《Aberrant》


 Chapter 1: Collapse

    Hi! I''ve been writing for a while on my own, and I figured it''d be fun to share my novel here and see what people think. Anyway, I hope anyone reading this will enjoy this and I hope to have at least a chapter up every week, though I''ll be aiming for more. Without further ado, chapter 1.


    Art for the main page may take a little time. Haven''t decided how I want it to look.


    Chapter 1: Collapse


    Reality hit David like a freight train on that day.


    A life without pain, without worry. A life filled with family and happiness. A home where he could feel safe even in a world ravaged by nature and monsters. It was on this day this illusion was shattered into a million pieces.


    How na?ve he¡¯d been.


    ¡°David, wake up!¡±


    David was shaken conscious by a pair of large hands, gripping his shoulders tightly. His eyes openly groggily, but he quickly saw it was still dark out. After a brief spell of annoyance, he tried to roll over and go back to bed. What possible reason could anyone have for waking up right now? He¡¯d always been scolded for being up after dark, have been his imagination.


    However, his attempt to reposition himself was met with substantial resistance, in response to his action, the shaking started again, and the grip on his shoulders tightened to the threshold of pain. Grunted and looked up, now lucid enough to notice who was shaking him.


    His mother¡¯s features, partially illuminated by an overhead light, stared down at him. She appeared stressed, something like how she was when he caused mischief, but different. This seemed more extreme than usual. Whatever was causing it, her grip was not weakening in the slightest.


    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re hurting me.¡± The eight-year-old said sleepily.


    Her face softened a little hearing his voice and she let go. ¡°David, I need you to get up, okay? We¡¯re going on a little trip.¡±


    ¡°But its nighttime¡­¡± David muttered in confusion as he sat up.


    His mother looked fearfully over her shoulder with an expression similar to frustration he wasn¡¯t familiar with then turned back to David. ¡°It¡¯s a little sudden, I know, but we have to go now. Don¡¯t worry about getting dressed.¡±


    ¡°Is he up yet? We don¡¯t have much time! They¡¯ll be here at any moment!¡± His father called from the other room. His voice seemed shaken, similar to his mothers. It was a tone he¡¯d never heard from his father before.


    ¡°Mom? What¡¯s going on?¡± He asked with wide eyes. He didn¡¯t understand the situation, but he was smart enough to know how unusual all of this was.


    ¡°Mom will explain later okay? Right now, we need to go, we¡¯re already late. If we don¡¯t hurry, we¡¯ll miss the trip.¡±


    David didn¡¯t get it, but he nodded and got up. He knew very well it was bad to be late, and the concept of a trip was intriguing. After all, children were rarely allowed out of the city. He moved towards the dresser for his clothes, but his mom grabbed his hand and pull him out the door. Right, she said something about not needing to change.


    David ran out the door, dragged forward by his parents. It was dark, too dark too see clearly. However, he could hear bustling activity coming from all directions. It was still dark outside, so dark he couldn¡¯t see properly. The only immediate relief from the darkness came from the odd lanterns carried by their neighbors.


    As his eyes adjusted, he realized just how active the neighborhood had become. the street appeared to be in chaos. Half-dressed families were rushing about without a care for decency. Having been taught to respect others modesty, he averted his eyes as best he could. Still, it made him curious. What type of trip was this to bring so many people out this late at night, and in such shameless dress at that? More and more, this atmosphere seemed off, but he couldn¡¯t think of a cause. None of this made any sense.


    David heard some popping coming from behind them. He turned around to see a glowing orange light coming from behind. More and more popping could be heard as they walked. He felt like he¡¯d heard these noises before somewhere. A festival? But if it was a festival, why was everyone moving with such urgency? The festivals were fun, but not to the point of running around in sleep wear. Plus, they were going the wrong way.


    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s going on over there? Is there a party?¡± David asked curiously.


    His mother gave him a weird look and tugged his arm harder. ¡°Don¡¯t look back David. It¡¯s nothing. Just keep up with me, okay?¡±


    David was uneasy. His mother never acted like this. He¡¯d seen this from his father before, but never her. And that weird expression. The longer they walked, the more intense it seemed to grow. He began to recognize it. That was the look Layla had made when she fell into that hole, or when John was attacked by a cat he¡¯d been baiting. It was an expression he¡¯d never seen on an adult before.


    Fear. His mother was afraid.


    He began looking at the other people in the street. He quickly realized all of their expressions had a trace of fear or anxiety, as if something bad had happened. He looked back towards the orange light and the popping noises. His first assumption had been of a festival, but as he begin to put the dots together, her realized this was far from the truth. He had seen a light like this before, many times in fact.


    Fire.


    The popping noises grew louder. In response, the crowd began to move with more haste, traces of panic emerging in their actions the fear was now as plain as day. David couldn¡¯t understand. This was Dawn. There was no safer place, so why would everyone be fretting like this. If they weren¡¯t safe here, where else was there?


    ¡°Jordan, it¡¯s getting closer.¡± His mother stated anxiously. ¡°Are we¡­¡±


    ¡°No need to worry.¡± David¡¯s father replied firmly. ¡°Dawn is still strong. All of this is just a precaution. A bunch of godless fools can¡¯t just walk in and do as they please.¡±


    Although he said that, his eyes showed uneasiness. David could tell he was just as worried as everyone else. Even so these words helped calm his mother a little. Her grip on David¡¯s hand loosened for a moment.


    The popping grew increasingly loud and was soon joined by the sounds of yelling and screaming. That orange light was getting bright enough that David didn¡¯t even have to look back anymore, and the smell of smoke had reached them. The crowd panicked and began to run. His mother¡¯s hands tightened again and she pulled him forward.


    His father¡¯s expression had paled a little. ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be possible¡­ This is dawn¡­ How are they getting through?¡±


    ¡°David, we¡¯re going to run now. I need you to run as fast as you can. Can you run with me, baby?¡± She asked in an urgent tone


    David looked back with wide eyes, the situation suddenly starting to make sense. ¡°Mom? Are we under attack?¡±


    ¡°David, we¡¯ll talk later. Just run!¡± His father said, grabbing his other arm.


    The sounds of conflict had become deafening. Now understanding the source of the noise, he could clearly make out gunfire and explosions. the flames lit up the night with more and more clarity while the yelling and screaming drew dangerously close.


    Then something truly bone-chilling occurred. Slashing through the chaos. A lone howl echoed through the streets. At first David thought it was a wolf, but the sound was off. Wolves usually howled at a higher pitch. This sounded much deeper and louder.


    More howls echoed out, identical to the first. They came from all directions, front, back, and sides. David spun his head in all directions, looking for the source. Pairs of glowing eyes emerged from alleyways and rooftops, completely surrounding the fleeing men and women.


    ¡°W-what are those things?¡± A stranger nearby cried out.


    One of the creatures shot forward with a loud snarl, nearly imperceptible in the shadows. Seconds later a bloodcurdling scream rung out as a shadow descended upon the crowd. David shook in fright as the young man¡¯s body went limp. The crowd looked on in horror, unable to move as a pitch-black wolf the size of a bear stood in the victim¡¯s place, the young man¡¯s neck clenched in its muscular jaws.


    True chaos broke out. The crowd scrambled in every direction, desperately looking for some path of escape. The other beasts jumped into action, massacring civilians left and right. David was petrified, unable to run from fear. His father quickly scooped him up and ran off. David could only watch over his shoulder as the bloodbath ensued, the images of the destruction forever etching themselves into his mind.


    ¡°Filthy low-borns! They will suffer eternally for this!¡± His father spat angrily.


    As fast as his father could run, David could tell that the beast were gaining. The screams sounded closer with every passing moment, and occasionally those next to them would fall to the ground, shrieking. The beasts glowing yellow eyes flashed in the darkness behind them then were immediately followed by painful wailing. It wasn¡¯t long before those eyes focused themselves in David¡¯s direction.


    David let out a scream and turned his head away as the beasts closed in. He kept repeating to himself that this was just a dream. Just a scary dream. In a moment he would wake up and everything would be back to normal. A woman next to them shrieked in agony as the approaching beast slaughtered her. He squeezed his eyes tighter and grabbed onto his father with everything he had.


    Just a dream. Just a dream. Just a dream. All he had to do was wake up right? Why couldn¡¯t he do it? Why couldn¡¯t he wake up?


    Gunshots shook him out of his trance. The closing beasts yelped out in pain before slumping to the ground. relief and hope flared up within him. The soldiers had come! His fear dissipated as he saw the uniformed men running forward, shooting down the massive beasts. They were saved. Ever since he was young, he always been told that the soldiers of Dawn were unstoppable, the reason why their glorious nation was unshakeable, the peak of civilization chosen by God. It was over. The beasts wouldn¡¯t be able to hurt anyone anymore.


    Or so he thought.


    A nearby soldiers screamed as one of the beast tackled him. He disappeared into the crowd before David could see what happened next, but David didn¡¯t worry too much. He was a soldier of Dawn after all. Another scream blasted in his ears. His eyes widened in shock a he saw the soldier struggling on the ground with blood pouring from his throat. Another soldier dropped his weapon, and fled in fear. The hope they had rekindled within David quickly faded waway.


    The gunshots kept going off, but the screams just kept increasing. This wasn¡¯t possible. It couldn¡¯t be. The army was supposed to solve everything, to keep them safe. How could it be losing? Why was everyone dying?


    Were they going to die?


    No. His dad was here. His dad wouldn¡¯t let anything happen to them. Even if the soldiers couldn¡¯t protect everyone, his dad would get them out. All he could do was believe that. He clenched his hand around his father¡¯s shirt.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°Everyone, run for the forest! Run for the forest!¡± The soldier shouted. They kept shooting at the beasts, struggling to keep them at bay. ¡°Do not stop! The enemy is coming!¡±


    A second later, the yelling soldier stiffened. Blood dripped down from a hole in the center of his head. David¡¯s father paused a moment to look back towards the source, then began to run frantically towards the side of the street. Looking over his shoulder, David got a full view of the incoming attack. A mob of horse were quickly advancing through the crowd, swinging clubs and firing rifles while the horses trampled the crowd under foot.


    ¡°Argh!¡± David¡¯s father yelled out in pain, falling to the ground. A bullet had torn through his ankle. He dropped David, who tumbled to the ground.


    ¡°Jordan!¡± David¡¯s mother cried out, running back to him.


    ¡°Run! Save David!¡± He yelled back. He picked up a fallen soldier¡¯s rifle and did his best to stand. ¡°Worthless pale-skinned trash! I¡¯ll kill all of you god hating beasts!¡±


    Cristina hesitated, but the quickly approaching cavalry brought her back to her senses. She scooped up her son, throwing him over her shoulder. Sobbing, she ran towards a nearby alley to escape massacre on the main street.


    ¡°Dad¡­¡± David whispered, extending his hand toward the shrinking figure. David. He could only stare in shock as the horses trampled his father.


    In the nick of time, David¡¯s mother escaped into the narrow alley, avoiding the riders. Most of the others were not so lucky. The citizens were massacred in the streets, with nowhere to go. Women were dragged away while men were slaughtered on the spot.


    David was frozen in place, hand still extended and eyes glazed over. Just like that, his father was gone. This wasn¡¯t right, it couldn¡¯t be. His dad was stronger than this wasn¡¯t he? Dawn was stronger than this. How could he be gone just like that. Why? Why was everyone he knew dying like this? Why were his friends and neighbors being killed by these lowborn wretches he¡¯d always been taught were inferior? Why wasn¡¯t God protecting them in this disaster?


    It had to be a dream. It just had to be. But no matter how he tried. He couldn¡¯t wake up.


    David¡¯s mother tripped over a stray board and fell to the ground, dropping David. He fell to the ground painfully, waking him from the trance, however before he could run back to his mother a group of the attackers caught up. They grabbed her and began to drag her away while she screamed and kicked.


    ¡°Mom!¡± David cried. He moved towards her, meaning to try and pull the men away. His mother kicked him back before one of the assailants could grab him as well.


    ¡°David! Run!¡± She screamed, struggling against the pale skinned attackers dragging her away. Tears streamed from her eyes. ¡°Run as fast as you can! Don¡¯t stop!¡±


    David was frozen, unable to stop staring at his mother as she disappeared into the alley with the three men. Tears welled up in his eyes as he turned to run, his heart tearing in two at the prospect of leaving her behind. He¡¯d never seen her pleading as she had in that moment. How could he possibly refuse?


    The men didn¡¯t come after him. He ran with all his might, barely able to see through his opwn tears. He apologized over and over to his mother under his breath for leaving her. However, he heeded her request. No matter what, he wouldn¡¯t turn back, even as her screams faded into the distance.


    He ran blindly through the alleys, trying to run from wherever he heard the sound of conflict. The task seemed impossible. No matter how far he ran, the noise just kept following him, the screams echoing in his ears endlessly. Every single nightmare he¡¯d ever had seemed to have come to life before his very eyes.


    Another problem had arisen. The orange light of the fire had caught up with them, and the flames were spreading rapidly across the tightly packed houses. David coughed as he tried to escape the smoke. The fire condensed the fleeing citizens together, and it wasn¡¯t long before the attackers and their beasts reappeared, beginning the killing anew. David was forced to weave through the chaos, trying his best not to be trampled by the panicked crowd.


    He ducked into a crack between two small houses just before the snarling beasts pounced upon the panicked escapees. He could hear the terrified cries directly behind him as he crawled away, escaping into another alleyway. He couldn¡¯t bear to look back anymore. He knew only death awaited his gaze.


    Upon exiting the small crawlspace, David stumbled over something on the ground, falling flat on his face. He groaned and pushed himself up. He glanced back to see the cause. His eyes widened. Lying on the ground was young, pale skinned woman, probably a house servant. Her side was oozing blood which had now died half her clothes dark red. Her skin had turned a sickly white that even the dirt and smoke couldn¡¯t conceal. Her face doing its best to suppress her agony.


    Reacting to the sensation of David¡¯s trip, the woman looked up. Her eyes pleaded for help as she rolled on her side, revealing a one-year old child shielded beneath her. It began to bawl as it was exposed to the cold air. ¡°Please¡­ Take him. Take my Patrick. Please¡­ I can¡¯t go any further.¡± She begged, holding out the child to him with shaking arms.


    David was unsure of what to do. He¡¯d always been told never to associate himself with a lowborn under any circumstance. Even something as simple as talking to one in a casual manner was considered taboo, to say nothing of accepting a request. But, looking at the baby, who just begun to cry, those indoctrinations faded for a moment. He had lost his mother and father. His home was probably gone forever too. This baby, on the other hand, could still be saved. He had the chance to save them.


    He reached down to pick up the one-year old child. He couldn¡¯t do nothing, even if she was a servant. Perhaps he was breaking the rules of Dawn, but they wouldn¡¯t blame him for saving a baby, right? Who in their right mind would let a baby die?


    The woman gave him a look of relief as she handed over the child, but before she could say anything else, her body relaxed and the fell unconscious. David couldn¡¯t help but think she wasn¡¯t going to wake up again.


    David turned away and ran, clutching the infant in his arms. The fire was spreading rapidly, and had now reached this alley as well. David found himself racing through a maze of flames, desperately looking for an exit. The flaming remains of a black star, the symbol of the founder of Dawn, fell to the ground in front of him.


    Evading falling debris and the occasional enemy, he finally managed to escape the maze of burning alleyways bullets started to fly past in front of him. Looking around he realized he¡¯d stepped into the center of a firefight. He looked back toward the alley, but it was currently being consumed by flames. The only thing he could think to do was to run for the protection of the soldiers. He ducked his head and ran for cover.


    Thankfully, it appeared that on this street the soldiers were actually winning. The defenders gained ground as the attackers were forced back, scrambling for cover from the better organized and equipped defense forces. David ran behind the line, seeing it as the safest place. A spark of hope was rekindled in his eyes seeing this turn. There was still a chance to escape!


    A bone spike planted itself in the head of one of the soldiers. An expression of shock and confusion spread across his face as he fell lifelessly to the ground. The other soldiers frantically looked for the source of the attack, but two more soldiers went down before they noticed what had happened.


    ¡°Aberrant!¡± One of the men screamed, his voice filled with terror. A second later there was a short spear jutting out of his chest. A human shaped blur charged across the battlefield, mercilessly killing anything in its path. The other men quickly changed their focus of fire to this abnormality. The rain of bullets couldn¡¯t react to the speed of the assailant, which could only be bothered to deflect a small number of more accurate shots. The rest sailed away without ever coming close to the target. One by one, the soldiers fell to the ground with spikes of various length jutting from their vitals. It took less than two minutes for the street to go silent.


    David watched the horrific scene unfold, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. He had thought the beasts were frightening, but the brutality of the scene before him now chilled him to the core. What was this monster? It was as if a demon had descended upon them. That had to be it. A demon! These attackers were followers of demons!


    The blur finally stopped as it drilled the last man through the head with a long spear. David could finally see the man clearly as he stood triumphant in the center of the street. The demon ic being was tall, thin, and raggedly dressed. Its appearance seemed to be that of a man with messy black hair. However, none of this was truly eye catching. What truly was burned into David¡¯s mind was the skeletal tattoos covering the exposed portions of his skin and the ten-pointed black star adorned on his forehead.


    David stood there for a moment, unable to take his eyes off that black star. That was the prophets mark, the star that represented the hope of Dawn. Why did he have it? Why would a demon would ever be allowed to wear such a mark? That was their star, the star given to the prophet by God! How could demon possess it without being struck down?!


    The pale skinned invaders cheered at their champions victory and charged towards the fleeing civilians. David just stood there, staring at the demonic spearman. The demon stared back, raising his spear once more as the cold light in his eyes shined upon David. A shiver ran through him and he felt an overwhelming urge to run. At that moment, he felt despair take over. He was going to die here. Even if he ran, he couldn¡¯t escape something like that. If this demon wanted him dead what could he possibly do?


    He could hear the invaders getting close, the screams of those behind and the cruel laughter and roars of their murderers. He begged his legs to moved faster, but they seemed incapable of giving anything more.


    Gunshot rang out behind him. Bullets whizzed past, one even coming close enough to scratch his cheek. Tears formed in his eyes as he became frustrated with his powerlessness. Was this whole struggle for nothing? He looked down at the baby in his arms, as it continued wailing incessantly. He squeezed the boy to his chest and kept running, trying push himself further.


    He couldn¡¯t give up. not while he could still move. He wasn¡¯t about to let his parents die for nothing, to fail that dying woman¡¯s last request.


    Energy surged through him. his muscle tensed up burst forward with new strength. Davidf barely had enough consciousness left to be surprised as his speed tripled. His mind was blank as he raced toward the forest now easily outstripping his pursuers. Only a single goal remained in his mind. He had to escape this place at all costs. No matter what, he wasn¡¯t going to die here.


    Before David reached the forest, he found himself surrounded. The pale skins and their monstrous beasts were waiting as he ran for the cover of the trees. However, David¡¯s head was incapable of processing the odds. He could only think about moving forward, and nothing was going to get in his way Purely on instinct, he charged forward.


    Seeing this, the invaders began laughing and fired their weapons at him. They had yet to realize the inhuman speed at which he approached. The shots whizzed past, unable to hit his small frame.


    Unbeknownst to David, his vision flashed silver for a moment. Immediately following this the ground around him began shaking. A rumbling sound burst forth from the earth, and knocked the attackers to the ground. The beasts panicked and ran from the shaking earth. Those who remained were greeted with unexpected injury. However, David was somehow unaffected. He just kept running barely noticing the sudden quake.


    David was like a bulldozer. Shielding the young infant, he met all obstacles with reckless abandon. He lowered his head and smashed directly into a beast while screaming at the top of his lungs, sending it tumbling across the street. Anything or anyone in his way was smashed aside, unable to even slow down the child juggernaut.


    He could see the woods directly ahead. No one could catch him, no one could stand in his way. However, right before he entered the forest, he felt a sharp pain in his back. He cried out and fell to the ground, turning on his side to avoid injuring the baby. He felt his back with his hand until he discovered a smooth spike lodged next to his lower spine.


    Turning back, he saw the demon staring at him from the edge of the city, a menacing gleam in his eyes. David stumbled back onto his feet, but fell again as fear overtook his senses once more. If the demon attacked now. He was dead. He was sure of it.


    However, it didn¡¯t advance. Instead, the demon turned and walked back toward the burning city. David stayed still, surprised and relieved.


    He¡¯d survived. They were going to survive after all.


    Hearing the howls of the beasts, his relief disappeared and he was reminded how close the enemy still was. He didn¡¯t bother with the spike, but continued to run, leaving the burning remnants of his home behind him.


    After a few miles, his legs finally gave out. That strength which had carried him so far disappeared all at once, leaving him more exhausted than he¡¯d ever been. He nearly dropped the child in his arms, who¡¯d somehow fallen asleep despite the chaos. Gasping for breath, he used what little energy he had remaining to stagger toward the ruins of an old building and slump down against its wall.


    Grimacing, he pulled the spike out of his back. A new wave of pain coursed through him. For the first time that night he began to cry. He cried from the pain of his back wound. He cried out of fear of the spearman, the pale skinned men who attacked, and the beasts. Most of all, he cried for the loss of his family. His home, his friends, and even his own parents had died as he watched. In a single night, everything was gone. He was all alone.


    As he cried, the baby began to cry as well. He hugged it close and tried to rock it, hoping to soothe the child. He stifled his sobbing for a moment, shushing gently.


    That was right. He wasn¡¯t alone. He still had this baby. At that moment, the weak creature in his arms became David¡¯s sole spark of hope. As long as he could protect this child, He would still have something. It wasn¡¯t all in vain.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to wake you.¡± He sniffled. ¡°We need to be strong together now.¡± He whispered. ¡°All we have is each other.¡±


    The infant stopped crying after a few minutes. David huddled into a ball, trying to keep it warm.


    ¡°From now on, I¡¯m your big brother, David. You¡­ you were Patrick, right?¡±


    David decided the small cooing noise the baby made was a yes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Patrick. We¡¯ll be okay. I¡¯m going to keep you safe. I¡¯ll protect you, no matter what.¡±


    David looked up at the cloudy sky, unsure of what to do. He¡¯d never been on his own before, much less had he ever cared for a child. Was he even capable of protecting anyone? He didn¡¯t even know if he could protect himself. He¡¯d been thrown into a new world, a world he didn¡¯t understand, against his will. How was he going to survive?


    He looked down at the child with a sad expression. Images of his parents over the years surfaced in his mind along with those final moments when they¡¯d done all they could to protect him. They had been powerless and yet they hadn¡¯t given up on him. Even if it was desperation, how could he let he give up?


    A hint of determination sparked inside him. He had to survive. If he didn¡¯t, this baby wouldn¡¯t either. Those that had died for his survival would see their efforts wasted. The promise to the lowborn woman who had entrusted him with Patrick, would mean nothing. He had always been stubborn. He wasn¡¯t about to give in just because of catastrophe.


    I won¡¯t die. He told himself. I won¡¯t die no matter what. I am from Dawn. The people of Dawn do not break this easily. As long as I live, we will survive.


    His exhaustion took hold, and David fell into a deep sleep.

 Chapter 2: Suspicions

    Chapter 2: Suspicions


    Caleb narrowed his eyes, zoning in on his target. He remained unmoving unwilling to spook his prey. Slowly, he lowered himself behind the small house preparing to strike.


    Everything was in order. The target didn¡¯t seem to have noticed him as it continued to calmly scratch at the ground searching for food. Caleb clenched his fist, shoring up his determination. He coiled up, readying himself to pounce. This time, he was going to do it. This time, he wouldn¡¯t fail.


    Caleb lunged forward, using the element of surprise to catch his target off guard. Its head shot up and it squawked in surprise. However, its speed was not to be underestimated. With a couple flaps and a small hop, the bird was out of reach, evading Caleb¡¯s attack with surprising agility for its clumsy appearance.


    With the disappearance of his target, Caleb was left off balance. In his attempt to adjust himself, he fell over in complete defeat, his face digging into the dirt. He let out a small growl of frustration and looked up, only to see the silkie chicken scuttling to a safer portion of the yard.


    ¡°Stupid hippie chicken. I didn¡¯t want to catch you anyway.¡± He grumbled as he picked himself up into a sitting position. He crossed his arms angrily as he glared at his adversary, an obvious pout on his face.


    The chicken cocked its head toward him for a moment, before cautiously returning to its foraging.


    Caleb collapsed back with a sigh and looked up into the blue sky of what had once been New Mexico. Not a cloud in the sky today. If there was at least that, perhaps he could find a way to entertain himself. He tried to enjoy the view, but the unending blue skies just weren¡¯t doing it for him. this was the problem with living in the middle of a desert. No noises, no clouds, nothing to do. What exactly was Rebecca trying to do, kicking him out here for an entire day? He lasted two minutes before he was back on his feet looking for a stone to kick.


    Boring. All of this was so boring. Was it too much to ask for them to live somewhere a bit livelier? What was the point of ¡®embracing the outdoors¡¯ when it was so dull?


    Perhaps it was. After all, if not for coming here, perhaps he wouldn¡¯t even be alive to complain like this. He couldn¡¯t really expect everything to work out for him, considering he was already pretty lucky just to be in a situation which he wouldn¡¯t starve.


    However, to his eight-year-old mind such thoughts were only passing thoughts. More importantly, he was bored!


    ¡°Rebecca, can I come back in yet?¡± He yelled at the house.


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been thirty minutes yet! What kind of sad excuse for a man are you?¡± Rebecca¡¯s voice yelled out from the house. ¡°I said you could come in once lunch is ready!¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯s nothing to do out here!¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t think of anything to do, do something useful! The pigs need feeding!¡±


    Caleb held back a groan. If there was one thing he hated doing, it was feeding the pigs. It wasn¡¯t a hard job, but he couldn¡¯t stand the smell.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± He called hopefully.


    ¡°Just go feed the pigs, Caleb. You have to get over it eventually.¡± The merciless mistress called back.


    Caleb gave a sigh in defeat and dragged his feet toward the pig pen, grabbing a pail of feed along the way. Although it was heavy, he had built up enough strength in the last year to manage it without struggle. However, he was clear he wasn¡¯t strong enough. Since he had to lift with both hands, he didn¡¯t have the ability to cover his nose during the process. For him, it was a tragedy.


    He ran into the pen holding his breath, dumped the feed into a trough and sprinted away without wasting a second, doing his utmost to get away before the swarm of swine trotted over to their freshly supplied trough. Once he felt that he was far enough away, he finally took a breath, sucking in the sweet, clean, pig free air.


    From the side, he heard laughter. Rebecca had come out on the back porch and appeared to have seen his actions. He flushed a little in embarrassment. Why did she always appear at times like this?


    ¡°It really isn¡¯t that bad, Caleb. I don¡¯t get why you think pigs stink so much.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. They just do, okay? Don¡¯t make fun of me.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad you can at least get past that to help around the house. It means a lot.¡±


    ¡°Could I do things besides feed the pigs to help out?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. What would I laugh at if you didn¡¯t?¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°You¡¯re teasing me again.¡± Caleb grumbled.


    When he looked up at Rebecca again, his pouting stopped for a second. A slight frown crossed his brow. For some reason, she seemed different than usual. She was smiling, but it lacked its usual warmth.


    However, it was only for a moment. The smile he¡¯d grown accustomed to quickly returned. Caleb was left a little confused. Had he imagined it?


    ¡°You make it too easy to resist.¡± Rebecca said as she gave a light laugh. ¡°You ready to come in? I have food ready.¡±


    Caleb brightened up at the mention of food, forgetting about his earlier concerns. He didn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest, whisking past Rebecca into the house. The table was set up already. Fresh bread rolls were sitting on the oven, and a pot of homemade tomato soup was cooling over the stove.


    Caleb didn¡¯t bother with etiquette. Rebecca barely made it to the kitchen before Caleb had set himself out a full meal. His manners had never been good, ever since he hobbled up to the doorstep last year. He¡¯d spent too much time hungry to properly learn such things, no matter how much scolding he received.


    It was regretful that this habit also caused him to forgo caution, an unfortunate mistake when it came to hot foods. Before he noticed how hot it was, he¡¯d already swallowed three spoons. He gagged as the liquid seared his tongue and throat, trying his best not to spit it all over the table. Caleb quickly swallowed the remaining liquid and exhaled with a pained cough.


    ¡°And that¡¯s what happens when you don¡¯t test the heat of your soup before start eating it. How can you be so smart and still never learn?¡± Rebecca scolded. She handed him a glass of water, which he quickly accepted.


    After draining the glass and releasing a relieved gasp, Caleb gave an embarrassed smile and scratched his head. ¡°I just can¡¯t wait to taste your cooking, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try that silver tongue of yours on me. I had enough men trying to woo me back in the day to know what your game is.¡± Scolding him further. However, her smile had become a little wider hearing his words. The flattery was clearly successful.


    ¡°It¡¯s good! Honest!¡± Caleb continued, laying it on heavier.


    ¡°Keep it up and no more soup!¡±


    Rebecca and Caleb sat down and ate the rolls and soup. It had been a blessing for him that he¡¯d stumbled onto Rebecca¡¯s doorstep. Life wasn¡¯t easy for most people, so taking in another mouth to feed was usually out of the question. He couldn¡¯t count the number of times he¡¯d been chased off like a stray dog. No one in this world was willing to share what little they had with a useless orphan after all. He¡¯d met with many setbacks and troubles in his two years since he¡¯d woken up. If not for her kindness, he was sure he would be dead by now.


    He looked up at the middle-aged woman, his eyes bright and hopeful. She smiled back then gestured toward the empty bowl, silently asking if he wanted more. Naturally, he accepted without the slightest modesty, nodding his head vigorously. What kind of idiot would turn down extra helpings? He dug in immediately, sucking down food with breakneck speed.


    After eating three bowls and a number of rolls, Caleb stopped. Looking up, he realized that Rebecca didn¡¯t seem to be eating. The expression on her face seemed a little tense and distant, filled with a sense of worry he hadn¡¯t seen before. Her gaze had wandered toward the window, staring out into the empty expanse. He gave a concerned look at the full bowl of soup in front of her. Was there something wrong?


    ¡°Are you not going to eat?¡± Caleb asked. ¡°It really is good.¡±


    Rebecca snapped back to attention and tried to hide the anxiety on her face. ¡°Oh, sorry Caleb, I just got lost in thought for a moment. Don¡¯t you worry, I just wanted to let it cool.¡± She immediately picked up her spoon and ate some of the soup.


    Caleb look of worry didn¡¯t wear away. He wasn¡¯t stupid, and it was clear she was forcing herself for his sake. Even now, her eyes were darting toward the window. But why would she need to act so strangely? There was nothing disgusting about the food.


    Now that he thought about, wasn¡¯t she doing something like this earlier as well? When she¡¯d sent him out this morning, she¡¯d been looking out that same window. He hadn¡¯t thought much about it then, but now he couldn¡¯t help but be anxious.


    She hurriedly finished the bowl and gave a fake sigh of satisfaction. ¡°You¡¯re right, that was good soup, wasn¡¯t it? Do I rock or do I rock?¡±


    ¡°Rebecca, is everything alright? You seem off.¡± Caleb asked.


    ¡°What do you mean? Everything is fine.¡± She denied, maintaining a cheerful smile.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Caleb, don¡¯t be stupid. What could possibly be bothering me? Trust me, there¡¯s nothing you need to worry about.¡±


    Caleb was about to say more when the sound of hoofbeats interrupted him. Rebecca stiffened for a moment before returning to her acting.


    ¡°Caleb, could you go feed the chickens? I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll remember today.¡± Requested Rebecca. She was still trying to force a smile, but it was growing more and more obvious with each moment.


    ¡°Is there someone at the door?¡± Caleb asked, moving towards the curtain. However, before he could pull them open, Rebecca stopped him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s just a group of travelers. They probably wanted to stop for directions to town.¡± Rebecca explained. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this, you go feed the chickens. Remember to bring back the eggs, okay?¡±


    Caleb gave her a doubtful look, hesitating to follow her instructions. However, in the end he walked out the back door, an uncertain look still covering his face. Even if he didn¡¯t understand, he trusted her. Pressing for more information when she was already this tense wouldn¡¯t help.


    ¡°Oh, and Caleb?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t come back in for a while okay? Just stay in the back.¡±


    This statement couldn¡¯t help but alarm him. A small sense of dread entered his heart. Still he nodded silently and headed toward the coop.


    Something definitely didn¡¯t feel right about this. For travelers to appear on a day when Rebecca was acting so strangely couldn¡¯t just be a coincidence. Barely anyone ventured out here, even the townsfolk living a few miles south. She must have been expecting them. The way she was trying to hide it made him uneasy.


    Distracted, it took him a moment to find the feed, and he even sprinkled a few handfuls outside of the coop before realizing his mistake. This brought dismay to the intended recipients, who could only pace and stare at the grain just out of reach.


    Caleb¡¯s eyes were glazed over. Those final words she¡¯d spoken to him It definitely wasn¡¯t something she¡¯d say for no reason. He was almost sure something dangerous was going on. Who were those people to make her act so cautiously? A woman like her wasn¡¯t easily frightened.


    Danger. An alarm went off in his head. Whoever those people were, Rebecca was in danger.


    He couldn¡¯t be sure how he knew. Somewhere in his chest, a feeling had arisen, a sixth sense that had developed during his time in the desert. Caleb dropped the bag of feed, causing a swarm of poultry to crowd around the spilled contents.


    He rushed back into the house. ¡°Rebecca!¡± He called. ¡°Rebecca!¡±

 Chapter 3: Monster

    Chapter 3: Monster


    Caleb rushed back into the house. Rebecca was no longer there. He began to call out, but stopped himself. He could hear a set of muffled voices coming from the front of the house. She must have gone to the front porch to talk to the strangers.


    Carefully, Caleb crept towards the front door and opened the curtain just enough to peer through. The visitors were several gruff looking men, all but two on horseback the two on foot were approaching the porch, trying to talk with Rebecca. Based on the amount she was yelling, it wasn¡¯t getting far. Rebecca stood on the porch, her face contorted with anger as she verbally attacked them shotgun in hand.


    ¡°Turn around and leave, right now. I promise you, I know how to use this.¡± She threatened.


    ¡°No need to be so hostile.¡± One of the men said. ¡°We aren¡¯t the ones you have a disagreement with. If you don¡¯t like the terms, you can send a message back with us and perhaps the boss can renegotiate. Just give us what¡¯s due for this quarter and we¡¯ll be on our way.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to play me.¡± Rebecca growled. ¡°I¡¯m not going to sit here and let people rob me. This is the home my husband and I built. No one helped us build it and no one is taking any of it away.¡±


    ¡°You really think that you can just say no?¡± The second replied. ¡°Your property is in our territory. It doesn¡¯t matter how it got here, you can¡¯t just live in someone¡¯s territory for free. Just because we didn¡¯t make you pay last time doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re scot-free. We don¡¯t appreciate it when people try to take advantage of us.¡±


    The malignant smile on the man¡¯s face made his words far less convincing.


    ¡°How is this anyone¡¯s territory but mine? I don¡¯t know who your boss is, but all I see is a bunch of thieves making excuses to rob me! Go back and tell your boss to leave me alone! Times are hard enough with people like you taking half our food!¡±


    The faces of the bandits were getting more sinister. Caleb¡¯s grip on the curtain tightened anxiously as he continued to watch silently.


    ¡°What right does the boss have?¡± The first man repeated. ¡°The boss is the protector of this area. Everyone around here is living safely because he¡¯s keeping raiders from attacking the locals¡¯ settlements. He has every right to requested compensation for his efforts.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a load of crap! I¡¯ve lived here nearly twenty years and never had a single attack! You expect me to believe that raiders would appear now? If there are any here, you probably brought them over, if you aren¡¯t them yourselves!¡±


    The smile on the second man¡¯s face became nastier. ¡°Look, lady. We¡¯ve been playing this peacefully. All your twenty years mean is that you¡¯re an old woman living alone in the desert. Our boss is currently the law around here. You think you can go up against that and come out on top? You think you can afford to act tough?¡±


    Rebecca cocked the shotgun in her hands. ¡°I know one person who I won¡¯t need to act with.¡±


    The arguing didn¡¯t stop, but at this point Caleb¡¯s attention was drawn away from the circus in front of him. his ears pick up on faint movement in the gravel to the side of the house. He quietly moved away from the front door, toward the source of the noise. A shadow flashed past the kitchen window, moving toward the front of the house. Caleb tensed up. An ambush! Rebecca didn¡¯t seem to have noticed his movements, as she was still jarring away at the group of horsemen. If this kept going, she wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.


    The hidden man came to a halt at the corner. Realizing the danger, Caleb searched frantically for a weapon. He settled on the poker by the fireplace, which he acquired as carefully and quietly as possible. With the poker in hand, he crept upstairs. He crawled through the back window onto the roof. Staying low to the roof¡¯s surface, he crawled forward poker in hand. He couldn¡¯t see what was going on anymore, but it seemed to be coming to an end.


    ¡°We¡¯ll give you one last chance. Considering your utter disrespect towards us so far, that¡¯s already generous. Will you pay the tax or not?¡± The second man threatened.


    ¡°You go back and tell your boss anyone who tries to rob me is gonna get themselves shot.¡± Rebecca threatened, her voice livid. ¡°I¡¯m not giving the likes of you people a cent.¡±


    ¡°Bad call.¡± The second man replied with a chuckle.


    There was a sound of shuffling and a surprised gasp. Immediately, Caleb realized the man at the side of house must have made his move. He¡¯d moved too slowly. He abandoned his concealment and charged forward, brandishing the poker like a heavy club.


    Unable to overpower her ambusher, Rebecca was easily disarmed and the shotgun clattered to the ground. Rebecca screamed and struggled, but she lacked the strength to put up any real resistance. The remaining bandits began dismounting their horses, moving in on the house.


    With an enraged cry, Caleb jumped from the roof directly over the ambusher. The poker raised above his head swung down, striking the man solidly in the head. With a cry of surprise and pain, the attacker collapsed to the ground holding his head in agony. The remaining bandits all froze for a moment, shocked by the sudden turn of events. Caleb used the opportunity to pick the shotgun off the porch.


    ¡°Caleb?!¡± Rebecca blurted out in surprise.


    ¡°She had a kid?¡±


    ¡°There was no mention of one in town or from the other guys.¡±


    ¡°Does it matter? We take him out too, so why should we care?¡±


    The strangers began to unholster their weapons, but the calm man in front stopped them. ¡°Boy, don¡¯t make any stupid mistakes. No one has to get hurt here.¡±


    Caleb brandished the shotgun towards him. The heavy weapon shook in his hands.  ¡°You tried to hurt Rebecca! Stay away or I¡¯ll shoot!¡±


    The man gave a small smile. ¡°You sure you¡¯re capable of that? You can barely hold the thing up and you think you¡¯d be able to hit someone? Even if you could handle it, have you thought about what you¡¯re doing? Do you think you have the stomach to kill me?¡±


    Caleb was left speechless. The shotgun¡¯s muzzle fell slightly. Everything the man said seemed to hit the nail on the head. He really hadn¡¯t thought this through. Even as he aimed the weapon at the man, he wasn¡¯t certain he could pull the trigger.


    ¡°I can see it in your eyes, kid. You can¡¯t shoot. You¡¯re not capable of killing anyone. So why don¡¯t you just put the gun down. Neither of us want this to end in bloodshed.¡±


    Unconsciously, Caleb began to lower the weapon. The man was right. He couldn¡¯t fight them. He¡¯d been stupid for charging out here like this. Perhaps he should listen. After all, if he was telling the truth then they¡¯d be fine, wouldn¡¯t they? It was the only hope they had left.


    However, part of him disagreed.


    KILL


    Caleb felt a strange feeling of rage building in his chest. It was as if something inside of him had woken up and began rattling its cage. A single, terrifying word echoed through his brain. The thoughts of what had just happened to Rebecca filled the inside of his head, fueling the building rage.


    ¡°If you set it down now, I can guarantee we¡¯ll leave you both unharmed, so long as you don¡¯t resist. What do you think?¡± The man continued.


    KILL


    The anger invaded his brain as the frightening voice repeated itself. Caleb¡¯s expression began to go dark. The gun in his hand stopped shaking and began to rise. His finger moved towards the trigger. The man¡¯s expression become more serious, sensing Caleb¡¯s sudden change in attitude.


    The voice was right. These men were on the brink of killing Rebecca. If he put down the weapon, they¡¯d probably pick up right where they left off. Guided by the rage in his head, his finger tightened around the trigger.


    ¡°Caleb!¡± Rebecca cried out in warning. Caleb saw motion to his left, but failed to react in time. The man he¡¯d hit earlier was back on his feet. His hand grabbed the shotgun in Caleb¡¯s hands and wrenched it away. His foot kicked Caleb to the ground, then followed up by repeatedly kicking his huddled form.


    ¡°That hurt, you little bastard!¡± The bandit yelled angrily as he took out his anger on the boy. Caleb cried out in pain as he was struck mercilessly over and over.


    ¡°Stop! Leave him alone! I¡¯ll do whatever you want, so please stop!¡± Rebecca pleaded.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°A little late for that, don¡¯t you think?¡± The second man said. ¡°We came here to pass on a simple message and were attacked without warrant. If punishments aren¡¯t given, what will those nearby think?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right. It¡¯s too late to turn back now. Both of you have shown hostility. People like you cannot be allowed to do as they please.¡± The calm man said. ¡°Men, seize the house. I leave these two to your discretion.¡±


    Caleb groaned and pain coursed through him. His mouth and nose were both leaking blood. He could hardly move a muscle, much less put up any sort of resistance. His vision was blurry and his mind was a mess.


    So weak. Why was he so weak?


    He could only look on helplessly as the rest of the bandits approached the porch. Rebecca screamed out, unable to fight the invaders. His mind began to give up, ready to be give in to their attackers. If he had strength. He could do something. He¡¯d be able to stop this. But as an eight-year-old kid, what could he do? All he was capable of was watching powerlessly.


    No. There had to be something else. Anything. He couldn¡¯t let this happen. He wouldn¡¯t.


    A dormant part of Caleb¡¯s psyche cracked open, releasing a storm of bloodthirsty killing intent into his mind.


    KILL!


    The submissive emotions within him evaporated within the wild storm of anger. The rage that had built up thus far began burning out of control until it resembled an unstoppable wildfire. All pain faded into obscurity, Leaving only a sense of sheer fury.


    How dare he. How dare he touch me. How dare he try to hurt me!


    Caleb¡¯s agonized expression disappeared, replace by a vicious scowl. Primal instinct took control of him as his eyes opened, revealing a pair of violet irises. He stared up at the ambusher with disgust. Unheard by the attackers, an inhuman growl rumbled in his throat.


    Despite this, there was no hate. To the current Caleb, hate was reserved for those who he could not retaliate against. Corpses deserved no such thing.


    Mid kick, the ambusher suddenly found his leg stuck. Looking down, he realized Caleb had grabbed it. He tried to pull it away, only to find that it wouldn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°Rotten brat, let go!¡± he raged. Caleb simply stared at him as he pulled harder to no avail.


    ¡°My turn.¡± Caleb stated, his voice uncharacteristically chilly. He squeezed his hand, and the man¡¯s leg snapped like a twig.


    The bandit let out an agonizing scream and fell to the ground. his comrades stopped and looked in the direction of the scream. Their hearts froze in shock seeing the mutilated legs in the young boy¡¯s vice grip.


    Caleb did not stay down. In less than a second, he was on his feet, his left sole bringing an abrupt end to the man¡¯s scream. Try as he might to speak, only gasps and gurgles could escape. He looked up at Caleb in terror.


    Caleb didn¡¯t bother with words. Trash like this was undeserving. He focused all of his weight into his left legs, crushing flesh and bone beneath. The ambusher¡¯s mouth spurted out blood as he gasped in pain one last time before dying.


    No one moved. For a moment, none of them could comprehend what they¡¯d witnessed. Caleb turned towards the others, his wild eyes daring them to make a move.


    ¡°Ab-Ab-¡­¡± One of the men stuttered in fear.


    ¡°Aberrant¡­¡± A second man finished with a terrified whisper. Their faces went pale.


    One of the men drew their gun and tried to fire. Caleb¡¯s eyes targeted him and a loud snarl erupted from his throat. Only a blur could be seen of the boy as he moved, reaching the bandit¡¯s position before his finger could pull the trigger. Two-inch claws at the end of the boy¡¯s hand sliced through his chest, tearing through him with a surprising lack of resistance. Blood spurted everywhere, coating Caleb¡¯s arm.


    The other men drew their weapons as well, but their fear had severely dulled their accuracy. Caleb easily evaded their shots before retaking the offensive. Screams echoed across the flatlands as each of the bandits realized the fate about to befall them. One fell to the ground with a broken neck, another had a hole through his chest. The two remaining men ran for the horses, desperately trying to escape.


    As if he would allow that.


    Before they got far, the closer horse screamed out in pain and fell to the ground. Its stomach had been torn open and both hind legs had nearly been severed by a single blow. Its rider ended up pinned beneath, desperately trying to free his leg. Caleb casually walked up to him, staring at the petrified man with those cruel violet eyes. He placed a foot on top of the man¡¯s head. Sensing what was about to happen the man pled desperately.


    ¡°N-no no no no no. Please, I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t come back, I won¡¯t. Don¡¯t do this. Please!¡±


    A sinister smile appeared on Caleb¡¯s face. The pressure from his foot magnified exponentially. The man screamed, then went silent as his head caved in.


    Caleb stared into the distance at the fleeing horseman. He¡¯d gone overboard with this one it seemed. By now, all that was left was a dusty trail and a dot on the horizon. It didn¡¯t appear he would be able to finish them all. Pity.


    The threat passed, Caleb thought back to Rebecca, his eyes flickering back to green. He rushed back towards the house, fear and concern on his face. ¡°Rebecca! Rebecca!¡± He yelled out.


    As he drew closer, he saw her slowly standing up. Relief flooded through him. Thank goodness, she was alright. It didn¡¯t look like they¡¯d done anything to her, outside of a few cuts and bruises. He ran towards her with a smile. It was alright. Everything was alright.


    However, as he drew closer that smile faltered. His pace slowed and came to a stop about ten yards away. ¡°Rebecca?¡± He said with uncertainty.


    Rebecca stared at him, eyes full of fear. Her body shook as she stood. In her hands was the shotgun from earlier, shaking as she held it. It¡¯s muzzle was pointed in the relative direction of his chest.


    ¡°W-what are you?¡± she stammered.


    ¡°Rebecca, it¡¯s me, Caleb. What¡¯s wrong?¡± He tried to come closer, but her actions immediately caused him to stop.


    ¡°S-stay away! Don¡¯t come closer!¡± She shrieked, brandishing the firearm at him.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t understand.¡± Caleb said weakly. ¡°Why?¡±


    Like a glass cage shattering around him, the reality of his surroundings occurred to him, tearing away the blinders he¡¯d been wearing moments before. He looked around at the carnage surrounding the house. Blood had sprayed on the ground, walls, and Rebecca, speckling his surroundings red. Mutilated human forms were scattered across the yard. Looking down at himself, he realized his body was dyed red as well.


    What¡­ What was this? What had happened? Caleb stared at the bodies blankly before looking back at his hand. The blood drain from his face as it dawned on him.


    Caleb shook. Panic overtook his senses. The memories of what had happened a moment ago flooded back. He had done this. These men had died by his hand. He felt sick as he remembered the sensations present with each kill, how easy it had been, how vulnerable they seemed.


    ¡°Wha- what? What have I done? What have I done? What have I done?¡± he muttered under his breath in a frightened voice.


    He dropped to his knees and began hyperventilating. He couldn¡¯t stop staring at the crimson liquid on his hands. This wasn¡¯t possible. It had to be a dream. A dream. There was no way he would do something like this.


    He wasn¡¯t a killer. He couldn¡¯t be. There was no way.


    He looked up at Rebecca, his eyes pleading for some understanding. ¡°Rebecca, I-I¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, the gun went off. Caleb felt something tear into his right arm. He stared down silently as blood poured from the torn flesh. He looked up at the woman with disbelief, his eyes glazed over from shock.


    The pain exploded through the limp arm all at once. Caleb cried out in pain and fell back to the ground. His eyes filled with tears as he tried once more to go to her. He could still explain himself. It was a misunderstanding. As long as he explained it to her, she would understand, right? They were still family, right? He tried to get up and approach, holding the bleeding arm.


    ¡°I said get the hell away, freak!¡± Rebecca screamed. The weapon shot off again, this time center on his chest.


    As the shotgun rang out again, time felt as if it had come to a stop. She was really going to kill him. Why? He didn¡¯t do any of this on purpose. He had only wanted to protect her, to drive away the bandits. He had tried to save her, and she was going to kill him?


    I don¡¯t understand. Why? It¡¯s me, Rebecca. It¡¯s Caleb. Aren¡¯t we family?¡± He thought. Tears rolled down his cheek.


    His instincts shot into overdrive. His eyes flashed violet as the gun went off. His body was knock back as the shotgun shell unloaded its contents into his chest. He landed heavily on the ground staring up at the clear blue sky He¡¯d been so bored with only an hour ago. Somehow, it seemed more beautiful now. Was it because he was dying?


    No, that didn¡¯t seem right.


    His body felt like it had been hit by a train. The pain in his chest probably meant his ribs were all broken. He was in a terrible state, but he was still breathing. In fact, it didn¡¯t seem he was bleeding. The metal was unable to pierce his chest.


    Caleb didn¡¯t contemplate the reason. His mind had already been driven elsewhere. The wild rage from before exploded into his head.


    How dare she. How dare she hurt me. How dare she try to kill me!


    Caleb slowly stood up, raising his injured body onto his feet. He stared at Rebecca with a burning rage, causing the woman to drop the shotgun in fear. She scrambled to pick it up, but Caleb¡¯s foot kicked out and knocked her into the wall behind her before she could even bend down. He picked the weapon up and twisted the barrel around, rendering the weapon useless.


    Caleb approached Rebecca, his eyes filled with malice. She tried to crawl away, but was immediately pinned and rendered immobile under his foot. Tears streamed out of her eyes as she cried in fear.


    ¡°Monster¡­ Monster¡­¡± repeated Rebecca over and over again. Her eyes conveyed nothing but terror as she looked at him.


    Kill her. The voice in Caleb¡¯s head urged. Caleb raised a clawed hand to oblige, but at the moment before the strike, he stopped.


    His eyes flickered between green and violet as he hesitated. The rage in his eyes changed, becoming anger and sadness from her betrayal.


    ¡°Why?¡± He asked again. ¡°You were a mother to me. You were family. I was trying to protect you! Why would you do this to me? Why would you try to kill me?!¡±


    Kill her.


    Caleb didn¡¯t get an answer. She kept going like a broken record.


    ¡°Monster¡­ Monster¡­¡±


    Caleb¡¯s hand shook and his face became angrier. He could barely hold back the urge to slice through her neck with his claws.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± He roared.


    His aggression didn¡¯t help in the slightest. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt me! Don¡¯t hurt me!¡± She cried.


    KILL HER! The voice in his head seemed to be getting angrier as well.


    Caleb¡¯s eyes flickered back to green. Realizing what he was doing, he immediately lowered his hand back to his side. The claws disappeared, returning his human features. Tears streamed down his face and he force a smile. ¡°So that¡¯s what I am now? I¡¯m a monster? Something to be afraid of?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t hurt me¡­ don¡¯t hurt me¡­¡±


    Caleb could tell he wasn¡¯t going to get a real answer. He removed himself, allowing her to crawl away. Sensing pressure had been removed from her back, she crawled away as fast as she could.


    ¡°I trusted you. I loved you. I thought you were my friend.¡± He said quietly.


    One thing was clear to him. He couldn¡¯t stay any longer. He wasn¡¯t welcome. He didn¡¯t understand why, but the woman who¡¯d always cared for him now saw him as an irredeemable villain, a threat to her life. He took one last sad look at the woman who¡¯d taken him in before turning and walking away.


    His chest hurt as he thought of that kind woman who¡¯d taken him in. To think that kind woman was the same person who was cowering in the porch¡¯s corner. He began walking away, unwilling to see someone he¡¯d loved in such a state for a moment more.


    ¡°Aberrants are monsters.¡± She muttered. ¡°You¡¯re a monster. Stay away from me¡­ Just go away¡­¡±


    And he did. He limped off into the desert, leaving a trail of blood in the dust behind him.

 Chapter 4: Unexpected situation

    Chapter 4: Unexpected situation


    Deep in the center of an Oregon forest, a surprising standoff was taking place.


    A grizzly on its hind legs made an aggressive grunt, a clear warning to its opponent. The opponent in question was a dark-skinned boy with moderately curly hair, barely thirteen years old by his appearance. Behind him was the freshly hunted corpse of a female elk, a spear still sticking into its chest.


    In spite of the large carnivore in front of him, David had no intention of moving. He stared back at the beast, eyes without a hint of fear. His expression appeared more annoyed than aggressive, as if the nine-foot-tall beast was a seagull trying to steal his lunch.


    He¡¯d hunted this thing. He¡¯d killed it. By his logic, that meant it was his. A nearby bear thought it could be greedy and take his prize? Forget it.


    His eyes glinted with anticipation, as if challenging the bear to try something.


    In response to the bear¡¯s threat, David yelled back as loud as he could, answering the bear¡¯s provocation. If the stupid thing wanted to fight, then so be it. More meat for him.


    The bear got back on all fours and charged. David took a step forward to meet it. In the face of the half ton creature. He looked like a foolish ant walking towards its own destruction. Even so, there was no sign of fear on his face.


    No matter the predator, if they threatened him, they would become his dinner. None had come before and lived. He wasn¡¯t going to compromise on this simply because it was a bear this time.


    Blood race violently through his body. Immense amounts of energy coursed through him, raising his strength more than tenfold. He rushed forward, meeting the bear head on. The animal swung its paw down, slapping David¡¯s shoulder, and raking across his chest. The bones in his shoulder snapped and shattered. He felt the claws split his skin and muscle, stopping just short of completely disemboweling him.


    An injury of this degree should have immediately decided the result. Yet, contrary to the bear¡¯s expectations, he was unfazed. In fact, in the time it took to land the slap David had counterattacked. He grabbed hold of the bear¡¯s other front limb and lifted as high as he could. The bear was taken by surprise and lost its balance. Now on its side, the ribs had become extremely vulnerable. David stomped down with everything he had.


    The bone gave way and the bear¡¯s left ribcage was crushed. It roared out in pain and fury and bit at David¡¯s neck in retaliation. He was only just able to avoid having his neck snapped. Its jaws sunk into his injured arm and instinctively began to shake him. Still a thirteen-year-old kid, he lacked the weight to counter this effectively and was thrown about like a ragdoll.


    He gritted his teeth and put everything he had into his uninjured arm. The shaking made it impossible to pinpoint the bear¡¯s body, so his only option was to attack the bear¡¯s head, which was firmly latched to his shoulder. He struck it on the jaw, momentarily stunning it. His body fell to the ground as the bear¡¯s grip loosened.


    The bear shook its head and roared again. David groaned and struggled to lift himself from the ground. his left side was covered in blood and was terribly misshapen. David was numb to the pain currently, but he was no fool. The fact that he couldn¡¯t move his left side meant his injuries were severe. Even so, he didn¡¯t hesitate to attempt another offensive.


    The bear didn¡¯t attack again immediately, now realizing the threat of its opponent. The damage to its ribcage was taking its toll, leaving the bear in a weakened state. It carefully observed David, before deciding his wounds were near fatal. It decided to go for the finisher.


    The bear¡¯s mobility was hampered, allowing David to dodge its initial strike. He ran straight for its head, wrapping his arm around the bear¡¯s neck. The muscles in his arm surged, using every ounce of energy David had left to tighten itself.


    The bear thrashed about, trying to shake David off. The boy didn¡¯t budge at all. His arm tightened more and more, overwhelming the bear¡¯s neck muscles. Unable to handle the crushing pressure around its neck, the bear¡¯s throat was crushed, followed by its neck. No longer able to control its body, it fell over, helplessly suffocating to death.


    David limped weakly away swaying side to side. It felt as if the slightest breeze would knock him off balance. His head was spinning and his eyes were full of colorful lights. However, a look of satisfaction hung on his face. He could kill a bear now, it seemed. He wondered what his parents would have said if they could see him now.


    The shock wore off before he had gone a few steps. All his nerves went haywire, electrocuting him with tremendous pain. He fell to ground clenching his teeth, trying as hard as he could not to scream. To avoid aggravating his chest wound further rolled onto his back and stared up at the light filtering through the trees. Completely voids of further strength, he stayed there motionless for several minutes.


    Will I die this time? He wondered. The damage he¡¯d taken this time around was worse than usual. Bears really were in another league. Only supreme idiots like himself would actually dare to put themselves in such a position.


    Now that he thought about it, why did he do that. He had a spear, why hadn¡¯t he used that? Was he some sort of masochist or was he really stupid enough to have thought this was his best option? He¡¯d nearly been gutted. All of this suffering had been unnecessary!


    He gave a small sigh, which he immediately regretted after pain shot through his chest again. It had been too close this time. Perhaps he was getting reckless. No, that wasn¡¯t a possibility. He had been reckless for a while. If this continued, he really would die.


    David heard some rustling in the bushes nearby. He tensed up at the sound, much to his body¡¯s chagrin. Another predator? If that was the case he was screwed. Even a coyote could take him in this state.


    A small, pale five-year-old boy with black hair and freckles came out of the bushes. He rushed over to David¡¯s side and looked down at him with concerned eyes. ¡°David? Are you okay?¡±


    Ah, right. Patrick was here. He¡¯d told the kid to hide in the bushes beforehand, hadn¡¯t he? The blood loss must have been getting to him to forget something so important.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Nope. Did you bring some food? I could use it.¡± He answered weakly.


    ¡°H-here.¡± Patrick said quickly, holding out some dried meat. David reached up with his good arm and took the food. He slowly ate it in small bites. Despite being half dead, his mannerisms didn¡¯t seem affected.


    As soon as he swallowed, the chest wounds began to visibly heal. At the same time the bones in left arm and shoulder began popping and melding back together. As the pain began to subside, David let out a sigh of relief and got back to his feet. After giving his injuries another moment to fully recover, he tested out his restored arm. Everything was working properly.


    David walked over to the bushes and grabbed a deerskin sack, pulling out a stone knife and some kindling materials, as well as another piece of dried meat. He threw the kindling materials to Patrick.


    ¡°Start a fire. we¡¯ll be staying here for a while we cook all this up.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes!¡±


    ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t try any of what I just did. Pretty sure this only works on me.¡±


    Patrick nodded quickly, but there was a hint of disappointment in his expression. It couldn¡¯t be helped. He was a five-year-old with an active imagination. He¡¯d heard even adults, as crazy as it seemed, sometimes believe they had powers of some sort when in reality they were simply human like everyone else.


    David quickly ate his second piece of dried meat to fully recover his energy and moved towards his prey.


    In the time he had spent out here, there hadn¡¯t been a single encounter with others like him. Had there been people with abilities like this in Dawn? David hadn¡¯t heard anything of that sort, but they probably wouldn¡¯t have told him anyway.


    Aberrant, wasn¡¯t it? David thought as he pulled out the spear and began butchering the elk.


    A chance encounter with a hunting party a year ago had made him aware of the term. It was a similar situation today, with him catching a deer. They had believed they could steal it. They failed miserably and ran with their tails tucked between their legs.


    It had actually been a very frightening experience. He had sustained massive injuries in the fight, similar today. His saving grace was that the moment he used his powers, the rationality of his opponents had been replaced with fright, allowing him to beat them into a retreat. That man screaming ¡®aberrant¡¯ saved his life that day, albeit unintentionally.


    Come to think of it, he¡¯d heard something similar on that fateful day five years ago as well. That spearman had caused the guard to panic as well. He hadn¡¯t been paying close attention, but he was certain the word aberrant had come up.


    He looked toward the young boy starting the fire. If that man showed up now, would he be able to protect him?


    He¡¯d grown much stronger since then. They didn¡¯t have to worry about food like in the past, and in one on one combat almost nothing could challenge him. but was that enough? He didn¡¯t think so.


    Never mind that terrifying spearmen, those black wolves were not much weaker than the bear he¡¯d just fought. If he were to encounter them again¡­


    David involuntarily shivered. He could feel it. At this point in time, he was too weak. Just keeping the both of them alive in this wilderness was the most he could handle.


    However, that was not enough to satisfy him.


    Thinking about those raiders who¡¯d destroyed his home, a flame of hatred kindled within his eyes. It was infuriating. Even with how far he¡¯d come, he still felt as if he was powerless in the face of that attack. Everything he had now was still not enough. If he was ever to find them again, he wouldn¡¯t be able to protect himself or Patrick, let alone any thoughts of revenge.


    He finished butchering what he could of the deer and began stringing up the meat on a tree. Patrick¡¯s ability to start a fire was very poor, so it would be a while before any of it could be cooked. Luckily, he had plenty to do.


    ¡°Getting anywhere with that fire, squirt?¡± David called out over his shoulder.


    ¡°Almost!¡± Patrick replied. There was a tone of frustration to his voice.


    ¡°Just keep at it. It¡¯ll light up soon enough.¡±


    Having finished with the deer, he moved over to the bear. However, the butchering progress was going much faster than the fire. Patrick was getting more and more frustrated too. The task was more difficult for him than normal.


    David frowned. Patrick had been responsible for fire-starting for three months. In that time, he¡¯d quickly grown adept at his job. David didn¡¯t even feel it was necessary to keep a close eye anymore. Why was he having such trouble today?


    Putting aside the butchering for now, David walked over to the fire pit Patrick had constructed. There was plenty of dry tinder and flammable materials gathered. It didn¡¯t look any different than normal.


    David studied the boy. His eyes had tears of frustration in them, but that wasn¡¯t what caught David¡¯s attention. the boy was breathing heavily, as if he¡¯d been sprinting. His face had also turned bright red. Immediately, David became worried. Was he sick? He felt Patrick head with his hand. It was warm, but not feverish. He hadn¡¯t looked sick this morning either.


    ¡°Are you feeling okay, kid?¡± David asked.


    Patrick slumped to ground, crossing his arms. His heated expression was aimed toward the cold fire pit. ¡°I¡¯m fine. The fire just won¡¯t start! Every time I get some sparks, they just disappear!¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s it, why do you look so tired?¡±


    ¡°I just am, okay? I don¡¯t know!¡±


    David was perplexed. That accounted for his frustration, but not the exhaustion. Perhaps it was just mental stress?


    ¡°Do it again. Let me see what¡¯s happening.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to! I¡¯m tired of this!¡±


    ¡°Just one more time Patrick. If I can¡¯t figure out what¡¯s wrong, I¡¯ll take over.¡±


    Patrick hesitated, but grumbled in agreement after a minute. He began preparing tinder and struck the flint. Sparks flew into the tinder, igniting a warm red glow within. By David¡¯s estimates, the fire was doing just fine. Had the other failures been a fluke?


    No. Patrick¡¯s face was still tense. It must have been happening somewhere afterward.


    Just as he thought that, Patrick began nervously blowing on the weak embers. Before even a few seconds passed, the embers disappeared without a trace. Not even a trace of smoke could be detected.


    David¡¯s eyes went wide when he saw this. Patrick may not have realized, but David did. A portion of the kindling, along with the embers, had vanished entirely.


    ¡°See? It happened again! Every time I try and start a fire, this happens! You¡­ do¡­ it¡­ now¡­¡± In the midst of his tantrum, Patrick stumbled and fell over.


    ¡°Patrick!¡± David forgot about what he¡¯d just seen and dived forward to catch the boy. Patrick landed limply in his arms. It felt like there was no energy left in his body. He was gasping for air, face line with tremendous exhaustion.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m¡­ okay¡­¡± Patrick whispered. ¡°Let me¡­ sleep¡­ a little¡­¡±


    David¡¯s mind was racing. This didn¡¯t make any sense. It was too sudden. Illnesses didn¡¯t work like this. If not an illness, why? Poison? No, he hadn¡¯t eaten anything. This was too strange to be natural. Normal people wouldn¡¯t just collapse like this.


    Wait. Normal people?


    Could it be? David wondered. He quickly shook his head. That would be to much of a coincidence. He¡¯d only ever met one before. How could his little brother be one this whole time and avoid his notice?


    The disappearing flame and the increasing exhaustion. Neither situation made sense. The symptoms were too similar to his own to simply brush off. Since that was the case¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back, Patrick. No falling asleep.¡±


    ¡°Kay¡­¡±


    David ran over to the bag and grabbed some more of their dried meat. He broke off a piece and put it in Patrick¡¯s mouth. ¡°Eat this. It¡¯ll make you feel better.¡± He explained.


    Patrick nodded and chewed. Nothing happened. David didn¡¯t panic. It probably only worked so fast for him because his ability had an effect on it. Patrick¡¯s situation couldn¡¯t be compared. Sure enough, it took a few more minutes for any changes to appear. Soon, Patrick complexion improved significantly.


    ¡°You feeling alright?¡± David asked.


    Patrick nodded. ¡°Still, but I¡¯m not sleepy anymore. What happened?¡±


    ¡°I just confirmed something. You¡¯re going to have more to do from now on, kid. To start, you¡¯ll be eating more meals regularly. I don¡¯t need you fainting like this again.¡±


    ¡°But what about you? If I eat more, you won¡¯t be able to.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll hunt more. Between the two of us, food will be disappearing a lot faster now. I don¡¯t know what you have yet, but I¡¯m certain it¡¯s something special.¡±


    ¡°Special? What do you mean?¡± Patrick wasn¡¯t following.


    David grinned. ¡°Congratulations. It looks like you¡¯re freak too. I can¡¯t wait to find out what your new powers can do.¡±

 Chapter 5: Raiders Bane

    Chapter 5: Raider¡¯s bane


    The sun beat down on the Arizona desert. The air itself appeared distorted from the heat given off by the sand beneath. Not a creature could be seen below, every one of them hiding from the intensity of the summer heat.


    All save one human boy stumbled weakly across the rocky sand.


    This newcomer had attracted quite a bit of attention in the air. The shadows of numerous vultures fell upon the sand below, following the boy wherever he went. As time passed, more and more appeared, coming closer and closer as the boy¡¯s pace grew slower. Some had even dared to hop along the ground at a distance, with hopes of reaching him first at death.


    Anticipation was high. The skinny boy looked like he would fall over at any moment. More vultures began to descend, following at a safe distance. This dragged on for nearly an hour, the mob hopping behind or flying just above, waiting patiently for the heat to finish its work.


    The boy¡¯s body began to waver, wobbling side to side. His leg began to give out, unable to go any farther. He fell face first into the sand, lying motionless on the baking sand. The moment the birds had been waiting for finally arrived. Still cautious, the scavengers approached the body, wary of any movement. One bird was brave enough to come near his face.


    The boy¡¯s eyelids shot open, revealing a pair of wild violet eyes. At that moment one brave vulture realized it had made a terrible mistake.


    Like lightning, the boy¡¯s hand shot out, snapping the vulture¡¯s neck. The other birds cried out and alarm and began to flee. The boy whipped himself off the ground and pounced on a second bird, killing it as well. A third¡¯s wing was slashed off as it attempted to escape, sending it back to the ground where it met its gruesome death. The rest luckily escaped, one missing a number of tail feathers.


    Caleb looked up at the fleeing birds in disappointment. He had hoped to catch a few more. His injuries were definitely still slowing him down. He limped over and grabbed the bloody carcasses of each bird by their feet, throwing them over his shoulder. He grunted and continued trudging across the sandy desert, still maintaining the appearance of a ghoul.


    Later that night, Caleb sat in front of a campfire, finishing the preparations on one of the birds. The entire area smelled awful, rank with guts and bile. Some coyotes were attracted closer by the smell, but upon taking one look at the source, they bolted. Caleb let out a groan of disappointment. If they had come a little closer, he might have had the chance to catch them. They were much smarter than the birds.


    He cooked the meat over a small fire and hungrily bit into it. The taste was awful, but compared with starving he didn¡¯t have the luxury to be picky. This was the first time in nearly a week he¡¯d had the chance to catch anything. If he¡¯d gone much longer without food, he really might have ended up as vulture chow.


    By the time he had finished, nothing but bones remained of the carcass. He looked over at the other birds hungrily. He knew he probably needed to save them for later, considering his rather paltry food supply, but a hungry twelve-year-old was a hungry twelve-year-old. In the end, his stomach won over his willpower and he began cleaning the second vulture, thickening the stench of the air around him as more entrails spilled to the ground.


    It didn¡¯t take long for him to finish off this bird either. Now led completely by his stomach, he didn¡¯t even hesitate to prepare the third. Caleb placed it over the fire and began to cook it as well.


    As it cooked, he tenderly tested a bruise on his ribs, wincing as the black and blue skin erupted in pain. His entire body was covered in cuts and bruises from his latest run in with settlers. The cuts had mostly healed by now, but a couple were definitely going to leave scars, especially from the nasty burn he¡¯d received to his back from the Molotov. The worst one was a bullet that had torn through his calf, bringing about his current limp. His face was a rainbow of bruises and cuts, rendering his appearance unrecognizable even to himself.


    He didn¡¯t know why he kept trying. Even after the incident on the farm, he never stopped making the same mistake of trying to get close to others. Sometimes they started out friendly other times hostile. He was usually better off when they shooed him away immediately. The friendly ones were always the ones that hurt him in the end, after discovering his power. In mere moments, they turned from friends into mortal enemies.


    This last time, he hadn¡¯t even made it a week. Some scoundrels passing through the small town attacked an old woman for a mere bag of flour. In order to stop it, he¡¯d used some of his strength to chase them away. The reward he¡¯d received for his goodwill was a mobbing. He had taken countless attacks in his attempt to flee, barely escaping with his life.


    He could have escaped without injury, most likely. All it would have taken was for him to circulate a little more power. However, the more power he used, the greater his killing intent seemed to increase. If he had tried to use his power to flee, it was more likely he would have turned around and massacred them all. Not wanting to go berserk and hurt anyone, he allowed himself to suffer, barely escaping with his life.


    He felt the scars on his chest, running his fingers lightly over the smooth tissue. This was still his most vivid, most painful memory. All the injuries over the years, all the betrayals, he¡¯d almost come to expect them, even if he¡¯d hoped that time would be different. They were scars that represented a risk he¡¯d taken.


    This one, on the other hand, was something of true betrayal, representing the murderous intent of the woman he¡¯d fully trusted, never doubting her feelings for him. She was a woman who¡¯d he¡¯d considered a mother. To this day, he still could not understand why she¡¯d done it. Why? How could she try to kill him? They had been so close, and all he¡¯d done was try to protect her.


    Was his strength really such a terrible sin?


    It wasn¡¯t fair. Every time he¡¯d used his strength, he¡¯d only been trying to help someone else. It wasn¡¯t as if he was running around murdering others for no reason. Besides the four bandits four years prior, he¡¯d always stopped short of killing. He only used enough power to frighten away trouble, always keeping the rage under control. But even the smallest display of abnormality was enough to turn anyone he knew against him. There had not been a moment after his secret was revealed that other viewed him in a light other than fear or hatred.


    Monster. Freak. Most often, aberrant. It was a never-ending cycle of hatred.


    This is the way of the human heart. The mysterious, savage voice said quietly. They will always fear you, because you are stronger than them. They understand that to you, they will one day be no more than prey.


    Caleb felt a chill go down his spine as the voice spoke. In these four years, this bloodthirsty tone it spoke with had been gradually increasing. Especially recently, its words were becoming clearer and clearer. He quickly tried to divert his thoughts away from the voice, looking back at the roasting vulture.


    As the bird finished cooking, he removed it from the crude spit. However, before he could take a bite something in the distance caught his attention. He stopped and turned his head toward the noise. It was faint, but his ears were exceptionally sharp. If he wasn¡¯t mistaken, it was the sound of hoof beats coming towards him.


    His face darkened. They were almost certainly raiders or bandits. It was rare for people to travel night, probably hoping to take advantage of him after seeing the campfire. This wasn¡¯t an uncommon problem for him. He¡¯d come to realize that, in many ways, humans were far stupider than coyotes.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Sure enough, a few minutes later three horses plodded up to the fire. Caleb looked up at them with hostility, but the three men barely paid attention to this. He was just a kid after all. They were far more concerned with the fact that there was nothing of value, and also with the awful smell.


    ¡°My God, what did he do to this place?¡± The first spoke up, covering his mouth and nose with a hand.


    ¡°We came all the way here and for what? A little brat surrounded by guts? Whose idiotic decision was this?¡±


    ¡°I think it was yours.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame me. I wanted to stay in camp. You¡¯re the one who was trying to avoid a gambling debt by coming out here.¡±


    Caleb just stared at the trio as they argued amongst themselves in a mixture of amusement and confusion. He couldn¡¯t decide whether these people were stupid or crazy. Perhaps both.


    Eventually the conversation got back around to him.


    ¡°Well, whatever. We¡¯ll just play it off as securing the area, how about that? Kid, you¡¯re in our territory. If you want to stick around, you¡¯ll have to pay. I suggest you head back to where you came from.¡± The gambler ordered.


    Caleb didn¡¯t bother to listen, and just began to eat his bird. Idiots like this were everywhere. If he was stupid enough to come any closer, he¡¯d beat them like the rest to send a message. Bandits were cowards by nature. His powers always frightened them off.


    This didn¡¯t go over well with the gambler. His quickly became furious and drew a metal pipe from his belt. ¡°You have a steel pair, don¡¯t you, you little punk? You really need to learn how to respect your elders.¡±


    ¡°Oi. Don¡¯t bother. This kid¡¯s basically a wild animal. It¡¯s not worth the effort.¡± One of the gambler comrades said. He gave Caleb a look of pity.


    ¡°If that was true, he should have run off the moment he saw us coming. He isn¡¯t even afraid. You telling me to ditch my face for this piece of crap?¡± The gambler sneered.


    ¡°Just do it and let¡¯s get a move on. It stinks here, I¡¯d rather go back to camp than deal with this any longer.¡± The third man urged.


    The second man looked like he wanted to protest, but stayed silent in the end. It made sense. Majority rules after all. Who would risk their relationships for a starved corpse like him?


    Trash. A bunch of trash that needs to be disposed of. Don¡¯t hold back. Teach them their place. Kill them. The voice urged.


    Caleb¡¯s hand twitched slightly. Part of him really wanted to heed the voices egging. In the end, however, he chose to ignore it. They¡¯d learn their lesson soon enough. There was no reason to push it to an extreme. Beat one up, show off his strength, and all three would ride off on their horses without any thoughts of troubling him again.


    Thinking of this, Caleb¡¯s eyes began to glow with newfound energy. Horses? Those had meat on them, right?


    He looked over at the three bandits. More accurately, his eyes were trained on their steeds. They weren¡¯t especially well fed, but all three looked healthy. Imagining the amount of meat on them, he almost started drooling.


    Once again, his stomach decided his actions.


    ¡°Hey, you listening brat? I¡¯ll let you off this time if you get down and beg for forgiveness. Otherwise I¡¯ll beat you into an even worse state. What do you think?¡±


    Caleb completely ignored him. ¡°Hey, bandits. I have a proposition for you.¡±


    The gambler, already angry, only grew angrier. ¡°You think you¡¯re in a position to ask for anything?¡±


    ¡°If you leave the horses behind, you can leave without injuries. Sound good?¡±


    The three men were caught off guard. Their faces became a little more serious. ¡°I don¡¯t think I heard you right, so I¡¯ll give you another chance to do what I said before I teach you some manners. Now, are you going to beg, or am I going to have to use this pipe on you?¡±


    ¡°Do whatever you want. I just want horse meat. I¡¯m hungry.¡± Caleb replied dispassionately, taking another bite of the vulture.


    The third man had reached his limit as well. ¡°It looks like this little trip has an added benefit after all. I¡¯ve been needing a little stress relief.¡± He snarled, dismounting his horse. A furious and sadistic grin stretched across his face.


    ¡°All you had to do was beg, and yet you dared to make threats. You can only blame yourself for what comes next.¡± The gambler said menacingly.


    Caleb¡¯s eyes became cold hearing such familiar words.


    The gambler had chosen to reignite a hated memory in Caleb¡¯s past. Unconsciously, Caleb¡¯s eyes changed to a dull purple. He gave the man an angry glance and motioned for him to attack. ¡°Have it your way, then.¡±


    The change wasn¡¯t evident to the furious gambler, but the second man had apparently noticed. He cried out urgently, to stop his comrade.


    ¡°Stop! It¡¯s a trap! He¡¯s an-¡±


    Before he could finish, the gambler had already attacked. Caleb¡¯s arm shot out


    Before the man could react, Caleb¡¯s arm had already struck out twice. Two sickening cracks echoed through the desert. The bandit collapsed to the ground in immense pain screaming at the top of his lungs. His shattered femurs jutted through the skin. He screamed and tried to get away in a panic, but only succeeded in worsening the damage.


    ¡°Weakling.¡± Caleb muttered. He didn¡¯t attack others often based on his principles, but a piece of scum like this wasn¡¯t worth holding back against. Even if it was a little further than he¡¯d originally intended to go, it was less than he deserved after his earlier comments. Having ended the fight, he casually went back to eating his roasted vulture.


    ¡°A-aberrant!¡± The third man was in shock for a moment. Being an idiot, he tried to draw a firearm. The second man had been shocked speechless, unable to move. Even if he¡¯d realized ahead of time, the power Caleb had just displayed had left him without the slightest courage.


    Caleb¡¯s eyes darted towards the third man, now gleaming a brilliant shade of violet. ¡°Take your friend and leave the horses. Otherwise I¡¯ll leave all of you here to stare up at the clouds until the vultures come for you. You fire that gun and the offer expires.¡±


    The second man was shaking. Caleb paid little attention to him. It was clear he wouldn¡¯t try anything. On the other hand, the third man seemed to have a death wish. Although also terrified, he¡¯d decided his best option was to kill Caleb.


    And thus, a stupid decision was made.


    The rifle went off. However, the shot just buried itself in the dirt. Caleb was already long gone from the spot he¡¯d been sitting. In the blink of an eye, Caleb was on top of the first man¡¯s horse. The rifle shattered under the force of his grip.  His knee impacted the man¡¯s chest sending him spiraling uncontrollably of the horse¡¯s back.


    The remaining tried to run. He urged his horse to sprint away, hoping to outrun Caleb. Before he could, he realized the world seemed to be spinning. He tried to find solid ground, but nothing appeared. Then his received a sudden intense impact, knocking the wind out of him. When everything stopped, he was lying on the ground. The third man¡¯s dead horse was lying on top of his legs.


    For a moment, he tried to struggle free. Caleb hopped on top of the horse, his wild violet eyes staring at his pathetic attempts. Under the pressure those eyes emitted, the bandit could do nothing but shiver in fright. From Caleb¡¯s perspective, it appeared he¡¯d caused the man to pee himself.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to say that people would thank me for getting rid of you, but past experience has proven otherwise.¡± Caleb said bitterly, crouching on top of the dead horse.


    Seeing death as an inevitability now, the man summoned his courage and tried to grab the on his back. It wasn¡¯t there anymore. During the previous bout, the boy had removed it when throwing the second man to the ground. Caleb nonchalantly grasp the barrel and tied it into a knot and threw it aside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you in on a secret.¡± Caleb informed him. ¡°I was shot point blank in the chest when I was eight and still lived to tell you. It really hurts. If you¡¯d actually managed to cause me some damage, who knows what your fate would have been, hm?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this. I-If you kill us, the boss will come after you!¡± The raider said in a panic grasping at whatever straws he could. ¡°You won¡¯t live much longer than we will!¡±


    Caleb raised an eyebrow. ¡°I don¡¯t have any intention of killing you. I even left that metal pipe guy alive, didn¡¯t I? By the way, I¡¯m taking your stuff. I¡¯ll leave you a little water, though. I¡¯m not a complete monster, after all.¡±


    Caleb jumped off the horse and began picking the supplies off of each of the dead horses. He looked around for the remaining horse only to discover it had run off. He frowned. Looked like he¡¯d have to do some tracking. Another animal that was smarter than humans, it seemed.


    ¡°You! You can¡¯t leave us here! That¡¯s as good as killing us! The boss will-¡±


    ¡°Yada yada yada. The boss will this, the boss will that. I gave you water already, and your friend only has some cracked ribs. Don¡¯t get greedy. Since your camp is close enough for you to venture over here out of curiosity, you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Caleb looked over towards where the first man had landed, discovering he had begun to run away, abandoning his comrades. No loyalty among thieves seemed to be a very accurate phrase.


    ¡°Never mind, you¡¯re in trouble. I hope your boss knows more about loyalty than that friend of yours, or you really will end up as vulture food.¡± Caleb said with a hint of irritation. ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t follow that guy¡¯s example and try to run off again. Abandoning those who trust you is a good way to get yourself killed.¡±


    Caleb bolted after the retreating man, closing the hundred-meter distance in mere seconds. The man fell to the ground, his throat slashed wide open by Caleb¡¯s claws. He didn¡¯t even have a moment to realize what had happened before the life faded from him.


    His brilliant violet eyes shined with chilling malice as he looked down at the corpse. ¡°I really hate betrayers.¡± He muttered, flicking the blood from his hand.


    An ominous voice cackled gleefully in his head. Well done, kid. Well done.


    Caleb paid no attention to the voice. He slung the last of the raider¡¯s belongings over his shoulder and disappeared into the darkness after the fleeing horsemeat.

 Chapter 6: Travelers

    Chapter 6: Travelers


    In a dense forest, a lone stag slowly trod through the autumn underbrush foraging for food. The forest, now quiet after the mass exodus of its avian residents, echoed as the deer scattered the colorful assortment of leaves coating the forest floor.


    A rabbit ran past, causing the deer to jerk its head up in alarm. However, the forest was quiet. The rabbit long gone, the stag went back to its grazing after taking one last look around for predators.


    Tens of meters away, a pair of boys, one nearing eighteen and the other eleven, gave a silent expression of relief.


    Crouched in the shadows of the dense topiary, Patrick slowly knocked an arrow on his bow. Every movement he made was slow, in case he was to act too quickly and frighten the target. His face seemed calm, but to David it was clear he was only suppressing his nerves.


    ¡°Hold your breath as you shoot.¡± David advised quietly. ¡°You¡¯ve had plenty of practice. As long as you keep calm, you¡¯re golden.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve told me that 15 times.¡± Patrick whispered back. ¡°Stop making noise.¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± David gave an awkward smile. He was just as nervous as Patrick despite his role as a spectator. As a result, he couldn¡¯t stop offering repetitive advice.


    Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t affecting the boy¡¯s concentration significantly. Patrick kept his eyes trained on the stag, ignoring David completely.


    His gaze moved to the deer still munching on the underbrush. David took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. It was a fruitless effort. For David, Patrick¡¯s first successful hunt was an irrationally important moment, making maintaining any form of tranquility impossible. He wouldn¡¯t be able to release all the nervous energy until it was over.


    In comparison, Patrick was doing much better. Compared to his previous attempts, he¡¯d improved remarkably. Calm, focused eyes, steady breathing, smooth form, the improvements were tremendous. The training was paying off far quicker than David could have anticipated.


    Finally, the deer changed its stance, revealing the sweet spot they¡¯d waited for.


    Twang


    The arrow whistled forward. The deer sensed the impending threat, but its reaction was too slow. The arrow drove itself into the creature¡¯s ribcage directly beneath the foreleg, puncturing the heart.


    David jumped up in excitement. ¡°Yes! You did it! I knew you had it in you!¡±


    Patrick let out a sigh of relief and fell backward onto his back. ¡°I did it. I finally got it right.¡±


    ¡°Never had any doubt in you!¡±


    Patrick laughed. ¡°I want to hear that when you aren¡¯t covered in nervous sweat.¡±


    ¡°Anticipation of your success!¡±


    ¡°Sure. Wait, I think we¡¯re forgetting something.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you need to catch that thing?¡±


    David blankly stared in the direction the deer had bolted toward and smacked himself in the head. ¡°Ah, right.¡±


    The blood in David¡¯s body began surging, filling him with tremendous strength. He took up a starting position and exploded out of the bushes. Racing after the deer, he disappeared in the forest like a missile.


    After nine years of living in the wilderness, David had become an expert in traversing difficult terrain. He weaved through the trees with ease and crushed anything weaker under his feet. It wasn¡¯t even a minute before he relocated the fleeing deer.


    Slowed by increasing exhaustion, the deer was quickly overtaken. He swiped his arm to the side and slightly tapped the sprinting beast. This small tap sent the creature tumbling to the ground, only stopping after its body slammed into a tree. It struggled to get back to its feet but David¡¯s hand caught it mid attempt and pinned it helplessly against the ground.


    ¡°Good effort, buddy. Its just not your lucky day.¡± David consoled the deer. He turned his head and yelled out at the top of his lungs. ¡°Patrick! Over here! I¡¯ve got him!¡±


    ¡°Coming!¡± A faint voice yelled back. He clearly was still far from the location. David shifted to a more comfortable position as he waited.


    A few minutes later, the eleven-year-old, covered in sticks and dirt, ran up to the tree. He collapsed the moment he arrived, gasping for air. ¡°Why¡­ are you¡­ so freakin¡¯¡­ fast?¡± he managed to say through his heavy breathing.


    ¡°I¡¯m bigger than you. Just keep at it and I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be faster than me in no time.¡± David said with a smile.


    ¡°Jerk¡­ don¡¯t¡­ make fun of me¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry. Rough time?¡±


    ¡°Too many bushes and roots. It was a nightmare.¡± Patrick stood up after catching his breath. ¡°So, what now?¡±


    David looked at the deer. ¡°He¡¯s basically exhausted himself now. It should be safe to deal the finisher if you think you¡¯re ready.¡±


    Patrick nodded and pulled his hunting knife from his belt. After a short hesitation, he walked up to the deer¡¯s head and bent down to the eye level of the captured creature. The dying animal stared at him fearfully and once again attempted to struggle, but David¡¯s arm wouldn¡¯t allow it any room to move.


    ¡°Careful of those antlers. I can only hold it down so much.¡± David warned.


    ¡°I know.¡± Patrick stayed put, the indecisiveness in his expression clear to see.


    The younger boy¡¯s discomfort was clear as day. As strong as he was trying to look, he couldn¡¯t hide it from David. Perhaps it was too soon It was one thing to shoot from a distance and another to perform what was equitable to an execution.


    He tried to say something, but Patrick gave him a determined look. David chose to stay silent. Since he wanted to do this himself, there was no reason to stop him.


    Patrick took a deep breath and moved forward. He pressed the knife against the deer¡¯s throat and sliced. The deer struggled one last time before succumbing to blood loss. Its head fell motionless to the dirt.


    ¡°You okay?¡± David asked.


    Patrick had gone pale and looked a little sick, but he nodded. ¡°Yeah¡­ It¡¯s harder than I thought it¡¯d be. I tried to think of it like the fish, but it felt so much more alive.¡±


    ¡°I get it. I think I threw up the first time I caught one. Killing other living creatures isn¡¯t as easy as some people make it look.¡±


    David felt a pang of fury in his heart as he finished speaking. He touched the black star tattooed on the right of his neck. Those raiders had made it look easy back then, as if taking a life meant nothing. He couldn¡¯t imagine how many they had to kill to become so heartless.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Patrick didn¡¯t pick up on it. ¡°When did it stop?¡±


    David shook his head. ¡°It will get easier, but it probably won¡¯t ever disappear. At least you should hope it doesn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Why not? Wouldn¡¯t that be better?¡±


    ¡°To forget what it means to take a life is to lose your humanity. That¡¯s the way I see it anyway. I don¡¯t want to see either of us become like those¡­ people who destroyed our home.¡±


    David had to stop himself for a moment. He¡¯d almost called the raiders ¡®low breeds¡¯, as Dawn called pale skinned people like them. Considering Patrick technically belonged to that group, saying such didn¡¯t sit right with him.


    Patrick¡¯s mood became somber with that statement. He nodded and turned back toward the deer, clasping with hands in prayer.


    ¡°Thank you for your sacrifice.¡±


    David¡¯s eyes went wide in surprise. A crooked grin appeared on his face Unable to control himself, he covered his mouth to stifle a sudden laugh.


    Patrick looked back at him cluelessly. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s nothing.¡± David replied, still trying to stifle his laughter. ¡°I just didn¡¯t expect you to start praying to a deer.¡±


    ¡°I was paying it respect, just like you said!¡±


    ¡°I just meant don¡¯t take it granted. It¡¯s a deer, not some divine spirit. We can always start a church for it if you want, though.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make fun of me!¡± Patrick kicked David in the shin to make him stop laughing.


    David caught his breath. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sorry. I know it was a serious moment. Sorry for spoiling it. Also, thanks.¡±


    Patrick became bewildered again. ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°I got myself all depressed again. Thanks for pulling me back up.¡±


    Patrick still appeared a little upset about the teasing, but his expression softened. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ll start a fire, so you get the deer ready to cook. I¡¯m starving.¡±


    ¡°No interest in learning how to gut? Its quite the experience.¡± David teased.


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    After setting up a fire. Patrick disappeared into a secluded corner of the camp with a portion of the stag¡¯s antler and carving tools. This was Patrick¡¯s main hobby ever since his ability had awakened. Four years of experience with the tools and his powers had made him quite adept with the skill.


    David got to work dismantling the deer carcass. After preparing each cut, he set out the other useful portions, such as the bones and hide, for later use and began cooking dinner.


    The sun began to set and night was quickly fell over the forest. Summoned by the sudden darkness, Patrick returned from his hiding spot and sat next to the fire. Most of the deer antler had been consumed. In its place were a handful of figurines Patrick was hiding beneath his coat. David chuckled. Always the modest one, that kid.


    ¡°You know you have no reason to hide those, right? I wouldn¡¯t be able to match up no matter how hard I try.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that it¡¯s bad¡­¡±


    ¡°Well stop hiding it then. I want to see it.¡± David pressured. He couldn¡¯t help but get excited seeing how hesitant Patrick was to show it. It could only mean it was something interesting.


    Patrick hesitated, but did slowly open his hand. David¡¯s eyes widened when he saw what was there.


    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to start a church?¡± David teased.


    ¡°This is why I didn¡¯t want to show you!¡±


    In Patrick¡¯s hand was an incredible sculpture of a deer. The result of his work was near lifelike. It looked like an exact replica of today¡¯s catch, down to the bends in the antlers. It wouldn¡¯t be a stretch to say it was among the best sculptures Patrick had produced.


    ¡°Sorry. It looks amazing. Can I see it?¡± David asked.


    Patrick nodded and handed it over. David held it up close. Patrick¡¯s sculpting was really reaching master levels. Even the hair on the deer looked almost lifelike. Every hair was etched in skillfully. This was definitely beyond the capability of his carving knives.


    ¡°Has your ability advanced again?¡± David inquired.


    ¡°Only my control. At my best I can only drill small holes and even that leaves me exhausted.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t undersell it, squirt. Even this much is incredible.¡± Perhaps it wasn¡¯t a flashy ability, but David couldn¡¯t help but be jealous at Patrick¡¯s comprehension abilities. The kid had already reached a level of micro-control David couldn¡¯t dream of reaching with his own power. ¡°What about the other hand?¡±


    Compared to the embarrassment before, Patrick seemed more nervous this time around. He opened his hand, revealing a pair of polished hammers marked with a ten-pointed star etched on the sides of the head. The ends of the hammer were concave, the depth increasing in a staggered manner like a set of stairs.


    Patrick offered him one of the hammers. David was surprised by the design. Patrick¡¯s sculptures were generally animals or trees. Simple designs like this were rare, but the skill involved was still very evident.


    ¡°What is this?¡± He asked.


    ¡°A hammer.¡± Patrick answered simply. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Well, obviously. David thought. ¡°It¡¯s amazing. It¡¯s just different from anything you¡¯ve made recently.¡±


    Patrick fidgeted nervously. ¡°Well, I was thinking about what you said earlier and I thought of this. We don¡¯t really have anything that shows we¡¯re brothers, you know.¡±


    David looked at him with a quizzical smile. ¡°Do we really need one? I mean, who are we going to prove it too? Everyone we meet is too hostile to care about our relationship anyway.¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s stupid, but¡­¡± Patrick stopped and took a deep breath. ¡°Since Dawn was destroyed, we¡¯re all each other has. But I have no connection to Dawn outside of your stories. You have memories and even a tattoo that shows where you came from. Since I can¡¯t have those, I thought I¡¯d make something to act as a symbol of our connection. I thought this could be our symbol, in place of what I would have gotten in Dawn.¡±


    David stared at Patrick speechlessly. A mix of emotions flooded through him. He was touched by Patrick¡¯s thoughtfulness, but conflicted. Patrick had such a bright view of Dawn thanks to David¡¯s stories, but for Patrick that bright future would never have existed. He would never have received a citizenship tattoo or enjoyed the freedom David had. He would have lived the life of a servant, a life that could be very brutal if one was unlucky.


    If not for his past, he would have accepted the proposal in a heartbeat. David had long felt guilty for embellishing Dawn¡¯s reputation in his stories. Could he accept this so easily? Doing so felt like he¡¯d be ignoring the suffering people like Patrick had gone through under Dawn. Could he accept bearing that lie just to preserve him and his brother¡¯s relationship.


    Patrick noticed the dark expression on David¡¯s face. His own face fell. ¡°Is it no good?¡±


    ¡°Tell me something. If you learned something about me or dawn in the future, and you¡¯re told something bad, would you still make the same offer?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Patrick said without hesitation.


    David looked up in surprise. ¡°Really? Even if you were told I was a mass murderer?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve taken care of me for ten years. You saved me as a baby when I would have assuredly died. No matter what you do, you¡¯re my family.¡±


    Hearing that, David almost cried. He really was too lucky to have a kid like this as a younger brother. He fought off any potential tears with a loud laugh. Patrick looked at him curiously.


    ¡°Besides, I think I would know if you were a mass murderer. You think you¡¯d be able to sneak those bodies past me? I¡¯m more perceptive than you give me credit for, you know.¡±


    David had to use all his willpower to stop himself from breaking out in laughter again. Somehow this scenario had become stupid. Neither was any good at preserving the mood. They really were brothers after all, weren¡¯t they?


    ¡°You really are a smart aleck, aren¡¯t you? Take this back. I can¡¯t accept it like this.¡± David tossed the hammer back to Patrick.


    The boy gave a dejected look, so David quickly clarified. ¡°How do you expect me to carry this? There¡¯s no string hole. You want me to keep our symbol in my pocket? No one¡¯s going to know who we are.¡±


    Patrick immediately brightened up. ¡°R-right! I should have thought of that! Just a second, I¡¯ll fix it right away!¡±


    Patrick held his hand over the two hammers. A moment later, Patrick handed back the hammer, now with a piece of twine threaded through the ends. His arm shook slightly, revealing his level of exhaustion.


    ¡°You alright there?¡± David asked.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Patrick puffed. ¡°It¡¯s hard to drill holes that fast.¡±


    David tied it around his neck and showed it off. ¡°How¡¯s it look?¡±


    ¡°Well, I made it, so even on you it looks good.¡±


    ¡°You little¡­¡±


    David trapped Patrick in a headlock and gave him a noogie.


    ¡°Ack! Quit it! Quit it!¡±


    *                                                                      *                                                                      *


    About three hundred yards from their position, a man in camouflage watched through a rifle scope from the shadows. His crosshairs were centered on the Dawnite¡¯s head as the target sat by the fire, eating his dinner in complete naivety.


    The man moved his finger over the trigger. It would be so easy to end it right now. One little flex, and the hated Dawnite would be lying in a pool of his own blood. It was all he could do to keep himself from pulling the trigger.


    Not yet. He thought, trying to calm himself. It¡¯s too early.


    He took his trigger hand off the rifle and grabbed his radio. ¡°This is Krane. Over¡±


    ¡°We hear you. What¡¯s the report? Over.¡± A calm voice said over the radio.


    ¡°The dark-skin and his servant have settled down about ten miles west of their last sighting. They look like they just finished a hunt, so I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll be moving anytime soon. It should be safe to begin preparations. Over.¡± Krane reported.


    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll pass your report to the leader. Continue surveillance. Is that all? Over.¡±


    ¡°One more thing. The younger one may be aberrant. I cannot confirm, but there was some strange behavior. Over.¡±


    There was a slight pause before any answer was given. ¡°So they are both enemies after all. You¡¯ve done well, soldier. Look forward to our arrival soon. Over.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±  The man looked back through his scope at the pair of travelers, who were now playing with flaming sticks. A pair of monsters acting like children. The man sneered in hatred. ¡°Over and out.¡±

 Chapter 7: Pursuers

    Chapter 7: Pursuers


    A large group of riders set up camp under the hot Arizona sun. Many coarse-looking men hid in the shade of their tents, anxious to relieve their accumulated hunger and thirst. To the outside of camp, the horses were also being given a quick drink.


    Two men stood apart from the group of ruffians, fully exposed to the scorching sun. Unlike the droves below, they seemed unaffected by the heat. One was a thick, muscular man with short blonde hair and scars all over his body. The other was relatively tall and thin with gray hair. Most notably, his features were impossible to make out as he was covered head to toe with tattoos of human bones. His face would be easier to describe as a human skull.


    The tattooed man stood at the edge of the cliff, staring toward the western horizon. ¡°Why does he keep turning?¡± He muttered. ¡°Does he have no sense of direction? He¡¯ll go in circles at this rate.¡±


    ¡°No matter how lost he is, the kid travels fast.¡± The muscular man said. ¡°To think we would still be chasing him after a week. The men are starting to get restless.¡±


    ¡°Oh? How far has it gotten? Do you think I should worry?¡± The tattooed man asked in amusement.


    ¡°As if they could make you worry. However, there are some whose loyalty is wavering. Many have begun to wonder if your decision to chase them down is really the best course of action.¡±


    ¡°After only a week? I didn¡¯t realize I had such low charisma. Are you sure that¡¯s what their thinking? I have a suspicion that¡¯s what you want them to think. Tell me, which is it?¡± The tattooed man asked with a smirk.


    The muscular man smiled nastily. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I see. Well, no matter how dissatisfied they are they won¡¯t act on it. You¡¯ve had too much fun lately. Anyone who dares to be insubordinate would have to know they¡¯ve forfeited their own life.¡± The tattooed man stated confidently. ¡°There¡¯s no need for reminders. If they forget their place you are free to educate them as you choose.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll happily oblige.¡± The muscular man replied without hesitation.


    The tattooed man looked back over the desert. ¡°Its been a while since a rogue aberrant has shown up like this, hasn¡¯t it? I¡¯d thought that woman had finally collected them all, but then a powerful soul beast shows up out of the blue. What are the chances?¡±


    ¡°Why question it?¡± The muscular man asked. ¡°Its our fortune. Since he¡¯s come along, we might as well enjoy it. I¡¯ve been itching to fight another aberrant for a long time. I can hardly wait to meet him.¡±


    ¡°Your love for violence frightens me sometimes.¡±


    ¡°When all I¡¯ve been able to fight are beasts and insubordinate trash, how can I feel any different. You should just be happy I haven¡¯t run off to fight him already.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re so enthusiastic, but don¡¯t jump the gun. This one is different from the others.¡± The tattooed man warned. ¡°He¡¯s still lucid. He has potential that can be harnessed if we approach this right.¡±


    The muscular man¡¯s smile faltered. ¡°You intend to recruit him. I won¡¯t get to kill him, then.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s more valuable alive. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll still get to fight. You could use a sparring partner, couldn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Well, yes. But he killed one of us. I doubt this will go over too well with the men.¡±


    ¡°He killed a deserter. Even if that man came back to camp, we would have killed him.¡±


    ¡°But still¡­¡±


    ¡°Unless you plan on rejecting him, what can the others possibly do?¡± The tattooed man smiled. ¡°Strength like his at such a young age is almost unheard of. If we can wield him, that woman won¡¯t be able to act so arrogantly. Once he grows, his strength will be invaluable.¡±


    ¡°What if he chooses to fight us instead? Even if we manage to convince him, what do we do if we can¡¯t wield him? If he chooses to rebel?¡± There was an excited look in the man¡¯s eye. The tattooed man knew there was only one answer his subordinate would accept.


    ¡°If he proves impossible, then we simply need to kill him. I trust you can handle that?¡±


    The muscular man smiled viciously. His eyes began to glow with an eerie yellow light. ¡°It would be my pleasure.¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± The tattooed man said with satisfaction. ¡°Rally the men and pack up camp. We catch this kid today.¡±


    *                                                                 *                                                                      *


    Caleb bounced up and down on top of the horse, looking sick to his stomach. The act of riding a horse was a lot more trouble than he¡¯d originally thought.


    After chasing down the horses, he¡¯d decided keeping one for transportation would be more . One horse had provided him with plenty for a time, so he had no need to overload on meat unnecessarily.


    Though he¡¯d never ridden a horse but he¡¯d met many people who did, and a few places he¡¯d stayed had allowed him to take care of them for a time, so he was relatively confident. A little bit of practice and he¡¯d be riding like an expert.


    Sadly, reality had a tendency not to live up to expectations.


    Given the horse was originally terrified of him, it was a miracle he was even able to make it submit. Compared to the one he slaughtered immediately, trying to capture a live creature was simply an exhausting endeavor. He couldn¡¯t stop wondering whether riding the beast was more trouble than it was worth.


    Eventually, he managed to get it under control. Though it did panic every now and then, it had clear benefits. The horse could carry his supplies and travel had become three times quicker. For the first time in a month, Caleb could enjoy travel without the looming shadows of vultures overhead.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The drawback was that since he hadn¡¯t ridden a horse before, his control over its pace was almost nonexistent. The rough ride had left him sore and in a constant state of nausea. He had nearly thrown up six times since he began his horseback journey. He swore that as soon as this stupid desert ended, he would eat this horse and never ride such a creature ever again.


    The world had no intention of granting his wish. The desert just went on and on. It seemed no matter how far they traveled, there was no change in this landscape. He swore he¡¯d seen the same cactus three different times already. He began leaving gashes in any cactus he passed by, just to make sure. Adding to the issue, he¡¯d run out of water. The amount he¡¯d stolen from the raiders was barely enough to last a few days out here. They clearly hadn¡¯t intended to stray far from their camp.


    The sun began to fall from its peak, signifying the hottest part of the day. As both him and the horse became dehydrated, he was forced to replenish his stock from the surrounding cactus.


    He jumped off the horse and tied it to the arm of a saguaro. Being careful of the needles, he ripped a chunk out. After removing the needles, he split the chunk of cactus between himself and the horse. The horse greedily accepted, then forgot its manners and tried to eat Caleb¡¯s too. Caleb gave it a slightly enhanced flick to the nose to remember whose boss.


    They¡¯d stopped at a good place. Some cactus fruits were budding, providing an added bonus to their water stop. The fruits had yet to ripen, but it was hard to be picky with so few supplies available.


    He took a bite of the sour fruit, leaning against the cactus. The horse nibbled at the remaining fruits while Caleb rested, staring off into the seemingly endless desert. He couldn¡¯t see far, thanks to the heat waves obstructing his vision, but it didn¡¯t matter to him. He never came across anything interesting anyway.


    At least, not until ten minutes later.


    Caleb sensed something and looked back the way he came. The previously still horizon now had dust rising into the air. His interest piqued, he looked closer. The dust cloud was quickly becoming larger. Caleb had no doubts something was approaching. At that speed, probably another horse?


    When the shape of a rider on horseback finally became visible, the stolen horse whinnied. Even after sensing the unknown newcomer, it seemed to be at ease. Caleb could guess the reason for its reaction. It was most likely familiar with the approaching animal. The raider¡¯s friends had come after all.


    ¡°Huh. Guess that guy was telling the truth.¡± Caleb muttered. He¡¯d been under the impression all of them would be like the one he¡¯d killed, shameless cowards. Even thieves have some form of familial bond, eh?


    That single figure became two, then three. The closer the cloud came, the more silhouettes appeared within. Soon there were a horde of silhouettes coming towards them. Caleb casually finished eating, paying it no mind. He tossed the waste to the side, jumped back on the horse, and trotted off as he would have done anyway.


    He had no reason to fear these men. Compared to him, they were nothing. If they were stupid enough to make trouble, then they would regret it. The thought of a fight awakened a dangerous part of his mind, filling his head with faint bloodlust. For an instant, his eyes flickered from green to purple.


    He shook it off. It¡¯s just self-defense. No reason to get excited. He told himself. Honestly, he wasn¡¯t sure what he was thinking sometimes.


    Caleb¡¯s trot made it easy for the horseman to catch up. The bandits galloped around him, trapping him in an encirclement. Caleb¡¯s horse whinnied and reared up on two legs, nearly throwing him off. With a flash of annoyance, he jumped off the steed.


    It seemed they wanted trouble after all. Since he was already surrounded, there was no reason for him to ride the horse any longer.


    Caleb took a look around. There were more than he expected, not to mention, every one of them was already armed and on guard. This wouldn¡¯t be quite as easy as last time. He circulated a small portion of his power, bringing out the claws on his right hand.


    ¡°Now, now, don¡¯t be too hasty to fight with us kid.¡± An authoritative voice spoke up at the front. ¡°I¡¯d rather talk about a few things first.¡±


    The horses in front made way, and a tall man with shoulder length hair rode forward on a white horse. Caleb couldn¡¯t help but be surprised by the man¡¯s appearance. His body was entirely clad in tattoos, coming together to give the appearance of a living skeleton.


    ¡°Not interested.¡± Caleb growled. ¡°I have places to be.¡±


    The tattooed man smirked. ¡°You¡¯ve been hooking right for the last ten miles. At this rate you¡¯re chances of making it out of the desert are slim.¡±


    ¡°Not your problem, is it?¡±


    ¡°It is when your riding on one of my horses. Those aren¡¯t cheap, you know.¡±


    Caleb gave an indifferent shrug. ¡°An idiot left it out in the middle of the desert. Seemed like a waste to leave it there.¡±


    ¡°Tell me, did that ¡®idiot¡¯ leave the horse by choice, or did he have it removed from his possession?¡±


    Caleb stayed silent. He didn¡¯t have a good response to that one.


    ¡°You left survivors, kid. You can¡¯t expect me not to know what happened. Honestly speaking, I don¡¯t even think your actions were wrong. Cowards who abandon their comrades deserve death.¡±


    ¡°Then why follow me out here?¡±


    ¡°Because you overstepped. I might agree with your way of thinking, but don¡¯t assume that makes you blameless. It¡¯s my right to exact justice on my men, not yours. Not to mention you stole supplies, horses, and left the other two for dead. If I just let you go after that, how could I face my men?


    Caleb¡¯s purple eyes brightened as the fighting spirit inside him began to boil. The horses surrounding him began to whinny nervously. ¡°People like you don¡¯t get to complain. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what people like you do to others.¡± He sneered.


    The tattooed man was hardly phased by the comment. ¡°We don¡¯t live in a world of right and wrong, kid. We live in a world where power decides who¡¯s in charge. The weak are the only ones who have no rights.¡±


    ¡°Well then, I haven¡¯t done anything wrong have I?¡±


    ¡°Not as long as you can beat us, no. Are you confident that you can take us on?¡±


    ¡°You want to fight?¡± Caleb snarled. ¡°If you really know what happened to your men, then you know what a bad idea that is.¡±


    The ring of bandits was getting more and more uneasy. It felt as if an invisible pressure was being emitted from the twelve-year-old, crushing them where they sat. It was all they could do to keep their horses under control. In contrast, the tattooed man simply laughed.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m afraid of you simply because you¡¯re an aberrant?¡± He challenged. ¡°You¡¯re just an upstart with a bit of strength. If you think you can beat me so easily, you¡¯re in for a world of hurt.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way.¡± Caleb threatened. ¡°If you don¡¯t, I don¡¯t mind taking the time to make sure none of you leave this desert.¡±


    Another voice from behind began to laugh. ¡°I told you he¡¯d be like this! What do you say, Hurst? Shall I kill him?¡±


    A muscular man with short blonde hair and a nasty smile rode forward. Caleb¡¯s skin broke out in goosebumps. His eyes turned toward the man, and an unfamiliar feeling spread through him. For the first time in years, his instincts were screaming at him to retreat.


    Dangerous. This man was dangerous.


    ¡°Stand down. Its too early to decide anything.¡± The tattooed man, apparently named Hurst, ordered. He then looked back to Caleb. ¡°How about this kid? I¡¯ll take you on. Show me this strength that makes you so confident.¡±


    ¡°By yourself?¡± Caleb asked quizzically, not taking his eyes off the muscular man behind him. ¡°Do you really think you have the capability?¡±


    Hurst jumped off his horse and walked forward. The atmosphere around him changed, sending a chill up Caleb¡¯s spine. He finally took his eyes off the man at his back, realizing that the one in front of him was even more dangerous. The look in this bandit leader¡¯s eyes had become serious and cold, as if looking at a corpse.


    ¡°Now show me what you can do, insolent brat.¡± Hurst sneered. ¡°And I¡¯ll show you just how far you still have to go.¡±

 Chapter 8: Someone like me

    Chapter 8: Someone like me


    Caleb stood frozen in place, unsure of his next move. A one-on-one challenge? This Hurst had to be stupid. Although he claimed to know about Caleb¡¯s strength, his actions were too bold for him to truly understand, weren¡¯t they? No one intelligent would challenge him alone. For that matter, no one intelligent would challenge him in a group.


    He was a monster after all. A bona fide freak of nature. And yet¡­


    Hurst cracked his knuckles. ¡°So, you ready to get started, brat?¡±


    Caleb didn¡¯t understand it at all. There was no reason for this uneasy feeling. He couldn¡¯t see anything truly dangerous about the man. His confidence was probably because he was an impressive fighter, but that meant nothing. Everyone like that in that past had been crushed beneath his heel.


    Even so, there was an aura of death around the man Caleb couldn¡¯t explain. He hadn¡¯t felt that anyone could threaten him since he¡¯d left Rebecca¡¯s. Now, out of nowhere, these two men made him feel as if the slightest mistake could bring his death. The sense of danger in his heart was greater than that by tenfold. How? How could a pair of humans frighten him like this?


    Coward. The voice in his head sneered. Kill them. They are ants. They can be stepped on with ease.


    Caleb took a deep breath, shaking off the feeling of unease. For once, he was a little thankful to the voice, even if it was insulting him. In the end, no matter how confident they were, they were still weak. No matter how dangerous they appeared at first glance, he was stronger. He was the monster here. They were only bug that traveled too close to flame.


    Moreover, they were criminals who preyed on others. There was no reason to hold back today. If they wanted to court death who was he to stop them. The only thing that mattered was removing them from his path.


    His purple eyes brightened in color as he stared down Hurst. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s do this.¡±


    Extending his claws, Caleb burst forward with a roar and jumped into the air. He slashed down toward Hurst¡¯s torso with the intent to rip it open. He met with surprisingly little resistance. A little too late, he realized it was because Hurst was no longer there.


    A feeling of impact began to pressure the right side of his face. His balance and trajectory were thrown out of his control. Before he knew it, he was tumbling to the side. As he stood up and felt the pain in his cheek, a sense of humiliation and rage exploded within him.


    A simple slap. Hurst had met his attempt to kill him with a slap!


    ¡°Fight me seriously!¡± Caleb shouted, enraged.


    ¡°Fight seriously? Against a pathetic attack like that? All brawn and no brain. Just as I thought, you¡¯re an arrogant brat with no control.¡± Hurst mocked.


    Caleb recklessly charged in again, even faster this time. He tried to kick Hurst, but he was easily dodged. He spun around and tried to slash, but Hurst dodged it again by a hair without a trace of urgency. This only made Caleb more frustrated. How on earth could a human be capable of this? No one had ever managed to react to his speed before, much less dodge it! Worse yet, it didn¡¯t look like it was eve a struggle for him.


    He roared in anger again and tried to punch his fist through Hurst¡¯s chest. Like before, his attack was a hair¡¯s breadth late. Hurst didn¡¯t back down this time. He jumped, smiling at Caleb in mockery. A sense of danger wafted over him as he realized he¡¯d left himself wide open to an attack. As Hurst grabbed Caleb¡¯s arm, he realized he had badly underestimated the bandit leader.


    Caleb was slammed powerlessly into the ground below. His ribs cracked and the wind was forced from his lungs. His mind went blank and his ears rang with a deafening high-pitched noise. He stared up into the sky with wide eyes, unable to tell what direction was up or down. By the time he¡¯d started to come back to his senses, he¡¯d been flung back into the air. He had a bad premonition.


    His body felt as if it was floating in midair. Time seemed to have frozen. Caleb could see Hurst¡¯s knee rapidly approaching him. He tried to twist in midair and regain control, but Hurst arms contained immense strength and didn¡¯t allow him any chance to escape. All he could do was brace for impact.


    When the knee connected, Caleb was sent flying. He landed limply on the ground, barely able to retain consciousness, he coughed up blood as he struggled to stand. It felt as if his innards had ruptured and his entire ribcage had been fractured. He stumbled back to his feet, gasping for air. He winced as every breath brought him greater pain. He stared at the unharmed Hurst furiously.


    ¡°Weak. I assumed you would be stronger. Soul beasts like you might be savages at heart, but it not like you¡¯re stupid, right? Surely this isn¡¯t your best?¡± Hurst challenged. His voice didn¡¯t have a trace of mockery in it anymore. It sounded like he was angry, even disappointed. The bandit¡¯s cheered at Hurst¡¯s words and jeered at Caleb¡¯s pathetic state. Emboldened by the success of their leader, they even began throwing curses towards him, their fear completely forgotten. The feeling of humiliation in Caleb¡¯s heart grew heavier.


    Under Hurst¡¯s beratement, the fire in Caleb¡¯s heart died down. He stared at Hurst with calm cold eyes. The sense of superiority in Caleb¡¯s mind had been trampled over. All that was left was a desire to defeat his opponent.


    That¡¯s right. He¡¯s not just another ant. He¡¯s strong. Stronger than anyone Caleb had ever fought. The wild beast inside of him began moving, its bloodlust began invading his thoughts. A trace of excitement ran through him at the thought of killing such a strong enemy. A small smile broke out on his face, revealing the sharp fangs beneath. The purple of his eyes became rimmed with a tinge of indigo. A hideous laugh was emitted from his throat. Perhaps this was worth the stop after all.


    The pain of his injuries was long forgotten, leaving only a desire to fight. He would kill this one. Then he would kill the one behind him. If he was as strong as this one, how wonderful would that be? Maybe they would attack him together, and he could crush them both at the same time! The thought made Caleb shiver in excitement. The voice in Caleb¡¯s head was laughing gleefully egging him on.


    Perfect! Perfect! Kill them! Slaughter them like the vermin they are!


    The voice had apparently underestimated Hurst as well. They¡¯d received a promotion from ants to vermin.


    It was Hurst¡¯s turn to feel uneasy. Although he was trying to conceal it, the sudden change in Caleb¡¯s demeanor shook him. Caleb took notice of the change. His eyes gleamed at the sign of an opening, enticing him into the offensive. His movements became sharper and more decisive, giving his clumsy and wild attacks a deadly edge, his previous self could never match.


    For the first time, Hurst began to struggle. He managed to dodge Caleb¡¯s attack, but the claws grazed his skin. The unpredictable, wild kicks and slashes threatened to kill Hurst with every strike. After several attacks, he¡¯d been back into a corner, his injuries becoming worse with every second.


    Thin red lines from the near misses boldly stood out on his sides, legs, and right shoulder. Hurst¡¯s counter attack came back slow, allowing him to avoid it without trouble. Caleb¡¯s smile became wider. Fun! So much fun! He couldn¡¯t remember any time that he¡¯d felt so good! If only their fight could continue like this for longer, if only he could have just a bit more fun!


    Alas, it couldn¡¯t. This man had mocked him and called him weak after all. He had to die miserably.


    Caleb¡¯s eyes filled with killing intent. The disadvantaged Hurst defense finally broke apart. Seeing that Hurst defenseless, Caleb doubled his efforts and struck at his heart. He could see the end already. As strong as Hurst was, he was still human. He wouldn¡¯t have time to dodge, and his strength was not potent enough to block. With this, it was over. Hurst would fall dead to the ground. All his men would cower and flee from him While he crushed Hurst¡¯s heart in his hand. The anticipation of a chase was driving him wild.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    At least, that should have been the case.


    Caleb¡¯s fist unexpectedly collided with something hard, completely blocking his strike. Caleb went wide eyed in shock as he felt the impact of his strike rebound through his fist. The beast¡¯s bloodlust dissolved in a flash and the indigo in his eyes disappeared. He stared in shock at Hurst, unable to believe that this man had stopped his killing blow.


    Something had changed in Hurst. Caleb could feel a terrifying power had exploded form within the man. A black, ten-pointed star materialized and expanded across his forehead. Cold, dark energy began swirling around his body. It was like he¡¯d transformed into a demon.


    In his hand was a smooth white pole with a sharp end, some sort of bizarre spear, with the same black aura swirling around it. The seamless material was like nothing Caleb had seen before, and yet it felt so familiar, as if he¡¯d seen it a million times. Whatever it was made of, Caleb knew it wasn¡¯t normal. This had completely blocked his strike; this was a feat iron would have found difficult.


    Like Caleb, Hurst didn¡¯t waste this opening. Caleb¡¯s weakened guard was quickly broken. five spear strikes landed on him before he even knew what happened. Caleb tried to strike back, but Hurst had completely taken over the offensive. The speed of Hurst¡¯s movements overwhelmed Caleb, and the skillful spear strike proved impossible to defend against. He tried to retreat, but the effort was fruitless. Four more strikes hit their marks before he could put any distance between them. Injured to this extent, he was no longer fast enough to avoid Hurst¡¯s demonic form.


    Caleb no longer felt a threatened, but rather a sense of encroaching death. If he didn¡¯t change something, he was going to die. His adrenaline went into overdrive, recklessly driving him forward. He roared furiously, betting everything on destroying that spear and killing the man wielding it in a single blow, the indigo rim returned to his eyes as he brought forth every bit of power he could muster. All his strength focused itself into a single devastating punch. His fist connected with Hurst¡¯s spear. He felt the satisfying crunching sound of the spear breaking under the force.


    A moment later, that satisfaction changed to anxiety. It had broken too easily, like a twig. Even with all his power, there was no way the spear would be so fragile. That could only mean one thing. He¡¯d taken Hurst¡¯s bait.


    Hurst had moved the spear away from his body and led Caleb astray like a bullfighter. Since his concentration was focused on the spear, Caleb had failed to realize his opponent¡¯s play. His last-ditch effort had backfired, revealing a huge opening. The world once again entered a stay of slow motion as he stared at Hurst, unable to defend against the coming attack.


    What happened next left him completely stunned. As he watched, Hurst bent his elbow. The skin split open and a sharp white object, approximately two feet in length, grew out of the hole. It looked like a shorter version of the spear from earlier.


    Even as the new weapon traveled toward him, Caleb had completely lost his focus on the fight. He finally recognized the material. Bone. The weapons were bone! He stared at Hurst with a look of disbelief, unable to believe what he¡¯d just seen. Even to him, something like this seemed impossible. This Hurst, was he really human? Perhaps, was he¡­


    His thoughts were interrupted when Hurst¡¯s new weapon smashed into him, slamming him to the ground. He coughed up blood as he struck the ground.


    ¡°Nice job, kid. You didn¡¯t fail my expectations after all.¡± Hurst praised. ¡°I actually had to draw my weapon against you. Not many people get that honor.¡±


    Caleb struggled to sit up, but fell back to the ground in agony. His eyes flickered between purple and green before finally returned to base form. ¡°Y-you¡­ What are you? No human can do that. You can¡¯t be, can you? Are you¡­?¡±


    ¡°So, you figured it out kid?¡± Hurst said with a small smile. ¡°I¡¯m someone like you. A monster. A freak of nature. To use the popular term, I¡¯m an aberrant.¡±


    ¡°Someone like me¡­¡± Caleb murmured, still in a state of shock. ¡°Aberrant.¡±


    Come to think of it, he¡¯d heard those words many times before. First back at the house, then at least once every time he¡¯d been forced to reveal his powers. He hadn¡¯t put much thought into it before, but now it was beginning to make sense. Aberrant, the term for those with power, those who couldn¡¯t belong to society because those around them feared them.


    ¡°I¡¯m not alone.¡± He realized. A tear rolled down his cheek. A small smile broke out. He began to laugh weakly. ¡°I¡¯m not the only one. There¡¯s more like me.¡±


    ¡°You never knew?¡± Hurst said in surprise. Then the grin on his face grew wider. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s the case for most aberrants these days. You believed yourself to be a freak, didn¡¯t you? I imagine that wherever you went, you were cast away like a diseased animal, or caused everyone to cower in fear. Ring a bell?¡±


    ¡°I tried. I did everything I could to make them accept me.¡± Caleb said in a quiet voice. His eyes went purple again. He clenched his fist and shook miserably. ¡°No matter how friendly they were, they all tried to kill me when they found out, even when I tried to protect them. Even when I just made myself seem a little stronger, they chased me out without a second thought.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve had it tough kid.¡± Hurst said. ¡°Honestly, given your experience, its amazing I still have two of my men. You¡¯re much softer than I expected. If it were me, I¡¯d have killed all of them.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t!¡± Caleb argued. The outburst aggravated his ribs, causing him to wince in pain. ¡°If I kill them, then I¡¯ll be exactly what they say I am! I don¡¯t want to be a monster. I don¡¯t want to be a killer like you!¡±


    ¡°Even if you end up dead as a result? What good will that do you?¡± Hurst retorted coolly.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°Kid, tell me your name.¡±


    Caleb hesitated for a moment, then stammered. ¡°C-Caleb.¡±


    ¡°Good to meet you Caleb. My name is Hurst. William Hurst. No one uses my first name. Do you know why I live as a raider?¡±


    Caleb shook his head.


    ¡°I live like this because humans are scum. No matter how I try, society doesn¡¯t accept people like us. Since they don¡¯t accept me, I have no reason to try. Instead, I became a symbol of power and fear. The only ones who get in my way are those who foolishly believe they have strength.¡±


    ¡°The tattoos probably don¡¯t help though.¡± The muscular man behind Caleb muttered. Hurst threw an annoyed glance in his direction, but ignored him.


    ¡°Remember this, Caleb. They will always fear you. If you allow them to step on you, they will even dare to kill you. So instead of trying to hide yourself, you should reveal yourself in your full glory. Show them a power they don¡¯t dare to resist against!¡±


    Caleb stared at him, speechless. What was this feeling? The longer he stared at Hurst, the bigger and brighter Hurst¡¯s form seemed to become. Subconsciously, a sense of admiration washed over him.


    ¡°So kid, what do you say we wrap this up? We had a bet, but I don¡¯t think I ever told you my condition for if I won.¡±


    Caleb snapped back to reality, remembering the situation. In his current state, he didn¡¯t have any hope of fighting further. Even if he could, he¡¯d only be punching bag. His wounds were too severe. Even knowing the possible consequences, there was nothing he could do to turn it around.


    ¡°What do you want from me?¡±


    ¡°Simple. Turn your back on those humans. Join me. Unlike those ingrates, I know the value of your power. Someone like you would be an invaluable addition?¡±


    Kill him!


    As if responding to Hurst¡¯s offer, the voice in Caleb¡¯s head suddenly became extremely hostile. The beast inside him began to thrash wildly, it killing intent exploding in Caleb¡¯s mind.


    ¡°You¡­ You¡¯d accept me?¡± Caleb asked, hardly believing his ears.


    ¡°What reason do I have to fear you, kid? You¡¯re aberrant like me. Unlike those humans, I understand you. I¡¯ve been through your pain, walked that path of solitude. Since we¡¯re here now, why shouldn¡¯t we join hands? Follow me. Become a part of my gang. I promise you, you¡¯ll have a home among us.¡±


    A home. Caleb didn¡¯t dare believe it. He had long given up the hope of finding a home. Could it be true. No, it wasn¡¯t possible. He must be lying. It was a trick. The moment he let his guard down, they would attack him like all the rest. He had to look for a chance to escape. Nothing appeared. Between Hurst and the man behind him, there really was no hope even if he could move.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, I won¡¯t force you. I¡¯ll just change the request. Work for me for a year. If you don¡¯t like it here, you can leave after that. Just suppression and labor, no killing. That should make up for your actions.¡± Hurst continued, seeing the doubt on Caleb¡¯s face.


    ¡°I killed one of your men. You should want to kill me. Why are you doing this?¡± Caleb asked.


    ¡°Because unlike him, you aren¡¯t a coward who would run away from danger. You strike me as someone who would keep his word. I already told you, the only crimes you committed are theft and overstepping your bounds. If you want me to kill you for that, I can.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m really hoping you¡¯ll say yes. I told you already, didn¡¯t I? I want you to join us.¡±


    Kill him! Kill this rat now! The voiced screamed. Caleb ignored it, stuck in contemplation. Could he really trust this man? Was it possible he was telling the truth?


    These were words no one ad ever said to him after he revealed his power. It was the first time he¡¯d ever encountered someone who wholeheartedly wished to accept him. Perhaps he could take a chance? Just once. This time, maybe it was real. Maybe he truly could find acceptance among them.


    KILL THEM ALL! NOW! The voice roared.


    Screw you! Caleb thought back. He wasn¡¯t about to let some voice tell him what to do. Not now, when such a chance was in front of him. He built up his resolution and stared into Hurst¡¯s eyes, his expression firm.


    ¡°One year.¡± Caleb said. ¡°I¡¯ll leave if I decide to after that.¡±


    Hurst smiled. ¡°Glad to have you aboard, Caleb. I have great expectations for you.¡± He offered Caleb a hand up. After a moment, Caleb took it. Then he collapsed.


    ¡°Whoops. I forgot how beat up he is. Gator, carry him. Were leaving for the coast.¡±


    ¡°I still think I should have fought him.¡±


    ¡°What part of ¡®recruit¡¯ didn¡¯t you understand? He has to be alive to join us!¡±


    That argument was the last Caleb heard before consciousness left him. The beast inside him growled disdainfully as he fell into a deep slumber, its voice filled with cold fury.


    Foolish boy. You do not yet understand what a real monster is, nor who is an ant. You will regret this decision one day. I guarantee it.