facial form the eyes opened and so did the mouth. It screeched just like the last time and this time when he woke up his buddy was slapping his face waking him up. Dude don’t go crazy on us man were too far into the training for you to be going postal so you ok. Zack nodded and laid down resting for the night finally. The girls were out of the hospital and were met by the priest who told them about zack’s whereabouts and Ashley immediately tore up over this. She wanted zack with her, she wanted to sleep with him again, knowing she had protection, knowing she had someone she could be herself around but now felt lost. She couldn’t get over it it was too painful for her to bear but mom finally calmed her down. She didn’t have Adam there to help her get through this cause he went to college for some sport. Funny how that worked considering after he and zack became friends you couldn’t get them apart. They sparred with each other all the time, always fighting, and both were getting stronger day by day. John may have been the toughest normal guy in school but after zack got began to train Adam, Adam could easily put john on his ass. Where john went from here no one really knows considering after everyone graduated he disappeared. The only people that may have really missed him were the girls he slept with if even that. The only he didn’t get to was Ashley who he tried to get until zack came across his path showing him the real deal. After what zack did to john john really held a respect for zack considering he did become more silent, less talkative, and when someone said something about zack in the wrong way he would put them against the wall explaining why they should mind their own business. Mom explained to Ashley why she should be happy for back rather than be sad cause it was in his blood for what he must do. Like his father back was a protector he just didn’t realize it yet. Like I said in the beginning anyone can be a protector but how far will you go and to what extent will you drive yourself to get something done or save someone’s life. Zack still didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life he just know he wanted answers to what was going on why this and that and destroy the aliens trying to kill off his friends his family. Even though her friends weren’t there she still stayed at back’s place every now and then just to stay in his room she would even imagine he was laying beside her. Even though he didn’t bring her to his side she could still cuddle up next to him all she wanted, take his shirt off and lay on his chest. She didn’t want to imagine it she wanted it to be real but mom also made her realize back wouldn’t be gone forever and he would come back when he had the chance and she doubted he would be any different from how he was now. She walked out to the bag one day while staying the night looking at the punching bag he’d been beating on covered in duck tape. She seen the bark knocked off f the tree behind the bag and the few dents in the fence where the bag had landed after back knocked the crap out of it. She tried to pick the bag up and a little bit of sand came out and she also seen the stains of blood that back didn’t get cleaned up or just missed. That’s was the tenth bag his father replaced for him cause of the damage he done to them all as mom came walking out to see Ashley. He didn’t take his anger out till he got out here and yes he did cry at times when he was younger beating on this bag but there was really nothing I could say to comfort him with his problems. She thought to herself for a moment in time wishing she had actually been a friend instead of just standing in the corner hoping to one day speak to him. The one that saved her life while on that bridge only seconds away from going over. She could still remember her father hanging on to the door scared to death then having to see the son of the man that about killed him in school save their lives. She began to cry a little. She hugged sandy, he didn’t want anything that day we were on the bridge, he fought a sinister urge in his body while he saved my family then he didn’t want anything in return, nothing at all. Who does that, who walks away from something like that, as she begins to raise her voice trying get it all out, my dad even try to pay him for saving us and he said no like he didn’t need money. Sandy took her in her arms and squeezed her tight told her to calm down. Adam should have been dead too but back saved him from freaking lightning, he could have killed john and no one would have had to deal with his bullyness again so why didn’t he. Every boy likes to fight whenever they can but he on the other hand doesn’t like too but why. Sandy had Ashley’s head cuffed on her chest, it’s because he’s afraid of what he’s really capable. Like his father he is a protector, he does everything and expects nothing in return. He’s just fine doing a full days work and being payed nothing as long as he can listen to his music at the end of the day. While back was in boot camp Adam was going to college, playing soccer, working at walmart, and hitting fight clubs to earn extra money and also trying to be known unlike zack who’d rather be the other guy. Adam had two days off together and decided to go home to see his mother. They both went to the city pool where a lot of folks were and although adam liked to show off he didn’t like big groups unless they were at a concert for his favorite band. When they got to the pool his mom went to lay down to get her tan going and Adam headed to one end of the pool where no one really was and it was pretty deep as well. The kids were playing with an actual volley ball in the pool goofing off. Adam found a drain underneath him and figured he’d try to go under and touch it. Taking in a deep breath he swam deeper and deeper then began to loose breath so he jetted back up to get a deeper breath and head down quicker. He flew out the water scaring the mess out of the life guard. As he went into the air he flipped backwards and felt something hit his foot as he started going down he heard screaming. Now what he thought, he jetted back up and the kids were all screaming about how the ball got stuck in the fence. A man was sitting on a lawn chair away from the pool. He had a news paper in hand reading something. He heard the kids screaming at him to give them their ball. Turning to see where it was and his eyebrow went up so he grabbed the ball. He had to use some force to get it out. Hey which one of you did this. The kids were all looking around and one pointed to Adam. One of the boys pointed out that Adam came out the water and kicked the ball. The man threw the ball back to the kids and asked them to repeat what they had done cause he wanted to see something. He watched as Adam shook his head, took a deep breath and swam back down to the vent. He heard the kids screaming they were ready so he swam back to the surface. Doing the same thin he flew out quick head first doing a back flip using more force this time he felt the ball this time and kicked it harder. It flew over the water, over the fence, down the street into the window of the gas station of a not so happy old man. The man got out of his chair, took his shades off, looked where the ball went and seen the guy come out the station yelling about who did it. The man yelled back at him he would pay for the window. Young man come here for a minute. All the kids were cheering and even a few of the girls were impressed lining up to talk with Adam. He felt like back right then and now wasn’t to overly concerned with girls but what this man wanted him for. Do you play sports kid. Adam nodded, just soccer every now and then. The man smiled, can we go out side I’d like to speak to you about something. His mother came up, sorry sir is something wrong we’ll pay for that window. The man smiled shook his head from side to side, no you wont I will and I wont to talk with yall about a career your boy can join. Adam and his mom both looked at each other kinda funny. they followed him outside and the man took out a cigarette lighting it as he spoke. I hope all don’t mind if I smoke and the two shook there head side to side. Have you ever heard of blitz ball kid. No. The man smiled as he pulled out a card. My name is Stanley tims but you can call me Stan and i’ve got a story to tell you. Adam and mom were both open eared. Adam was still dripping with water and mom was only partially tanned. Blitz ball is a mixture of football and soccer underwater and it is fun. Water is my friend and I live it. Stan smiled, well that’s good kid I’m offering you a change in your liife as a matter of fact what do you do as a job or whatever. Adam put his head down, explaining he went to college, played soccer, and worked at wal-mart as a kick ass cart pusher. Stan laughed, I have a position available for a member on my team that plays blitz ball. He reached into is car and pulled out a pamphlet on the games and tournaments held and his card. You don’t need to say anything now just think about it. Money isn’t a concern cause your trip will be paid for as a matter of fact everything will be paid for. You’ll make plenty of money and if you don’t have any the team will help you or I will cause we all look out for each other. Mom was stunned, why are you choosing Adam of all the people here can’t any kid do this sport. Stan grinned big, your son has talent that a lot of people take for granted, a talent that can be used for something fabulous. If you decide to do this I will tell you it is a life changing experience, he points at mom, you won’t have to work anymore doing what you do. Then again as he rubs his chin, it’s partially about money but at the same time it’s not cause of the experience you gain with the game. Think of the people you grew up with and what their doing now then think if you had a chance to turn things around in your life for the better would you grab it or let it fly away. Adam thought of zack and his capabilities and what he must be doing right now. Of all the times his friends called him mr. Holly wood, now he could take up that mantle. If he got stronger and met up with back again the two would be almost unstoppable in what they did. This was his chance to put himself out there show what he was really capable of. Adam looked Stan dead in the eye, is this for real your not playing around. Stan looked at him eye to eye, heavens no kid I’m a lot of things but a liar I am not. Adam looked at his mom and she didn’t know what to think. Stan gave them the card, tell you what take the card give me a card when your ready but I will tell you your kid has a talent and I need another team member. As he got into his car he looked out his window, your given a talent for a reason, don’t let it drift away. Adam thought about the day back saved his life when he could have been dead. Adam and his mom went home and then headed to his grandmas house to talk about the situation. His mom that it was cool, his grandma thought it was a scam and his grandad just stared at him giving him the look like it’s your life. He went outside to think about it for a minute, what should he do cause he was in college not that he was doing all that great in there and he had a good job that didn’t pay all that great. Cart pushing was stress full but awesome and he made a few good friends at the same time and made a few enemies as well. He kinds wished back was there to help him with the decision but he didn’t where back was. He wasn’t home when the invasion happened but his mother was only she seen a small portion of what happened. She really didn’t want to talk about what had happened she just knew everyone was gone. He figured back was still alive but where, then it occurred to him he probably went into the military like his father to something other than college cause back was an adventurer. Adam thought of it for just a moment went inside grabbed the phone and called Stan. He put him on speaker phone so every one could her him. He wanted them all to figure it if it was true or not. Stan was excited over the phone explaining the benefits of bein g part of the team and how the money wouldn’t be a problem. His grandad was a little edgy, that all sounds good maybe too good, looked at adam, you have to actually put effort into this boy. Too much was on his mind let’s do this, I’m tired of of talik ng about it lets do this. Stan laughed alright, go online and fill out the first page and in a week out bring the paper work to you. We can get it filled it all out and we’ll be another step closer to getting you into a dream job. He told zack only to pack what he thought he needed and not everything cause at the end of the day would be buying more stuff anyway. He could also take whoever else wanted to come with him to stay in the hotel with him for as long as they wanted. Only mom decided to go with him the grandparents stayed. A week later there Stan was at the front door with his car waiting on them to get in. Grandma and grandad waved them goodby. Grandma thought Adam was wasting his time but it was his life. The place they were headed was in another state altogether so it was definitely gonna be a brand new experience for him. When they got to the city, it was at night, lights were bright, and the buildings were big. They got into the hotel, Stan gave mom some money to go down stairs and get some food or play in the casino, or go to the mall, or whatever. She hugged adam and headed downstairs. Stan put his arm around adam, lets introduce you to the team my friend. As they ventured downstair to see the locker room stan peaked in to see if the guys were in there. They stood there for a minute as stan thought, oh I know where one is. They started towards the bar and as they began to go in they could here arguing. Both stopped to figure out where it was coming from the wall next to them came down In pieces with three men fighting each other. One was in a pirate suit yelling out his excellent british accent. Drinking and punching both the guys he was arguing with. They were arguing about some girls or something of that nature. Stan coughed a few times giving off the hint he was there. The pirate grabbed the guys heads smacked them together and threw them through the next wall. Stan gave him a stern look. Adam I’d like you to meet one of your team members, this is lance our well known pirate. He at least thinks he’s a pirate. Lance picked up his bottle of rum, I am a pirate I’ll have you know I come from a long lineage of pirates. As he babbled on Stan put his hand up signaling Adam’s presence. Lance took a look at him patting him down, k what can he do. This our replacement for the crack headed dean that I’m one step away from killing myself. Stan nodded, yes Adam here has some tricks that we actually use. Which I forgot to ask as he turned to Adam. Both guys looking at him now, where did you learn those moves. Adam looked down thinking of back and the times they were playing ball in the back yard bouncing it off his tree in different ways. Adam looked back up to them, I have a friend that I used to play ball with all a while back he seen me kicking the ball off a tree one day and figured he’d give me some pointers. Really Stan, looks at him, where is he maybe we should go find him as well. Adam shook his head, good luck with that after an incident happened in my home town most the people disappeared along with him. Lance laughed aw, wicked. Stan pointed at lance, oh by the way I’m not fixing that hole this time you can pay for it this time. Lance waved at him suggesting to lance to Stan to go do something with himself. He got to meet the rest of the team later o down the road but was show the big fish tan of which he called it that he would be playing in. Stan explained how the game worked how he would enjoy every minute of it. Adam liked being a cart pusher but it really didn’t pay a lot considering you were at the bottom of the food chain. Mean while zack was still in training only a few weeks way from graduation when one of the drill instructors got notice they needed to go out and do another exorcize. They went to a firing range where they could put out a few rounds. Zack had just got through shooting his weapon and was on the way back to sit down with the rest of the guys. It began to rain and he over heard one of the drill instructors yelling on the phone someone. It was getting a little late as the sun began to fall and out the corner of his eye he seen one of the trucks they used to transport the soldiers in. The rain began to get heavier making the ground more damp and muddy. The sky went dark and lightning began to strike, the drill instructors began yelling for everyone to pack up so they could hit the road. He noticed something was wrong and got up. His patrol guide yelled at him to get back into formation but he didn’t. He in returned yelled out the them that the truck was in trouble. So everyone began yelling about whatever they could. Still not listening he ran to the truck cause he knew with the truck sliding there would be problems. The drill instructor felt the truck sliding back as he spun and began to slide from side to side he was trying not to make seen but that was too late. Back was on his way and the d.i seen him so he waved at him to get away yelling through the window. Back ran to the back of the truck and began to push sinking with the mud. He found a tree and began to use the force off it to help push the truck back up. One of his buddies seen him over there with the truck and got out of formation and of course the patrol guide yelled at him to get back in formation as well. He yelled back at them to come help with the truck. So everyone got out of formation and ran to zack’s aid. There it was the heart burn fueling him on the inside, it was just like with the van his eyes glowing red as he groaned. It wasn’t helping the truck was coming back too fast. The rest of the guys tried pushing but it wasn’t taking the hint to move forward not backward. Everyone was trying to push it up now but it wasn’t budging finally the drill instructor just jumped out the truck and said leave it but of course zack didn’t he pushed and pushed sliding in the mud. Planted himself firmly and the guys were yelling at him to get back up on the hill. This was it he pushed and this time the truck began to move forward up and up. All the other guys were stunned out their freaking minds thinking who the hell is this guy. When they all gathered around him to get the truck back up it was done. The truck was back on the road and eyes were on zack. Lightning hit the tree above them and everyone dodged it. Zack couldn’t get his feet out the mud in time and was slammed into the tree he was using as leverage. He was sent to the hospital again and was in there for a couple of days recuperating. He did graduate but not with his buddies instead he was met with by Clint who stood by the commander who gave him his graduation certificate. He was also thanked by the drill instructor for doing what he did. When they all left except for Clint he asked zack what happened as far as pushing up the truck. He told him about the van incident and Clint just nodded. Your father saved me a few times from some explosions that I know I should not have survived but he also caused some explosions with people. I can tell you’re the good side of him and you seem to control the inner beast within you quite well unlike him so just continue to what you are doing. By the way the ship meant to pick you up into space is gonna take a few months to get here so there having you sent over seas to fight into they can pick you up alright. Back nodded. No doubt when back went over seas he did his time and some but the ship he was supposed to be picked up was destroyed. On the other hand more people were dropped in where he was stationed to help out. Back was in the barracks getting a shower when he was called out o get a soldier situated and bunked. He come out on the way to the office and heard a familiar voice. he walked in to see who it was, john was conversating with the sergeant inside. The sergeant looked at zack, hey Vincent this will be your new bunck mate so treat him right and show him how it works around here. They both were eye to eye then out of no where john picked him up and squeezed him hard. Damnit zack it’s good to see you I thought you were taking or dead like the rest of the town. Zack looked down, so that’s what happened. I figured you would follow in your dads footsteps but thats awesome. Zack got him situated with the rest of the bay and crew while he continued to talk about what he went through and why he left town. Meanwhile Clint was on a vacation in a different state heading to some new sport that ‘s been going for a while but the never heard of it so figured he’d give it a try. He was on the back deck with a pool. He was on a lawn chair reading a news paper when this boy came walking out with swim shorts on and leaped into the pool. Clint tried to pay no never mind to it. The kid found a ball on the edge of the pool, grabbed it and chunked it at the wall. Clint looked from the corner of his eye, he seen the kid throw the ball at the wall a few times catching it every time it came to him except for the one time he threw it and didn’t bother with it. Instead he went into the water came out did a back flip and kicked it over Clints head and over the ledge. Damnit, I hit it too hard. Clint put his paper down and stared at him for a minute, hey kid comere. Hey man I’m sorry about the ball did water get on your paper, it’s alright I’ll get you another one. Clint put his hand in the air trying to quite the kid, have you ever thought of joining the military, I mean with those moves you could do a lot of stuff. Adam kinda laughed, ya know that’s what was told to me before I joined blitz ball and he was right it did change my life. Hell I’m more popular here than I was in high school. Ya know I did have a buddy I think may have gone into the military but I aint sure cause a while back something happened in my home town and people disappeared so I was hoping zack went in and wasn’t. Adam put his head down, I hope he wasn’t taken or killed cause I’d really have to hurt someone if he was killed him and Ashley both. Clint pulled out his wallet, zack who. Adam rose his head, zack Vincent, man I boils my blood thinking of home back then. Clint waved him over, is this your zack. Adam took a peak and took a deep breath, are you serious the dude is alive. So is he like with you over seas or what. Clint laughed, yeah he’s over seas right now but he’s been waiting to go into space to revenge his father and the people the aliens took. Man I don’t know I personally don’t think I have that kind of tolerance for military. Adam told him about growing up with zack and how the town hated military. Clint said his piece about it and offered Adam to come join the space marines. Adam thought about it for a moment, you’d have to find a replacement for me other wise I’m stuck here, see I replaced a guy just to get here. Clint smiled, don’t that’s alright cause we got some folks who’d rather play ball any day than be in the marine core. Out wasn’t long after that, that Adam went into the marine core as well and shortly after graduation, he was asked if he’d like to go into some serious training with some space marines and of course he said yes. He, like back had to wait for this to actually take place. Back and john were in the bay working out when they were told to go see the captain. They were given orders to get on the next flight out of there. Back thought to himself, it’s about damn time. He and john had gotten to the airport and a familiar face was at the same airport awaiting orders to go where he needed to go. The three met and Adam went crazy after seeing his friend come back. Clint headed up there as well to explain the details. You three were chosen for a reason for to be part of one of the best groups the government could have. The space marine group you will be joining are known as the protector and they earned that name. Vincent you have you have your own uniqueness that separates you from the rest of the people on earth john your tough and those no question about it and your height has plenty to tell the tell. Adam you have remarkable speed when it comes to kicking a ball and by the way he hands him this small ball. Adam looked at the hand size marble and looked at Clint. That gets bigger when you start to use it. Your team from blitz ball had it customized for you and Adam shook his head to acknowledge it. You will be joining the rest of the team when they arrive. In case your wondering why it took so long to get yall together is cause one of our ships blew up and one of the satellites went missing, it actually went out of our solar system into another, as he pulled out some pictures. This is what the satellite caught in that area, the was a place on the picture where a big red dot was. We don’t know what it is other than a heat signature. So wether these are aliens or people we don’t know but you will be going up there to investigate. You’ll be taking a small ship so that you can get there faster. If there are survivors just call it in and well have a shuttle sent up there to pick them and you up. If there are aliens make sure their un friendly before killing them. What happened here a while back with them breaching earth was unacceptable and cant happen again so do this and get it done right. The ship was there put it was a tad bit bigger than a plane. The pilot got out to take a piss break while another jumped out to see come the hell on and lets do this we got shit to do. The three looked at each other, Adam put his fist out like him and back used to do before a fighting match between the two. Were about to do something that most cannot imagine, john put his fist out looking at the two. Clearing his throat, lets put the past behind us shall we. Back looked at them both took a deep breath, dad if your really still alive I’m coming for you. The three hit fist to fist and walked to the ship then departed to go into space. The ship look like a normal plane on the outside till they got on and seen the inside cause it was like a lemo One of the guys met them when they came in and shut the door. Names jackal, cause one minute I’m cause one minute I’m cool then the next I’m totally pissed and wearing a guy out on the ground while he’s screaming for his mommy. Adam laughed don’t they call that bipolar, zack rolled his eyes and shook his head. Jackal three a a hand to grab zack by the throat to prove a point. Zack knocked his hand back and countered it with the same method holding jackal up against the wall. That’s zack Vincent and he don’t talk but unlike you when he goes crazy you don’t get the privilege to call for your mommy. Jackal looked at john trying to speak, who the hell are you other than the giant of us. John kinda smiled, I’m the one who found out the hard way what Adam says is right. Zack will be your friend just don’t piss him off. Jackal put his hands up showing back he was done and he dropped him back on his feet. Taking in a few breaths jackal rose up, let me show you the gravity room. It’s a bit small but there’s enough room to do what you need to do. It’s padded down so that you don’t hit anything your not supposed to. John, Adam and zack looked at each other and nodded. Adam of course just opened his mouth hell yeah this is where I’ll be all night. They started to walk the other direction when the restroom door opened and another guy come out. Jackel began introducing everyone else stepping into the seen. Coming out the restroom here is Axel our mechanic and he knows everything about everything if it broke, he’s also one of the best sharp shooters you’ll have. Coming up behind us is shin an expert martial artist especial with knives and swords. This didn’t intrigue zack much considering he could what the guys could do too except he didn’t brag about it, just meant he was back up if need be. It’s gonna take us a few months to get to this new planet so if anyone has a birth day coming up well age is just a number out here. Oh by the way the pilot is sage, he’s adept with explosives, very intelligent , and old so go figure. From the time they left earth til reaching there destination zack, they were all in the gravity room training except for jackal. Sage put the ship on auto pilot and headed to the room with the rest of them. Jackal just didn’t want to be in the room with back because of earlier. Sage was reading books, shin was in the air meditating, and the other three were going hand to hand with each other. When they finally arrived at the new planet. It was dark and seemed to be empty. The air was and gravity was as normal earth so they all hopped off the ship like they were home. According to the data the building the entities were in was only a few miles ahead. Adam was stunned to see how massive the place was. Cathedrals had nothing on this place. When they got to the door sage pulled up a scanner. It shows nothing inside but the heat signature shows it another floor down. There may be a basement just keep an eye out. They began they way in using what they were taught as far as security and guarding, seeing nothing except what looked to be the remains of an old church. How would a church be way out here back thought. As they got closer into the building sounds began to erupt from everywhere. Sage put his weapon up at the ready it may be an ambush so be ready people, he shouted. The sensor still did not find anything, then everything flipped up the whole room was covered in freaking aliens but they didn’t shoot they just surrounded everyone. Back was pointing everywhere for the one idiot to shoot first as he stepped around and then the floor opened and back went down. He didn’t speak he just fell and the ground closed again. Adam turned around to see where back was, damnit where’d you go, back, he yelled. He probably ran away, jackal replied while laughing then john hit him in the face, maybe you should stop talking. Back was still falling but it was like a narrow path kinda of like that dream you have when your just keep falling til you wake up well he was already awake but eventually began to see a red glow and that’s where he was headed. He slammed onto a old spring bed that had plenty of dust for three beds. As he began to get a view of his surroundings he noticed a hallway, it was wider than the tunnel he fell through and the glow wasn’t too far off. A man came towards him dressed in old rags, son where do you come from. The man took the hood off his head and looked at zack in the eyes. He explained who where he came from and why he was here. The old man smiled, thank the heavens it is you we have been waiting for some time for yall to show up. I figure you want to know who we are and what’s going on right and zack nodded his head. Come closer so that I can get a better look at you. They were face to face, son I have seen someone here who looks like you but he is much older and bigger. Zack put his head down. It is alright though I believe he is still alive and is actually being held captive inside as he pointed in the direction o f the red glow. There were people on both sides of the hall way. They were wounded badly, come this way zack I would like to show you something. I cannot tell you how long we have been here cause we never get to see day light or night fall. I do know that we recently had a shipment of people come down here and the man who resembles you is, as he pointed to this big window above this huge door on the right. What the man was showing him was like a Colosseum and there were people all around the area. The old man placed his hand on the railing that went all the way around the ring, this is a fighting ring and humans are brought here from all over just to be eaten by that huge beast inside there, as he pointed to the big door below the window where his father was held captive. Do you believe in the bible my boy. Back shook his head no. well when you see the beast you may reconsider. As a matter of fact your about to get a taste of things to come. The lights in the room all went out and the ring lit up for a moment. You could here a growl from the doors, a loud growl that was louder than he had ever heard before. It almost shook the room where he stood. The old man pointed down to the floor do you see the man down there he if he does not fight the beast he will be eaten by it. Back stared down at the doors as they opened and the beast was massive and at least sixty feet. They were high enough from the beast that it didn’t matter but the creature was still big, it’s two legs were massive, it’s two hands were massive, and it’s tail that also was pretty long. The man fighting had all the armor he could carry and maybe too much. It walked to the center of the room which had a pictured of a supposedly scary demon face with the blood and skeletons of the fallen all over it. There were also weapons everywhere as well. The man was scared to death shaking and you could here the armor raddling. It stood there waiting for the human to get a little closer and with one swipe the guy was tossed into its mouth, crunching away the body parts then it spit out the remains of the armor. Back put his head down, thinking what had he gotten himself into. The old man looked at him, if you choose to try and fight we have a room over here with armor galore. Back followed him into it pulling the cover that hid the door. There was a table in the middle of the room with armor scattered over it and a big book in the center. Armor and weapons were also on shelves on the wall. The old man pointed at the book, if you want you can take the time to read that to see what info you need to fight that thing and suit up the best way possible. Back sat down to look at the bible for a second and thought yeah right as he looked up to the ceiling we tried this once before remember. He walked over to this closet in the corner. He already had his marine uniform on but he figured some other cloths wouldn’t hurt. His were rugged anyway from the cuts and tears from over seas. Opening the door he seen black rags, shirts, pants, and a sheath that held two swords. He nodded and grinned taking the cloths out and switching them then he wen to the wall taking a bow with arrows and grabbing two swords from the wall. Laughing on the inside dad you’d love this room. He walked out and the old man pointed back in the room. Kid I know your new to this but get in there and put some actual armor on. Back glanced at him, if I’m gonna die I wanna do it comfortable and I want to be able to move not be stuck with all that armor. Then I take it that means your ready for this well it was nice knowing you kid. Back shook his head as the man lead him to the gate way down stairs. The guards laughed at the old man, comon man is this another one of your prophecy guys that’s gonna save us all. Zack turned to the old man with a curious look. Make us proud and do your best my friend. The gates opened and the lights went out and the crowd went from noise to silents. Everyone was staring down, some yelling ignorant things while others cheered him on. A voice came from the window, who dared enter the ring voluntarily I was letting my pets rest their bellies til otherwise but if your that desperate to die then by all means. You know what my pet snake hasn’t had a good meal today with all that silver armor you keep feeding it so lets change it up a bit. Zack was waiting for the door to open but instead a noise came from up above so he looked. It was hissing real loud and wondered how much time he had before it got to him. He took the bow and drew an arrow firing into the ceiling. He heard a shriek and then a slam, the snake hit the ground shaking him a little not purposely from nervousness, it just shook his body a little. He hit it’s eye and it looked dead for a second but as he approached the snake snapped at him. He dodged running to the left and the snake chased him. Part of the crowd cheered him on while the other half cheered for the snake. He got to a certain spot and stopped with the snake climbing up to it’s height to get a heavy snap at zack. Before it stuck it spoke, ha ha ha, I must thank you human, you didn’t put on any major armor like the others did. Maybe now when I feast on your body I wont have to spit the good parts out. Back didn’t say anything but he grabbed an arrow firing it at the other eye. It shrieked again slinging it’s tail everywhere trying to ease the pain. He ducked and dodged it’s tell eventually he was able to jump on it and run up the back. It was to busy trying to get the arrows out of it’s eyes. He made it to the head took out his swords and stuck them both in it’s rough neck. He could officially say he slaid a snake as it laid it’s head on the ground dying away. The crowd went absolutely wild even the ones who cheered for the snake. The voice yelled out quieting the room and the lights went out again signaling the end of that round. Who are you kid and why have you come here. No matter you may have slain my snake but lets see how you fare against my beast. He heard that growl again as it covered the room shaking it. He felt kinda proud looking around, there was a snake on the ground but there was still blood and bones of the fallen everywhere. He walked to the center of the room where that one guy stood cause he knew the beast wouldn’t attack unless he stood there. The door opened and it stepped out licking it’s lips at back. He held the swords out in case something got out of hand. The beast wagged it’s big tail from side to side and walked slowly to the center of the ring. It kinda reminded back of t rex except this beast had more use of it’s arms and they were bigger. The beast went for the killing slash to scoop back up like the rest of them but back dodged out the way and sliced the arm as it went by him. The wrist was hard but it still bled animal red. The crowd began to cheer and the voice came out again trying to silence the crowd. The beast went with the other hand this time having the same thing done to it with a bleeding wrist. It wasn’t happy so it went with it’s tail. Back managed to do the same thing to the tail making it shout n pain. Then he ran under it going for the legs and slicing them left to right making blood squirt everywhere. He then ran towards the wall and felt hot air behind him. The beast was snapping at his ass so he jumped to the side but was able to grab an arrow and shoot it’s eye making it scream in agony also shaking the room again. The crowd yet again went wild and the old man swung his hand as if to hit something from happiness, yes that a boy. The beast stood up and looked at zack with a very angry look grinding it’s teeth. Snarling and drueling everywhere. He looked at the wall again and the beast came charging after him. He went under it so it took a minute to turn around. Zack thought about the tree at the house he ran up and the burning house the kid was in. Could he run up this wall, yes but to try going so hig and landing on the beast he wasn’t sure of but there was no choice. He put whatever he had to out there, anger frustration, Ashley, mom his dad, that was it he had to do this for dad he had to save his father he work so hard to get to in the first place. Heart burn had returned and fueled his stomach so he charged the wall and also remembered the truck his drill instructor was in. Hitting the wall with his feet he ran up it but don’t know how he was still on it considering the tree at the house he could only get a few steps onto and he busted his ass. It doesn’t matter now though he had to do this for dad for them all. His eyes went red and he was up the wall a pretty good ways when he told himself, now, do it now. Leaping off the wall he saw the beast right there mouth wide opened and teeth ready for his flesh. He used enough strength to bounce off the wall to go over the beats head and landed on it’s back. He had to hold on now as the beast began swinging everywhere. He quickly stood up grabbed the swords and slammed them into the neck of the beast. The creature lost vision and began to sway back and forth then finally landing on the ground spread out. Back was still standing on the neck of the beast and turned to the window. The crowd went completely insane cheering back on and the old man began to cry slamming his hand on the railing saying finally, god thank you, finally someone will save us from this hell. The lights went out signaling the end of the round then came back on. The voice was a lot more pissed this time. Who are you boy no one has ever defeated my snake or my pets before so who are you, where do you come from. Zack rose his voice like he did back in school when he was up against john. Where is my father. The lights came on in behind the window and there was a man sitting down. He had good sight so he stared the boy realizing he looked just kie the man he had tied up in his office. The man rose his voice if you want that pathetic piece of man then come up here and show me what you’ve got but first you must get rid of the horde of undead. You gotta be kidding me zack thought of all things in the world I get to face the undead. He walked off the beast heading towards the opened doors. The ground began to shake and actual skeletons with zombies and anything you could imagine came ot of the ground. They all looked at zack angrily. A guy came over to the old man asking for the kids name. Zack heard his name somewhere to his right then again from more people then eventually everyone was saying it out loud. He didn’t want to be anyone hero but he made that mistake when he saved Ashley’s life. His name was echoing throughout the room like the beast growl except his name didn’t shake the room but I don’t guess you can have it all. For a minute all you heard was back, back, zack, zack then quite all of you from the fearless leader upstairs. He took up his swords and began swinging at the first undead that came at him eventually swinging both swords watching bones fly. Then a big skeleton came up wanting a piece of him. He ended making a small ring of his own having the others get back. This one picked up a helmet and two swords as well. They both began hitting and swing, ducking and dodging. Zack went under both swords cutting it at the waist and kicking it’s head off destroying the skeleton but now was in the middle of them all. At this point all he could was swing in a big circle which worked for a minute til the just kept reappearing. Screw this he thought, he jumped on one of the undead’s head and bounced from one to the other heading to this stairway leading up. That was the way to the fearless leader he figured. He charged through the crowd or over them however you wish to look at it. When he made it to the stairs some more zombies were coming down so he sliced through them heading up til he finally made it to these doors. These doors were pretty big for where they were. He pushed opened the door after he sheathed his swords and walked in. There sat the man of the hour, our fearless leader. Zack didn’t even speak he just let the door squeak it’s way open. Wow I am impressed you’ve made it this far kid but before we talk about your personal problem I must allow you to revisit someone. Out of the corner comes this winged demon that didn’t look familiar til it came into the light. The one demon that kept running away instead of fighting. The demon stood looking deep into zack, this is where your life ends and no more running for the hills. Both stood looking at each other for a second then went for it fist to claw again, why do you fight us human you have the blood of a demon in you join us and take control of the universe. The man began to laugh that makes sense now as to how you defeated my pets. Hitting and kicking hoping something would land but nothing on either side. What was going on with this. The fight in on for some time and the crowd was still yelling his name which did not please the man at all. The demon backed up to the cormer again but to lunge this time so zack steadied himself for the blow. He placed his hand on one of his swords and when the demon came at him he samuried him with one blow straight through the stomach. Not fare the demon says as he went down with a last bit of air. The man’s hands began to glow, zack caught a glance of a shiled that was lying next to the door and leaped for it. Picking it up at the most opportune moment as the man sent a blue bolt of light at him. The shield was a mirror shield so the bolt was reflected back at the man sending him through the window onto the ground. The crowd was still cheering his name, zack looked around the room and couldn’t see his dad anywhere but figured he may as well defeat this guy. He jumped from the window to the ground. To laugh and sent another bolt at zack, unfortunately he forgot the shield up stairs and wasn’t going back after it so he dodged the blast. He dropped the swords, bow and arrow he had on him onto the ground so he could have more mobility. Zack hadn’t fought this much even when he was home and sparring with adam. The fire inside him was overwhelming him. He felt himself turning towards the dark side of life. This was insane he thought, then the man began to strike blows at him. They were blocking each others moves over and over then grabbing each others hands looking at each others eyes deeply. The man seemed to want to look into zack’s soul but zack wasn’t about to give it up. The floor beneath them caved in a bit as they pushed against each other. His name was still being shouted around the room. You seem to be popular boy, who are you. It’s rude not to speak to anyone when spoken too. Zack grinned it’s rude to come to someone’s planet uninvited and take people away from their homes just to watch tem entertain you in a fighting ring. He planted his feet and threw zack into the wall denting it. Zack got up running towards the man fist to fist going at it for w awhile non stop ducking, doging, one wrong move would land a punch somewhere. The man glanced over zack’s shoulder a minute trying to sike zack out but zack broke through the barrier hitting his face pound for pound and the man was taking more than he could really handle for the moment so he kicked zack in the chest pushing himself back. He then done some signs with his hands and made a wall behind back made purely of bone then put his hands foreword sending back through the air hitting the new wall. The hands on the wall grabbed back holding him steady. The man had blood on his face from all the punches, lets see how you like this. He started punching him over and over everywhere making back cough harder and harder eventually coughing up blood. Then stopped all of a sudden to look him in the eyes, my demon was right it’s in your eyes boy how about you wake up and see the world for what it really is. He placed his hand on zacks chest and stared at him in his eyes, then yelled wake up that slumbering demon hiding within you. The old man was happy til he heard that boy he watched fighting for them had a demon inside him this hole time. Zack felt the heartburn rising burning worse and worse and his eyes began to glow red. Yes, yes , yes, wake up and become what you truly are. With a different voice now zack began to speak, this is my human and you will not interfere with how I deal with him understand. This human has a potential that I like. He is far better than the other humans from his past and I will decide when to control him until then we shall work together to defeat weaklings like yourself. Zack came back to him self again and his eyes went back to dark brown again. He no longer felt the burning in his stomach but felt stronger. He broke free os the skeleton hands and swung at the man with flying raging fist beating him from side to side. The man jumped back sending more bolts and everything else he could think of to destroy zack forever. Zack was far quicker now and felt like he finally made peace with the beast in him but he thought. Why does it want to work with me. Then agin he thought it’s best not to question things like this so he just went with it. Snapping from one place to the next. For every miss the man had he earned a punch to the face, stomach, and backside. The man backed up to power himself up. His body lit up with red light and zack eyes were glowing with the light and he was actually enjoying the taste of power he possessed. His hate was well lit in him. He waited for the man to charge all the way before he charged at him. When he finally got to his full potential he lunged at back and they slammed fist to fist back started out with a grin then it turned into a smile. Something wasn’t right the man was charged up completely and zack had him pinned to the ground but how. Why was the demon helping him win this fight. He could see the demon in his eyes begin to emerge. Zack broke both the mans arms as he pushed him onto the ground then rose his hand stright into the air and sent it through the face of the man. Electricty spewed from his face and went over the room spreading like wild fire illuminating the room. Kieth appeared in the room with the glass door and it seemed zack had to defeat the man before he would relese his dad. Keith was trying to make out where he was and sensed a great power. He look out the broken glass and seen his son standing over the body of the man who took him from his post on a different planet. Zack wasn’t himself though he looked more sinister than normal. Keith jumped down and ran to his son. Zack was power hungry though and couldn’t hold back so he lunged at his father. Keith blocked his punch and grabbed his son putting him on the ground looking him into the eyes. Son remember who you are, remember who you are zack. The crowd was still cheering for him. Do you hear that son they are yelling for you so wake up and come back. Finally zack woke up and seen his father. He was able to say dad but passed out after word. His dad laughed, it’s ok son you can rest for now you deserve it. There was an explosion and the ceiling fell through. Keith blocked his eyes from the dust and debris. Hey is anyone down there we could find the door to the basement so figured we just make a hole. Keith smiled caused he recognized the crew. Keith is that you man holy shit cant get rid of you for nothing, lets get some ropes down there. Everyone inside began to swarm around keith along with the old man. The old man walked up to keith, your son saved a lot of lives today you should be proud. Keith was already smiling, i’ve always been proud of my son. Sage looked down to see the survivors and called his home base when he went back to the ship to let them know to send another shuttle. The old man asked if they had transport to get back home and keith looked to the other guys. Sage explained what was going on when he got back and everyone went back upstairs to get accountability. Keith brought his son up and the guys came around him to scope him out. Dude he’s out cold, Adam said holding his brand new but now real bloody ball he got from his pals back in the ball tournament. Shin was wiping his blades and cleaning his fist from the blood splatter. Sage was getting a message on his phone he had telling him he was receiving message from earth so he ran back to the ship. They were sending a shuttle but it would be some months before it got there. Which there was nothing you could really do about it except check out the rest of the planet. Clint sent in another message saying they needed to find the satellite that picked up that planets heat signature before it fell into the wrong hands and while they were at it there was another situation. In new york something big had been dug up accidently. They were trying to put down internet cords and found something they thought to be a door of some sort but were unsure. The substance around the frame appeared to be bone but not human. Although it was covered in with skulls, arms, hands, and other things. The door wasn’t open as far as they knew but scientists were still checking the area out for whatever they could find. Clint feared if it was a door for the aliens that wasn’t opened and figured out it was still operational there would be a huge problem. Sage got off the phone after acknowledging the situation and went back to check in with the guys. (this story is'nt finished)

Click Here for more stories by David Testeman

Comments