《True Mana Sovereign》


 Chapter 1. Prologue (Part 1)

    Daniel Taylor''s childhood wasn''t a happy one. His father ditched their family when Daniel was six, just a year after his little sister Lisa was born. Even before that, his parents were far away from receiving the "Dad and Mom of the Year" reward. But they at least never abused him.


    Things changed when his mother started to lose herself in the alcohol and bring her new boyfriends home. It took her about two years to get over her ex-husband and begin to seek new love. Alas, her taste in men always was terrible.


    It was fine if it is just some college student eager to spend some quality time with an older woman, but when she allowed an ex-convict or alcoholic to stay at her place for months, things regularly became violent. After all, little kids are so annoying, especially when forced to co-exist with a complete stranger. Especially if you are drunk as hell and just want to release some steam. Thankfully, only the older sibling was a victim of that meaningless abuse. Even if his little sister did something wrong, he was the one who willingly took the blame for everything.


    The school was Daniel''s safe harbor. Even though he didn''t have any real friends due to his gloomy disposition, no one bothered him either. Though after the fourth grade, the class hierarchy was established, Daniel was outside of it. There were cool kids, not so cool kids and losers. Later, some of the cool kids transformed into bullies, and two of the losers - into victims. But it had nothing to do with Daniel. At least, until puberty started.


    Though his parents didn''t give him much, handsomeness was one of the things his father unintentionally shared with Daniel. Both of his progenitors were physically attractive, even if their personalities left much to be desired.


    So, when he was thirteen, Daniel suddenly found out that the girls in his class suddenly started to act rather friendly. Including the girls from the so-called "cool kids" group. And the cool boys didn''t like it in the slightest.


    So, they added him to the list of bullied kids, alongside a short, scrawny boy and an overweight girl. Daniel wasn''t even aware of it at the start. He was just confused about the fact that the items from his schoolbag started to mysteriously disappear. Then, unfriendly gazes from the boys and offensive remarks made him aware that something is wrong. And when he was pushed from the staircase and laughed at after almost breaking his arm, Daniel was certain that he indeed was bullied.


    Alas, he just didn''t know what to do with this knowledge. When his mother reprimanded him for missing items, he inadvertently revealed to her his ordeal. But instead of helping him, she slapped her son for trying to blame others for his own mistakes.


    "Even if they are really the ones who stole the things from you, it is still your fault for being unable to protect yourself from some stupid brats!"


    Maybe she loved him a long time ago before his father left them for good. But now she blamed him for her inability to keep any man for longer than six months, and it made her more than annoyed. Now, she almost hated her kids. For current her, they were nothing but leeches that took away her money and kept her away from getting a good man.


    Without any way out, Daniel just hoped that the bullying would stop if he just ignored it. Instead, things escalated more and more. Without getting any repercussions for their actions, bullies became even bolder. Alongside with some nasty remarks, he got the same unwanted physical contact the other bullied boy, Ted Nelson, received for a few years.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Not so gentle slaps on the back of his neck and occasional kicks up the ass made Daniel boil with rage, but he still was too afraid to truly fight back. The last straw was when one of the bullies kicked him while Daniel talked to his little sis, Lisa.


    He was able to endure being humiliated and abused, but not right before his sister''s eyes, even if she has seen worse at home. More than that, he was afraid that she could be in danger too. So, he mustered his courage and challenged that same bastard into a fair fight.


    After seeing his sister home, Daniel met the boy at the promised place - the backyard of the school. As expected, the boy wasn''t as alone as he promised. Other bullies and some boys from other classes surrounded the improvised arena to witness "the fight of the century".


    Daniel was nervous - he was very familiar with violence, alas until now he always was on the receiving side. He steeled himself. After all, he, at last, was aware that there is someone he needs to protect. He can swallow his pride, he can endure abuse, but he can''t allow his little sister to be harmed in any way. It was the case at home, and from now on, it would be the case at school.


    The fight was one-sided. But the result was a complete opposite of the one spectators expected. Daniel beat the shit out of that boy who was both taller and heavier than him. His pent up anger and burning desire to protect Lisa made him into the beast. Before anyone can intervene, the other boy''s face was a bloody mess.


    After witnessing their friend beaten to a pulp, four other bullies joined the "fair" fight and helped him, just a little bit. By doing to Daniel the same thing he did to one of their buddies.


    "Hey guys, it isn''t cool! It was a fair fight, and the guy won, why the hell you beat him with numbers, you cowards?!"


    Other spectators weren''t glad at this turn of events, so they stopped the boys before they can kill Daniel for good.


    He was afraid to be reprimanded and punished by his mother after returning in such a miserable state, but his worries were for naught. She was delighted.


    "At last, you are useful, Danny! We can get compensation from that stupid school and the boy''s parents."


    He hated to be called Danny. And she knew it. But called him like that anyway. Apparently, his real name was chosen by his shitty father.


    "Big bro! Sorry, it is all because of me!"


    His eight years old sister was the only person who cared about him. She hugged him tightly and cried her eyes out, apologizing to him over and over even if he already explained that it has wasn''t her fault at all. He just wasn''t strong enough. Yet.


    His mother''s plan to get some easy money was fated to fail. After all, when there are two thirteen years old boys with the same level of injuries, both parties would be blamed. And when classmates testify against one of them and swear that both parties'' injures received in the "one on one fight", nothing could help to convince the principal otherwise.


    "There is no bullying at our school!"


    Of course, he would say something like this.


    "It was your son who provoked the boy in the first place. We have witnesses!"


    Instead of getting her compensation, his mother was almost forced to pay one herself.


    Being left without any food and (even more cruel) internet for three days wasn''t new for Daniel, he expected much worse. At least, bullies no more bothered him. Maybe because they were afraid of him catching them one by one, maybe because they got their own portion of tough love from their parents, or maybe because girls no longer were interested in Daniel. Even if you are handsome, it doesn''t matter when you are at the bottom of the group hierarchy, after all.


    The same couldn''t be said about Ted Nelson, though. Even if he got a month-long break from being bullied (thanks to the commotion Daniel stirred), his situation became even worse after that. Now he was a sole target for his tormentors - after all, Daniel was off-limits, and an overweight girl already changed her school.


    After getting a similar treatment for a while, Daniel now felt really sorry for Ted. But it doesn''t mean that he would risk his safety for the sake of the boy he never even talked to. Still, helping him was in accordance with his plans for the future.


    Daniel wasn''t satisfied with just being left alone. He wanted to get some revenge for all the suffering he experienced. And, more importantly, the boy wanted to make the school a safe place for his little sister. To achieve all of this, he should become stronger.

 Chapter 2. Prologue (Part 2)

    With his mother being unwilling to spend even a penny more on her children, Daniel didn''t have any choice in learning martial arts other than using the internet. And if you can find some porn, you''ll have no problems in finding videos about making your body stronger and punches harder.


    Street Workout was his choice for building his body and Muay Thai for hitting things. The summer break started just two months after the fighting incident, so before a new school year, Daniel did have as much as five months. And as there weren''t many things to do anyway, he gave his all to the training.


    Daniel was more than satisfied with his progress - even if there was no one to compare in the first place. He gained some muscles. His punches became more accurate and fast. The coordination of his movements improved a lot. All things combined, it added him some confidence about his plans for the future.


    Unexpectedly, he was given an opportunity to test his newfound power even before the new school year started. His mother brought a new man again, and this one didn''t look friendly.


    "Hey, brat," the man barked in Daniel''s direction, "go buy me a beer and then take your sister somewhere. Your mommy and I will have some fun today, so don''t even think about bothering us. Chop-chop!"


    Daniel just returned home from his training session, and he wasn''t in a mood to do errands for some asshole. Thankfully, Lisa was at her friend''s place. Unlike her brother, she was able to get along well both with girls and boys. Without her, he can go all out.


    "No problem, mate. Just give me 500$, and I will do it."


    It was just a not so polite way to say "fuck off", and the man understood that very well.


    "Hey babe, your son sure has some balls. Should I teach him how to respect adults?"


    Of course, you can''t expect anything good from this woman. She just nodded in agreement.


    "Danny, watch your mouth! This person can become your new dad, apologize right fucking now!"


    Of course, she would scold her disobedient son and not a potential lover.


    Daniel was fed up with all this bullshit. This scene wasn''t a new experience for him. In the last five years, he was often forced to do the bidding of his mother and her various boyfriends. It wouldn''t save him from being called stupid idiot, useless trash, or hopeless parasite. It wouldn''t keep him from being hit, slapped, or kicked. He endured enough.


    "C''mon, try and teach me respect for the adults. I give you my full attention."


    Daniel smirked. His body was still sweaty after all the workout he did just a little bit before. His breathing is fast and deep, his blood boiling in anticipation of that will happen next.


    The man didn''t treat that kid seriously. If you ask anyone who will win in a fight - a barely fourteen years old boy, or an adult man in his thirties, then everyone would give you the same answer. The man was more than one head taller and at least 20kg heavier. But when it comes to the actual fight, people usually underestimate how big a difference could give proper training in martial arts and some natural talent.


    Daniel was still considered an amateur in Muay Thai, but he was very talented, even if he didn''t know it yet. In contrast, the man never was trained in anything at all. He was a typical middle-aged guy with dad-bod.


    The so-called "future dad" approached his so-called "future son" in a relaxed manner and tried to grab his shoulder, obviously, without the expected result. Daniel knew how to keep the distance, and he immediately entered the battle stance.


    "Oh, you want to fight back, boy? Babe, you wouldn''t cry if I hurt him a little bit, right?"


    How could he treat this little kid seriously? For him, it is just a little game to play.


    "I don''t know why this child is suddenly so unruly. He never was like this... Give him a lesson on my behalf as well."


    The woman who was supposed to be Daniel''s mother added lazily.


    The man tried to hit the kid''s shoulder but instead was welcomed by an accurate low kick at his right knee. He lost his balance and groaned in pain, but before he can understand the situation, a punch in the solar plexus made him crumpled to the ground. The fight was over in a few moments.


    The woman wasn''t unable to comprehend the situation. How could this happen? Soon, her confusion was transformed into anger.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "You! How dare you do it to him?"


    She tried to help the man stand back, but his leg was almost broken, and he was barely able to breathe.


    "He got what he deserved. Why you never said anything like this when your boyfriends did even worse things to me? Oh yeah, because I''m a useless leech, and you don''t give a fuck what happens to me, right? Well, not so useless anymore."


    For the first time in his life, Daniel fought back against the adults that made his life miserable. It was the best moment in his life up until now. He never felt so great about himself.


    "You, ungrateful son of a bitch!"


    The woman''s words just made him laugh in her face.


    "Guilty as charged! I''m ungrateful, and my mother is a bitch."


    Her face became red from anger. Her obedient little boy who trembled in fear each time she raised her voice now looked at her with unhidden contempt.


    At that time, the man stood up. His face was unsightly. He watched Daniel with caution and tried to keep his distance. There was nothing left from his earlier bravado.


    "Boy, you will regret it. I will get my lawyer and then..."


    Daniel just shook his head in derision.


    "Good luck with putting a crime on a minor when there are no serious injuries on your body. Heck, I even can beat you half to death and be punished with a house arrest. Well, even if I would be taken in juvie for a year or two, no big deal. At least, I could have a rest from my shitty mommy. So, should we test this in practice?"


    As his mother wanted them to not bother her and be quiet in their own rooms, she was glad that the internet was enough to keep the kids busy. Unfortunately for her, it also gave Daniel a way to learn too many things he isn''t supposed to know. For example, what kind of punishment he would get for beating someone. And, vice-versa.


    "In contrast, if you hurt me, then I could screw you hard. Wanna give it a try?"


    The man understood that he is dealing with someone who isn''t as bound with the law as he is. With someone who is stronger and crazier than he could ever be. Dealing with this shit is too much of a bother just to get some pussy, no matter how hot.


    "Fuck you and your mother! I''m out."


    And so, another "potential dad" ditched his mother. The woman''s breath was rough, and her eyes bloodshot.


    "How dare you do this to me?! I raised you! I work hard to support you two! And this is what I got in return? I can''t find a decent man or live as I want, all because of you leeches!"


    Her blabbering just made Daniel even more scornful.


    "Don''t make me laugh. Do you think I don''t know that you live off child support you receive from our father? Even if he left us, he is still better than you! At least he has the money and gives it to us. At least he doesn''t bother us. He never abused me, never called me words, never allowed strangers to treat me like shit."


    When he started, he was already unable to stop.


    "I do all the laundry, and I cook the fucking food, I take care of Lisa, at the same time giving my all at the school! You, instead, just watch your TV all day long and have your fun at clubs and bars. The real parasite is you, not me!"


    He really wanted to do the same thing she did to him for years. To hit her, to slap her, to spit on her, to humiliate her with words and actions alike. But he held himself back for reasons he was unable to understand. Maybe it was a tiny bit of love he still felt for her as she was the one who brought him in this world. Maybe he was afraid that his sister would be scared when she will find this out. Maybe he just didn''t want to lower himself to her level.


    The woman watched at him in bewilderment as she lost her sense of reality. Everything he said was the truth. No matter how shameless she was, she still felt the pain. At this moment, something inside of her broke.


    Daniel expected her to try slapping him and was ready to catch her hand at any moment. But, instead, she fell on her knees and started to sob quietly. Then she hugged his legs, and her sobbing became a loud wail. He never has seen her like this, ever.


    "Sorry, Danny! Please forgive me! I''m such a terrible mother! I just wanted to find a man who will accept our family and will give you a future you deserve! I don''t know what happened to me! You are right, I''m nothing more than useless parasite who lives of the other people''s efforts! I beg you, don''t leave me alone! I will do everything, I will cook for you and Lisa, do all the chores, I will find a job, I wouldn''t anyone hurt you ever again, please forgive me!"


    Daniel was in a complete stupor. The most terrifying thing about her performance was the fact that he was absolutely sure that it wasn''t an act. She was 100% serious and sincere. In the first place, she never has had any talent in acting. He caught her on lies more than once, she was just too obvious.


    She wailed with her face put on his stomach, and her tears and snot made his shirt dirty. The situation was so bizarre that Daniel was unable to find the strength to push her back.


    The devil incarnate who made him suffer over and over again was now just a helpless pathetic woman who acted like a little child.


    Suddenly, Daniel understood the reason why his father left and why all the men she brought home wouldn''t stay for long no matter how hopeless they were. His mother wasn''t right in her head.


    It wasn''t easy to explain to Lisa what happened when she was back home. Their mother still was miserable, and she hugged her little daughter tightly while begging for forgiveness. Unexpectedly, his little sister was able to calm down that mentally unstable woman. She hugged her mother and gently caressed her back.


    "Everything is alright, mommy. I wouldn''t leave you alone. I forgive you, so just be the best mommy you can be. I love you, dear."


    Seeing this scene spectator would be easy to convince that soul exchange took place, and mother and daughter switched their bodies. Unfortunately, Daniel knew that the truth was weirder than fiction could ever be.


    After their mother was exhausted from all the crying and fell asleep, Lisa approached her brother.


    "Sorry, big bro," she looked at him sadly, "I don''t want to hurt you by telling her those kind words after everything she did to you. She doesn''t deserve it. The truth is, I hate this woman, but if we can use her just by telling her some sweet lies, then why not?"


    It was the first time Daniel has seen a darker side of his little sister.

 Chapter 3. Prologue (Part 3)

    Daniel was sure that their mother''s condition was only a temporary matter, and she will return to her old self in a few days. But, he was wrong. After the incident, she tried to become the best mother she could. She cooked the food and, surprisingly, it was really good. She made sure that their home is always clean. She read books to Lisa when a girl was unable to fall asleep. She helped both her children with homework. And, when a new school year started, she even found a job at a retail shop.


    His home problems seemingly solved, it was the time for Daniel to change his school. To reverse the hierarchy.


    There were five bullies in his class, and all of them used Ted as their primary target. Of course, sometimes they made fun of other kids, but nothing too serious. In contrast, Ted''s life was complete hell. Short and scrawny, most people would mistake him for a twelve years old boy, even if he was already fourteen. Every one of his harassers was bigger and stronger, so he never even thought about resisting. His parents were drug addicts who didn''t give a damn about their son''s life, let alone his experience at school. But Ted''s life changed completely after Daniel started to turn his plan into reality.


    For the first week, he spied on the boys and learned where they live and which path they chose when returning from the school. After that, things were easy.


    He just needed to single out each of them on their road to home and have a "small talk".


    "Hey, come here. There is something I need to tell you."


    He called the boy who was the one who was beaten by him.


    "W-what do you want, Danny? Another fight?"


    The feeling of getting his face punched, again and again, was still clear in a boy''s mind. He definitely didn''t want to experience it again.


    So, after Daniel didn''t answer his question, the boy tried to run. Just to be dragged in the deserted alley behind the closest building. Before he could fight back or scream for help, one sharp kidney punch was enough to make him lose any ability to resist.


    Daniel''s plan was simple but effective. He singled out the bullies one by one, beat them without leaving too many bruises, then stripped them of their clothes and made a photo with his smartphone. Beaten and blackmailed into submission, the boys were unable to retaliate in any way. But, it was only the start of their nightmare.


    Suddenly, Ted Nelson realized that no one bullied him anymore. Instead, his bullies received the same treatment he did. The man behind this change - Daniel Taylor. He slapped bullies'' necks, made them trip and fall, took away their items, bossed them around, and gave them humiliating nicknames.


    Ted was really happy inside and even grateful. But when one day, while returning from the school, he was stopped by his supposed savior, Ted was terrified. Being free from the bullying and gloating at his tormentor''s suffering is one thing. Being able to face the terrifying existence that could make predators into victims is something else altogether.


    What if he will ask him money for the protection? What if he will make Ted''s life even worse than before? The boy trembled in fear and was completely paralyzed.


    "Hey, Ted," Daniel smiled and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "don''t be so tense. I just want to show you something. Come with me."


    How can Ted disobey? He followed Daniel without asking anything, he was too afraid to even open his mouth.


    Soon after, they arrived at the dead-end of the alley. There, Ted''s tormentors waited. He became weak at the knees. He prayed to God to survive that is coming. But of course, God didn''t answer. He never did. Alas, this time it was unnecessarily in the first place.


    "Why the fuck you just look at us, girls? Did you all forgot my orders?!"


    After Daniel barked at them, the former bullies immediately fell on their knees.


    "Ted, we are so sorry! Please forgive us!"


    They sounded sincere. Two of them even started to cry. Of course, it wasn''t because they really felt sorry for Ted. But because they suffered too much from Daniel''s daily care.


    Ted was shocked and didn''t know what to do.


    "Hey, Ted. Don''t be afraid of them and answer me honestly. Can you forgive them? Is it enough for you?"


    The confused boy almost blurted "Yes", but he stopped himself. How could this be enough? He was tormented by them for years. His life was a living hell, and he considered killing himself almost every fucking day. But, he was too afraid to end his life. He was a coward by nature.


    "Just say it. No one here will hurt you, Ted. Not on my watch."


    Encouraged by Daniel, Ted released all the hate he had in himself.


    "Are you sorry? Don''t make me laugh, you fucking assholes! You are just afraid of Daniel, right? If not for him, you would never stop abusing me. I hate you all, I will never forgive you guys, I want you all to die!"


    He yelled with all the power he could muster, but his voice was way too high-pitched to be intimidating. The bullies would laugh at him if there were no Devil staring at them.


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    "Good work, Ted!" Daniel said while clapping his hands, " You want them dead? It isn''t a bad idea. Do you want to kill them? Alright. Do you need a weapon? Sorry, we only have some steel bars here."


    Even if Daniel said it in a joking tone, to bullies, it didn''t sound like this. They already experienced how terrifying he could be. Each one of them started to sweat profusely.


    "N-no... H-how can I kill anyone... I..."


    Ted didn''t know what to do. He wasn''t bold enough to even kill himself when he really wanted, let alone the others.


    "Hah? Guys, why are you suddenly so stiff? It is just a joke, why so serious? Ted, relax. You don''t need to kill anyone. For now. Just give them a little lesson, that is all. Do what they did to you. They wouldn''t resist, not with me here."


    And so, predators and the prey exchanged their roles. At first, Ted hesitated, but after he didn''t get any retaliation, he became bolder and bolder. In the end, Daniel was the one to stop him from overdoing things and leaving too much evidence on their bodies.


    After everything was over, only Ted and Daniel remained. The boy who was abused for years, started to cry, thanking his savior over and over again.


    "Thank you! Thank you! I will never forget your kindness, Daniel! I will repay you with all I can! You... you made me feel like a human being again..."


    From that day onward, Ted became his follower and willingly did everything he asked of him. Together, they tyrannized the former bullies when they were at school. Later, Ted asked Daniel to help him become stronger, and so they trained together. It was the beginning of their friendship. The very first friend Daniel ever had.


    At the same time, his plan was far from over. His main objective wasn''t an act of revenge itself. He wanted to make the school a safe place for his sister, so she would never be in danger of becoming a victim or a witness of teenage cruelty.


    So, after that, Daniel started to target bullies from other classes, but only from the same grade or below. In total, there were as many as twenty of them. Not all classes did have bullies. In fact, it seems Daniel was indeed unlucky to have as many as five of them on his own.


    It took him just two months to pressure every one of them into quitting their bad habits. He also allowed the victims to get some revenge. Not everything was smooth sailing, though. One time, Daniel was approached by the older brother of one of the bullies, a boy a few years senior. And so, without even trying, he "reeducated" a bully few grades above his.


    Another time, he was confronted by four rascals who apparently thought that they can win with numbers and then anti-blackmail him, forcing to delete their naked photos. Indeed, he wasn''t confident enough to take all of them at once, but why should he? After running away from them without any difficulty, he just sent their shameful photos to their classmates. Then, a little bit after, singled out each of them to have a more serious conversation.


    Of course, he didn''t continue to tyrannize the former bullies for too long. He was different from them and didn''t enjoy making other people hurt when they were unable to resist. From the start, he intended to stop bullying altogether and not just reverse the roles.


    When Daniel was done with his plan, rumors about him and his deeds were circulated throughout the whole school. Most people considered him either a hero or a villain, but the one they needed. But so-called "cool kids" and bullies from grades above his own weren''t pleased with him.


    While they thought about how to deal with him, he thought about how to deal with them. But the situation was solved in an unexpected way. Those older teenagers who before were neutral to the bullying suddenly became inspired by Daniel''s actions and started to help victims fight back, both physically and with adult''s help. Soon enough, there was no bullying in this school anymore. The phrase "There is no bullying at our school!" the principal said some time ago now reflected reality.


    Finally, Daniel was free from worry. His mother changed, even if still mentally unstable. There were no longer any abuse in his life, be it at home or at school. He got along well with Ted and some other kids who admired him for helping them when no one else did. He became even more popular among girls than he was in the past. With cooking and chores out of the way, he was able to take studying more seriously, and so his school grades improved as well. Seeing his changes, Lisa was jovial as well.


    "Big bro, I''m so glad to see you smile more than ever before! I''m happy when you are happy."


    They always were close, but now Lisa became even more eager to cuddle with him and hugged him at every opportunity.


    Daniel was very content with his new life, but a big event happened on Christmas Eve. It was the first time in years since they celebrated it properly as a family should. Before, their mother usually disappeared with one of her boyfriends. But now, all the family was gathered. Except, with one unexpected, unwanted by the siblings, guest.

 Chapter 4. Prologue (Part 4)

    For the first time after her abrupt change, their mother brought a man home. When Daniel was ready to kick both of them out of the house, the man greeted him in the most polite way possible. He was nothing like those she brought before.


    Apparently, she met him at work. He was a very important client. Rich, handsome, but still alone and without family in his late thirties, Jacob Green was a perfect husband candidate. Many women were competing for his attention, but he chose that single mother who worked hard to provide for her children.


    Jacob was a true gentleman, he invited her to restaurants and always asked for her consent whenever he tried to initiate physical contact. Even after many dates, he still didn''t try to pressure her into anything. They just talked and tried to know each other on a platonic level.


    Daniel''s mother slowly but surely fell in love with Mr. Green, it was a feeling long forgotten by her. When they, at last, started dating and did the deed, she used her experience with many men to give him, as he said, "the best sex in his whole life". Of course, they wouldn''t reveal those intimate details to the kids, but she made the situation clear. He wasn''t like all the other men, he was "the one".


    Daniel was confident that she hadn''t told Jacob of her sexual feats in the last few years, nor about how she loved to drink and abuse her son, nor about the reason why their father left them. He could break their relationship with a few words, but he chose not to do it. It was unknown how this crazy woman would react. Moreover, Daniel didn''t have a reason to force things. He was confident that this man wouldn''t stick with them for long.


    Alas, he was wrong. Jacob was the most amiable and friendly person Daniel ever met. No matter what kind of rude remarks the boy said to him, Mr.Green was able to answer with a smile and shrug them off effortlessly. Other than that, Jacob was a fantastic cook, he revealed that a long time ago he was a chef at one famous restaurant.


    Successful businessman, kind and honest, tall and athletic, caring and attentive, Mr. Green could as well be called Mr. Perfect. Honestly, Daniel thought that he was too good for his mother. But, if he will really become their step-father, then their quality of life will improve tremendously. Both him and Lisa would have a real chance to be accepted in an elite university, and their future would be secured. Thinking like this, Daniel started to slowly accept his mother''s new suitor.


    It wasn''t until the end of the school year that he started to notice that something is seriously wrong. Jacob started to give more and more attention to Lisa. He regularly took the initiative to help her with the homework. He hugged her each time he visited while giving Daniel just a nod. He held her hand when they visited the amusement park. He tried to act more and more as a father, but something bothered Daniel.


    When Jacob suggested helping Lisa bathe, Daniel felt a chill running down his spine. He found an excuse to deny this request and was the one who took the role.


    "Oh, big bro. It was a long time since-"


    Lisa was obviously glad to have someone to talk while in the bath. But Daniel hushed her, putting his finger before his mouth.


    "Lisa, please don''t be loud - Jacob could hear us," Daniel whispered, "please tell me, did he ever touched you in strange places? Did he ever do something scary? I''m always on your side, trust me on this."


    Lisa realized that her brother is worried about something. Her answer was "no" to both questions.


    "You look scary, brother," Lisa said in a whisper, "do you worry about me? It is fine. You don''t need to do anything about Jacob. I have this feeling... that he will disappear. Soon. In half a year, at most."


    Daniel didn''t understand what she was talking about, but he warned her to avoid being left alone with Jacob at any cost, and then they just talked casually. After they both left the bath, he started to ponder how to solve the situation if his fears were indeed real.


    There was no way his mother will listen to him. She could go crazy just from hearing the accusation. How can her perfect future husband be a pedophile? He just loves her kids as his own! The police are unlikely to do anything just because of his suspicions, after all, Jacob is still did nothing serious. Even if Daniel asked Lisa to lie, and she accused Mr. Green of things he didn''t do yet, it could be exposed, and then no one will help them again.


    Moreover, the boy just didn''t trust adults anymore. They did nothing about the bullying in the school, after all. Another thing is - if Jacob is indeed a pervert who targeted his barely nine years old sister, then he just can''t leave him to someone else. Daniel wanted to destroy that trash with his own hands.


    He started to observe Jacob more carefully. And indeed, the way that man looked at Lisa wasn''t that of a doting father. There was carefully hidden lust.


    Each time Mr. Green attempted to have some time alone with Lisa, Daniel was there to prevent it. Soon, the kind man wasn''t so kind to the boy anymore. He treated him as a pest instead, even if he never showed it in an obvious manner.


    When the school year ended, Daniel was convinced in this scum''s true nature. But he still was unsure how exactly he should solve the situation. Just beat the shit out of him? It would solve the situation, but only temporarily. And it will create a lot of trouble as a result... Moreover, just a beating was not enough, he thought.


    Unexpectedly, Jacob was the one who created a perfect opportunity for the bloodthirsty boy. It was Daniel''s fifteenth birthday, June 7. Their mother was busy at her work, and the only person he invited was Ted.


    It was a simple birthday with only three people. That is - until Jacob arrived and gifted new high-tech PC to Daniel. Mr. Green was friendliest he ever was and invited them all to go fishing at the lake, to have some of his first-rate barbecues while looking at the beauty of nature. Of course, they will stay there at night. Daniel''s mother already approved, and Ted''s parents, simply put, didn''t give a fuck.


    Of course, Daniel could reject this offer. After all, it was his birthday. But he didn''t. Of course, he didn''t - this was a perfect opportunity after all! The chance to get rid of this fucking scum.


    Daniel didn''t want to involve Ted, but the boy was way too enthusiastic and just didn''t understand his hints. For Ted, who never has had a proper childhood, it was the most exciting event in his whole life.


    After two hours long drive in Jacob''s SUV, they arrived at the designated place. A magnificent lake at the center of a small wood.


    "Wow, Mr. Green," Ted exclaimed, "this place is so beautiful! How did you find it in the first place?"


    Jacob''s expression became gloomy for a second, but only Daniel was able to catch this change.


    "When I was small, my step-father and I often spent time here," the man answered with a smile, "we fished, we eat barbecue, we... well, enjoyed our time together."


    Hearing this answer, Daniel felt a deep discomfort. He did read that many pedophiles were abused when they were children. He doesn''t want to know what kind of things his step-father did to Jacob. It doesn''t excuse this man''s intentions in the slightest.


    No matter how twisted is Mr. Green as a person, his cooking is superb. It was the first barbecue in Daniel''s life, but he was confident that there wouldn''t be a better one in the future. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    They spent the day eating, catching fishes, and talking around a campfire. Jacob''s stories were engaging, he told the kids how he traveled the world when he was younger, how he was an elite chef at the Michelin restaurant, he told them about all the interesting people he encountered. While listening to those stories, Daniel contemplated how exactly he would get rid of this predator.


    At last, night came. Jacob prepared two tents, one for the boys and one for the girl.


    "I will sleep in the car, don''t worry about me," the man said, "before that, though, how about a relaxing herbal tea from the thermos?"


    He offered the tea to everyone, to avoid any suspicion, Daniel pretended to drink it as well. Ted and Lisa became very sleepy just a minute after the drink, Daniel played his role as well. He wanted to catch the pervert red-handed.


    Jacob didn''t even go back to the car like he was supposed to, he just waited a few minutes before the drug he mixed in the drinks took full effect.


    Then, he approached Lisa''s tent. His patience was really short. He endured his burning desire for months, he just couldn''t take it anymore. Alas, before he can enter the sacred place, a cold voice stopped him on his tracks.


    "Where do you think you are going, scum?" The birthday boy watched the sneaky man with undisguised disgust.


    "I just wanted to check if she is alright," the man still tried to hide his true nature, "why are you looking at me like this? I think you misunderstood something, Daniel..."


    It was ridiculous that even now, this person still thought that he can excuse his actions with some bullshit.


    "Yeah, sure. And you mixed the sleeping drug in your herbal tea to make us relax," Daniel said with sarcasm, "I totally believe you, Mr. Scum. I watched you carefully for the last month, I know what you truly want. It isn''t my mother, it is my sister. Am I wrong?"


    Suddenly, Jacob started to run. Though surprised, Daniel followed him just a second later. Soon, they arrived at the lake. It wasn''t the place where they fished. The man no longer tried to run away. Instead, he looked at the teenager with a smirk.


    "Oh, you are really in good form, boy," Mr. Green said as he circled around Daniel, "not anyone can keep up with me, moreover at such a tender age. I guess all this training you do isn''t for naught. You have good genes, as well."


    The man''s expression wasn''t kind or amiable anymore. He no longer tried to hide his perverted nature.


    "But your sister is something else! She is perfect. I never encountered anyone as cute and sexy as she is. A real treasure!"


    Listening to this piece of shit calling nine-year-old Lisa "sexy" made Daniel sick to his stomach. He wanted to fucking kill that hateful creature. And so, he charged at Jacob, his blood boiling.


    Daniel executed his trained low-kick at Mr. Scum''s leg. But it was perfectly blocked. Pain assaulted the boy, then he tried to retreat to keep his distance. Alas, his opponent wasn''t merciful. Jacob sent Daniel flying with a powerful straight kick.


    "You are strong, Daniel," the man said, grinning, "for a kid, that is. It seems I forgot to tell you brats that I''m also a 2-nd Dan Black belt at Taekwondo. If you intended to beat the shit out of me, you should have asked about my experience in martial arts. I wouldn''t lie about something like this, you know?"


    Just when Daniel managed to stand up, he was kicked again. And again. Each hit was heavy and painful as hell. Illusion about his own power was shattered right before his eyes. He wasn''t the strongest. He was just a 165cm tall boy who weighed only 53kg. There still were countless people who could playfully beat him without breaking a sweat. It is just up until now he didn''t encounter any of them. Up until now. No matter how he tried, Daniel was unable to do anything against this man. His enemy. His sister''s enemy.


    "Do you know why I choose this lake and this place, Danny?" Jacob leisurely asked, "My step-father really loved to have fun with me. In a sexual way, of course. Other than being into little boys, he was an excellent father."


    Daniel felt the pain all around his body, but his face wasn''t hit even once.


    "He bought me toys, he never hit me, never yelled at me, always helped with homework. He was a nice man, really. At eight, I was too young to understand that having a penis put into my ass is the wrong thing. Actually, I started to enjoy it to some extent after a year or two. I even asked him to have ''secret play'' when I was lonely."


    Daniel tried to find a way out, he was afraid that this monster can do next. The boy was certain that it wouldn''t end with just a beating.


    "And this lake was our favorite playground. Both my first and my last time with him happened here." Jacob looked around the place, dim moonlight made his expression even more creepy than it was.


    "But you know what? One day, when I was twelve, I understood that the thing we were doing is wrong. I didn''t complain to anyone or asked for help. Just, you know. One day when we ''played'' like usual, I pushed him into the lake."


    The man sadly sighed.


    "I just did it to give him a lesson, you see. But how could I know what this fucker didn''t know how to swim? I didn''t want to kill him, really. Even if what we did was wrong, I still loved him."


    Jacob shook his head and sighed again.


    "But he died. I was scared shitless, left here, alone, far away from the civilization. Just after killing my step-dad. Right here where we are standing right now, Daniel."


    Mr. Scum stared at the beaten boy with a disturbing smile.


    "The things your step-father did to you don''t excuse your actions!" Daniel bellowed, "What you want to do, you fucking pedo? Rape me? Kill me?"


    Jacob made an expression as if he was hurt by those words.


    "You got it completely wrong, dear!" he said as if wronged, "It is the same as calling a bisexual man gay. I''m not pedophile, I''m pansexual! I don''t discriminate against a person''s gender or age. If I were was a pedo, why would I be interested in you? You are way too old."


    The pervert approached Daniel, step by step.


    "Just, you know. I have preferences, all of us do. And Lisa is totally my type. The hottest person I ever met. Your mom is fine, too, by the way. I just don''t like sluts that much. You are a little bit too muscular and unruly for my taste. Your friend Ted is better."


    Mr. Scum started to undress.


    "But you know what? Even if you aren''t my type, but it would be too much of a waste to kill you without even tasting. I''m sure your screams would sound nice."


    They were just two meters from the lake''s steep shoreline.


    If it was the place where the trash''s step-father died, then it would mean that the water here is deep from the start. If only I could push him in the lake... then I will have a chance to survive or even to finish him off.


    But Daniel was unable to execute this plan, his body just didn''t listen. He hoped that there would be a chance while that scum has "fun" with his body.


    He already accepted his fate of being violated. Better me than Lisa, he thought.


    "Hey, why are you quiet? It is less interesting this way, you know? You can try to resist if you want, I will be fine. C''mon, try to bite me or something."


    The naked beast looked at Daniel with unhidden lust and sadistic delight. Then, it started to undress the boy slowly. But, it made a grave mistake of not pay attention to its surroundings.


    "Haaaah! Keep your hands away from my friend!"


    The boy even smaller than Daniel charged at the nude brute. Apparently, he already gained some speed and momentum beforehand, so Mr. Scum was unable to dodge or resist the assault. The beast lost its balance and was pushed right into the lake.


    "Ted?!" Daniel asked both delighted and surprised, "Why are you here? Didn''t you drink that drugged tea?"


    The heroic youth was completely out of breath but was able to answer nonetheless.


    "I suffer from insomnia for as long as I remember. I used sleep-inducing medications for so long that they are barely working on me anymore."


    Daniel was able to relax for a second, but he was afraid that their fight wasn''t over yet. But he was wrong.


    "H-help me! I can''t swim! Fuck, I''m dying here! Save me, please, I beg you! I will pay you, Ted! One hundred thousand dollars, how about it?!


    What the hell? Both Daniel and Ted thought.


    "Hey, Danny, no, Daniel - I was just joking around. I would never touch you or your sister, I swear! Just help me, please!"


    The beast desperately floundered in the water, trying to stay afloat.


    "It is hilarious. What the fuck, dude? You really didn''t learn from your step-father''s mistake?"


    Daniel laughed his ass off while looking at this ridiculous sight.


    "Hey, Dan. Wouldn''t he really die? Shouldn''t we save him?"


    Daniel looked at Ted as if hearing something absurd.


    "Ted, are you serious? This fucked wanted to rape my sister, rape, and kill me, for fuck''s sake, he probably planned to rape you as well!"


    Ted still was hesitant. Wouldn''t it make him a murderer if that man really dies?


    "I know, this guy is scum. But couldn''t it be better to leave everything to the police? What if they catch us?"


    Daniel patted his friend on the shoulder.


    "Do you still believe in the adults, in the system, in the police? No one helped you when you needed help. Only I did. Now, you saved my life, you can''t imagine how much I''m grateful to you, Ted. But you really think we can prove his guilt to the police? No way."


    He shook his head and sighed.


    "Listen, Ted. After they find his body, cops would just assume that he drown by himself while swimming. Naked, late at night."


    Daniel bitterly smiled.


    "For better or worse, his body doesn''t even have any traces of violence. In the worst-case scenario, I will take all the blame. You have nothing to worry about, mate. Just believe in me as you always did."


    And so, the two boys silently watched the last moments of the animal named Jacob Green.

 Chapter 5. Prologue (Part 5)

    Of course, they couldn''t tell the truth to young Lisa. So, when morning came, they pretended to know nothing and even tried to search for the man. It didn''t take them long to find his clothes, after all, they knew its whereabouts from the start.


    Driving the car for the first time wasn''t an easy experience for Daniel, but they managed to at least reach the main road and ask people for help.


    In the end, as Daniel predicted, cops assumed that Mr. Green died incidentally.


    As he predicted, their mother became emotionally broken after learning about her perfect future husband''s death. She didn''t suspect anything at all, she just didn''t know what to do. Jacob was her ticket in a happy future, and she really loved him. She couldn''t get over his death, she buried herself in the work and alcohol, became passive and meek. But Daniel didn''t feel sorry for her, he still remembered how she treated him all those years.


    After that event, Ted became even closer to Daniel and Lisa. In a way, he was like a brother to the siblings.


    With their mother being more and more useless, Daniel knew that he should start to think about earning money by himself. On the one hand, he started to train Muay Thay in a dojo with an experienced teacher, on the other, he began to participate in underground fighting tournaments.


    Two years after Jacob Green''s death, Daniel''s mother committed suicide. In a way, he felt that it would happen. Though what he didn''t expect is the way she killed herself and the content of her suicide note.


    She stabbed her own heart with a knife. If Daniel didn''t know better, he would even assume that someone killed her, but the autopsy indeed confirmed her death was a suicide.


    In the last will note, she apologized to her children for everything she did and didn''t.


    "If there is another life, I will do everything in my power to be the best mother I possibly can."


    At her funeral, Daniel didn''t cry a single tear. But when he woke up the next morning, his face was wet with tears. He couldn''t remember the dream, but he knew that it was about this woman who brought him in this cruel world. About Vanessa Taylor - his incompetent mother, now dead.


    The one thing Daniel realized while training in Muay Thai and fighting to get dirty money - he has a talent for violence. And he used it to get his place in life.


    Time passed. Daniel was twenty-two, and his life couldn''t be more different than seven years ago. He was acknowledged by the world as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. He was the youngest person ever who became UFC champion. Of course, Muay Thai alone wasn''t enough to become undefeatable in Welterweight class, Daniel started to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he was eighteen years old. Other than that, his knowledge of the human body rivaled that of a professional physician.


    Gifted with a handsome face, near-perfect body, money, and fame, Daniel has had more women pursuing him than he could handle. Even so, he never met anyone who would make him feel anything special, in the end, things never escalated beyond casual sex.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    He did have enough money to live anywhere in the world, but his sister was still in high school, and she didn''t want to separate from her friends. And girlfriends. Yeah, one day, Lisa opened up to Daniel the fact that she was lesbian. He was surprised but accepted it easily. In fact, he was even a little bit relieved.


    At Daniel''s recently bought mansion outside of the city, he, Lisa, and Ted celebrated his newly acquired World Championship.


    "Congratulations, Dan! This fight was amazing. I always knew that you are the champ, but now the whole world acknowledged it!"


    Ted wasn''t a scrawny, short teenager anymore. In fact, he has grown taller than Daniel.


    "Yes, big bro! I''m so proud to be your little sister."


    Lisa wasn''t a small little kid anymore, either. Instead, she was a stunningly beautiful girl who looked a few years older than she really is. Almost as tall as Daniel, with her long blonde hair, slim frame, and exquisite face, she can easily become a model or movie star if she wished so.


    "Hey, Lis. Why is there a juice in your glass? There are no cops here, you can enjoy the wine like I and your bro."


    Daniel looked at Ted with fake anger.


    "Listen here, Ted. Don''t teach her the bad things, okay? She is still a minor."


    Ted sipped his drink.


    "C''mon, Dan. How old were we when we drunk the alcohol for the first time? Fifteen? It is some severe case of ''do as I say, not as I do''."


    Lisa cheerfully laughed at their exchange.


    "Hehe, stop it, boys. In fact, I already drank some alcohol before, with one of my girlfriends. I just don''t like it that much. And hangover is hell."


    Daniel looked at his sister with a fake shock, then made an exaggerated sigh.


    "It seems my little girl becomes more and more secretive. What else have you hidden from your big bro?"


    She approached Daniel and whispered in his ear so that Ted couldn''t hear them.


    "I''m not a virgin anymore."


    Daniel almost facepalmed himself.


    "I guessed so much from the fact that you date three girls at the same time, you little rascal!"


    Lisa giggled at his outburst.


    "Big bro is so cute, right, Ted?"


    Ted was more than glad to be allowed in the siblings'' conversation.


    "Do you think his angry face is cute? Well, how about this then..."


    He thought for a few seconds. Daniel already predicted his next words, it wasn''t the first time.


    "Hey, Lis. If you ever want to try dating a man, I''m always here for you, more than willing!"


    Daniel suppressed the urge to punch his best friend''s face.


    "Haha, Teddy. This joke of yours never gets old. And big bro''s scary face is priceless as always."


    Daniel decided to change the topic to avoid further embarrassment.


    "Anyway, guys. I wasn''t in the city for a long time and even before that didn''t pay much attention, but... What is the deal with all those serial killings and disappearing people?"


    The mood in the room instantly became gloomy, and Daniel realized that he choose the wrong topic to talk about at a celebration party. The change alarmed him, so he added.


    "If this city is so dangerous, maybe we all should really move on somewhere safer, no? I can make it happen for all of us, including you, Ted."


    As one of the most famous UFC fighters in the world, Daniel was a millionaire - money was nothing to him, compared to the safety of people he cared about.


    "Well, maybe. Let''s not talk about those things now, Dan. Let''s drink, let''s eat, let''s play board games and watch movies on your huge home cinema!"


    And so, they followed Ted''s advice and did have a lot of fun. Daniel thought that it was the happiest day of his whole life. Even defeating the former champion on the ring wasn''t so satisfying than spending the time with two people he cherished and trusted the most.


    What he didn''t know is that this day would be the last in his life as Daniel Taylor. The day that made him taste the real despair. And, betrayal.

 Chapter 6. Prologue (Last Part)

    Derek woke up feeling dizzy. He didn''t drink too much alcohol, so it shouldn''t be a hangover, he thought. In fact, he couldn''t remember him falling asleep either. It is strange.


    It took him another few seconds to realize that there is something seriously wrong. He couldn''t move his body, his legs and arms were tightly bound by a sturdy rope. Daniel opened his eyes. What he saw made him gasp. And then, yell in rage.


    "What the hell is going on, Ted?!"


    His dear friend leisurely laid on the king-sized bed. Gasping Lisa with a flushed face and closed eyes was near. He gently caressed her, still clothed, body. Sniffed her hair. Licked the sweat from her neck.


    "Put your hands off Lisa right now! Did you go crazy?!"


    Ted, at last, glanced at hist bounded friend.


    "Oh, Dan. Are you already awake? It was sooner than I expected. I guess we have some time to talk before Lis wakes up as well."


    Ted, step by step, approached Daniel, who was bounded to the chair, forced to sit and watch, unable to move. It wasn''t only ropes that restrained, whatever drugs Ted used, they still were in effect and made Daniel''s head dizzy and his muscles sour.


    "Well, let me tell you what is going on, Dan," Ted said while looking straight in the other man''s eyes. "I''m about to fuck the woman I love the most, and you are here to be our witness. Isn''t it nice?"


    Would he be brave enough to say those words to one of the strongest fighters in the world if that person wasn''t firmly restrained and drugged?


    "Are you insane, Ted?!" Daniel screamed in rage, "Your joke is not funny. If you release me right now, I won''t beat you too much, ok?"


    Ted sighed and watched at his friend with disappointment.


    "You know me for so long, Dan," Ted slowly said, "but you still can''t see the difference between my serious expression and a joking one? I expected more from my best friend!"


    Ted patted Daniel on the shoulder and continued.


    "Dan, ah, Dan... I love you as a brother, I really do. But why is life so unfair? Even if both went through terrible things, through abuse, through bullying... through the murder. And yet, you are the only one who ever was compensated for all of this. Don''t you think it isn''t fair?"


    Ted walked around the room and eagerly gesticulated while spitting up his pent up resentment.


    "I saved your life! To do it, I became a murderer. I killed the man I barely knew. I wanted to save him and leave to the police, but you stopped me. So, I lived through my life carrying this sin."


    Ted took a whiskey bottle from a near table and made a long sip.


    "You are a lucky one, Dan. You have a talent. You are handsome and popular. People love you. I''m different. All I can do is hiding behind you, looking at the world from your shadow."


    He put down the whiskey with a loud thud.


    "While you earn your millions, I struggle to get enough money just to survive. While you bang models, I can''t even lose my virginity. But all of this is nothing. I can accept it. After all, you are better than me. You deserve all of this. And, honestly, I don''t give a fuck about all this material shit."


    He stood just a meter away from Daniel and looked at him with unhidden hostility.


    "But what makes me really mad is how you have Lis, her affection, her love! Something she never gives me, no matter how much I do or sacrifice for her sake. You, you always the only one who exists in her heart! I can accept anything, but not this."


    Ted lost the last remains of his self-restraint and yelled with madness.


    "It was me who killed Mr. Green! It is me who saved her from him! After that, I always did everything for her sake! I did things for her that you would never agree to do. I accepted her even when anyone else, even you, wouldn''t! And yet... and yet, she still looks at me as at a stranger. And when she watches you, she is full of affection. Why?"


    Then, Ted, as if lost his will to continue, weakly sat down on the bed.


    "It was seven months ago when a doctor said that I have only a year to live. After that, I did everything in my ability to help her. And yet, she never showed me true affection, even a semblance of love. Before I die, I at least want to get my revenge. On you. On her."


    Daniel listened to the madman''s angry outburst, unable to understand how a person can hide so much resentment without showing any signs. The person before him wasn''t his best friend, it was just a lunatic.


    "So?" Daniel''s voice was utterly cold, "Do you plan to rape Lisa and then kill both of us?"


    The madman looked at him with confusion.


    "What? Hell, no. I already killed too many people, how can I kill my best friend and someone I love? I just want you to live the rest of your life with the burden of my betrayal and memories of the passionate love between Lis and me!"


    "Then you are out of luck, mate. Because as soon as I''m unbound, I will fucking kill you in the cruelest way possible."


    "No, no. My life is my own to take, you know? How can I allow someone else to do it? Though, if it was Lis... Anyway, as soon as I''m done, I will make sure to kill myself properly, don''t worry about it."


    "You said, ''killed too many people''. Could it be, you are the one behind serial murders?"


    "Eh? Me? No way. It isn''t ''me''. It is ''we''. You wouldn''t believe it, but your sister-"


    Ted couldn''t finish his words because of the knife that stabbed him in the back.


    "You said too much, Teddy. Why are you so stupid? If you just have your mouth shut, maybe I would even allow you to lose your virginity with me."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The one who was supposed to be under the influence of both sleeping drug and powerful aphrodisiac glared at the dying man with clear and cold eyes.


    "H-how? I checked... your body... thoroughly..."


    He was still alive, but each word said made him feel agonizing pain.


    "Silly, I already explained everything to you a long time ago," the girl said with a shrug, "it is just you who didn''t believe me. And I didn''t have any real reasons to prove anything to you."


    Those words made Ted force a smile on his pale face.


    "So... it was all true... sorry... for not believing... I failed you, Lis... Being killed... by you... is my blessing. Thank you, really... For sending...me... to the other side."


    In the end, she watched him like she never did before. It wasn''t affection, but it was kindness and acceptance. For Ted, it was enough to make his last moments the happiest he ever had.


    Daniel couldn''t comprehend the situation or the strange words exchanged between those two. But he didn''t care, even if his sister killed that madman, he was just relieved that she is safe. Everything is over now. Or so he thought.


    Losing the second most important person in his life put a hard burden on Daniel, but at the moment, he didn''t have time to experience all the emotions coming with it.


    "Are you alright, Lisa? Come here and release me, so what we could think together on how to solve this situation. In the worst-case scenario, I will accept the blame for his death. Everything would be alright."


    She slowly approached him with a strange knife in hand. It was the same weapon that killed Ted, but, bizarrely, there was not even a speck of blood on it.


    "Yeah, of course. Just wait for a second, big bro."


    She gracefully cut the ropes in just a moment. At last, he was free.


    "I never knew what you are so skilled with knives."


    He just wanted to praise her coordination and speed, he didn''t think much about it. But...


    "Yeah, of course. It would be strange if I wasn''t skilled with this babe after killing hundreds of people, after all. Right?"


    Daniel was shocked for a few seconds but then realized that she probably just joked to make the mood less tense.


    "Yeah, right, heh. And the reason why I became UFC champ is that I kill people with my fists all the time. There is no better training."


    No matter how silly Daniel''s joke was, his little sis always laughed. Up until now.


    "Now, I understand what Teddy felt when you were unable to see the difference between him being serious or not. Well, I always knew that you aren''t good at reading the mood, so I''m not disappointed as much as he did."


    Daniel tilted his head, not knowing what the fuck she was talking about.


    "You see, big bro. It wasn''t a joke. Didn''t you hear that Ted said before I finished him? We are the serial killers. Well, in fact, he was just my accomplice. I did most of the killing and chose all the victims."


    Now, Daniel looked at Lisa, still unable to accept reality.


    "W-why didn''t you told me anything, Lisa? Y-you probably killed some criminals, right? Like, you know. Those superheroes from movies."


    She looked at him with pity and shook her head.


    "No, no. In fact, I only kill good people. Well, other than Ted, anyway. Some kids, sometimes even whole families. Mostly people around our age, though."


    She watched him with a sinister smile.


    "Now, you understand? I''m not your cute little sister anymore. I''m a cruel murderer, the worst kind of criminal scum."


    It was a nightmare. Daniel has read about it. When inside the dream, you don''t know that you are dreaming. Everything seems real to you. But, he started to believe that it wasn''t real. Yeah, how could it be? His little sis and best friend aren''t like this!


    The sureproof way to "awaken" inside your own dream is to watch at your hands. The lines on them wouldn''t be static. And so he did, hoping to wake up from this terrible, terrible dream. But he was fated to be disappointed. It wasn''t a dream. It was a cruel and merciless reality.


    "Why you didn''t tell me anything? Why keep it hidden from me, but telling Ted? Even if you are a monster-"


    "''-I will still accept you anyway'', this is what you want to say? Do you really believe that?"


    Daniel was silent. He didn''t know if he could continue living comfortably while hiding away someone inhuman and their crimes. Let alone helping them. Even if it was she...


    "Yeah, you couldn''t accept it," she stated with confidence. "Big bro, you are different from Ted and me. You are not broken. Not yet."


    He still wasn''t sure what to do. Seeing that, a girl pouted.


    "C''mon, big bro. You know what to do, right? Catch me, restrain me with your Jiu-Jitsu, then bound me with ropes and send me to cops. It is what any law-abiding citizen should do when dealing with a serial killer!"


    She tapped him on the hand.


    "Oh, I see. You probably still aren''t at your peak, right? Here, a little gift to my beloved brother. Believe me, it would be very useful someday."


    Daniel suddenly felt that through Lisa''s hand on his shoulder, some kind of energy entered his body and filled it with vigor. The aftereffects of the drugs completely disappeared. In a few moments, he wasn''t just at his peak, he felt stronger than ever.


    "Now we can play! C''mon, attack me."


    He still looked at Lisa blankly.


    "Shit, it is so hard to deal with you, big bro," her voice was bitter, " Okay, let''s change the rules. I will attack to kill you. And you will try to survive. It was the plan from the start, anyway. I just wanted to spice things up a little bit."


    Suddenly, she stabbed at his heart. It helped Daniel to come out of his stupor.


    "Why are you doing it, Lisa? Everything I did in my life was for you! Does it mean nothing to you? Does my love for you is so cheap in your eyes? You just don''t make any sense!"


    At last, feelings overwhelmed Daniel. He felt betrayed, he felt confused, he felt that all his life was a lie. The rage and frustration he felt almost made him insane.


    "Oh my. If you are so angry, then put more effort into defeating me. Though it would be impossible, I guess."


    And so, their mortal dance started. She attacked him with a speed and grace, he was barely able to avoid being killed in a second.


    "I planned to kill you even before I finished off our bitch of a mommy, you know?"


    Daniel didn''t have any time to say anything, it took all his efforts just to stay alive. Lisa, in contrast, was leisure.


    "I want to kill you because I love you. More than anyone else in the world. So, I just can''t accept it if anything else ends your life. Everyone will die anyway, it is inevitable. In this case, I should be the one who will put an end to my beloved brother''s life - so I thought."


    Daniel wasn''t willing to truly fight back, but even if he was, it wouldn''t change much.


    "Ted just hastened my plan. Even if he did nothing, I would still kill you within a year."


    Daniel used everything in his surroundings to keep the distance between them, but Lisa easily avoided everything he threw at her. Her movements were faster than his, her reaction superior, her coordination near perfect. Lisa laughed while chasing him around the whole mansion.


    After playing with her pray for about fifteen minutes, Lisa decided that the playtime was over.


    "Big bro. I guess it is the time to say goodbye.''''


    Watching her eerie smile, Daniel knew that everything was over. He was sharp enough to understand that she held herself back and haven''t used her full force. He was familiar with this feeling from his early experience in the dojo when he fought against someone far above his skill level.


    He wailed in despair and anguish as he made his first and last charge at her, his face filled with tears and voice hoarse. And then, his heart was pierced. Lisa leaned on him, gently hugged him, and tenderly whispered in his ear.


    "Yes, big bro. I''m killing you. In the same way, I murdered many other innocent people."


    He felt her breath, her lovely voice made him shiver.


    "Please, hate me. You should never forgive me for what I did, Daniel. Ever."


    He could hear something similar to a sob in her voice, but maybe it was just an illusion.


    "If... No... When you meet me in another life, don''t hesitate and..."


    She pronounced the last three words with emotions Daniel couldn''t recognize or comprehend.


    "...kill me, please."


    As those words echoed in his mind, over and over, his consciousness disappeared. Daniel Taylor died.


    "Hey, it is cheating, you know?" a feminine voice said, "Lisa, dear. Do you truly want to fight against me? Do you think he really can defeat us?"


    Lisa Taylor hugged her brother''s corpse, as tight as she could. Her quiet weeping soon shifted to sobbing, and then she wailed like crazy.


    "Shut up! Shut the fuck up, you monster!"


    Who can understand her pain, her grieve, her suffering, her self-hate, her self-disgust?


    "Ahaha, you are so adorable, girl. I want to watch what he could do when the time comes. I want to see, to feel your despair when you realize what everything you did was for naught. Hahaha..."


    The wicked laughter echoed through the empty mansion and made people many kilometers away shudder.