The S.S.C

S.S.C

A Normal Day?

The Beginning-

In the beginning I was just a normal kid doing my ordinary tasks of the day. Nothing special, I was just another normal kid trying to make it through a seemingly endless school day like all the other kids. Our school was a nice place. But you could surely call it...different than most other places. Many things happened around the school that many people didn't know. In all, there were nice teachers, nice food, and nice kids. But of coarse not everyone can be like the rest. There were many bullies in our school too. They were part of a top-secret club called THEM. However, the club was often called THEY for top secret reasons. They would pick on kids all the time, showing no mercy towards us. But we kids had some help to fight against THEY. There was another group called The S.S.C, however most kids just called them: The Fighters Club. They were a friendly bunch and even though there were only a few of them, they were still very strong and dedicated to fighting for our safety. I had never seen them in action but i have heard they were amazing fighters, that could take on almost anything. My name is Tim Allender...and this is my story.

Just a Normal Day?-

I think it all began the day I was talking to my best friend James in the hallway about the increasing attacks of THEY. James had been my best friend for years now. He was strong for our age but never resorted to violence. James always stood out in our classes due to his coal black hair and height, overall, he was a nice guy who I knew I could always confide in if I ever I had a problem. "Did you hear about what happened to Ron last week?" asked James. "No what happened," I asked in my usual boisterous and loud voice. "He was in the locker room by himself, when he was attacked by some THEY members who wanted his money!" I was shocked by this. THEY members had never attacked a kid I knew personally, like Ron. "Did they get the money?" I asked, looking down at my feet. James paused for a moment but then said "They almost did but the fighters stopped them before they could." "It's hard to believe that this kind of thing can happen without being stopped by a teacher," I said. "They don't usually take money," James corrected. "Those members were probably just breaking the rules. You don't have to worry about this happening to you." I was relieved to hear this and I began to walk to my next class. "See-ya later Tim!" shouted James as I walked away. On my way there I headed for a short-cut to my next class when all of a sudden I heard yelling coming from a room in the corner of the gym. I walked inside and was astonished too see a fight going on between some kids! It had to be the fighters Vs. THEY! I began too walk out when I was pulled back by a bruised-up hand! I looked behind me and saw a mean looking boy, looking at me in disdain. I tried to get away but his grip was to strong! So I turned around and punched him in the arm. It didn't seem to do a thing. I wasn't a very good fighter. I kept hitting but the kid only laughed. "You punch like a girl!" he yelled. Then he punched me hard in my stomach. I staggered back in pain and I thought it was over. But then I saw the kid was running towards me, ready to finish me off! I closed my eyes and waited to be knocked out. I could tell that this was going to hurt.

A Hero-

But too my amazement, nothing happened! I opened my eyes and saw that the mean looking kid had been stopped by a tall, brown haired kid i had never seen before. The kid had just saved me! The brown haired hero turned around to look at me and shouted "Get out of here kid!" I decided to listen to him and I ran for the door. But of coarse when I got out I opened the door a little to see what was happening. All the stories about the fighters were true. They really were wonderful fighters. Their movements were so quick and agile, it was true that they were definitely experts. There were about twenty-four kids in that room in-all. But I was mainly focused on the kid that saved me, and how the fight would turn out. My hero punched the kid in his shoulder and tripped him with a quick spin on the floor. The bully then jumped up and began to kick the hero in the side. Eventually my hero was cornered and it looked as if he was going to lose, when all of a sudden the hero tackled him and they ran into a wall. My hero got him in a head lock and spun him around until he finally let go, sending the mean kid into another wall. The bully jumped up and attempted to flip my hero over his shoulder but the kid countered the attack by elbowing him in the chest, causing the bully to fall down in pain. The bully ran out the door without looking back. The battle raged on for quite a while until eventually the fighters won. I was silently cheering to myself as i watched the fighters celebrate over the victory. Finally they stopped and exchanged high-fives until they all began to leave through different doors. Finally everyone was gone except for the kid that had saved me earlier. I was going to walk in and thank him but I decided against it. I watched him stand there but then he stiffened up and looked in my direction. He knew I was there!

My Master-

I was about to run away when he shouted "wait!" He opened the door and looked at me for a while, like I was an alien. Finally he spoke up in a scornful voice. "Why did you walk into the middle of a battle like that you could have been badly hurt!" I said "I was dragged in there by one of those bullies." He then yelled again "You were a horrible fighter out there, don't you know how to give a good punch?!" I paused for a moment but I finally said "No...I am not very good at fighting...you are clearly better than me." He then said "No....in my opinion everyone is just as good of a fighter than anyone else." "All they need is a little help." I shook my head like I understood but I really had no idea what he meant. The kid spoke again "My name is Eric... what is your name?" "I am Tim Allender" I said. Eric looked at me some more and said "How would you like to be my apprentice Tim?" I was shocked by this. "Really....you want me as... no-way... your kidding right?... I can't believe it." Eric spoke up "Is it a yes or a no?" "Sure," I said. "I would love to fight along-side you and the others. It would be an honer." He said he would meet me at recess to practice and he walked off. I was so excited. I had to tell someone. So on my way to recess I told James the good news. "Wow... you are really part of the fighters group now?" asked James. "I think so." I said "And pretty soon I am going to kick those bullies butts!" James seemed shocked and he said he had to go. So James ran off and I headed towards Eric, who was standing next to an old tree. I ran up to him and loudly yelled "SO! WHAT DO WE DO FIRST!?" Eric looked up at me and said "First...we change your attitude."

Training-

I was confused at first. And I said "What do you mean?!" Eric calmly said, "You are to loud... and to annoying. Being an Fighter means you have to be wise, smart, and diligent." "What about strong!?" I yelled. Eric looked at me and said, "knowledge is far more important than brute strength." "I don't understand," I replied. "You will someday." said Eric in his usual, calm voice. "So from now on I want you to be calm,diligent,and understanding. Only then can you be a TRUE hero." I was annoyed by this, but nodded my head. "Now give me 100 push-ups!" Eric yelled. At first I thought he was just trying to make a joke, but when I looked at his eyes, I could tell he wasn't kidding. I got down and started the push-ups. I got to 30 before I stopped. "What are you doing, don't give up!" Eric yelled. So I kept going, soon, I lost track of the numbers but Eric was silently counting in his head, above me. "Keep going!" My hands were burning and I was already sweating. "I can't do it." I said. "don't give up!" he yelled. I went faster but my legs started to go numb. My heart was beating really hard...could I make it? "Keep going, don't give up!" Eric yelled some more. I was getting slower and my side began to hurt. I could tell people were beginning to crowd around to watch me. They chanted for me to keep going. Eric yelled "You can do it, you can do it!" I started to yell in pain. I was sweating like crazy. My arms were giving out. Eric told me to hurry. So I went a little faster but my heart couldn't let me go further. More people started to come and watch. I yelled in pain some more and I began to stop. But then I realized that they were counting on me to do this, and do it right.

Pain-

My face was dripping with sweat. And I was aching all over. My breathing became more erratic as I continued. "Don't give up, you can do it!" Eric kept saying. Some kids were cheering. Others just looked at me astounded. As I looked at the crowds I saw that James was standing in the crowd too. However he was not cheering. He was just looking at me with his arms crossed. I couldn't feel my arms anymore and I was in great pain. But I kept going. I kept thinking to myself I can do it, I can do it. I got faster and people cheered some more. I looked up at James again but he was standing away from the crowd, talking to a kid at the corner of the play ground. They kept looking over at me and then they started to argue. "Almost!" shouted Eric. I yelled again in pain. I thought I could not continue. But my body wanted to finish. My heart was beating so loud I was sure I could hear it. My muscles ached with a burning pain and my stomach felt as if it were on fire too. Finally after about five minutes, my arms gave-way and I fell to the ground. I had given up. I just couldn't do it. The crowds cheered and started to walk off. I turned my self over and looked up at the sky. My breathing was eratic. After a while Eric took my hand and helped me up. I looked at him and felt light headed and very sleepy. I tried to speak but it felt like I was going to puke. Finally I managed to say "I...sorry...I failed you....Eric, I can't do 100 push-ups." Eric looked at me and finally said. "You are right, you couldn't do 100... you did 157!"

The New Me-

I was shocked by what Eric said. But he was not lying, I could tell. I gave a big smile. I looked over at the spot where James and the other kid were standing. They were both gone. "You have done a great job today Tim. You deserve a rest." said Eric, and he walked away. I was happy I had done such a good job. The next day I woke up feeling sore all over. I could barely get out of bed. That day I spoke with Eric about the battle I had witnessed. "We were going on a mission to find a missing fighters member. He was taken by one of THEY's leaders named Talon. We found our missing member but as we retreated with him, we were cornered by the group of THEY members, lead by Talon. We began to fight, and that is about the time you came in. Talon eventually got away during the fight though." "Who trained you?" I asked querulously. "I trained myself" said Eric. "Eventually I was allowed into the fighters club to fight against THEY." Then Eric looked down at his feet and said sadly: "THEY have been attacking innocent kids more and more... I think a war is bound to happen...and soon." "Don't worry" I said "With me on your side there is no-way you can lose." Eric looked up with a smile on his face and he said "you never know...maybe someday THEY will turn to the light and become our new allies. After all, those born by darkness can bring new light." I didn't understand what Eric meant again, and even though it annoyed me some more, i didn't mind. Eric was a great teacher and I knew it was only a matter of time before I could truly prove myself to him. "Now Tim" said Eric "Give me 100 sit-ups!" The old me would have totally said "No-way"  To a request like that. But I wasn't the old me anymore... I was an awesome member of the fighters and i never give up. So I began the sit-ups. This was the beginning of a hero.

A Bad Move

Early meeting-

It was about 4:00 in the morning on a Wednesday when my phone rang. I answered and it turned out to be Eric! We hadn't been getting along too well, over the past few months. He was starting to get on my nerves when he would tell me all these old sayings that I didn't understand or when he would give me missions, they were so stupid and unimportant. I didn't want stupid missions i wanted exciting missions. And today over the phone, I was ready to finally tell him that. "Hello Tim" he said in his usual calm and collected voice. "Hey Eric." "Can you meet me at the park?" he said. I was shocked to hear that, maybe I would finally have a real mission. "Sure, I'll be right down" I said. Then he hung up. I quickly got ready and quietly headed to the old park. At first I didn't see anyone, but as I looked around i saw Eric quietly sitting under an old maple tree. I sat down with him without talking, we were both staring into the sky. We sat there for about seven minutes before I finally spoke. "Eric, I want to have a REAL mission. One that will make me a hero." Eric spoke up and said "Good things come to those who wait." This made me even more angry, but I tried not to show my frustration. "I called you hear to tell you something important." said Eric. "Tomorrow during lunch, all fighters members are needed to report to room number R6 for a meeting." I almost lept into the air to shout with glee. Even though it was just a meeting, it could lead to something bigger. Like the cool mission I was waiting for! "I'll be there." I shouted. We sat there for a few more minutes before i realized that he had nothing more to say. So I left.

School-

It was hard trying to make it through the school day. I had to tell someone about the great honer I was going to have, to actually meet all the Fighters members and go on a mission with them! There was only one person I knew I could trust, to tell. And that person was James. I met James outside for recess. "Hey James, I have great news." I shouted. "What is it?" James asked. "Tomorrow during lunch, there is a meeting with all the fighters members. They will probably give me a cool mission, finally." James seemed happy for me and asked "What room?" I probably wouldn't have told most people where, but I had known James for years, I knew I could always count on him. "Room R6" I whispered. James seemed satisfied and told me good luck. He then ran into the school. The entire day I didn't see Eric, but I knew he was around. For the rest of the day (when no-one was looking) I would practice on my fighting moves. After all I sure would need them for the great mission I was about to have. That night I couldn't go to sleep, my mind was to busy, buzzing around with awesome thoughts of the adventures I would have tomorrow. I could picture it now. I would be cheered on by the entire school. I would be a legend, I would be popular, I would be... a hero.

The argument-

The day finally came. It felt like I had been waiting for months to see this great meeting. I barely paid attention during class. I was WAY to excited to listen to the boring things they had to say.when lunch finally came around I slipped out of sight and sneaked over to the meeting place. It was a medium sized room that had no computers,desks, or much of anything inside of it. The room was extremely quiet and no-one was there except for Eric! He was writing down plans on a board. "Where are the others?" I asked. I was getting worried. what if he was just kidding and they wouldn't show up at all? "They will take a while to get hear." "For now, just sit down and relax." I sat for a while as quiet as I could, but finally I couldn't take it anymore. "What is the meeting about." "What mission will they put me on?" Eric looked at me with a confused look on his face. "You aren't going on a mission." "I told you before: good things come to those who wait." At first I was shocked, but then i got ANGRY! "STOP IT!" I yelled. "I am tired of this, I am tired of you!" "I am tired of you telling me your dumb sayings that make no sense!" "What kind of hero are you!" "You can't even put me on a real mission!" "All you care about is yourself!" I was yelling so loud i was surprised a teacher didn't hear it and come into the room. I didn't say anything else. I just stood there giving Eric the dirtiest look I had. He looked at me like he didn't know me anymore. I didn't care what he would say. I was tired of him and I wasn't afraid to show it. And then....it happened. I was so upset, so angry, so hateful. That I had no-time to see it coming... neither of us saw it coming. It is just amazing how something can turn from bad to worse is just seconds. Both doors leading into the room burst open! And Tons of THEY members came charging into the room!... It was an ambush!

Taken by surprise-

Before Eric and I could react we were pumbled by the kids and I felt a sharp pain in my side. I tried to stand up but it was no-use I was being pushed down. I frantically looked up trying to find Eric...but he was gone. THIS was the real deal. This time there was no-one there too save me. I was on my own. I managed to finally stand up and get out of the large crowd. But as soon as I did, tons of the kids broke out of the group and started coming toward me! I quickly ducked and missed being hit by a fist. Two of the kids tried to drag me back into the large crowd, but I was to strong for them. As I punched a kid in the stomach, I once again looked out for Eric. He was still no-where to be seen. One of the kids twisted my arm and through me onto the floor, causing me to hit my face. He was about to do a body slam on me but I twisted around and tripped him into another THEY member. More attention was starting to be focused on me and more kids came my way to subdue me. I kicked one in his chest and threw another kid into a wall. I started to make my way towards a door but I was caught by my shoulder and dragged back in. Eight more kids came my way and although i tried my best to get away from them, it was no good. They cornered me in the back of the room and began to punch me in my stomach and shoulders. Just as the kids started to go for my face, tons of kids from the fighters club came pouring into the room! I was saved! Two kids from my side, were able to get the THEY members away from me. And I started to look again for Eric. There was still no sign of him anywhere. Once again,another THEY member jumped at me and elbowed me in the side of my face. I started to wobble backwards and he kept on hitting me! After a while I was able to counter-attack one of his punches and then i tripped him. My victory was short-lived though, because three more THEY members tackled me to the ground and once again, started to punch me. When I finally got out of the crowd of kids, I was hurting all over and I started to call for Eric. After a while someone from my side picked me up and took me outside. I looked up at him, but it wasn't Eric, it was just another random fighter from our side. He ran back into the battle and left me out there with all the other injured kids from our side. As I lyed there I started to figure out where I went wrong. How did they know we were there?... Finally, I figured it out.

A bad move-

Finally it all made sense to me. There was only ONE, outside person that would know about this meeting. A person I had trusted for years. And that person was none other than James! As I fighters member, one of your main requirements is to use your head when making decisions. And lets face it I hadn't used my head to think this out at all. No-wonder Eric didn't trust me with any REAL missions, I was so stupid i couldn't see the enemy EVEN when it was right in front of me! I had failed everyone, myself,my team,and even Eric, who always there for me. "What kind of member am I?" I thought to myself. But then i thought the way Eric would have wanted me to think. There are two options 1. I could lie there a whimper to myself like a baby. or 2. I could do what Eric would want me too do, and keep on fighting as best as I could. And I picked 2. As i began to stand up, I saw a bulky kid, followed by two others run out of the battle! The bulky kid was not from our side and he looked pretty angry. He ordered the other two, to go back into the battle at different angles. But he stayed outside and kept running away. I got a pretty good glimpse of his face and it looked exactly like the pictures Eric had shown me that Talon looked like! That had to be Talon! If Talon got away again, all hopes of avoiding a war would be crushed... I had to stop him.

A battle with Talon-

Even though I was limping, I ran after Talon as fast as i could. He saw me for sure, but that didn't slow him down. He was starting to leave school boundaries! And if I didn't catch him quick, I would miss my next class! He jumped over a fence and ran through a swampy part of grass. But that didn't slow me down. I could tell he was heading for some large housing additions that weren't very far away. If he got there I wouldn't be able to find him. I started to run faster, however Talon started to throw rocks back at me. I dodged some of them, but one hit me in the leg and i began to slow down. I threw a rock back at him and it hit him in his back! As he started to slow down I ran faster to catch up. I almost caught him by the collar of his shirt but he quickly jerked away and ran faster than before! I shouted for him to stop but it was no use. He started to zig-zag to try to confuse me but that didn't work. I started to slow down, i was getting to tired, and I was starting to sweat. But just as i was about to give up I remembered the time I had done 157 push-ups. If I could do that then I could certainly run faster than dumb-old-Talon. I started to run a little more faster. Talon was running so fast he didn't see the small hole that had been dug. His leg got stuck inside of it and he fell hard on the ground! He tried to get back up but it was to-late I had got him! It wasn't over yet though. "Fine you've caught me." "But lets see if you are as good of a fighter as you are a runner." He laughed. "Bring it on!" I yelled. And so... the fight began. Talon punched me in the stomach and kneed me in my side. I then got him in a choke-hold and elbowed him in the back. He fell to the ground but then tripped me! he got up really fast and started to step on my spine! As I yelled out in pain he just laughed! I grabbed a stick and threw it at his face. Talon stumbled backwards And I began to punch him in the chest. But before I could react he caught my fist and twisted my arm! I cried out in pain, but he didn't care, he just kept on laughing. Finally I was able to push him back and keep on fighting. As he was stumbling backwards I ran over and kicked him in his stomach he fell down to the ground and gave an angry yell. He tried to kick me but I stepped back before he could manage it. Eric once told me that you could tell a lot about a person by looking into there eyes. And by the looks of it, Talon's eyes were telling me that he was getting really angry. Talon hopped up and ran towards me as fast as he could, he was able to knock me down but i was able to kick him hard in his side on my way down. Talon shouted out in pain as I got back up and hit him in the back of his head. Finally,just as I was about to do a body slam to finish it all off Talon spoke up in his scratchy,intimidating voice. "STOP!... I... surrender....you win!" he yelled. I was overcome with joy at my great victory and I started to celebrate when I remembered the bad news,: WHERE WAS ERIC!?

Blamed-

I thought I was a hero that day...one of the best fighter members there ever was or will be...I was wrong. I may have caught Talon and stopped a potential war...but I was still going to be held responsible for the ambush and for all the injuries that my teammates suffered that day. Later on that week i got word from one of my teammates that there was going to be a very serious meeting during lunch to discuss the ambush on Wednesday. Even Brad, (the leader of the S.S.C) was going to speak to all of us. It was then that i started to get worried. They would most likely fire me for what i had done. That day as I was walking towards the meeting place i kept thinking to myself "Why did i have to open my big, fat mouth!?" But there was no changing the future now. I was going to be fired and that was that. I walked into the room and it was just as quiet as before, except this time, all the members were there! They were just so afraid that they would be blamed that they were to afraid to talk. I quietly sat down and just kept starring at my feet. Finally Brad came up in front of us all and started to speak "As you all know...no-one has taken responsibility for the attack on Wednesday. So now (after using spy impute) we now know who to blame this horrible ambush on..." I was starting to sweat they obviously knew it was me by now. The leader began to talk to us again, but right before he could speak, a voice shouted "Stop!" I turned around to see who it was. I was happy to see that it was Eric! He looked okay besides a few bruises and cuts around his face. I had no-idea what he was about to say...but even today I am still shocked about it. After pausing a moment Eric continued "I take FULL responsibility for this attack!" I was stunned by what he had just said. Eric KNEW that it was my fault that the attack happened yet he took the blame for me! Everyone (even the leader) was shocked by this turn of events. "Are you sure about that Eric?" the leader said "I was about to call on Tim." All eyes shifted to me. I could tell that they were all up-set. Eric continued to say "I am sure." I was about to yell out that it was ALL my fault but that would only make Eric mad. Finally (after waiting a while) Brad said, "Even though you have been a great member Eric, we all know what must happen to anyone who discloses our whereabouts and information." "I am sorry Eric... but you are fired." And just like that it was over...all the kids left and the room was empty. I just sat there, though. I was still stunned by what Eric had just done. I felt a hand on my shoulder and it was Eric (I could tell without looking). "Why...why did you do that for me?" I asked. Eric looked up at the sky and said the words I would never forget: "I have had many great adventures and acts of bravery...but you are just beginning Tim!" "Promise me...that you will never give up Tim...can you promise me that?" I started to feel a tear come to my eye. I was able to say "Yes...yes i promise to NEVER give up..." I started to cry and cover my eyes, but that couldn't change what had just happened. Finally when I was done crying I looked up and was about to say more to Eric...but he was gone.

Tim Allender-

I never did see Eric again. But do I really need to? In my opinion his words and stories will always be with me, no-matter what. After that day I realized that I really needed to shape-up, because this time Eric wouldn't be there to save me again. After that day I made it a goal of mine to act more like Eric would have wanted me too. And you should know by now that when I make a goal for myself... I always accomplish it.

Starting Over

A new beginning-

After Eric had left, I felt lost, how could I start-over after all that had happened? But like all decisions I would make from then-on, I had to think like Eric would have wanted me to think, and that is what lead me to my next big move. Something that would start-over all that had happened and create a new story for myself and for others. So my first move was to obviously get an apprentice of my own! But even before I would do that I had to tie up some loose ends. And what I mean by that is that I'd have too talk with James. James and I hadn't spoke since the time I told him about the secret meeting. Since then, we haven't made any contact. But if I were to get a new apprentice, I would have to make sure that James did not interfere again.To be honest, I was afraid too confront James. Like I mentioned before, James and I had been friends for a long time. And now (after all we had been through) confronting him would be hard for me. But that would not detour me from this mission. So the next day at recess I made my move. James seemed surprised too see me. It was clear that he had not expected me to talk to him anytime soon. I started off simple "Hello James." He tried to keep his cool and said "Hey there Tim, how have you been?" It was clear he was playing stupid and this made me upset. But I continued the chat "Not to good James...there was an attack on the secret meeting we were planning...then again...you already know that don't you?" I started to close in on him. I didn't expect to fight James, but I would if it was needed. James pretended to look shocked by what I said but I could see through his fake emotions. "I don't know what you are talking about." he said. "You are lying!" I shouted "I know that you were the one that told the THEY members about the meeting." "You almost got me fired!" He finally stopped pretending to be surprised and spoke in a very annoyed tone "In my opinion the fighters team are the bad guys here not us! If you had gotten fired then you could have been saved from future attacks! I WAS TRYING TO SAVE YOU! And I will continue to give away your positions until almost everyone in the fighters team is fired or beaten!" So it was true, James really was a THEY member! But I wouldn't back down now, so I started to speak in as calm of a voice as I could manage. "No you won't." "If you EVER try to send another attack on our group again, I will beat you down...just like Talon!" James finally seemed shocked. And very upset too. At first he was speechless before he managed to say: "YOU!...it was YOU who defeated Talon!" Because of you, our attacks have been pushed back months!" James started to get in a fighting position. He was ready to take me down. But like Eric once said: "He, who fights in anger always loses...even if they win." So I walked away. "Stop!" screamed James from behind me. Are you even listening to me?!" But I didn't turn around. I kept walking. The past was behind me now. NOW it was time for the future. Me and James never did speak to each other again,which made me upset, but a fighters member has to always be strong. Now, it was time to find an apprentice.

The right decision-

Picking an apprentice to carry on what you have taught them and picking one that is still strong enough to carry on without me,was going to be a challenge. I still think Eric made a bad decision picking me. Many of the kids I knew were all in there own universe. They thought that they should always be the center of attention and that the world revolved around them. I needed someone who was open-minded,not shut up like a clam. There was only one person I knew that fit that description...and his name was Nick. I had met Nick last year, and talked to him at lunch sometimes. He was a nice kid who was very smart and responsible. And with some training, I was sure that I could make him unbelievably strong. So, Nick was my new target, question is, Would he become my apprentice? I guess there was only one way to find out, and that is by asking him. That day at lunch, I made my way through the crowds of kids to find good-ole Nick. After scanning the lunch room a couple times, I found him. He was sitting at the lunch table, by the wall. I walked over to him and sat down. "Hey Tim, I haven't talked to you in a while." I greeted him and began to explain why I had come to speak to him. I talked about THEY and James,I talked about Talon and the fighters club,I talked about Eric and the big ambush, and in the end Nick seemed a little overwhelmed. After he was able to understand everything I had told him, he still looked confused. "So, why are you telling me this?" I finally asked him if he would like to be my new apprentice. And once I did, he looked more serious. "Gee Tim, I don't know about if I could do stuff like that." "I am just not cut-out for it ya-know?" I was sad to hear this, Nick was the only person I knew could become a great apprentice. "At least consider it." I said, "I was never really sure I would be ready for the responsibility either... but things change." He nodded his head that he would consider and I left to get some food.

A kid named Machine-

For the past few weeks, a new threat calling himself Machine began to emerge. After Talon was beat up and captured by me, Machine took leadership over THEY. I had never seen Machine but I heard that he was a tall and powerful kid. There was a story going around that Machine was able to beat up seven fighter members at once before calling for backup! Many people believed he couldn't be stopped by the fighters club but rather an army. But the way I see it is that there were three ways to take Machine down. 1: We could wait till the year was over and hope that his bullying would die out over the summer. 2: Find Machine's master and defeat him so that he would not know what to do anymore. Or 3: Take him down myself, HEAD ON! Option 1 seemed to be to much waiting and hoping so that was not a good option. And option 2 would be hard. There were other stories going around saying that Machine's master was called Corruption, but that could be a rumor. So there was only one option left: Take on Machine myself! The school year was starting to come to an end, if I didn't defeat Machine before then, it was possible that he could get even stronger over the summer! I had to attack soon. As I was beginning to lay down the phone rang. To my surprise, it was Nick! "Tim, I've been thinking about what you said...and I have decided that I will become your apprentice." I was overcome with joy, after hearing this. "Thanks Nick. We will practice tomorrow." and then we hung up.

Training Nick-

When it came to training my new apprentice, i wanted to use some of the training methods, Eric tried with me. But I also wanted to add-in some of my own training methods too. When Nick finally arrived, I got straight to the point. "Alright Nick, give me 50 push-ups!" Nick looked shocked "What!...that is so unfair!" I just chuckled to myself and thought "You don't know how lucky you are." Nick began to do the push-ups faster than I expected. It wasn't long before he was at thirty! Unlike Eric though, I did not encourage him to go on. I just kept watching, hoping that he could make it. As Nick began to get into the forties, he began to slow down. I still kept quiet though. A fighters member needs to learn that to do his or her job right. They need to learn that the master won't always be there to encourage them to do better. Nick kept going he was at 44. Some kids from around the park, started to clap for him. Nick was almost there. He was at 47! He began to pant and groan in pain. I wanted SO badly to shout for him to keep trying, but I stuck to my method and i kept quiet. Nick was in pain. You could see it on his face. He was at 49! More kids started to clap a cheer him on. Finally Nick did one of the most wobbly push-ups I had ever seen. But it was good enough. Finally I cheered at his good work. He was out of breath but it was clear he could have made it further if he tried hard enough. The kids started to leave and after I gave Nick a great pep-talk I told him it was time to run a few laps around the track. Nick seemed disappointed but his heart was in the right place, I could tell that. And even though this was a great day (and I was happy to be Nick's master) I still had to keep in mind, that the big battle with Machine, was coming... and that I was running out of time.

More training-

Gradually, Nick's training became more intense and longer. Finally, the day came when I decided to teach him some fighting tactics I learned from Eric. I decided to get right into it and told Nick I would explain more as our spar continued. With that, Nick ran up to me extremely fast, his fist raised high in the air, ready for the first punch. But I saw it all coming though. Quickly, I grabbed hold of his hand and threw Nick softly to the ground. "Making the first move in a battle is one of the biggest mistakes you can make," I explained. "Yes sir," Nick replied and he attempted to kick me in the stomach. Quickly, I grabbed hold of his leg and pushed him father away from me. I allowed Nick to stand once more, and he attempted to lunge at me. I swiftly ducked and nearly elbowed him in his neck. "Think carefully," I explained. "Stay calm and collected." "Yes sir," Nick replied. Suddenly, Nick managed to tackle me to the ground! With relative ease, I shook him off and Nick stumbled back realizing I once again had the upper hand. "If you are going to tackle someone, do it with enough force to keep them down," I said. Nick nodded and we continued to spar. I began to try and elbow him, but Nick managed to block the hits and head-butt me! As I backed up in surprise, Nick then ran up to me and got me into a headlock. But before he could do anything, I freed myself and got him in an even stronger headlock. He continued to try to throw me back, but I wouldn't let him. As I was about to corner Nick against a tree, he kicked me in the stomach and jumped away from my grasp. Without stopping, Nick lunged at me again with both hands raised high. Before he could cause more damage, I grabbed both of his hands. We began to try to push each-other to the ground. We seemed equally matched, but I slowly gained the upper hand and Nick soon stumbled to the ground. "Use you legs to push me instead of just your arms," I explained. "You have done VERY well though. In a few months or so, you will be able to take on some big missions of your own." Nick smiled, "Thank you sir," he said. "I won't give up. I actually feel like a better person thanks to you and your training, you trust me more than anyone Tim... thank you." I helped him up and we headed to my house to watch some movies.

Chatting with Nick-

Finally it was time to make the big move. I had been sending Machine messages for a while now discussing when the battle should take place, and where. We had finally agreed on meeting at the old park at nighttime, tomorrow. Over the past six weeks, Nick had gotten much stronger. After a while Nick even looked forward to our practice sessions! He was asking me about the practice session tomorrow but I had to tell him the news. "Nick, tomorrow we won't have time for the practice session, I am meeting with Machine tonight to fight him and make sure he never bothers another kid again." Nick seemed sad at first but then his eyes lit up with joy. "Do I get to come along and help you fight him?" Nick meant well but it was just to dangerous to bring Nick along to fight. "Sorry Nick this is just to big of a job. You haven't been trained enough." "Just give me a chance," Nick pleaded. "I have been waiting SO long for a moment like this!" "The answer in no," I said solemnly. "You will get your chance next year to fight some bullies." I was afraid of how Nick would react. After all, I didn't take it to well after Eric told me I wasn't ready yet. But to my surprise Nick only replied with "Oh... I understand... maybe some other time." I was shocked by Nick's reaction. It seemed a little strange and out of place for him to say. Something wasn't right. But I had no-time to worry, the battle was tomorrow and I had to practice. The entire day all I could think about was the fight with Machine. He has been proven to be stronger then Talon but what I worry about most is, is Machine smarter? After all, brains Vs. brons is a never ending battle. Both are about the same in power. But if you have BOTH then you truly are powerful. Only now did Eric's seemingly crazy sayings make sense. While I was practicing I started to think about Nick's simple reaction. But I still thought it wasn't anything to worry about...If I had only known how wrong I was...

Battling Machine-

It was 2:00 in the morning. My parents were asleep and so was everyone else on our street. But I was wide awake, and ready for the fight that awaited me. I got to the old park later than I expected, but it didn't matter, Machine was still there, waiting for me. When he saw me he grinned the widest most evil grin I had ever seen. "So you made it Tim. I thought you might chicken-out. How has your apprentice been?" I was confused that Machine would mention Nick but I told him anyways. "He is doing fine...why are you asking?!" Machine grinned even wider and he started to laugh maniacally. I started to put two and two together and I finally understood. "What did you do to him!" I yelled. It was then that Machine told me what occurred a few hours ago:"Your dumb partner came to me earlier wanting to fight me off...to impress you." I started to get upset, but kept listening to what Machine was saying. "He was a pretty good fighter... but not good enough." He started to laugh again. I was burning with anger and I screamed "What did you do!" After Machine was done laughing, he finally answered "Well...lets just say....you won't be hearing from him EVER again!" Then Machine pulled out a knife! It was hard to see in the dark, but it looked as if there were stains of blood on it! My heart seemed to skip a beat. Something seemed out of balance but I couldn't tell what it was. I had no room for words, all I could do now was fight! I ran up to him and punched him in the stomach and then kneed him in his face. He got back up and swung the knife at me! I was able to dodge it and kick it out of his hands. Machine got me in a choke hold and twisted my arm. I broke away and kicked him on my way down to the ground. Machine started to get angry and yelled "You are the next one to die!" I got up but Machine rushed over to me and drop-kicked me to the ground. Machine got up first and kicked me down to the ground. He was about to punch me in the back but I rolled out of his way just in time. I ran at him as fast as I could and kicked him back. But he didn't fall down this time, he then started to corner me by punching me in my stomach multiple times. I cried out in pain, but it wasn't like anyone could hear me. He managed to punch me is my face and hit me is my nose with his wrist. He was getting better and I had to stop him, FAST! Machine charged at me and ran me into the slide. I was able to climb up the slide to safety but it wasn't long before Machine followed. I tried to punch him but he caught my fist and pushed me against one of the rails! And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse he was able to pick me up and throw me of the bridge of the playground! I hit the ground with a loud THUD! I started to moan some more. But it still was no-use. Machine was coming my way to finish me off. But I wouldn't give up so easily. As he stopped to gloat above me, I kicked him in his chest,quickly got up, and hit him as hard as I could in his face. I was starting to get angry but I remembered to calm myself down. Machine was getting upset again and kept trying to punch me, but I dodged most of the punches and blocked some others. I rolled over to another area and then lept at Machine and started to punch him in the face some more. As Machine yelled out in pain, it gave me time to get off him and elbow him into the ground. Finally it was over. "Okay...okay you win I give up." yelled Machine. I almost believed him but after getting a glimpse of his eyes, I knew he was lying! While Machine was on the ground, he was able to pick up the knife I had hit out of his hands earlier! I was able to jump back before he could stab me but Machine stood up and quickly jumped at me! I was too slow to get away in time he was able to cut me with the knife! As I staggered back in pain and backed into the old tree that me and Eric sat under at the meeting. I must have hit the tree pretty hard because when I did, a large branch fell from the tree and landed right on top of Machine! Machine was groaning with pain and I would have captured him but my arm hurt so much that carrying him all the way back to base was next to impossible. I needed to go home and patch it up. I would have to wait till next year to finally get rid of him. But like Eric once said "Good things come to those who wait."

The end of the beginning-

I never did hear from Nick again, even his parents never made contact with me. Whatever happened to him though, he would ALWAYS be my apprentice. The end of the school year finally came along and it wasn't long before school started up once again. Just another year of bullies and more battles. But with no living apprentice of my own, how would I continue to pass on all I had learned...all I would learn? As I was walking down the hallway I heard a guy (who everyone just called Random Kid) yell, "run away it is Machine!" As I peaked around a corner I saw Machine was bullying a kid (whose name I heard was Brett). As Eric once said: When you can't find what you are looking for, let what your looking for find you. And I always can trust him. This... was just the beginning of a new adventure.

The Beginning 

The entire story begins with me obviously. If I remember correctly, it started out so simple. What would soon become my entire world started out as a normal day when I was just walking down the hallway. As I made my way to class there was a crash down the hall and my friend Random Kid came running down the hallway with a look of horror on his face. This was odd enough, Random Kid never took ANYTHING seriously! Not only had he been held back twice, but I didn't even know his real name due to him insisting to be called that specific nick-name. Yet there he was, running in terror. Without hesitating, he quickly yelled "Machine is coming, get out of here!" I was too shocked to move and I had no idea how I could escape Machine the bully. Before I could do anything, Machine ran into me, grabbed me, and began to choke me. No-one ever stood up to Machine, he seemed like an un-stoppable force that ruled the school. He continued to hold me up in the air and slammed me against the wall. He grinned evilly and spoke with a booming voice "are you afraid runt?" To be honest, I was completely freaked out, I was all alone with Machine. Machine would surely beat me to a pulp just for standing in his way. Machine would attack kids all the time. Those kids wouldn't often even have time to run. I figured I would get beat up anyways so I gathered up all my courage and said "in your dreams freak". Machine's face swelled up like I had just hit him in the face. And for a moment, just for a moment Machine didn't seem so scary. But that feeling changed when head butted me and hit me in the chest. The back of my head hit the wall and everything seemed to be a dream. Machine's face seemed blurred and so did the floor. There were no teachers or kids around, if Machine beat me up, nobody would be there to help me. Then, as my vision blurred some more, all of a sudden Machine was tackled by an unknown hero. I watched as the hero took a book and smashed Machine's big head into the ground. At first I thought I was just seeing things, nobody ever stood up to Machine. And if they did, then Machine would surely make them pay. Next thing I knew, the hero was standing above me with Machine nowhere in sight. As my vision cleared up, I noticed that he looked a lot like me, but with smooth, dark hair and a peaceful smile. His eyes were notably blue and I noticed a bruise above his right eye. He finally spoke up, "hello my name...is Tim Allender". I spoke in awe at the kid who had just saved me, "th-thanks for saving me Tim". He looked at me and glared "you call me sir, and this is far from over!". He seemed to smile a bit like he wanted me to know he wasn't as serious as he gave off. However, I felt like calling him sir did show a lot more respect. But how could I re-pay a kid who just saved me from the school's most dangerous bully? I laughed hesitantly and said "We should hang out some time."

Next day:

In the morning, I ran into Tim in the hall. He seemed happy to see me and said "hey, how is your head?" I smiled at him, "it's fine, I just don't want to run into Machine again". He laughed, "I see, what is on your mind?" His question was confusing to me, I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "nothing". He looked at me strangely and after a short silence said "do not be embarrassed, sometimes thoughts are a bad thing unless they are thoughts of awesomeness and adventure." He winked and said "you're a pretty cool guy"." I don't even know you, wow". He just laughed some more, "yeah, well I can tell we're going to be great friends" then we came up with our secret handshake.

Next day:

The next day was Saturday and I went to Tim's house to spend the night. I had all my stuff, when I got there, he already had some weights in his hands. "Come with me, we're going to do a work out." he said coolly. I was never really interested in working out. It seemed so pointless, it wasn't like I was going to be a wrestler when I grew up. But something about Tim made it seem like you could never say no to him. "yes sir, as you wish" I said. He did most of the work-outs and I just walked around. I could tell he spent lots of time in this room. After a while I got changed and then we were in his pool. To be honest I was already embarrassed because when I jumped in I swallowed water and nearly coughed my lungs out. Something about Tim also made it seem like you couldn't mess up in front of him. It was an odd friendship between me and Tim, it made no sense to me why I had to be so perfect around him. After a while of swimming I started to notice that Tim was constantly on edge about his surroundings. He also took tons of laps around the pool, but every movement he made, he was always keeping his eyes and ears open for trouble. It made some sense, I would always be watching my back too if I fought bullies like Machine. Whether Tim noticed or not, I was watching him. Tim was like a code I had to crack. I felt like he was keeping something from me. But I pushed that idea out of my head and started to relax. Tim didn't speak to much. But when he did, he always had cool things to say. I was starting to realize how bullies might not like him. But everyone else did. As far as friends went, Tim was a great one.

Next day:

At school the next day, Tim's popularity was growing as mine was born. It wasn't for me hanging out with him. I just learned how to be cool and I took after him. One of Tim's dreams was to be the most popular kids in school... there was an enemy though...Machine. Machine was not popular but kids were so frightened of him they had to say he was popular so they wouldn't be beaten to a pulp. Are you starting to see how this works out? I had a dream too. It was to be his best friend and too see Machine thwarted by my Tim's hands. Now don't get me wrong, Tim understood that popularity was not the most important thing. But he was dedicated to have more popularity so he could spread the word of something called the S.S.C or as it is often called: The Fighter Club. I didn't understand what that was, and I didn't ask him. Tim liked me to learn things on my own rather than him teaching them to me. But one thing that he would always tell me was that Machine would be defeated, and peace would return. If only I would have known how hard that would really be.

Next day:

My other dream was to run three miles or more. Oh yeah, a big challenge. So to impress Tim, I tried it out. But it was not meant to be. I made it to one mile before falling to my knees and yelling "I can't do it!" I fell down and sulked while gasping for breath. After I calmed down, Tim ran over and pulled me up, "it is okay," he said. "you may have failed today, but you can always try again. You will try again... and you will succeed". He continued, "Never give up, hear me Brett?" I responded with all the air I had left "sir yes sir!" Believe me, I would like to lie and say that I was able to run the three miles on my next try. But I have to tell the truth. I ran again without a drink and made it to two miles. The next day I tried again and made it to two and a half. But the dream of running the complete three miles was out of reach. From that day-on, Tim would always help me in my mission to run the three miles. He supported me and often said I should join track. But I was never really a fan of school activities. It is hard to say for sure, but I think I always knew what Tim was up to. He was able to mask emotions very well, but I knew that he had a plan. It seemed to be a plan to remove the doors that stood in the way of peace for good. And in the plan,...I was the key.

Next day:

I woke feeling sore but I didn't care. I went into my hall and did 50 push ups. For what reason I did it, I didn't care. I was a new me, a me that was much more kind and understanding. I even did chin ups and other work-outs that I seemed to like. I got like 28. Even though I was sore, I had a great day, I felt good, and Tim was proud. On the mile at gym, I had the best time out of all the students in the school. Tim was proud once again.

Next day:

Tim met me in his neighborhood after school. I could tell this would be a different meeting than usual. He looked me in the eye and said "it is time". "yes sir" I said... "but for what exactly?". Tim spoke softly and said "There is something I never told you... It is about Machine." He continued, "he has kids that back him up when in danger. These helpers are part of a club called THEM. THEM is usually referred to as THEY for security reasons. Many have done battle with Machine and THEY, but never succeeded. Machine has been known to kill." He paused for a while, "I once knew a poor soul that died at his hands... I can't tell you the name though,... too personal. And I bet he will continue to cause more trouble if we don't do something. We could be next but...who cares? Now it is time to start training... we have a battle to win". Tim then spoke one more time, "Machine will fall at your hands, not mine. You have proven yourself to me, and I give you the honor to defeat this monster." I nodded and said "thank you sir, I will not disappoint you"...If I would have known what would happen eventually, I would have never started...

Breaking Machine

It was another normal day at school. Except today was a Friday. Everyone was awake and ready to be dismissed by bell. As I left the room, Random Kid came running down the hallway to meet me. It seemed like ever since I became friends with Tim, everyone liked me a whole lot more. Even the friends I already had. Before I knew it, three other kids came running for me. They were all asking me things at the same time. Their words got all jumbled up until I had a serious headache. Tim eventually came over and broke up the crowd. "We will be right back" Tim said with a hint of frustration. Our new popularity was getting in our way of training. Everyone wanted to meet the kids who would take down Machine. "Looks like your drawing quite the crowd," Tim chuckled. "Yeah" I said "But your still my best friend." Tim smiled for a moment but it started to turn into more of a frown. He started to say something, but I couldn't hear him over the sound of more kids coming our way."I'll see you later Tim!" I yelled. But he could hardly hear me. I then headed for the bus. It was going to be a long way home.

Next day:

The next day was a day I will never forget. Tim came to my house as usual and I waited for him to tell me what he had to say yesterday. I waited what seemed to be the entire day, but Tim never spoke a word of it. I finally built up the nerve to ask Tim what it was. But as I tried to do so, Tim began to doze off. He started making mumbling sounds and odd hand motions with his hands. He seemed to not be breathing and his face started to turn red. I'm sure you can imagine how shocked I was. I quickly started to yell "Tim, are you okay!" After what seemed to be a minute, he seemed to jump as reality returned to him. "What just happened!" I said frantically. "you will understand someday buddy." Tim said as he started to laugh. But I couldn't tell if his laugh was more sad than happy. After that, I didn't see Tim again for a week.

Next day:

Now that I think of it, even though things were weird, those were the good old times. Back when nothing seemed to matter and everything was simple and clear. My only goal was to fight Machine and make Tim proud. It's seems so easy now, but that is beyond the point. That Sunday, me and Tim started to train. "Brett! you wimp! Get down on the ground and give me 1000 push ups!" Tim began to yell with a laugh. By the time I reached like fifty, he yelled "just kidding, just give me 100 if you can". I was really re-leaved, "thank you sir". I did 120! and started to relax. When I finally got up, Tim quickly threw a rock at my chest. I was about to speak, when he quickly said "be ready slowpoke! Always be alert!" All of a sudden, Tim seemed to become really tense and alert. He quickly turned around and yelled "Brett hurry, get out of the way!". I turned around and saw Random Kid about to throw a rock at me. I quickly dodged it and ran straight for him. This actually wasn't that odd as far as Random Kid wen. He would always try to make me angry but I never did anything about it. This was the first time I was ready to stand up for myself, but before I could get any closer, Tim stopped me. "What do you think we should do about him?" Tim asked as the random kid laughed behind us. "Teach him a lesson" I said with a laugh. Before I could say anything else, Tim retorted, "I know what we CAN do. But what SHOULD we do." I sighed, "Lets just figure out what his problem is." I continued my run towards Random Kid, but before I could get to the top, he ran away with much more speed than I thought he had in him. Catching him would be a waste of time and energy. You'll get another chance." Tim said as he patted my back. I knew he was right. Besides, we had a much bigger problem to worry about.

Next day:

Tim and I did another work out early the next morning. I could tell we were really improving. To say that Tim just changed the way I worked out would be a lie. Tim helped me in many other ways. I would wake up earlier, I was nicer to others, and I payed a lot more mind to my surroundings. Tim was like a hero in more ways the one. I would try to list off how many times he helped me, but I don't think anyone can count that high. But it can't always be fun and games, we had a battle to win. But as the day got shorter and darkness began to creep over the hills, I started to get bored. "So this Machine," I asked, breaking the silence "has he really ever killed someone?" Tim went silent for a moment. To a point where I thought he might be asleep. But he eventually looked over at me with a sad look coming over his face. He spoke softly, "I didn't see it with my own eyes... but I do think so... well we need to get back to training." I was surprised by his change in subject. "Why?" I asked. Tim seemed to get annoyed, "because I don't feel like talking about it." It was weird, but I had the feeling that Tim was keeping something from me for sure. And I also felt like something dark was watching us.

On the way home:

Tim left after the sky began to fade into gray. I was on my way home, when Random Kid came running over yelling loudly. He got close and I pushed him back a little. He seemed to be getting upset. I started to keep walking, but I could tell he was still there. I turned around but I was to late to dodge what was coming. He jumped high in the air and tackled me against the cold, wet ground. I was able to push him off and kick him back. As quick as a flash, he ran up to me and punched me in the stomach. Random Kid tried to hit my face, but he punched my hand instead. Because I was waiting for him to make that mistake. I caught his hand and twisted it. And for my final move, I knocked him out from under his feet and pinned him down. It took me a while to realize it, but when I did I nearly yelled out in joy. I had just taken down my first opponent ever! As I sat there, bewildered by my amazing moves, Random Kid yelled "Let me go, good job! Let me go!" But that just made me hold him down with even more force. "Let me go, please!" he beckoned. But I wouldn't let him go that easily. "Not till you tell me why you attacked me!" I retorted. There was a silence, then all he said was "THEM, are coming back."

Next day:

As promised, I let Random Kid go with no further questions. I couldn't even begin to imagine how he would know these things, but his popularity could allow him to have heard rumors of whatever THEM was. Still, for a while, I considered not telling Tim what happened. Random Kid wasn't to smart. And he could lie just as easily as he could tell the truth. But I couldn't take any chances. So the next day, I went to Tim's house to tell his about the new discovery. Once told Tim what had happened he seemed re-leaved that I told him and worried at the same time. He eventually concluded, "Well it looks like Machine plans his return earlier than we thought". "And with a bigger army than expected." He continued, "The club that the kid told you about is an old enemy of the S.S.C." "THEM is actually called THEY now (For security reasons)." "And the S.S.C (our club), is actually called the Fighters Club for now." "We must act now before it is too late". I was shocked, the battle wasn't supposed to happen for about three weeks. But Tim started the battle in just a few days. It seemed Tim could do anything in his spare time. After some fast-paced days at Tim's house, working out, and some long training hours, it was time to fight. As Tim and I started our walk to the battle, I was confident. But about half-way there, I was as nervous as could be. I had taken on Random Kid (big deal). He was no trained fighter like Machine was. Tim's words kept floating through my head, Machine will fall at your hands, not mine. We did arrive with- me having a heart attack. But I was shaking all over. I looked around, a lot of the kids on my side looked a lot stronger than me. I would be a push-over. Before I had any time to doubt myself any more, Tim yelled, "ready boys!?" I felt so stupid, Machine's army had been standing in front of us the whole time. And I had hardly noticed. All the members yelled back like a singing choir. "Yes sir!" It may have just been because I was so scared, but I don't remember ever hearing Machine give any orders. They seemed to know just what to do: Fight. Everyone started yelling and both groups collided. We thought at first we would get the upper hand, but it didn't seem like it. I remember just before we battled, I once again felt like I was being watched by something sinister. It wasn't Machine, it wasn't a THEY member, it was something else. Something I can hardly describe. I saw about 21 of our soldiers fall in about 26 seconds. But Tim and I stayed strong and undefeated. But how long would that last?

Many beatings later:

The battle started to heat up. Only our best members were still standing. Things weren't looking to good. Somebody had to win, no-matter how long it took, somebody HAD to win. It seemed to me that we were losing, but Machine must have saw something different, because after he saw about two more of his soldiers fall, Machine himself stood tall and yelled "enough!" Machine was so threatening, even our men backed off. "Give me Tim Allender!" he yelled in a deep voice. I can't imagine what it must have felt like to be Tim that day. It was hard to ever think that he would be scared. But I doubt that he was super pumped up for this. In fact, if I were Tim, I might just run away and not look back until I reached the coast. But Tim stepped up. He looked so small compared to Machine. But he had more fight than Machine ever would. "Ready for the beating of a life time?" Tim asked. "I don't know, but you look like you are." Machine retorted. And so they clashed. Tim got hit in the face, then the chest, then the stomach, then the head. But that wouldn't slow him down. Tim quickly DASHED into Machine, causing the huge beast to come falling down with a thud. Before Tim could do anything else, Machine got up and pushed him into a tree. Tim kneed Machine in the gut. But Machine laughed, "that almost hurt". And then head butted Tim as hard as he could. Tim didn't give up, he slid through Machines legs and kicked him into the tree which had detained him just seconds ago. Tim hit Machine in the back and I could tell it caused damage. I found myself cheering for joy, Tim was winning. "Go Tim!" I yelled with joy. But I went from happy to shocked when I saw Machine reaching for his knife. Just before he could use it on Tim, I jumped in the way and kicked him in the head! He dropped the weapon and yelled "don't mess with me boy!" "you fight for the weak!", "that is why you lose!" I had to get over my fear, if I was ever going to be as good as Tim one day, then I had to learn how to control my emotions. And I would start with the hardest of all, fear itself. I puffed up my chest "that is not decided yet" I said in my most intimidating voice. And then the battle of the ages began.

The final battle-

Machine tried to punch me but I beat him to it and punched him back. He then grabbed me and choked me as he had done when we first met. Just like before, machine threw me against the Old Barn we were at. He backed up for a second, then ran up and kicked me hard in the side. I used more of my strength and I quickly stood up and punched him in the face! He tried to elbow me, but I caught it and swung him around. Machine was dizzy, and this was my chance to finish it. As quickly as I could I dashed into him and kicked him to the ground. As I towered over him, Machine used the last of his strength to punch me in the jaw. As I staggered back, Machine tried to reach for his fallen knife. But as he bent down, kneed him in the face and pushed him back. Machine wanted to fight, you could tell that he wanted to fight more than anything. But he was to weak. Machine fell down like a dead tree. To see if he was faking, I stepped on his back. He started to curse and yell, but it made no difference. In the end, all he could say was "I'm finished!" The Fighters club won the battle and this time I was truly a hero. My dream came true! All the members celebrated and cheered for me, they could tell I would grow up to be a fine S.S.C member. The battle was over. But the story was just beginning.

Next day:

I had beaten Machine, become popular, and had become a real hero. But I could tell that something seemed out of place the next day. Tim called and just told me to go to the old barn where I fought Machine. When I arrived, Tim seemed happy to see me. He looked like he was about to say something, but then stopped himself. Instead, he walked up to me and slowly said "Brett,... this is the last time you will ever see me." I was shocked by what he said. No, that isn't true, I was really shocked. I suspected something would happen, but the last thing I expected was that Tim would leave. "what?" was the only thing I was able to say. But before he could talk I was able to utter some more words, "no way!" I yelled. Tim looked at me with steady eyes, "it is true". "you're kidding!" I yelled. "I'm not" Tim retorted silently. He paused for a moment and I looked into his eyes. He seemed distant and worried about something. He finally spoke the words I would never forget, "Brett I have much to tell you, but I suppose you will learn sooner or later." "So you better be patient" he said with a sniffle. He continued, "Brett do not mourn for my disappearance for in real life, I'm always with you, in your memories." "I will always trust you Brett...always." He seemed to have a tear in his eyes as he walked away. "I never thought of it that way... master" I said trying to sound okay (when I was really the opposite). Tim then just walked away towards his next big adventure somewhere out in the world. I couldn't say anything else, I was still in shock. Tim would always remain my best friend even if he was gone. Some tears filled my eyes. But what could I do without my best friend... my master? Could I still live by the dream I had? I sulked for a while, but deep down inside, I knew the truth of it. Tim would have his destiny and I would have mine. As I sadly walked home through the lonely night sky above me, a note was hanging on my door. The note was addressed to me, it said, Goodbye Brett, you were great to me. And will always be my best friend....And my apprentice. signed Tim Allender. Even though I was still sad, it made me smile to know that he cared so much. And so, in his honor... I finally ran the complete 3 miles by myself. Now I could finally smile, "Thank you Tim, I will never forget you." "And I will pass this information on to others".

New Age of Heroes

I am never going to be able to train this kid, I thought to myself. Not even Tim could have handled him. If George were Tim's apprentice he would have quite in less than twenty seconds. Once again I realized that the thought of Tim was still drifting inside my head like a ghost that couldn't rest. After a while, I went back home to play some video games. Eventually, I fell asleep.

Next day:

If I remember correctly, I was having one of my best dreams ever. I was climbing a tree that seemed to be as tall as the London Bridge was long. I was able to climb it with great ease and I eventually reached the top. As I looked into the small town below me, I realized that even with Tim gone, I could still have my good times. I felt a breeze hit my face. It felt soothing and peaceful. Then, to my surprise, another gust of wind blew my way. This time, a lot harder. It was followed by another gust, then another, then two more! Eventually I was just hanging on to the tree for all I was worth! I was starting to scream, in the distance I heard a voice that seemed lost in time. It started to become clearer and clearer until I knew that it was saying my name! Brett, Brett was all it said. For a moment, it sounded like Tim's voice. Even through the mighty wind, I spoke loudly. Tim!, Tim is that you! Eventually my eyes began to flicker open and I woke up to George poking me saying, "sir I can do it!" "No you can't George!" "Just give up!" I said, starting to return to the real world. But George refused, "I won't!" I just sighed and started to yawn. Eventually, I spoke again, "Fine I'll just start to train you harder!" He quickly yelled, "NO!, sir I can't do it myself, just let me fight THEY!" But I knew my new apprentice George wasn't strong enough for that yet... or ever. "You'll lose then." I bellowed. George didn't respond. You could say a lot about George. He was not to bright, weak, and a bad fighter. But if there is one thing about George that you can tell most of all, he never gives up. I honestly think that if he was missing both arms and legs, he would still try to run laps around the track. Like I said, he isn't to smart. I sighed again, "Fine, I'll get a fight for you, with a bully." "But you need to prove yourself first." I continued, "Okay, the first thing you always need to know is what kind of moves you're good at." "Always have good balance and move your feet along with your fists to keep your attack one smooth motion." 'Like this," I stood with my favorite stance for three seconds, then stepped quickly with my feet and punched George in the chest. "Be ready George!" I yelled, "I could betray you any minute and you would just be standing there wonder whats for dinner!" I continued by saying, "I was taught by Tim Allender", "and I have to pass down what he has taught to someone...and that someone is you!" George stopped me, "But sir I just can't do it YET." I got really angry, "Then why do you want to fight?!" George paused for a second and at last said "I just believe." I replied by saying "Wow, I didn't know people like you, could believe."

Next day:

I hoped for my great dream to come back to me over night. But without George messing it up again. But there was no such luck. Just a night with no dreams. Nights like that would always make me tired in the morning. And even worse on a school day. I went to school with a face that seemed to say "I'm ready to learn!" But my sagging eyes were saying other-wise. As I got to the lockers, I saw my friend Random Kid being bullied by a really mean kid by the name of Jack. Jack's girlfriend was there with him. Watching and snickering as her boyfriend bullied an innocent kid. Since Machine had left, things were pretty simple. Nobody really stood in my way. And no-one was planning on comparing to Machine. I would always try the same routine on bullies. I would walk up, ask them kindly to stop hurting someone. And if that didn't work, I would go to plan B. So, I walked up and said, "Hey, don't bully him." Jack turned with a smile that only a true bully has, and said "What are you going to do about it?" It was a normal built response. I spoke up, "I'm going to give you the count of three before I kick your butt." I said sternly. But he just laughed and said "okay then, lets go tough guy." I right away dashed into him and pushed him into a locker, he screamed like a girl and fell to the ground. Then I picked him up by his shirt and kicked him into the wall beside him. Jack wasn't planning on staying any longer. He quickly got up and ran away in defeat. His girlfriend just walked away laughing, saying to her friends, how she was going to break up with that wimp. Then George ran up and saying "wow, why did you do that?" "Because it was the right thing to do George", "When you're done training you should know the difference between the right things and the wrong things." I said. Then I went back to class.

Next day:

I will never forget how scared Jack sounded when I beat him up. I had only been fighting against bullies for a little over a year, and I had already figured most of them out. Most bullies weren't as strong as they claimed to be. In fact, I'm still not sure how some of them were even classified as bullies. If I had learned anything from most of my experience, it is that bullies were often bullied when they were little. But I could hardly imagine anyone bullying Machine. Later that day, I was training George at my house. We were trying to stay up all night. Before I trained George, I wanted to tell him a little more about the return of THEM (Better known as THEY). After all, the more you know about the enemy, the better. "Okay George, are you ready to learn about THEY?" I whispered. "Yes sir!" he said loudly, nearly waking up everyone in the house. "Alright, well then, THEY was a dangerous group of kids that would always pick on others." "It's members consisted of bullies, math geeks, and people who just wanted to fight and ruin others lives." "Their leader WAS Machine." "After a while though, Tim and I took down Machine and in doing so, destroyed THEM." "Even though most people think otherwise, Machine was said to actually be the second most powerful member." "Their strongest soldier was a kid named Eliminator." I paused at the name Eliminator. The very name of Eliminator brought back bad memories that George wasn't ready to hear. I eventually continued. "When Tim Allender first encountered THEY, he was weak and seemed to be in horrible shape for fighting." "But after much training and hard work, Tim sculpted the S.S.C (or Fighters Club) to what it is today." "There were a lot more things that he did, but I think he might've just not had time to tell me the rest." "But I learned to listen to Tim, and always obey his orders without question." "So eventually, I took down Machine and Tim was never seen again after the battle... he disappeared." My heart sank for a moment. I fought through the bad memory and lifted my head up with a fake look of joy on my face. "So that is just a single story out of the hundreds that made the Fighters Club what is is today, George old buddy old pal."

Next hour:

After my long talk with George, we were able to stay up all night. And just to see if he had enough energy, I took him outside the next day for some early training. While I was training George in a field, I heard a small rustle behind us. It was soft, I could barely notice it. But something didn't seem right, I didn't think we were alone. And I was right. As I tried to find where the noise had come from, a large rock flew out at us! I ducked just in time for it to hurtle over me. I wasn't hurt, but George was. He was laying on the ground, moaning like a ghost. But I didn't have time to check on him, there was a danger hiding in the bushes. I scanned my eyes across the large bushes. The attacker had moved to a different spot. Then, I quickly took a double-take. The attacker was crouched behind some large shrubs. He blended in perfectly. Before I could see his face, I was quickly tackled to the ground and kicked across the dry grass. I looked up, peeking over my body was none other than Eliminator himself. "It's been a while, Brett." he said as if we were sitting down for dinner. I had no room for words, Eliminator was a threat, and a threat didn't deserve to be spoken too. I quickly kicked him in the chest and rolled into him. He fell to the ground and I had the upper hand. I stood up and punched him back to the ground as he got up. Eliminator wouldn't be that easy to take down though. He quickly tripped me and rolled back. We both let each-other stand and examine our wounds. But quickly after I did, I dashed into Eliminator and punched him in the head. But it just felt like my fist hit metal. I heard my hand crack and I staggered back in pain. I lowered my eyes to George. Any help would be great at this time. But George was still laying down moaning like a baby. I was then punched in the stomach three times, then once on my arm. Eliminator became silent and didn't say a word. Like lightning, Eliminator kicked my feet out from under me. I landed on my butt and he quickly jumped and slammed his fist into my chest. I didn't think I could win this fight. It was true, I was going to lose after all of my long hours of training, fighting, and teaching. Eliminator was closing in, I couldn't believe I was about to fall at the hands of... my best friend.

Next day:

I couldn't take it anymore, I was loosing the fight and I wasn't liking it. I stood up again but Eliminator grabbed me and dragged me to a tree. He silently threw me against it, and started climbing it. With some effort, Eliminator threw me from the top of the tree and I landed in a really bad position. My back felt like a twisted branch as I got up. I tried to re-gain my balance, but it was no use, Eliminator jumped down headbutted me. I fell to the ground, but was able to kick him in the stomach on my way down. Staying up all night proved to have been my down-fall. I was tired, weak, and confused. Eliminator hovered back over me and grabbed by shirt collar. He drew his fist back and said, "Your good Brett,... but not great." And with those final words, he knocked me out. I had a dream when I blacked out, a dream that I had beaten Eliminator and George became a great apprentice. But when I woke up, all I saw as broken branches and a horrible feeling in my back. I quickly scanned the area, Eliminator was missing. I checked the bushed one by one, expecting for him to jump out at any minute and make me suffer. But he was gone. That made it even more creepy, why did he leave. Eliminator was no ordinary bully, I knew him to well. He didn't steal anything or take us to a weird location. He just left us there. Something wasn't right, that was easy to see. After a while, George woke up and began to sulk that he had failed to easily. For once, I didn't hurt his feelings, I just helped him heal up his wound. I had to much on my mind to pick on George.

Next day:

I woke up the next day feeling as sore as if I had just recovered from a five mile drop. Yeah, Eliminator WAS my best friend when we were young. But one day he started bullying me and others and he just wasn't the same anymore. We had a pretty good rival in sports. I won most of the sports, but he won all the fights. It was a never ending battle between good and evil. I always hated those kinds of battles. News travels fast, and as soon as kids learn that Eliminator defeated me, who knows what kind of chaos will emerge. I wasn't ready to tell George about me and eliminator used to being friends. He was to busy healing or sleeping the day away. I stepped outside into the cool morning breeze. It felt good, but my back still hurt like crazy. I started to think some more about how strange it was for Eliminator to randomly beat us up and then just run away. But another part of my mind kept saying how could you let him defeat you! Like a true Tim apprentice, I didn't need revenge. But I did need answers, and if that meant fighting in a round two with Eliminator, then so be it. Then, out of nowhere, George ran up, kicked me out from under my feet, and punched me lightly in the chest. I looked up at him in surprise, he was able to sneak up on me without me hearing him. And he even knocked me down. He started grinning. "I've been training." he said. I looked up at him with pure joy. He had finally done something that impressed me. At last I said, "George, you're ready for the next step in your training."

Old Enemy                                                                        

"George you've come a long way." I said proudly. "Was it just me slamming you against a tree, that caused all this improvement?" George laughed, "Partly, I just started working out by myself because I feel more at peace and I found myself concentrating more often." "And eventually I told my mom to get some punching bags, and I got the hang of it." It was true, George was getting better. But is annoyed me that he thought that training with me did him no good. So to be honest, I was a little upset, "So you didn't like working out with me?" George instantly replied, "It was okay, but I would rather fight, do push ups, and practice running by myself sometimes." "Very well then." I stammered. It didn't take long for us to go to our nearby training field to do some practice fighting, together. "The last time you beat me, I wasn't ready, but I am now." "Lets see how you do this time." I yelled with a big grin on my face. We both stood in fighting position and circled each-other. I waited for at least a minute but George didn't attack. For a minute I thought he had forgotten what we were even doing. "I'm not going to make the first move," said George, "You do it." "Alright then," I yelled. Quickly, I sprang in to action. I ran forward with great speed and when he attempted to punch me, I slid and grabbed his leg. With a quick tug, George fell to the ground face-first. He attempted to stand up, but I stopped him from doing so. I pinned him down to the ground. "Round 2," yelled George in frustration. Round 2 started up with George coming at me with his fists sprawling all over the place like a wild animal. Had he even listened to my old methods? I dodged the fists and tried to elbow him in the back, but George dodged it with a quicker reaction than I thought he had. He came at me again, but I quickly ducked, causing him to topple over me. After a few minutes of pointless moves, I called this round as a tie. Then Round 3 came along, I could tell George was getting upset. He didn't want to lose this fight. I could never really tell what was going on in George's head. But it seemed like fighting was more important to George than anything else. Some people might have said I wasn't the best master ever, but I had a heart. To defeat George now would seem like the end of the world to him. So, after some semi-intense fighting, I let him pin me. It was a tie that day. But Someday we would finish it.

Next day:

Imagine my happiness when I woke up the next morning only to find out it was a Monday. Hooray. I dragged myself to school with a feeling of emptiness. Or maybe that was just because I hadn't eaten breakfast. I barely got any time to myself before I noticed some kids looking at me strangely. I met up with George and asked him what was going on, but he didn't seem to have any idea either. It was nerve-racking to be at a place where all everyone around you is starring for no reason. It seemed like while we were at school, me and George couldn't do much of anything. Finally I heard some kids laughing behind my back. Talking about the fact that Eliminator defeated me recently. Now, all the respect anyone had for me was gone. Kids started to pick on me later, calling me a wimp for losing to someone like Eliminator. Obviously, they had never seen him in action like I had. And the wort part of all, the thing that bothered me the most, was the fact that there was nothing I could do about it. ...or could I? Towards the end of the day, I was losing my cool. I didn't deserve to be treated like this, not after everything I had done to help them. Tim would never let this happen to him, would he? So I decided it was time for me to teach these kids a lesson. After a class of torment and being made fun of, I caught up to some of the kids who had been mocking me. Without saying a word, I pushed them into an empty class-room and threw a desk at them. Two of them scrambled out and backed up against the wall. I began to close in on them. I was bursting with anger. As I got closer, I finally looked into their eyes. They were scared. No, not scared, terrified. Only then did I realize that what I was doing was wrong. They may have been jerks, but they didn't deserve to be beat up... not by me. I slowly backed up and stormed out of the room. As I ran away, everything that I had done seemed blurred. I didn't want to remember what I had done. But I something deep down inside of me made me feel as if I should. But I couldn't think about that now, all I could do was run. As I got to my street, I heard George running after me yelling "STOP!". After a while, he caught up to me, "what was that?" he gasped, out of breath. I angrily replied "I'm tired of these kids!" "After all of done for them, they are getting on my nerves!" "I want them to pay!" "Well you need to calm down" George said lightly. Everything was making me angry now, the fact that George seemed so shocked about what I had done. "They were picking on you to George!" "Don't you get it!" I yelled. "I am used to being picked on." He said with a quick glare in my direction. I finally listened, "Okay,... you're right George." "See ya tomorrow." "And thanks."

Next day:

News travels fast around the school. And news about a hero, hurting those who he was supposed to protect, spread even faster. So it was just a matter of time before Eliminator heard the news and reported it to someone even more powerful than himself: (his master), Corruption. Corruption was the head-hancho of all THEY operations. Having a fight with him would be bad. Imagine how it would have felt to be his apprentice. Corruption trained the baddest of the bad. And that included Machine. Any news was to be reported to him right away... or else. Eliminator caught up to his master and began to tell him the important news. "Brett has really lost it this time", said Eliminator with a laugh. "If he doesn't calm down he will end up destroying himself." Corruption broke in, "That is good, it saves us the time of doing it ourselves." "I don't want to wait for that," said Eliminator with respect. "I want to get rid of him myself." Corruption laughed, "Then you will be pleased to hear your next mission." "In a few days I want you to make that maggot squirm." "Then I want you to bring him to me so I can crush his spirit!" "He will pay for what he did to Machine!" "Yes master" Eliminator replied with some sadness. Meanwhile, I was coming back to school and everyone was pretending as if yesterday never happened. I didn't have to worry about the kids I hurt telling the teachers, because they were much to afraid of me now. How could I win everyone over again? I looked around and saw George doing his workout warm-ups in the gym, successfully, without me. I didn't interrupt him, I just walked into my next class with a lonesome sad look on my face. I tried to make myself more calm, and pretend that everything was all going to be okay. I closed my eyes and concentrated, George was still working with me all the time, Tim was still there, and I had beaten Eliminator without breaking a sweat. But when I opened my eyes I was still just a lonely kid, sitting all my himself with an imaginary Tim Allender at my side. I couldn't take it anymore, I walked to my locker and put my stuff away. School hadn't started yet, but I wasn't going to stay any longer. I snuck out and walked back home so I could have more time to recover from yesterday. I could still see the kid's scared expressions in my mind. Good bye George. I said to myself. And I continued to walk home. For a second, a dark feeling once again swept through my body.

Next day:

I still wasn't feeling well and stayed home again. Unlike yesterday, I actually felt sick this time. Sick to my stomach. George was very lonely that day because I was the only person he could ever talk to and hang out with. Nobody else wanted to hang out with him. George was quiet at school so he had to be weird right? He has no feelings right? He can't tell if your ignoring him right? WRONG! They just didn't understand us. Did other S.S.C members deal with these things? George walked to class, sat by himself, and did his work like the good kid he was. Did George get on my nerves? Yes. He always has. But he was still my friend. It was at lunch time that George almost lost his cool, like I did. He was sitting by himself when Random Kid and his friends started making fun of him throwing food at him. While George sulked, they just laughed and laughed. George had a very long temper. He ignored them and did what he came to do. eat. Only one time was he about to punch a kid. But he changed his mind. He didn't want to freak out like I did. I sure hope Brett gets better soon, he thought. "Back at my house, I was getting worse and worse. I felt cold inside. My temper and my temperature had reached its limit, and I couldn't take it anymore.

Next day:

I was walking down my street, missing school again. Maybe some fresh air could help me get better. It didn't. I saw a little girl in my way and pushed her aside. She dropped the treat she was holding on the ground. She ran over to get it, but I just kept on walking and stepped on it, crushing it. The girl started to cry, but I didn't care, I felt much worse than her. I just kept on walking when she got her mom to yell at me. They had no time to say a word though. Because I had already found an alley where I could make myself comfortable in the deepest darkest part of it. Then, I began to slowly fade away. Things got blurry and I felt my hands moving. It took me a while to realize that I was writing in the mud in front of me. I began to draw weird symbols, twitch, and make weird noises. Out of all the things I could of been thinking, I found myself thinking about Tim again. He had done this once when he was at my house! When I was done, I had written, I'm coming for you weakling. I quickly tried to run, but I was tackled by an unknown enemy. I was able to glance at his face before he hit me in the jaw. It was Eliminator! "You have messed with me for the last time Eliminator!", I yelled. "You're gonna get the beating of a life time!" he snarled back. "What did I do to you?" I asked. "You destroyed my childhood memories and ruined my life!" He yelled. "Now I'm gonna destroy something of yours!"

The end of Eliminator:

What Eliminator said was true. When we were little, and still friends he kept a camera with him all the time. On the camera were pictures of his parents. Eliminator and lost his parents in a big fire. He escaped his foster parents (who were abusive), and met me somewhere along the line. He was able to avoid being found and we started to hang out more often. One day, I had taken his camera without permission so I could take a picture I wanted so badly. But, I was clumsy and dropped it. The thing had broken into thousands of pieces, and every memory of his parents was destroyed. He never forgave me. And I didn't blame him. But for him to have joined THEM and to try to beat me to a pulp was where I drew the line. I was sorry for breaking the camera. But that didn't mean I was going to sit back and let Eliminator ruin my life like this.Eliminator had me pinned down and I had no way to escape. "You don't have to do this David," I said. "Why did you attack me a few days ago!?" "Like my parents, that name is dead to me!" Eliminator yelled. "It is about time somebody strong enough took you down for good Brett!" Eliminator continued, "The reason I attacked you was because I was ordered to scare you!" "To make you lose your so-called popularity!" "It obviously worked, but not good enough". "But this time, I have orders to actually make my mark." I didn't want to hear anymore. Somehow, I summoned up all the anger and coldness I had been feeling, and pushed Eliminator off. He slammed his head against the wall. Then, yelling, I grabbed him by the head and started slamming it on the wall even harder. Eliminator still spoke, "It is gonna take a lot more to defeat me Brett!" "But you won't, just like last time and any other time!" "But this time will be different", I yelled. I punched him five times in the stomach. I didn't know how, but I had somehow gained strength and Eliminator didn't seem so tough anymore. Eliminator threw a punch at me, but I could barely feel it, Eliminator was using full time anger. As was I, however, I was more controlled. I simply just dodged the incoming fist, grabbed it and twisted it. Eliminator kicked me away and with a surprising leap, threw himself at me. He kept his wrist poised at my neck and slammed me into the hard, brick wall. He jabbed me in the side and then in the other. But I kept standing. I kneed him in the stomach and flung him into the dirt with the back of my hand. Eliminator fell over and I came down on top of him punching him over and over again. Eliminator then rolled us outside the alley where there was a nearby hill. We rolled down it just as a surprised George (walking to school) appeared and ran after us. When we reached the bottom I headbutted Eliminator and sprang up as George secretly snuck up behind him and grabbed a rock. I punched Eliminator more and more and Eliminator continued to fail dodging my fists. He quickly made a lucky move and swung himself out of the way. He got me in a head-lock but it was no use. I kicked him as hard as I could in his knee. He fell to the ground on one knee and growled with anger. Then, just as he began to stand once more, George finished him with the rock, by banging him with it on the head. It made me much happier to see George again. "Wow, not even I saw you there." I admitted. "You're getting better and better". I said. George shrugged, "You're getting better too."

Next hour:

Me and George both stayed home from school that day, we went to my house. I finally told George the truth behind why Eliminator hated me so much. He understood. "Do you think we will see him again?" George asked. Eliminator is not a re-match kind of guy. Maybe, maybe if he has a heart left in him, he will realize that what he has been doing is wrong." "He may still be crazed with anger, but I am not." "Now that I've gotten him out of my life, maybe I will be more at ease." But close by, a spy was stalking them. It was Corruption. Laughing, he said to himself "Not for long Brett." "Soon I will tear you apart".

A New Threat

After my final battle with Eliminator, I still had questions. Why did he have to scare me in his first attack? Couldn't he have defeated me the first time, rather than fight me twice? The answer to that question seemed to have no answer in sight. But after a while of deep thought, it hit me! Could there be someone he was working for? I had a master once. Doesn't that go the same for Eliminator? Maybe he was just following orders! I wrote down the idea in my journal so I wouldn't forget to investigate this. It was about that time that class let out and I began to think about how over a five month period of time, George had made amazing progress. He had gone from being a waste of my time, to my best friend. Its funny how things work out like that. Pretty soon he would be ready to take on any enemy. Maybe even me. But I doubted that he could ever be THAT good. After all, I learned a little something new, every day. As I pondered through these thoughts, I was so deep into it that I ran into a boy the size of me, but more muscular. He spoke with a loud voice that I'm sure could be heard from around the school, "Now I got you right where I want you Brett!" The muscular kid said. "Who are you?" I asked, trying to figure out how he knew my name. He seemed angry, "My name is Jack, remember?!" "You humiliated me in front of everyone and made my girlfriend break up with me!" I chuckled, "oh yeah, that was funny" His face got red, but he wasn't embarrassed, he was angry! "Agh!" "Whatever I'm just gonna beat you up okay?" "In case you haven't noticed, I've been working out." Jack said with a hint of a smile. As we were about to fight, a teacher walked into the hall. She told us to get to class and we reluctantly listened. As we went separate ways, I could feel that Jack was starring at me. It was like his eyes were boring holes into the back of my head. There were lots of things to think about, but one thing was for sure. Jack was defiantly going too cause some problems.

Next day:

Today was Saturday, and George came over to have fun and fight me. Ever since our last practice-fight, he was determined to make me realize he was getting stronger, and more ready to start his own missions. It used to be easy for me to know what moves George was going to use, (because I thought him all of them.) But now, since he works out on his own now (which has proved well to him), I had no idea what he had in store. George right away jumped and tried to trip me. But I rolled out of the way and ended up behind him. Before he could turn around, I grabbed him by the back of his neck and and tossed him to the side. Just when I thought I had won, George quickly sprang up at me, grabbed my arm, and twisted it. He began to push me down to my knees, but my keen sense of balance forbid it. I stayed on my two feet and body-slammed him into the ground, while he was still behind me. But George wouldn't give up yet. He tried to kick me, but I blocked it. He then shifted to my side and hit me in my side with his knee. I started to stumble back, while he began to get ready to finish me with a kick to my chest. That's where he made his mistake, he took to long to think. A good warrior knew when to keep fighting, or think for a second or two. And George took to long. By the time he rushed at me, I was already in fighting stance. And with one punch in the chest, (which is his weakest spot) George was defeated. He fell to the ground and pulled at his hair with anger. He pushed his face into the ground and mumbled something that I couldn't hear. Not that I wanted to. "You win!" he yelled from the ground, "you beat me, okay!" Normally I would make fun of George and tell him right away, how he made his mistake. But George was a good friend. And a good friend didn't deserve to be treated like that. So instead, I said, "You're getting better and better George" "I've seen great improvement with you lately." George got up and planted himself beside a tree. He rubbed his head and smoothed out his hair. I could tell he was calming down. After a deep breath he said, "Thank you master, that means a lot to me." he continued, he paused for a moment. "Is there something on your mind?" I asked. George replied instantly, "Am I weak?" he said with a frown. I was shocked that he would ask something like that. But now that I think of it, I shouldn't have been. I had picked on George for a long time. I had told him he was weak, stupid, and worthless. And after a while,... he started to believe it. "Of coarse your not!" I said quickly. "Strength is decided by your will, attitude, knowledge, and wisdom" " And most of all, sportsmanship". "I have seen you make progress in all five of them". George seemed to be a little happier now. But I didn't stop there. George deserved more. "Maybe someday you'll be as good as Tim". "After all, you're probably stronger than Machine was". "Not to mention you are very good at using the element of surprise". "Is there anything else I will need to learn?" asked George as he got up. "There is, I'm just letting you find them for yourself, so you can better understand it."

Fun at Brett's House:

"Brett, could you tell me more about you?" George asked later that day. "What do you mean", I asked. George had never taken an interest in my life. Had he busted his head or something? "I mean," he continued, "that you told me your name, how to fight, and stories about the fighters club." "But I want to learn more." He was right, I had never told him much about me. I didn't think he would care. After all, I was strong, popular, and pretty smart. But that was all George knew about me, nothing deep. "I think you'll find out more about me as we go". I explained. That wasn't good enough for George. "But could you please explain to me something about you, so I can actually know the person that trains me a little better?" he pleaded. I realized there was no changing his mind. I shook my head, "Yeah okay, I'm 12, and I was born March 28, 1996. I was later trained by Tim Allender, the best S.S.C member I have ever met." I paused after mentioning Tim's name. As I have said before, the memory of Tim was like a ghost that haunted me ever since he left. George seemed to understand what I was thinking and nodded his head. George had never met Tim, but after all the stories I had told him and the few pictures I had of him, he understood that Tim and I were best friends. And that I was still pretty upset about him leaving." George looked satisfied and said "That is enough for today." "Maybe someday I should write a biography about you". We started laughing at George's joke that wasn't even that funny. He still always knew how to brighten my day. He always knew how to do that. As long as he didn't wake me up at five a.m anymore.

More fun:

After we finished playing some video games and eating, we watched another dumb movie from like, the 80's. I was a whole lot nicer to George now-a-days. But I never ever complimented him on his choice in movies. We then decided to stay up all night. But that was more of a inside joke between me and George. We both knew that staying up all night would be as impossible for us as it would be to carry the Statue of Liberty. As the night wore on at the hills outside were blanketed with the the light of the moon, George began to doze off. Five minutes later, he was in deep sleep. And there was no chance of me waking him up without getting a horn. An hour passed by, and I started drifting away again, making weird noises, and twitching. Also, I started drawing weird symbols on a piece of paper. What was even more amazing, was the fact that George somehow woke up! Once he saw me, he began to freak out. "Brett?" "Oh my gosh, Brett are you alright?!" George yelled. But I continued to write, not paying attention to anything or anyone. Then, when George noticed I wasn't breathing and that I wasn't in control of my actions, he freaked out even more. He started to slap me over and over again. But all I felt was a light tap in my cheeks. George tried as hard as he could, but nothing worked. Finally, I came out of it, breathing deeply. Only then did my cheeks begin to burn with the the pain George had caused with his slaps. When I started to realize what happened, I told George I was going to be fine. He still seemed worried. And his face was white with fear. I didn't like to see that look, it reminded me to much about how I had hurt those kids, not to long ago. We finally looked at what I had written down on the paper. And we were shocked to see that it was from Jack!, It read:'' I may have been bullying someone and I admit it was wrong.... I was wrong. But think about it Brett. What do you think the bullies feel like when you fight them off? Or totally embarrass them in front of everyone? All they feel is pure hatred. And weakness. I'm gonna get revenge for me and all bullies around the school that you have tormented. Watch and weep as I turn your life inside out! Once I'm through with you, your cruel, little heart won't be able to take much more ,good luck weakling.''

Next day:

Never in my life was I so scared. I decided to stick by George for a while, just in case I needed backup. The hours slipped by like minutes and we were on edge the whole time. Once or twice, we thought we heard a noise from outside. It's just the wind, I assured myself. But our hearts nearly stopped when we heard a loud bang from the backyard. My parents were hardly ever home, even in the middle of the night, there was no-one there most of the time. Me and George were on our own. Just when things couldn't get any worse, George swung around and nearly made me topple over. "Why did you do that?" I whispered. "Didn't you hear it?" George said, "The door just creaked!" I slowly lifted my head to look at the back-door. My dog had just pushed it open and walked out! "Didn't I tell you to lock that door!" I yelled. "I thought you did it!" George retorted. I heard my dog begin to bark as I made my way to the door. George came outside a little further and started calling for it. But once George took one more step forward, a rock came flying from around the corner. Hitting George square in the head. Then, out of nowhere, Jack sprang out, laughing evilly, "HA!" " Now I truly got you where I want you!" "Before I beat you to a pulp, I want to try something more personal first." He started laughing some more. "I will first hurt those that YOU hold precious." People like, Maddi Transon, Tye, Random Kid, and all your other friends." "And just so you know how it feels, I will also make sure to take down your girl friend...Jessica!" I stood my ground and got into battle stance. "No you won't, I'm going to beat YOU up...just like last time". Even George, (who was still lying on the ground) was surprised I said that. It wasn't the Fighter's club way to mock your enemy... but I was an exception. Jack yelled and pile drived me in the chest. He then started running all the way to Maddie Transon's house. His first attack. I ran with all my might to catch up. He was much faster than he looked. George was able to haul himself back up. But he couldn't keep up, and he had to stop and rest. Meanwhile, Jack made it to Maddie's house and began to reach for the door knob. Weather the door was locked or not, it didn't matter. I tackled him and punched him square in the face. Blood dripped from his nose, I wasn't going down without a fight. I we rolled down the yard and into the road. A car rushed by, nearly breaking us apart. This was going to be a dangerous fight.

The Battle:

While we were on the ground, Jack was able to hit me in my neck with his knee. I froze-up for a minute and started choking. He then grabbed me and carried me all the way to my buddy Devon's house. "I'll beat Devon to a pulp if you don't surrender!" yelled Jack. I looked up at him gagging "If you really want to fight me jack... then you need to know that I NEVER surrender." "I'll take you down before you do anything to anybody!" It was getting hard to talk. "This will be different from last time wimp!" he yelled. "Prove it." I retorted as I stood up. I pushed him back and kicked him in his side. But like me, he had good balance and he just punched me in the face. "Our strengths appear to be equaled, but only one can rise as the victor". I said. "You're right," Jack replied, "and it will be me!" I jumped and kicked him in the face. He finally fell down. I stomped on his chest but he only coughed and grabbed my leg. Jack then pulled me down with him and began choking me. I couldn't escape from the death grip, but luckily my trusty side-kick George came running up and punched him square in the face. Then they got in a tussle. George was obviously no match for Jack. "You are the backup?" Jack laughed. George rolled between his legs, got him an a choke-hold, and body-slammed him into the ground. "Does that answer your question?" George remarked. Jack rolled away and got a hold of George. He squeezed George so hard, his back popped and he lost the ability to fight any longer. "Why you little..." George began, but then he started to yell out in pain. And then the final faze began.

The Last Faze:

I grabbed Jack and an unknown power came through me. I punched him over and over again. Jack can't defeat me! He can't! I kept telling myself. He grabbed my fist and threw me off. Then he came running towards me while I was down. But when he got close enough, I was able to twist my legs around his feet and he toppled to his side. He tried to choke me again, but rolled away. Before I could take a breather, Jack got up and and grabbed hold of my arm. I couldn't escape. He twisted it around and used the back of his hand to smack me into a fence. I looked around, I was back at my house again, or at least pretty close. I felt my arm, he had defiantly sprained it. I was in agony. I took my non-punching arm and still wailed away at him. Not giving up, I kicked him and overcame the pain. I was even able to punch him with my sprained arm. I then elbowed him in the face before he could react. The only thing he could think of doing now was choke me again. My arms became limp, I was finished. George was in to much pain, I had no rescue, and no energy left. Soon I would be a hollow shell along with everyone I loved. Then, above all odds, George was able to summon up the rest of his strength, jump up, and hit Jack hard in the neck, in mid-air. Jack didn't even have time to turn around. Before he could do anything, George kicked him on top of me and pushed him off. Jack couldn't take it anymore, and yelled, "alright, tie it...is...a TIE!" "You win this round but you won't win the next!" He screamed. "We'll be ready then." said George still holding him down. I got up and heard something. I turned around and saw two head-lights coming into our driveway. It was my parents. They didn't see me or anyone else. But they could if I got them back hear. It was simple I could call my parents and show them the damage Jack had done. He would be taken to a juvie right away... or worse. That is all I had to do, call them. ...But I didn't. Did Jack deserve to go to juvie? Yes! But he had a reason for attacking me. I had humiliated him in front of everyone. Even his girlfriend. And I showed no sympathy or guilt. He had suffered far worse than I had when I attacked those kids for picking on me. Imagine how he felt? George had the same idea I had, he was waiting for me to call my parents back and take Jack away. But I wouldn't let that happen, "Get off of him George." I said with some regret. "What!?" George asked in shock. "You heard me." I said. George did as he was told and got off of Jack. Jack sprang up and limped away. As he started to go out of sight, he looked back once. Maybe that was how little way of thanking me. But he would be back. He still wanted revenge. And there was no stopping him. George and I snuck inside and slipped into my room before my parents got inside. We were safe now. I was quickly able to recover but I felt as if I was forgetting something. Once I was all healed up, I gave my family a big hug. For now, everything was good, everyone I loved was okay. But not all good things last forever. Watching from the back-yard though, was none other than Corruption. "Awe" he said to himself, "so sweet", "but soon you will all be gone." "And I won't even spare your pets."

Deadly Day

I had no idea what to do now that Jack had become so much stronger. I just knew that if I wasn't careful, I could end up being in serious pain. I guess nobody ever said this job was going to be easy. A part of me kept thinking back to Eliminator. I still had no idea who his master could be. Or, if he even had a master. Every time I would step up to do something, another problem would come my way, forcing me to switch paths. But no-matter what I did, people still kept picking on me, because I lost to Eliminator so long ago. I was still thinking, when George walked up. "Hey how ya' do'in buddy?" he asked with a smile. "Oh, I was just thinking of a way too stop all this madness" I remarked. George looked surprised, "I'm sure you'll figure out something" he laughed "But for now, why don't we do some practice fighting." "Yeah,okay." "That should clear my mind." I said. George stood ready and started his whole, tough-guy act. He yelled, "So Brett, I see I get another chance to beat you up again." "This should be good." George would always bring up the time he was able to defeat me. And no-matter how many times I reminded him that I wasn't ready, he would just pretend that I was lying. So I just laughed, "Yeah right George, I am going to show you who's boss." George attacked with a huge jump and kicked me in my chest. "AH!" I yelled, and fell down with a mighty thud. "How did you master that"? I asked out of breath. "Because I'm awesome" George boasted with his cheesy smile coming back. "I'm not done yet!" I said quickly. I then rolled under him, grabbed his neck, and pinned him down backwards. Just another typical day of fighting, I said to myself. But this time, George was able to push himself off me before I could even react! "Whoa, you've never done that before!" I said in awe. It was around that time that I started to see George's full potential as a Fighter's member. Maybe he was more of a challenge than I thought. George did another huge jump again, but I spun in the air and kicked him in the chest this time. I then dashed while in the air and smashed into him with my shoulder. Once again, George was defeated. He stood up with sorrow and said "You may be able to defeat me, but I can do this!" He stood up as quick as a flash and kicked me in the side of my face. I moved to my left, but he was already there, waiting for me. He was able to hold my head still and punch me in my face again. It then switched from HIM being K.O. to ME being K.O.! I looked up at him and finally said,... "you're ready".

Next day:

George was now ready to face most of the dangers that would be able to physically harm him. I walked by George not saying a word and just nodded as he spotted a kid being bullied out near the street. George was able to take him down in less than thirty seconds. As I watched him proudly, I got a sense that I was being watched. I looked to my right, but there was no-one there. It could have just been my imagination playing tricks on me. But I was wrong. I quickly heard someone dashing away into the shadows. As George taught the bully a lesson, I slowly walked off to see who was watching us. He had went into a small open area between buildings. It was sort-of like the alley way I went to when I was feeling down. But you could tell that no-one ever came here. As if it were a dream, the figure seemed to appear without being heard. "What do you want!?" I said with all of my bravery. The figure kept standing there and I became more alert. As the fear reached it's height, I remembered something Tim once said: when afraid, always jump in and give it a try. you never know what may happen. Far be it from me to disobey Tim's orders. So I stepped out of my hiding place and walked over to him with all my courage and started to speak again, "What do you want?" But then things seemed faded and colorless. It took me a while to realize that I was going into one of my weird coma-like things. As things got more faded, the only thing that would come to my mind was the word Corruption. Corruption, Corruption, Corruption. It kept repeating in my head. I soon found myself writing in some mud again, and I began to realize that Corruption wasn't just a word. It was a person. Could Corruption be the master of Eliminator? When I was done about a minute later, the mud had a message in it, just as I had thought. Finally the truth came to me, that one message changed the entire story as I knew it. I read it aloud saying: Hello Brett, I guess it is my role to tell you who I am. I'm Corruption, master of evil, darkness, and all of this world. You will die!, I will make sure of that!... Remember your good friend Tim? I was the one that got rid of him! I pushed him in a lake and...I guess he wasn't such a good swimmer. So now I can defeat you. there is one thing you don't know about me: ...I'm MACHINE!... I WAS Machine. After you defeated me, I changed my identity and waited for the right moment to attack (and it is soon). This message ends here please leave or this mud will turn to quicksand in ten seconds. Eliminator and all other THEM members will soon be avenged.

Next day:

It was only now that I really understood how THEM worked. Not only was Corruption the master of Eliminator, he was the master of all other THEM members as well! He was the leader behind it all. And that was something to worry about. Not to mention, I was unable to believe MACHINE was Corruption the whole time! But something just didn't seem right about it. I was so confused. Machine seemed much weaker than what a leader of THEM should be. If Corruption really was Machine, then he sure did have split-personalities. But that only made me more scared. Machine was still no laughing matter. I was more scared than I had ever been before, he was probably much stronger now. I tried to think more about it, but it was impossible with all my classmates still picking on me. After losing to Eliminator, people found my every flaw and exploited it, just to ruin my life. Once again, I didn't talk to George who was also upset about the same thing. I went home writing what seemed to be a year long story for language class. At around 11:00 at night, I finished and looked out the window. It was raining. My parents still weren't home. I looked closely out into the dreary grass. My heart skipped a beat, I saw a figure out there! I quickly ducked in order to hide my face. Somebody was out there, had they saw me? I peaked over the window and yelled out a cry of terror. There, looking through the window with hate, was the face of a now deformed Machine! I yelled again. He had found me, and was ready to attack. I stumbled out of my room. I tried calling for my parents, but I remembered that they were not home! I ran to the Kitchen and hid, hoping that everything would be fine when I opened my eyes. And all the bad things that had ever happened to me, were just dreams. This was all a big dream. But when I opened my eyes again, it was no such luck. What was happening was real. And it couldn't be stopped. I listened carefully and heard the front door open. Why don't I lock these doors! I yelled to myself. I moved out to investigate. If I was careful I could sneak around Machine and make my way outside, where I would stay until everything was safe and back to normal. But in one motion, Machine found me. There was no use running. Really there was no-use trying to do anything. All I could do was stand my ground and hope Machine hadn't gotten any better at fighting. There, standing in the middle of the room, was indeed Machine. As I was about to speak, I head another movement from behind Machine. Another figure was entering the room. "George!" I yelled with happiness. Now I would have some protection. But as the figure stepped inside and the darkness faded from his face, I realized it was not George, it was Corruption! Now it made sense, Corruption lied, he and Machine weren't the same person. He just told me that in order to scare me. And as sad as it was for me to admit it, I fell for it all the way. But now things were even worse, I had to enemies to fight with. And Corruption would no doubt, be more powerful than Machine. Or any other THEM member for that matter. As I looked Corruption eye to eye, he seemed distant. Like he was conflicted on what to do. Corruption finally turned to Machine and said "Your job here is done." "Leave now." Machine's face turned red, he wanted to fight me, all he ever wanted to do was get revenge on me. But he had to obey his master. "Yes master" he replied at last. And then left, just as silently as he had come. As he left, I couldn't help but notice that he didn't have his knife anymore. He always used it in battle. I understood even more why Corruption pretended he was Machine. Machine's knife had struck fear into the hearts of anyone who had ever saw it. And to Corruption, fear was not only an advantage, it was power. "Now Brett!" Corruption whispered at last, "I will destroy you."

The Battle:

"I'm not going down without a fight" I said as bravely as a could. But my voice of bravery probably sounded like an ant to someone like Corruption. He craned his head forward and faced me, "This will all be over soon". He wasn't going to scare me out of fighting. I continued to stand my ground. I tried to speak, but I had nothing to say. All I could do was fight. That was the only way to finish all this. I dashed into Corruption, surprisingly being very effective, and punched him into the ground as hard as I could. Corruption cried out and then said "you can't defeat me!" I kicked him and jumped off his body with both legs pushing him backward. But he grabbed my legs before I could get up, and he was able to swing me near my lake. I got up and punched him in the jaw. But that was no match for Corruption fist to my stomach. I went flying to the edge of the lake. As if gravity wasn't fast enough, Corruption jumped at me and we rolled further towards the lake. Before we made it to the edge, I used the rest of my energy to stop our decent. Corruption tried to get the roll going again, but I pinned him down. He was able to free his hand and punched me in the chest again and again and the air was pushed out of my lungs. As I gasped for air, he continued the roll until I could feel the cold water touching my toes. I grabbed onto a small rock and held onto it for dear life. But it was only a matter of time before the rock dislodged itself and both Corruption and I plummeted into the lake below. For just a moment, just before we dived under the surface of the lake. I was able to see George show up and watch as we sunk. George had a way of telling when someone was in trouble. I call it luck. But for whatever reason he came for, at least I now had help. And as Corruption grabbed my head and hit it to the side of the lake, I realized I would need it.

The Battle Part 2:

I was somehow lucky enough to get a lung full of air before we submerged. But I can't hold my breath underwater that long. We were also pretty deep when Corruption lost his grip. For a while, I thought I could last longer than Corruption, but after twelve more seconds past by, I needed air, stat. I swam upward just in time to miss Corruption's hand from dragging me back down. Once I made it to the surface, I had only seconds to retrieve enough air to continue the battle. George was no-where in sight. Knowing him, he was probably waiting for just the right moment to make his entrance. Before I could get anymore air, Corruption dragged me down and got a quick breath of air himself. I tried to punch Corruption underwater, but my fist was to slow to cause any damage. It seemed as if he had planned all this out, Corruption immediately kneed me in my chest and pushed me into one side of the lake. I was choking now. Definitely not a good feeling while underwater. Corruption could obviously hold his breath longer than me. This fight had started out with me winning and now I lose from drowning? I thought to myself. But if Corruption thought that I would give up that soon, then he was mistaken. I forced myself to stop choking, if that is even possible, and held it for as long as I could. Corruption ran into me and rammed me into a side of the lake again. It was one of the best moves to use, while underwater. My lungs were stinging with pain, my head hurt, and I felt like Corruption was choking me the whole time. Everything seemed to slow down and speed up at random times. Things got blurry. And I wasn't going into a coma, I was just flat-out drowning. My breath had run out, I consider myself a glass-half-full kind of guy. But there was nothing good about this moment. Not even George could find the best of this situation. Then again, who could? As I was blacking out, George finally jumped in and pushed Corruption out of the way. I swam up and filled my lungs with air like there was no tomorrow. And if this fight got any more intense... there might not be a tomorrow.

The Battle Part 3:

I got out of the lake but it didn't take long until George and Corruption surfaced. They started running for me. George quickly turned around and punched him in the face. But Corruption caught his fist on the second punch and literally threw him out of the way. The battle had changed from me and him to George and Corruption. George was strong, but he was not even close to being and strong as Corruption. In rage, Corruption stomped on George while he was on the ground and then tried again, but George rolled over and grabbed Corruption's legs, making him tumble. I watched wanting to help, but I was still getting my breath back. George got punched again but he was also able to elbow Corruption in the face. He then did a drop kick and Corruption fell to the ground. George started to get big-headed and made one mistake. He jumped up too high, which gave Corruption enough time to stand up. Corruption caught George and headbutted him. Before he could get back up, Corruption got him in a choke hold and body-slammed him into the ground. George was knocked out immediately. Then, as if what he had done already wasn't bad enough, Corruption tossed George into the lake. Wake up George, wake up! I kept yelling to myself, as if it could make George snap back to life. If I didn't act soon, George would meet the same fate I almost did. His life was in my hands.

The Final Faze:

I ran over to the lake, but Corruption pushed me out of the way. I got up, and this time dodged him and dove in. I couldn't see George at first, but as I swam deeper, I saw his pale face. I grabbed him and started swimming up. Corruption dove in after me but I let go of George real quick, grabbed him by the neck, and threw him to the side. My heart skipped a beat for a moment when I reached for George and found nothing. But I eventually caught hold of his shirt and dragged him back to the surface. Before I could do anything else, I first had to save George. I slung him over my shoulder and stomped to the park that wasn't to far from my house. To stay on the safe side, I climbed up the ladder and put George at the highest point. If Corruption wanted George, he'd have to go through me! It wasn't long before Corruption found us and began climbing up the side of the playground. I lured him away from George and hopped on top of the plastic roof that reached the farthest into the sky.Corruption followed, his eyes flashing red. The rain came down harder, but he got on the roof of the playground and punched me back. I nearly slid off the top, but I re-gained my balance just in time. He charged at me again, but I held onto the part of the roof that jutted up, spun around, and kicked Corruption in the face. While he was down, I jumped onto another high point of the playground and spotted the roof of a large barn nearby. I backed up and gained momentum as I flew through the air and reached for a corner of the barn. I barely caught it, and the force of my fall caused my fingers to bleed when I hit the side. I climbed to the top and stood my ground. I spotted Corruption climbing to another high spot on the playground. He was going to try the same thing I did. But as I watched him make his way to the top, I realized something, Corruption didn't seem so scary anymore. He may be trying to kill me. But he is just another teen. He had fears, he could be hurt, he could be defeated. In mid-thought, Corruption jumped onto the roof of the barn a lot better than I did. We were really high up, this was no ordinary barn. As the rain came down harder, both Corruption and I raced towards each other yelling. He tried to punch me, but I got on my knees and slid right under his arm. Before he could turn around I hit Corruption in the back of the head with the back of my fist. I tried to charge at him, but I slipped and fell due to the rain. Lightning flashed around us. If Corruption said anything, I wouldn't be able to hear it. I started to worry, what if we got struck by lightning? I worked through that fear and kept fighting. Corruption ran towards me with great speed, but he was not quick enough for me to have no time to stretch out my arm and cause him to topple over me. Corruption got even more angry. His face was so red, it looked as if it would turn the rain into steam the moment it touched his face. Corruption grabbed my shoulders, swung me around and pushed me towards the edge. I was able to wiggle free and I was about to punch him. But he was to fast. Corruption hit me right in the nose with his knee. I nearly fell again. As I struggled to regain my balance, Corruption punched me hard in my back. Without thinking, I jumped of the barn, caught a monkey bar in mid-air, and held on. As I turned my head around, I saw Corruption backing up, getting ready to make the same jump I did. But at the last moment before take-off, Corruption slipped and dived off the roof, hitting his head on part of the playground as he made his descent. Finally Corruption landed with a thud. George began to wake up and slowly made his way towards Corruption's body. I climbed down and check on him. Corruption was in terrible pain after this horrible accident. He couldn't even speak. I thought for a moment. We had won. I had just defeated the master of all THEM members. Time to party! But no, this was not the way it was supposed to go. This was not the way I wanted it. If I were to leave him in the rain for other kids or his team to find a few days later. Then I wouldn't be a TRUE S.S.C member. So, both George and I took Corruption to a hospital to recover. We were able to slip out before they asked what happened. Corruption wasn't going to mess with us again. That was for sure.

Next day:

Me and George sat down mourning for Corruptions horrible injuries. No-body is born evil right? I'm sure Corruption wasn't always like that. It is not about what paths others make you think you need to set upon. It is about the path you take. The path that leads you to a happy life. And a happy ending. Now that Corruption was defeated, there was no-one to lead THEM anymore. Our only problem now was Jack, he wasn't a THEM member and I still felt like I hadn't seen the last of them. But at least for now, I could relax and know that the worst was behind me. Or so I thought...

Evil Leader                 

Corruption was gone and now everyone felt safe again. All was at peace and everyone could live happily ever after. THEM, the club that had gone down in history as the worst thing that ever happened to the school was destroyed at last. So you can only imagine how many parties started springing up all around the school. Of-coarse, I was never invited to any of them. I guess they thought I was to busy. Or perhaps it is still because they hold a grudge against me for attacking those kids. It is amazing how a single moment in your life can go by so quickly. But the memory lasts forever. The sooner they would forget about it, I would too. But that didn't look like it was going to happen. George seemed to be the only person who trusted me and understood why I had been so upset. As I told George some old sayings and taught him new moves, we were surrounded by Random Kid and his posse. "Hey Mr. S how ya doin?" Random Kid snickered. "What is the S for?", I asked starting to feel my blood pressure rising. "It stands for stalker, because that is what you are!" He started to break out laughing and all his friends did the same. Did I miss something? How was that funny? How could they still be picking on someone like me! I tried to block it out, but the laughter cut through my ears as clear as day. "Stop." I said under my breath quietly. It was at that moment that I stopped and thought. Why was I talking so quietly? Was it because deep down inside I felt inferior to them! Inferior to the kids that mocked me every day and ruined my life! I wasn't afraid of them! I should be the one they are afraid of! "Stop!" I yelled. A few kids backed down. But Random Kid kept laughing. I wouldn't take this any more. I grabbed him by his shirt and pushed him against the wall. Before my own mind could catch up with what I was doing, I punched him as hard as I could in the eye. His laughing slowly faded and he simply stared at me for a moment. Random Kid wiggled himself loose and walked away. Only once did he turn around and mumble something like "Hope your ready..." I hardly had time to think when a hand was suddenly planted on my shoulder, "Why did you do that?!" George yelled. I looked over at George with hatred, he was supposed to understand me. He was supposed to be there for me! "It is about time these idiots were taught a lesson" I yelled. Kids started backing up and running back to their houses. "Idiots like me"? George asked sadly. "Exactly!" I yelled back. At that George just walked away with a frown on his face. A part of me felt bad about what I had done. Truly it did! But what was the point? I had hurt another kid. Once a bad apple, always a bad apple. Fighting against this hate was as useless as rebuilding a glass house. Peace will never come to me with these stupid kids around, I thought to myself.

School:

I took my stuff from my locker that was destroyed by all the kids that push my stuff over and were mean to me. It just made no sense, I had saved them all from being bullied at least once. But they still acted like I was just a weirdo. After class I was really ticked off. When school ended, no-one would stand in my way of leaving as quickly as possible. And if they did, I would swing them by their back-pack and let them get in someone else's way. Funny how people seem so brave and powerful when they are in a group. But when they are alone, they shrink away from anything that might set me off. I didn't even stop to wait for George. To me, he was just like all the others: stupid idiots that treated me like an animal. Perhaps it was best for everybody if I just stayed inside for the rest of the day. I couldn't hurt anyone there. But silence did me no good. It only increased the strange feeling that I was being watched. And it only made me have more time to think about what had happened. I heard laughing in my head. The same laughter I had heard just that morning before school. I was once again being haunted by memories. Memories that couldn't be put to rest. I turned on the T.V. Still laughter. I turned it up louder. Still laughter. I turned it up all the way. Still laughter. How can you hide from your mind? You can't.

Next day:

George was walking to school when he noticed that I was not showing up. "Not this again" he sighed. He was alone for a while, before Jack stepped in his way. Jack had a good habit of showing up when you least wanted him to. As soon as he saw Jack, George immediately jumped into action. "What do you want"?, George asked with hesitation. "Easy there kid" said Jack with a smile. "I was just walking to class". "Okay then...", said George suspiciously with his fists still raised high. Jack started to walk away. But he stopped in his tracks and turned back to George. "Oh, and tell Brett... I said hi." And with that, he walked away. Back at my house I was running a fever. All more the reason to skip school. I tried to step outside once,but the sun pierced my eyes and I quickly got dizzy. I felt my stomach boil and burn, and then you can guess what happened next. I really wasn't in a good mood. I layed down on the couch and played some games. As me and Tim always said, no-matter what you are doing or how you are feeling, don't waste your time sleeping, make it as fun as you can. No matter how fun, I wasn't getting any joy out of it, my heart felt like it was scrunched into a little ball, then burned. I was just a pathetic kid that no-one cared about until they were in big trouble. I had problems to. But saving yourself is harder than you think. I decided I would just get over it and maybe I would stay my old self. MABY.

Next day:

I was going to school today and was not happy about it. But if I wanted to go back to normal, I would have to start somewhere. Some kids acted as if they hadn't heard about my big freak out. While others were avoiding me at all costs. My mood somewhat brightened when I saw George walking in my direction. "Hey Brett!" "Feeling any better?" he asked carefully. I had to be honest with George, I wasn't. The black hole that had settled itself in my heart was still snug in it's place. "I don't know" I said at last. "I don't think I ever will". George gave me a half smile, or maybe it was a half frown. "Well I'll make you feel better!" he said. Quickly, he jumped up, ready to use one of his new fighting moves on me. That would always cause a small tussle that would lift my spirits. But not today. Before he could touch down, I grabbed him in mid-air, and threw him to the ground. "Ow man!" "Not so hard"! he yelled as he struggled to get back on his feet. "I'm not in the mood" I said sternly as I walked away. But before I got any further, a girl ran up to George and sat at his side as he got up. "Are you alright?" she asked quickly. As he inspected a new bruise at his side, George answered "yeah, I'm good". But when he eventually looked up at her, he almost drooled. It was obvious to anyone that he thought she was cute. Suddenly, George got up and puffed out his chest. I guess seeing her- made the pain vanish. There was a short silence, George obviously had no idea how to talk to a girl. "My name is Samantha what's yours?" she said, breaking the tension. After stuttering for a moment, George finally said, "Names George." You could have been at the opposite end of the hall and been able to tell he was shaking. It looked as if he were being shook by an earthquake that no-one else could feel. "Well I gotta get going" Samantha said shyly. "Okay" said George "see you around." I was suddenly the last thing on George's mind. I was losing everyone who once cared about me. Going to school today hadn't helped at all. I would have been better off lying in bed all day. I walked to my next class and left George to his thoughts.I did my work fighting back my anger as well as I could. Luckily, no-one picked on me that day. But that didn't stop the hatred I felt towards everyone who had picked on me. When school was finally over, the fight with anger left me exhausted. I went home and found a note at my door. I read it slowly. It said, Dear Brett, I'm going to your buddy Tye's house today. And I'm gonna beat him senseless if you don't hurry up. Lets see what a hero you can really be. See you soon. ~ From Jack. I crumpled it in my fist. This was the last thing I wanted to hear. Tye was one of the only kids that didn't pick on me. If I could save him, then I might be able to slowly regain my old self. I couldn't let Jack ruin this for me to. Tye's house wasn't far from mine. I knew that, but I couldn't remember what the address was... The race to Tye's house was on. And if I couldn't save him, then I could never save myself.

The search:

I dashed through the neighborhood looking for the right house. I really had no idea where it was. After reaching the end of the block, I stopped and turned around- realizing I was going the wrong way. I ran down the road and made a sharp turn on to another street. Just around the corner was a car going at least 55 miles per hour! I had no choice but to jump up and push off of it as it continued to barrel down the rode. Narrowly escaping a painful doom, I continued running and running. The entire time I hadn't even broken a sweat. It seemed like when I was angry, I seemed to handle things better and faster. I turned again and a pit-bull jumped at me. It's mouth dripped with saliva and it barked like mad. It landed on me and I held it back by the neck. I quickly rolled out from under it and started running again. It didn't take long for it to start coming after me. There was no use trying to out-run a dog. So I came to a complete stop and ducked just in time for it to jump over me. I turned around and it jumped at my face. In a hurry, I kneed it in the side and pinned it to the ground carefully. The pit-bull wriggled out of my grasp and bit my leg. I screamed out in pain and kicked the dog across the rode. It stood back up and eyed me for a while. The growling got louder and louder. But after a long time of waiting, the dog turned around and started to limp away. I was safe for now. Realizing I had just wasted a lot of time I ran faster than ever. Eventually I got it. It was 244! I made a few more turns and found it. I rushed to the door and knocked loudly. I heard Jack's voice coming from somewhere. He had beaten me hear. I had already fought one animal. I was more than ready to fight another.

The rescue:

I was sweating, my breath was coming quickly in short rasps,my head was beating really hard and my whole body was pulsing with anger. "Come on Brett!", yelled Jack from an unknown location. I busted open the door, "Jack show yourself!" I yelled with rage. "I'm outside wimp" He yelled back. I ran to the backyard and found Jack giving Tye a headlock. It was winter time, and Tye was shaking more than George was earlier. As I looked closer, I could tell that Jack had beat him up. I was to late. "Nobody messes with my friends!" I screamed. "I'll do whatever I want!" Jack yelled back. My anger started to reach it's boiling point. I found myself running at Jack with all my might. Jack threw down Tye and punched me hard in my face. He then hit me again with the back of his hand. "I've been waiting for this." Jack said calmly. I was feeling more hate enter my body. I didn't want to talk to him. I wanted to fight him. ... I wanted to make him pay! I dashed into Jack making him fall over. Then I kicked him in the ribs and punched him in the chest causing him a lot of pain. Snow cluttered his face and his skin turned white. I was getting more and more angry. I grabbed Jack and threw him back to the ground. He landed with his back facing a fence. He struggled to steady himself. I turned my attention to Tye. Who was still lying in the snow. I propped him up to his house and went back to Jack. Once again, I ran towards Jack with great speed, ripped of a brittle branch from a low-hanging tree, and whacked Jack in the face over and over. "I tried to give you a chance!" I yelled over his screams. "And you wasted it!" At last, I dropped the branch and let him fall back to the ground. Jack was screaming, splinters covered his face- just like the snow. I had won the fight, but I was still steaming with anger. I realized that I seemed stronger when angry. I didn't know why I felt this way... but I liked it. I ran over to Tye before he blacked out. While I did so Jack yelled for us to help him deal with the pain. He was crying for mercy, begging. Just like the way he did the first time I beat him up. It then occurred to me that under all the muscle and "tough" attitude, he was still the same person as before. I ignored him. Tye was the only person I was worried about now. "Thanks Brett!" Tye said, "I thought I was a goner". "When you recover, you need to call the authorities on Jack... he deserves it." I mumbled. I looked at Tye closer, he looked terrible. He had a black eye, and several deep cuts and bruises. "I'm really sorry he did this to you Tye". "It's okay". Tye insisted. But I didn't see it that way. I had failed. "I was too late" I said softly as I made my hand into a fist. I then heard more yelling and George came running from around the corner. The first thing he saw was me standing above Tye, with my fist clenched, and Tye beat up. "Brett, what happened?" George yelled. He ran to Tye and turned to me. "Are you responsible for this?!" He yelled as he defended Tye by standing between us. That did it... That one sentence set me off. I finally understood that no-one treated me nicely, no-one cared about me, and my own apprentice doesn't trust me. Out of all the people I knew, George was the only person who I thought I could trust. But now... Now he thought that I had beaten another kid up out of anger. I wouldn't stand for it any longer. "Shut up George!" I yelled, "You're not my apprentice any more, and you're not my friend!" "I don't care if you cry, or just plain die!" "Get out of my life now!" Without thinking, I rushed forward and punched George hard in the gut. George stood back up with a tear in his eyes. But I quickly kicked him back down with great strength. I couldn't stand it hear any longer. I left George withering in pain and made my way out. I got to an old house and sat by it with my head in my hands. "What is wrong with me." I said to myself. There was only one place to go when I felt this way- the abandoned alley. When I got there, I got very cold and more upset. Even I was starting to cry. Something wasn't right, I could feel it. I went to my corner so I could settle down and sulk. But when I made a turn, I found my spot was already occupied by a person in a dark cloak, wearing what seemed to be a Ski mask on his face. He was covered in black and seemed darker than the darkest night. I couldn't tell his age nor any real facial features. He moved swiftly around as if he were one with the dark. I then realized that the dark feeling I had been getting seemed at it's strongest here. I was hateful. But not towards him. When he spoke, I began to shiver with fear and coldness..."Hello there Brett, my name is Darkness."

Meeting with Darkness:

"Darkness?" I asked (still trying to figure out how he knew my name). "Yes, that is my name". "You look upset, what is wrong?" he said. My entire body told me not to speak. My body told me to run away. Run away as far as your legs can take you. But I couldn't help it. I had been hated by everyone. It can't get any worse. "I used my anger and hate to defeat someone, and I think I did the wrong thing". "Whats worse, is I just lost my best friend, my apprentice". I started to tear up. "That is nothing to cry for". "Powerful people like you- don't cry." Don't you see? using your anger is good for you...use it in all situations." he said softly. My mind seemed trapped and void of any answer. What did he mean? "You will become more powerful than you already are." he continued. And the truth was... he had a point. It was true, I was much stronger when I was angry and hateful. I accomplished things that weaklings like George could never imagine! My eyes felt heavy and I almost doubled over. Another cold wind blew around us. A huge pain came through my back, and through my head, to all over my body. But most of all... my heart. It felt empty, barren, it had nothing to care for... or anyone to care for it. "How did it get to this point" asked Darkness with a smile. I tried to talk, but nothing came out. My voice seemed distant. And my mind could not seem to grasp the fact that talking wouldn't hurt me. I finally spoke, "Well first" I said gasping. "I met a kid named Tim. We were great friends, he trained me, and trusted me always. Thanks to him, I defeated a dangerous bully named Machine. I was a hero, the whole school loved me. But not all good things last. I was then defeated by an old friend nicknamed Eliminator. Everyone lost respect for me. But things got better when I took up my own apprentice- George. After a long fight, I defeated Eliminator. Then an old enemy of mine, named Jack, (that I beat up really bad for picking on random kid), came back for revenge and nearly defeated me. I was even able to take down the leader behind it all, Corruption. Yet I still feel incomplete." "You sound very powerful" Darkness said in a whisper. "I don't think I am, not after what I just did". I said. Darkness spoke up, "No Brett, it is good". "Trust me". "I knew you were coming here Brett". "I came to help you". "I came to save you from the bullies, George, even Tim." "Tim?" I repeated. I was to shocked by what he just said to talk for a moment. "Tim?" I said again. "Yes Tim". Darkness said "Or rather, the memory of Tim." "He haunts you in a way that only makes you feel more hate." "He has been against you the whole time". "And to think he was your friend". I interrupted him. And for just a moment, I felt the darkness slip away. "What lies!" I yelled "How could you know?" Darkness stayed calm, "I knew him Brett". "He didn't know me though". "He was a very bad person." "Always tricking kids into the wrong sides". "With anger you could become more powerful than Tim could ever have hoped to be". "Plus, no-one will pick on you anymore." "Join me and you will be at peace... just like you've always wanted". He said. The pain got stronger, and I thought my whole body would tare apart. I was trembling, I looked down and my veins were bulging. It felt as if my insides were churning. I started choke because of all my conflicted emotions, fear,anger,hate,sorrow. I saw images. One was George. He was starring at me in disapproval. "I don't trust you!" he yelled- and then faded away. I tried to blink, why wouldn't it stop!? I'm going to die I thought to myself. My own body was turning against me. I saw another image of Tim leaving me because I wasn't strong enough. I was to weak. I saw shadows, a black envelope, and other strange things flash before my eyes. I saw another vision of myself, using anger to defeat George and Tim, and how they would respect me. And so would everyone else! Everyone! I then woke up with a shock, Breathing hard. I was crying now, remembering all the memories. I felt the tears fall down my cheeks. My memories darkened and all I could remember were the bad ones. My inner self had been saving these flashbacks all this time. In a way, I've always known. There was a long silence. There was not a foot-step, no cars honking, no breathing. Everything was silent. Everything was at peace! Just like it would be soon. "I understand now" I said slowly as I stood up. I looked up at my new master Darkness. He was the only person who cared about me. Who believed in me. "What do you want me to do master?" I asked. "Simple Brett" he answered, "show people your power and make them suffer for being to inferior to you. And as for George, he is no longer your friend, no-one is... except me."

The End of a Hero:

I walked out of the alley, looking at the silent streets. Hardly anyone was walking about. I saw everything and everyone, and felt empty. All the memories...gone. Gone forever. I was stronger without them. I was no-longer burdened with heavy chains. I was free now. I was truly more powerful than Tim could ever be. More powerful than anybody can be! I stared deep into a field. George and his new friend Samantha were talking and laughing together as they headed home. I listened closely and overheard them. Samantha was his new girlfriend! George was so happy, he leaped for joy. He looked across the street at me and Samantha looked too. "Come on lets go" George said quickly. They left me. Alone with all the other weaklings. He was so weak. His emotions betrayed him. I was once that weak. But I would never be again. George and Samantha kept walking- ignoring me. They walked away. Walked away just like Tim had done years before. But it didn't matter. I forced the memories of Tim out, and stood up. "Now a new age begins! A new age for me! A NEW AGE OF DARKNESS!"

Darkness Abound

A new me. Thats all I could really think about what was going on. I was no-longer a hero who saved kids from being bullied and then stomped right back into the dirt like a monster that couldn't be released from it's shell. If I was going to be treated like a monster, then that's exactly what I would become. The days of me being tortured were over. Now it was just Darkness and me... the new me. The beginning of the new me takes us to my school like all the time before. Nothing had changed yet, no-one knew about my new self yet. "Agh!" A kid ran out to the park screaming like a four year old who had just broken a toy. When you have as much power as I did, where do you begin. I figured I would start off by getting revenge on anyone who had ever wronged me. They deserved it. One-by-one I would teach them a lesson they wouldn't forget. Kids gathered around the terrified soul and tried to calm him down. But they scattered like mice when they saw me walking forward. I guess my reputation proceeded me. "Calm down, man!" the kid yelled as he crawled backwards against a tree. "I think I have been calm enough." I said simply and knocked him out with a square punch to the head. "One down..." I said quickly "the whole school to go." George walked by the gruesome scene with his new girlfriend, Samantha. He stopped immediately and spoke in a bold voice, "Quit it Brett" he said, "or I will beat you up." "I knew you were dumb, but I didn't think you were THAT dumb." I said with a smirk. Some memories tried to flood into my head, but I blocked them out. There was no-need for those memories. George wasn't my friend, he was just another person standing in my way. And I would treat him just as I was going to treat everyone else. I rushed up to George and tripped him without him even laying a punch on me. I was going to do more. But something about this didn't feel right. This was to easy. This wasn't the time or the place for a fight. But trust me, I would know when the time came. Besides, what better thing to do than leave George on the ground looking like a idiot, while his "girlfriend" watched him in sadness. I spun around and started to walk off- kicking him in the process. Samantha pulled him up and put her arm around him. She truly just liked him for being... him! She didn't care how strong he was. But as far as I was concerned, they were weirder than I ever was. "This may be the end of an era", said George as he checked his wound. "An end of an era?," asked Samantha skeptically. "You gotta be kidding, one kid could be the end of all of us?" George looked down at his feet, "Take it from an old... friend, Brett has been manipulated by by someone... he is to far gone to bring back. I don't think the old Brett will ever come back."

Next day:

School didn't feel like a death sentence anymore. Now that I knew how to use my strength against others and get them to respect me- I was at peace. And that is all Darkness and I ever really wanted. Peace. Peace for ourselves and anyone else who went through what I did. Who knows, if George was smart- he might join us too. But I doubted that. George was like all the others now. Yet, even though I had every student of the school in the palm of my hand, I felt as if there was still more I had to do. There were still people who deserved my wrath. There seemed to be no limit to my strength. After school ended, I met up with two students who had not felt my fury yet. I attacked the first one and slammed him into the ground. He tried to roll away, but I stopped him with my foot and kicked him back. I turned to other kid and a shot of fear ran through my veins. The second kid was one of the students who I had beat up months ago. The one who had haunted me with the vision of his petrified face turning white and him screaming. He had caused me pain at a whole new level. I caught myself backing up from him. A shudder came through me and I almost apologized. But my better thinking got hold of me and I realized that he was just another annoying kid standing in Darkness's way... I mean MY way. He didn't deserve special treatment, not after the nightmares he had given me. I lunged forward and head-butted him in the face. He began to stand up- but I slugged him hard in the jaw. He tried to rise again- with the same results. Eventually, he to was laying on the ground sobbing for mercy. "Stop!" "Just stop!" he yelled through the pain. I stood smiling for a moment. I didn't want to stop. He was a fool for not knowing that. And fools had to be dealt with. But right as I was about to continue my revenge, George and Samantha came running my way. "Don't do this Brett!" yelled George. I saw a quick motion to my right and gazed over my shoulder. Darkness was standing over the kid who I had beaten up. George and Samantha didn't see him, he was just out of their sight. He spoke in a whisper, but I could hear him as clear as day. "Forget these weaklings, show George who is boss." I nodded my head and turned back to George and Samantha. They looked pretty pitiful- running up the hill, waving their arms like birds about to take flight. Another thing I had learned from Darkness was the ability to think quickly in battle. And in the few seconds before George reached me, I figured out what his motivation was. He had been protecting these kids from me more often than ever. And no-matter what I said or did, he always had some sort of driving force that allowed him to keep trying. I finally got it, it was Samantha. She was his new focus in life. And as long as she was with him, he would never give up. Never giving up was one of George's most annoying qualities. I ran into George and pushed him down. Before he could get up, I jumped on top of his chest and leaped in front of Samantha. She was already backing up. She wasn't so brave without George at her side. I was getting ready to strike Samantha when I remembered that she was a girl. How am I supposed to fight a girl! I screamed inside of my head. An answer appeared in my head as if the words were being spoken right in front of my face. Show no mercy, show no mercy, show no mercy! I pulled back my fist like a bow-and-arrow and thrust it towards her. "No!" George yelled from behind as he stood up. But my fist stopped in midair. "I can't hit a girl" I said in a whisper. Samantha's face was swelled up and looked terrified. George ran closer from behind snarling like a dog. I swung my fist around and hit George in the side of his face. George cried out and he tried to grab me. But I kicked him out from under his feet before he could do anything. "Why are you doing this?" asked George in anger and pain. I just smiled, "I can do whatever I want now." I looked around to see everything I had caused. It didn't make me upset, it made me proud to see how strong I was becoming. When I turned around to leave George, Samantha got in my way and pleaded that I come back to them. But I just pushed her aside and made my way back home. Even the cold winds of a beginning winter didn't bother me. My blood was hot with power. "I love this new me" I said to myself.

Next day:

Call it strange, but after everything I had just done, I still wasn't completely happy. I had not gotten rid of the source of George's motivation: Samantha. And I also felt that I had disappointed my master. But all that would soon change. I wouldn't disappoint my master this time. I used some stealth in getting to her backyard and waiting for her parents to leave. But after a while, the car drove off and Samantha was not inside it. I rang Samantha's doorbell and planned my moves. Samantha opened the door and a look of shock came over her face. "Gosh, go away Brett, what are you doing here?" she asked nervously. "Oh nothing. Just thought I would make a visit." I said. She started to back up and I entered the house. Her cell-phone was sitting on a desk nearby. I picked it up and dialed George's number. He answered after just two rings. "Hello?" George said with some happiness in his voice. "Hey George" I whispered. "I'm with your little girlfriend here". It took George no-time at all to interrupt. "Get away from her!" he snarled. I had not thought to hard about what others had to say ever since Darkness became my master. But for some reason, I felt as if this wasn't the right time to do the deed. After all, I had all the time in the world. "...I'm not going to do anything to her," I said at last. I dropped the phone and looked over at Samantha. She still cowering in fear over my arrival. I walked out and winked at her as I did. I knew I would be back someday. Someday soon. Meanwhile, Samantha picked up the phone and told George that I was gone. "What was that about?" he asked with hesitation. "Nothing" said Samantha "...Nothing". When I got home, I layed down on my bed and tried to relax. I had a difficult day. But I would have to get used to days like this more often. After a while, I was able to fall asleep peacefully. But this was not going to be a peaceful sleep....

The Dream:

As soon as I fell asleep, a sense of falling took over my body. It felt as if my stomach was being twisted. I felt a pain jolt through me like a shock of lightning. And I suddenly found myself standing on a rocky ground. The sky was a sickly gray color and the sun couldn't pierce through the fog that blanketed the terrain. I stepped forward very slowly. Just when I thought I was alone, a figure stepped out of the fog near me. When I finally saw his whole face, I jumped back. It was...me. It was another Brett. But this one was dressed in white clothes which seemed to shine brightly through the gray fog. I looked at my own clothing. I was dressed in all black clothing. Light Brett made a gesture with his hand and all the fog was pulled away. Even the gray skies turned into a shiny white color. I felt cold and un-easy in this place. I didn't belong hear. "Come back to us Brett," the light Brett said in a kind voice that seemed to be filled with hundreds of other noises. "Never" I said with my anger growing..."Darkness will rule us soon....very soon." "And I will be his main servant." "You are foolish to try to change my mind." The light Brett looked down at the rocky ground, "then I have no choice, but to destroy you." "Try me" I mocked. With another gesture of his hands, Light Brett made the sky return. And a whole new world opened up to us. As I took in the details, Light Brett jumped at me and we began to wrestle each other to the ground. Light Brett pushed me off and I fell through a pit which appeared at Light Brett's whim. Before I reached the bottom, I jumped off the wall and clung to the edge of the pit. I quickly sprang up before the pit closed up on me. I body-slammed Light Brett to the ground and jumped off his back. I got great air and landed with great form. "Darkness doesn't just fade away that easily!" I yelled. "I never said this would be easy." Light Brett retorted. He then pulled us both over a ledge and we began plummeting towards lava below. I flipped him over so he could take the blow. But in the end, we both landed in it. I closed my eyes and waited for the end. But instead of being burnt to a crisp, I felt a sharp twist and then a kick to the jaw. I opened my eyes only to see both Light Brett and I under the surface of the lava! It wouldn't burn us, but we couldn't breath in it. Light Brett began to spin like a hurricane. The force of the spin sent me tumbling backwards and slammed me into the wall. Rocks came tumbling down and I soon found my self buried under tons of rocks. I heard whispers and voices. Sometimes I even heard a laugh. The voices got louder and my ears started to hurt. I was screaming and running out of air. I could only make out three words need your help. My screaming grew louder and louder- and just when I thought it was over for good, light Brett shattered the rocks with a punch. He took me by the shirt and threw me above him. I flew out of the lava and back on to dry land. This was not going well. Before I could move a muscle, Light Brett jumped out of the lava and tried to land on me. Before he could do so, I flipped backwards and kicked him in the chest. Light Brett flew high into the sky and came down like a rock. I would not let him go so easily. Before he could even hit the ground, I gave him a huge punch which literally sent him flying back. I noticed that when I hit him, I heard voices I knew. Voices like Tye's or George. Light Brett wasn't just the old version of me. He held all my memories too. And if I allowed even one memory to survive, it would ruin my power.

The Strange Dream Continues:

We eventually arrived back at the rocky area which had started the dream. Light Brett seemed to be getting weaker. As if every punch I made, caused him to lose some of his own being. I pinned light Brett into a sharp rock that jutted out from the ground. It did no good though. His body crushed it as soon as the two met. I drew back my fist and tried to punch him. But before I could, Light Brett faded away and sunk into the ground! Leaving me sitting there in shock. I stood up and everything started to spin. It got faster and faster. Like a roller coaster that couldn't stop. My stomach churned and I felt myself ready to vomit. More voices filled my ears- trying to get themselves into my head. But I wouldn't give in. I stumbled for a wall and found one. I punched it as hard as I could and the spinning floor stopped. At last, everything got quiet. "You still have a chance." Light Brett said in an echo. I couldn't tell where he was, but he was close. "For the last time!" I yelled, "I will not go back! I am to powerful now!" Light Brett tackled me from out of nowhere and punched me in the stomach and head. He tried to spin again, but I caught his arm and flung him into the ground. I was getting the hand of this. Light Brett was getting to be transparent. I was able to grab Light Brett and punched him in the chest- and jump off his head. I heard the noises of shattering glass and more voices making there way into my mind. I had to finish this quick. Light Brett punched me over and over again, but they were getting much weaker every time. I laughed to myself and headbutted him. Light Brett stumbled back and everything around us flickered black and white. "Here we go now!" I yelled, "Here we make our last stand," "Here... Darkness takes over."

Darkness Forever!:

Light Brett lifted his hand one last time, and the world ripped open from under us. I blinked once and found that we were standing in a land of complete chaos. The moon was about to crash into the Earth, water was thrashing around us, and fires somehow sustained throughout it all. Buildings were falling and the sun, beaming with light, burned all the land before us. Everything was weakening us. And Light Brett knew it. If he couldn't kill me, then he would go down with me. I threw a fist, but Light Brett blocked it away. " Gah" gasped Dark Brett. "You won't stop me! I'm not just Darkness! I'm true power!" Light Brett calmly pushed me into the wreckage. The moon reached us, and we were nearly crushed. Shock waves caused us to fall whenever we made a bad move. But this fight wasn't ending till one of us was destroyed. One of us had to win one way or another. Light Brett did a huge jump and kicked me in the back of my head. He was using all his strength to fight me. How pitiful. I quickly reached around, grabbed Light Brett's feet, and swung him into a falling building. It fell onto Light Brett and he broke through it. I could now see through him completely. He was looking bad. Light Brett spoke as he stumbled about in a calm of a voice as ever, "If I die here, I will go down with honor". He charged at me but I just stuck out my hand and caught him. I then swung him around and threw him into the hard ground. I looked over to see Light Brett pathetically trying to punch me, but each blow was like that of a baby. He was weak. Dieing. Then I felt my ear burning, the sun and other catastrophes were closing in on us. As I retreated, Light Brett began to choke on the poison in the air. At last, he dropped to his knees and spoke with all the air he had left. "In the end... I know you will do the right thing" he rasped. I then walked away as Light Brett was pounded by a wave, crushed by buildings, and burned by the sun. There was no doubt about it, Light Brett was dead. He was merely reduced to nothing but dust. I stood tall as the champion. I gazed upon the chaos and laughed in it's face. I was not afraid of anything. All the sounds of voices faded away- as did the sound of chaos. Finally, I woke with smile and a gasp for air "...No, I won't" I said to myself. "I am the one that will blot out the light, as I have just done." I looked at myself in the mirror. I had dark circles under my eyes. I truly looked like I was beginning to receive all the strength Darkness had promised. And all the respect to. I returned to Darkness and explained my dream. "Good job my apprentice" said Darkness proudly. "You are now closer to full power." And for the first time in a long time, I felt like my old self for a moment. The feeling of an accomplished mission. The feeling that I was a hero. ...And then that feeling ended. I was more powerful than the old Brett... and that's how it had to be.

George's house:

George was very confused about me and Samantha. He pondered it and then began to jot down ideas in his head of what to do about Brett. After all Brett had done, he deserved to be punished. George was deep in thought, when there was a knock at the door. He answered and had his heart nearly stop. For there, standing at his door, was a person who he had only seen in pictures... it was Tim Allender! Tim sighed, then spoke, "George...I need your help."

Fight of the friends:

George stumbled back in dis-belief. "Tim what are you doing here!?" said George in shock. "I'm here to save the day" Tim said as he walked into the house. George was silent for a while. What could he possibly say to an S.S.C legend? Tim spoke after warming himself next to the fireplace. "Never will my own friend cover us all in darkness. Never!". "I won't either, Tim" said George loudly. "Together we can do whatever we put our minds too." George sighed, "He IS my friend, but he is just lost his old self I guess." "Even worse" said Tim. "A being by the name of Darkness is keeping him blinded by power and strength. We will most likely have to fight them both. But in the end, I hope everything can turn out right." "I know that sir" said George. "But seriously, Brett thought you were dead. Where have you been?" Tim seemed shocked by his lack of explanation, "Ah yes, after my big departing speech with Brett, some...things happened. I thought it would be stupid to come back so suddenly so I decided to go under-cover and watch him progress in fighting...however that was before... he left us." Tim's head dropped in a look of defeat. But he shot up quickly and looked George square in the eye. " Do you know where Brett could be right now?" asked Tim in all seriousness. "No Tim, I don't. Looks like we're gonna have to find him some other way." George paused for a moment and thought a bit harder. As if the answer were on the tip of his nose. "Oh no!," said George at last. "I just had a thought." "What is it?" asked Tim with more hope in his voice. "It is just that...the last time I talked to Brett, it was over the phone just two days ago. And he was with my girlfriend." "Oh, Samantha huh?" asked Tim with a short smile. George took a double-take. "How did you know?" he asked in a shocked voice. "Trust me George, I'm the eye in the sky." George fought back the urge to ask more questions. "Well we have a job to do, so lets go" he said quickly, grabbing a jacket. As Tim stuck his hands back in his pockets, they both strode out the door in silence. Deep down inside George hoped this wouldn't turn out to be a fight. But a part of him already knew, it would have to be.

Killing a Bug:

I arrived again, back to see my master Darkness. "I have finally got my revenge on every student who has ever wronged me, and beyond" I snarled. "Not yet you haven't." remarked Darkness, "You have yet to get your full revenge on your old friend; George." He was right. Darkness was always right. I had hurt George, but I hadn't made him suffer for all that he had done to me. He deserved so much worse. He deserved to be squashed like a bug. "So what do you suggest I do?" I asked- already knowing the answer. Darkness spoke louder in a booming voice, "Find George and get rid him. Once and for all!" "This is the only way to make sure he never interferes with us again. Or ruins the peace you are trying to spread across the community and onward." "And what if he refuses?" I said-looking at my hands. "Then...dispose of him. But be careful. I sense something strange...someone has returned." "I shall be careful master" I assured, and then ran off as my plot unfolded. I had a way to take care of George once and for all. And the key to that plan was Samantha. After seeing how he reacted last time I hung around her, he was bound to walk right in to my my trap. I pushed more memories out of my head, once I defeated George, I would finally show full power. And once you have a taste of power, all you want is more. But wanting power isn't a bad thing. It was a great thing! It is what separates weaklings from those who are powerful. It separates the geniuses from the idiots. It separates me and memories that never had any meaning or worth! Power wasn't a bad thing, it was my ticket to leadership. I quickly fixed my hair and put my dark clothing behind some shrubs. I replaced it with a thin, white shirt. And I made my way to Samantha's house. I was getting cold. It was winter and I had heard a bad storm might be coming by. If I was going to take down George, I would have to do it soon. I ran to a nearby bush and picked a flower. It was dried up and the pedals fell off with the slightest movements. As I made my way to Samantha's place, I kept thinking about the rose which I held in my hand. It had a strange bond with me. That rose had survived the thick winter winds and snow. It was no-longer a bright, soft flower. It was dark and crisp. It was not its old self anymore- but it still survived. It could survive whatever nature threw at it. It was strange, I never thought I could find myself to be so much like a rose. With my thoughts wrapping up, I reached Samantha's house and rang at the door bell. Her parents were gone again and I could hear the TV in her house was on. The door opened and Samantha popped out from behind it with a sudden look of fear. I had to hurry and say something before she exploded. "Oh hi Samantha" I said in a cheery voice. "I'm sorry about all my bad deeds, but I have great news, I'm back to my old self!" Are you sure?" asked Samantha skeptically, "You still seem upset." Somehow, behind all of my masked emotions, she could tell what I really felt. I responded quickly with a laugh, "No, no, George talked me into going back to my old ways. He told me to come by your house and tell you the news in person." I faked a shiver and gave her a small grin. "Oh you must be freezing!- come on in." Samantha said. I stepped into the house and handed her the flower, "this is for you!" Samantha's face beamed, she still saw the rose as beautiful. "Thank you Brett!" "Sorry it is wilted." I said bluntly. Samantha just gave me another smile. "It doesn't matter, a rose is a rose no-matter how it looks." I took a look around the house. All I need to do was find her cell phone and call George into the trap. It was no-where in sight, I would have to look in a different room. I glanced back at Samantha who was starring lonely-like with the flower. "Wow George has never done this for me," she said in a irritated tone. I just laughed to myself, "Exactly".

The Lure:

I needed to buy some time to find that phone. My plan would fail without it. I sat down on the couch and as casually as possible said, "why do you go out with George anyways?" "Because I love him" said Samantha instantly. "Okay." I said in a tense voice. It took Samantha no time at all to reply "What do you mean anyways?" "I just don't think George respects you enough. You, yourself said he doesn't do much for you." "I never said that!" yelled Samantha. "The thing is," I continued, "he doesn't like you as much as you thought." "How do you know!" Samantha asked nervously. "While I was talking to him, George said that he was planning on breaking up with you. He just doesn't think things are working out." "Thats a lie!" yelled Samantha loudly. I just sat back casually as I let the lie roll further. "He said he was to embarrassed to tell you in person, so he said he would send you a message about it." Samantha rushed to her computer and typed away at the key board as fast as she could. "Not on the computer." I said, "Over the phone... your cell phone." As quickly as she could, Samantha hopped out of the seat and hopped into the kitchen. She pulled out her cell phone and started pressing buttons. This was it, I knew where here cell phone was, now I just needed to take it. I sprang off the couch and grabbed the phone away from her in an instant. "Hay, what are you doing!" she yelled louder. "I am following orders." I answered. As I dialed George's number, she grabbed the phone and tried running upstairs. I caught her foot and the phone went flying into the air. "Oh god" she said loudly as she scrambled towards it. Before she could make another move, I jumped in front of the phone and picked it up. Her face was filled with fear. But oddly enough, she didn't seem afraid about herself. She was more concerned about George! There would be no doubt that George would know it was a trick. But that wouldn't stop him from coming. Not as long as I had Samantha captive. I took her by the arm to the front door. Snow was covering the ground and it looked like the storm could come by any minute. I dialed George's number, but to my surprise, there was no answer! I tried two more times, with the same result. I threw down the phone and grabbed Samantha by her arm again. "Where is he!" I yelled. "I... don't know." she said through the pain. I dragged her out of the house and threw her out the door, into the snow. I felt anger surging through me, my plan wouldn't be stopped now! But then, there was a voice. "Brett stop it!" said the familiar voice. My heart skipped a beat as I turned around only to come face to face with someone who was all but dead to me. "No! It can't be!" I yelled out-loud in complete shock. Because, standing across from me, was George and Tim Allender! "You?... Tim?" I said in shock. "The very same." Tim replied. He made a short hand gesture to George and they got into a battle stance. The winds grew stronger, but I could hear Tim's voice as clear as day. "This ends here."

The Plan Twists:

"Brett why are you doing this?" asked George as wind whipped around his face. "Stay out of this George!" I yelled, "Finally you show yourself. After all those years! I was your friend!... You betrayed me! You left me to learn everything myself! You were against me from the very start!" Tim's eyes grew wide, "What are you talking about!" he yelled. "You know what I mean. You're the villain here!" I screamed. "No Brett... you are" replied Tim with haste. "No! I'm doing this for myself and Darkness! Soon peace will return! Kids need to learn their lesson and they are going to learn it the hard way! No-longer will a kid get picked on my anyone but those who have more power than them." "Brett it didn't have to be this way. You have fallen into this manipulating monster's trick and you can't get out of it!" Tim yelled. "If you just let us help you, we can..." "shut up!" I interrupted. "I'll kill you for what you did! You lied to me,you betrayed me,and now you challenge me!" "Brett don't you see! We haven't done anything!" George yelled back. "Brett why are you saying this?" said Tim. "Just tell me why! What happened?" I nearly exploded with anger, "Darkness revealed the truth! You were just using me! He told me how bad a person you were!" I was crying and my eyes had turned a bloody red. I was raging. "That is not true", said Tim calmly, "he is tricking you can't you see?!" But I was to filled up with emotions to speak, all I could do was fight. I came charging at them! I kicked Tim off his feet and jumped up in the air, I was able to grab the fist that was coming from George. I quickly twisted it and threw George to the ground. Tim had now jumped to his feet and tackled me. "Brett surrender!" he yelled. "I will not listen to you anymore!" I replied. I flipped over, kneed Tim in the stomach, and kicked him aside. George dived into me and punched me in the side. But I didn't budge. I just stood there like a rock. I grabbed George by the head and head butted him with the hardest headbutt I had ever done in my life. George stayed conscious but he was starting to stumble. Samantha watched with fear in her eyes and screamed at the sight of George's blood. I quickly grabbed his throat and started to choke him. "You know what George? Looks like you weren't ready at all" I laughed.

The Epic Battle:

George was getting weaker, my mission was almost complete. But Tim came up behind me and and was able to punch me- hard in the chest. I couldn't make another move before he hurled another punch at my face. My head was so hard though, it couldn't be damaged by this. I growled, grabbed Tim by the face, and shoved him into the ground. As I was doing so, George was able to push me off. "Brett, why? You were my best friend." said George sadly. "I'm not Brett anymore" I yelled, "I am much more powerful than the old Brett!" I then jumped into George and threw him into a tree. Tim reemerged and dashed over to me. While still in the air, Tim thrusted his fist into my stomach with all his might. "Agh!" I yelled in pain. Finally they had damaged me. But they wouldn't do so for long. This was a very even fight between Tim and I. Master v.s. apprentice... should it have really come to this? But I ignored the feeling and continued to fight. I summoned up my strength and charged for George instead of Tim. I quickly head butted him over and over again. George kicked me in the shin but it hardly did a thing. I then got the upper hand and threw George high up in the air. He landed at Samantha's feet with a sickening thud. "Brett!" Tim yelled, starting to loose his cool, "He could be dead!" I straitened up and smiled, it seemed harder to smile now, George still held memories. And memories had to be eliminated "That was my mission Tim!" I said loudly, "Till you came, now my main mission is to defeat you!"

The Fight Continues:

The two of us clashed. We circled each other, fists up for what seemed like hours. We were both waiting for the first move. The storm had not come yet, but the echo of the winds still sent chills up your spine. At last, I did the same move I had done on George years ago. I ran forward, slid, and grabbed Tim's leg when he tried to punch me. With that, I pinned him to the ground. "Give up yet" I asked. "Brett, I don't give up" Tim said, "Did you forget that to, or are you just not as smart as you think you are?!" Tim could have said whatever he wanted, I could see the fear in his eyes. It was just one of the many qualities I had obtained thanks to Darkness. I punched Tim in the stomach and Tim went flying back. I tried the move again, but this time Tim caught my fist and pushed it away with all his might. I flew off of Tim and landed with a thud. I looked over, only to find Samantha crying over George's body. As Tim towered over me, I quickly jumped back up and punched Tim hard in the throat. While Tim choked and tried to catch his breath, I punched him in the side of the head. I then pinned him again saying, "this is the end. It all ends here, once and for all."

The End?:

I jumped up, grabbed a branch on a tree, and swung it at Tim. "Nothing can stop me!" But Tim was able to grab my foot to stop another kick. Quickly, I broke loose, and from my struggle of breaking loose, I fell over on top of George. George finally showed signs of life, and he was angry. George pushed me off, but I punched him in the face anyways. George tried to run away, but his stumbling caused him to trip and fall. I walked towards him and sensed Tim coming up from behind me. "Perfect." I forced my fist behind me and hit Tim in the face. "This is annoying" I said, laughing to myself. I then kicked George in the ribs and heard them crack. "Nobody takes a fight to this point Brett! You're not yourself!" Tim said gasping for air. But I had no mercy. Darkness had taught me better. I jumped up, kicked Tim in the gut, and picked up a huge stick. With the rest of his strength, Tim hit it out of my hand and elbowed me in the side of my face as he ran towards George. "Haha!" I laughed, "When will you ever give up?

The End of the Fight:

The freezing rain storm was beginning to flow through. We didn't have much time left. I stepped into high-gear and head butted Tim till he was nearly unconscious. I then swung him around, causing George to get hit by Tim's nearly lifeless body. As I walked near them, Tim was still gasping for air and I saw a tear. But it would take a lot more than that to stop me! I picked back up the stick, which had a very sharp tip. "Well Tim, George, I admit I expected much more out of you. Looks like I was wrong." I was about to finish them but then came up with a better idea. "No, I don't want your death to be that quick." I threw the stick like a spear and it drove into a ground, almost hitting Samantha. Brett, laughing, walked towards George and kicked him in the face. His nose bled. I then kicked George in the stomach at least five times. He spat out a lot of blood. For a moment, he looked up at me with a look I had never seen him make. It was not angry, sad, or even scared really. He just looked hopeless. He had given up. "I trusted you Brett. Everyone did. And no-matter how much they picked on you, they still respected you." "Well they were wrong to pick on me at all weren't they" I said slowly. "Everyone will fall at me and Darkness's feet. Nobody shall stand any longer. They're gonna get what they deserve" I said in the strongest voice I could summon. With that, I wrapped my hands around George's neck. "Brett!" Tim was talking again. "Don't! You're not like this!" "No Tim!" I yelled back. "I am now. And there is nothing you can do about it." "Now you must all die!" I grabbed them both around the neck, and Samantha drew breath to scream!

The Last Stand

I had had enough. It had all been leading to this one moment. Even as of now, there is no way for me to sugar-coat what I was thinking.... what I was about to do. It was plainly obvious, I was ready to kill. George and Tim were defenseless now, and I had them right where I wanted them. This would end now. I was laughing menacingly and ready to end them. After all they had done: or were about to do, I was going to punish them. I drew closer, getting ready for the last moments of terror to begin. But as Tim looked up at me with his face dripping with sweat and blood, I looked into his eyes. Oddly enough, he wasn't scared! Tim then spoke in a voice lost in time, "wait Brett!" "No" I interrupted, "no more waiting." I started to choke both of them as Tim muttered something which I hadn't heard in years, "Those born by darkness... can bring new light". The words hit me like a bullet. In that one sentence, he had thrown all my memories right into my face! I yelled in frustration as my mind started to drift towards the horrible things they had all done to me. ...But that is not what I saw. Instead of dark thought and memories, I remembered the good things! I remembered George and I training together, me and Tim talking and just having fun. There were more good thoughts than bad thoughts by far! I had never understood that saying, I don't even know if he did, but I finally got it. I was dark... I was becoming the new Darkness. It was my whole life. I ignored family, and instead of talking with my friends... I hurt them. I could have been as strong as I wanted, but happiness would have never came to me. But now... now I had the chance to make things different before they got out of hand! I still had a chance to make things right! I COULD bring new light! I loosened my grip and my eyes grew wide. I staggered back and fell into the snow. I was Brett again! Tim looked up at me in surprise, "Brett?" he said; confused. Before he could say another word, I ran over to them, carefully picked them up and suddenly hugged them both, crying. They were confused, yet happy. I finally realized what I had become, and that I had hurt those who only wanted to help me. "I'm sorry," I weeped, "I'm so, so sorry." "It's okay Brett." George said in a daze." But not all good moments can last forever. I sensed something and turned around. Freezing rain poured down from the sky at last. The storm had unleashed itself. Suddenly, I saw a dark figure in the distance. I looked closer and knew immediately, that it was Darkness. "Well, well, well" Darkness said coolly as he clapped. "I trusted you with a simple task, and you betray me. Now you are more weak than ever." "Shut up" I said trying to cool my anger. "You turned me against my friends and I almost killed them. It is time for you to leave." "Oh, It wasn't me", Darkness said in his casual voice. "It was you." He was indeed right, and I had to admit it, "I admit I made a mistake. But I understand now that I am more powerful than ever before." Darkness just smirked and gave us all an amused look, "Brett I've had a lot of fun with you. But now I'm gonna have to get rid you... what a pity." And then he attacked.

The Final Countdown:

Darkness ran forward to charge at me. He was much faster than I had anticipated. But George and Tim, together, stepped in the way, blocking him. All I could do was stand there in wonder. "We still have some fight left in us." Said Tim loudly. Darkness swiped them both out of the way with ease. Tim flew into Samantha while George flew into a tree nearby. Quickly, Tim pushed off Samantha and punched Darkness in the side. It must have hurt, but Darkness doesn't show pain or fear. He was fear. George picked up a stick and swung it at him, but Darkness jumped and grabbed the stick in midair. He then threw it on the ground, breaking it, a large piece broke off and sliced George in the face. "Agh!" George yelled as he ran closer to Darkness. In a flash though, Darkness blew him away with his fist as if it were the easiest thing he had ever had to do. George fell on his back and whimpered in pain. I had to step up, and fast. I swung my fist at Darkness but he quickly caught it, twisted it, and rammed it into my jaw. Tim grabbed Darkness from behind, but Darkness pulled Tim out from behind him and smashed Tim's face into the snow. Along with that, Darkness gave him a painful elbowing to the back. "I'm not giving up yet" said Tim in a painful voice. And the battle raged on. Just like the storm before us.

The Fight Continues:

Freezing rain started to get in my face as I was getting ready to punch again. Due to this, I quickly got hit in the head. It felt like a bee sting! I looked up and got hit in the eye as quick as a flash. The storm kept coming down harder. It felt like thousands of needles piercing our skin with every move. I grabbed George and carried him to shelter under Samantha's house, while Tim got punched in the face and the chest at the same time. I could tell he was in pain. Darkness turned and rushed at me, he grabbed my face and squeezed so hard that I got instant bruises. I pushed off Darkness and hit the back of my head against the house. Oddly enough, Samantha's yard wasn't big enough for this fight. I started to get cold, but Darkness seemed oblivious to to the freeing rain, (probably because of the ski mask). Darkness got Tim into a choke hold and wouldn't let go. I quickly grabbed Darkness and tried to shake him off. Darkness let go instantly, then right away, he started to choke me. I couldn't shake him off anymore. He was much stronger then we anticipated. While the freezing rain stung my face, I felt like I was slowly dieing. Samantha slowly walked up and tapped Darkness on the shoulder. Darkness turned and Samantha tried to slap him in the face. But Darkness was to fast, he held onto her hand and kicked her in the stomach. Through this struggle, I broke free! I couldn't believe it, Samantha was helping me too! Darkness stood up and ran for Samantha. He raised his fist high in the air and ran swiftly over the ice forming on the ground. She caught his fist for a while but he was to strong and was able to overpower the block. Samantha fell too the snowy ground and got pelted with more freezing rain.

More Pain:

Darkness picked up Samantha and threw her quite some distance. George gasped and stumbled for her. As he got pumbled by rain, George was able to catch her, but it probably sprained his arm. I jumped up and tried to punch Darkness, but he caught it and threw me aside. I landed hard on my back. He was walking towards Tim now. It seemed as if he wanted us to suffer as equally as he could. I got up and ran for Darkness again, but I kept sliding on the sharp freezing pieces of ice. My shirt began to tare and my back bled. Now I was really cold. I looked down for only a second, but in that time, Darkness spun around and came running forward! He slugged me in the face then the chest over and over again. I almost fell back. This is truly the the hardest battle I have ever fought! I thought to myself. "Come on," yelled Darkness, "At least put up a fight. I thought I trained you better." he scorned. I stood up and swung my fist, but I was weak, I could barely lift it. Lucky for me,Tim came running over to save the day! Darkness couldn't turn around in time for Tim to get a good choke hold on him. Darkness coughed and (with some strain) threw Tim over his shoulder, onto the icy ground. Darkness turned his attention back to me and hit me hard in the face. My entire body told me to stop and rest. But resting would cost my life! I got back up could tell that my face was bleeding bad. My body was stinging with coldness, and I was sure there was frost in my hair. Tim saw this happening and leaped back into action. He punched Darkness in the back and brought his feet out from under him. Darkness stood back up in seconds and Tim had no choice but to tackle him. As they rolled, Darkness reached down to grab me, but only got my shirt. We were starting to see the effects of the freezing rain. My back was red and some of the blood was frozen. I still felt wet though, and I knew that not all the blood could freeze over. And even worse, I could tell I was about to black out.

Unforgiving Fighter:

My hands were freezing. The freezing rain came down harder. My brain felt numb, and my shirt was in pieces. Could I really make it through this battle? Darkness had Tim in a head lock now. Tim tore out of it and Darkness punched him in the stomach. With a loud cry, blood dripped from Tim's mouth and he fell back. There was not enough time to know if he was dead or not. I ignored the pain and stood up. I wasn't going to give up yet! Not after I had just came back to my senses! I limped forward, my feet hitting the ground harder than usual. Each foot-step felt like the bottom of my feet would freeze to the ground where I could not move anymore. Darkness lumbered towards me, but I quickly jumped out of the way and kneed him in his back! He spun around, and I finally punched Darkness him right in the face! My hand, half frozen, felt like it could shatter any moment now. Darkness began to punch my freezing body as fast as he could. His fists were like a blur now. Everything was. Darkness jumped at me and tried to bash me in the head. But I punched him in the stomach, sending him upward. He came down on me with a thud. At first I thought I heard Darkness's own body cracking, but It was actually mine. I yelled out in pain as I got up. I couldn't take this much more. Before I lost hope though, George ran up with Tim at his side and punched Darkness in the face at the same time! Darkness staggered back and scowled at us, "Oh will you just give up already" he roared, "I am more powerful than all of you! And soon...you will all be dead".

The Battle Continues:

Darkness swiped George in the face with the back of his hand, and then quickly turned around and banged Tim's head into George's head. Both my friends fell to the ground. I staggered over to Darkness and stopped him from kicking them. He tried to elbow me, but I pushed him back, jumped over Tim and George, and nailed him right in the chest! I tried to then kick him, but Darkness jumped in the air and kneed me in the face. I fell down with a crack. The freezing rain came down harder. Reflecting the way Darkness fought. My nose started to run, but I didn't know if it was blood or just snot. Darkness landed on me and slammed my face into the freezing snow. Tim hoisted himself back up and was able to take a branch and swing it at Darkness. The hit struck home and Darkness got a cut on his hardly-exposed neck. Before Tim could hit him again, Darkness back-flipped over me and stood tall and mighty. Everything grew silent for just a moment. The only sound you could hear, were the sounds of out heartbeats. The silence didn't last very long though, because Darkness jumped over me and elbowed Tim in his neck! I began to shiver so much I couldn't move my legs. I began to think I would die there. Then, out of nowhere, George came running up and tackled Darkness to the ground. Darkness elbowed him in the face and I could tell George was mad. While this was happening, Samantha dragged Tim to safety. She returned to find me trying to escape to a safer side of the house, and Darkness on George's chest, punching him in the face over and over again. George was strong, but he couldn't take Darkness. I knew if I got underneath the roof of the house for just a little bit, I could warm up, and fight better. But then what about George? he could be badly hurt. So I had to make a decision: either go under the roof and warm up... or save George but possibly freeze to death. So I chose...I turned back to help George. I stood up and (with my legs shaking) dashed over towards Darkness and pushed him off George. We all began to tumble down a hill. Darkness punched me and kicked George on the way down. No-matter what the condition, he could fight through it. But could I do the same? Snow began to get in my shoes, which caused me too sneeze uncontrollably. It felt as if my entire body was shutting down on me. It hurt so bad, I almost fell out of consciousness. "You're looking a little dizzy Brett" said Darkness getting ready to finish me off. "Maybe I didn't train you as well as I thought. Tim would be so disappointed."

More Pain:

Darkness grabbed me around the neck when we reached the bottom. Before he could do anything though, George punched Darkness in the back of his head as hard as he could. Darkness did a flip over me, but landed on his feet like a cat. Darkness charged at George, but before he could damage him, Samantha jumped in the way! Darkness rammed her out of his path like a charging rhino, causing her to fall back, screaming in pain. Our enemy then pushed George aside and walked up to Samantha. He was about to step on her, but I quickly tripped him and nearly tripped myself. Darkness's hood flew off and he growled in anger. "I am not amused!" he said as he circled me like a vulture. I stood still, waiting for him to make a move. Darkness quickly pivoted his foot, ran towards me, then kicked me in the chest. I flew back to the cold ground. I was beginning to freeze over. It became hard to breathe. No matter what, even if I won this fight, it looked like I would die all the same.

The Final Faze:

I punched Darkness in the face as he hovered above me. He quickly jumped back and charged into me, knocking me down another hill. We both rolled down it. I was all alone now, there was no-one coming to help me anymore. It was now fight or die. We were now heading straight for a frozen lake! The freezing rain got worse and made the slide even more dangerous. Darkness stopped our rolling and held me up by my ripped shirt. And with all the strength he had, Darkness started hitting me in the chest. He then threw me up in the air, jumped up, and kicked me in the chest. Causing me to lose my breath. Darkness acted as if he were about to hit me and I tried to punch him, but then he drew back, causing me to lose my balance! He took my arm and twisted it in such a way, that it snapped! I screamed in agony. My arm was broken, I was bleeding all over, my friends could be dead, and at this rate, it was obvious I could not beat him. Darkness was to strong! So how do you beat the un-beatable? For me there was only one answer: THINK! I reached back with my good arm and pushed him away from me. Darkness just laughed and kicked me back closer to the edge of the frozen lake! I had an idea that was just crazy enough, that it might work. I grabbed Darkness with both hands. Both arms were freezing and one was broken. I punched him with both hands. My blood felt like it had turned to blocks of ice, my lungs felt frozen too. The freezing rain continued harder. I grabbed Darkness and started pushing him towards the lake. It was the only thing I could think of. My broken arm and stinging body were dragging me down. But I would go down with him if I had to. I kept being hit over and over in the face and stomach. But I only tightened my grip and kept pushing him towards the lake. He held his feet into the snow, but I dragged him through it with all my might. I deserved all this for what I had done. And no-matter what I would make things right again. It was the last mission for me if it had to be. It was the most painful thing I had ever felt. Words cannot begin to describe the numbness in my body and the total agony I was in. I held back the scream but let a tear fall. The freezing rain was falling even harder, and the wind nearly blowing us away. I had Darkness's fist in my hand now. He kept yelling, telling me I couldn't do it, taunting me with every second. But I kept on trudging. I could do it, I could do it, I believed in myself! This wasn't just for me, it wasn't just for my friends, it wasn't even just for the school! I was doing this for everyone, so they wouldn't make the same mistakes I did. And finally, with all my might,... I pushed Darkness into the frozen lake! For a single moment, I thought it might be to far frozen, and it might support him. But it wasn't. And as Darkness fell in screaming, the ice broke off underneath him. Darkness went down yelling as loud as he could into the ice cold water. For a while, I stood there crying, waiting to see Darkness emerge from the icy water...but he didn't. Then... at that moment... the freezing rain began to stop.

The Ending:

Well it all ends this way. Darkness was supposedly dead in the lake. And I recovered from my wounds. It took some time, but I finally got my good arm back into business. I had to sit in boiling water for hours till the freezing feeling left me. But the memories of that horrible day would stay with me forever. Against all odds though, it didn't bother me. I had my friends and family. And that's all that really mattered. As for George, he finally got Samantha to really like him. At the big, school dance, I passed by them and saw they were closing in for a kiss. I just walked past and said "ew". I would still train him from time to time. And he doesn't mind. I then made my way back to the empty basketball field. It was getting late. As I was walking, I ran into George's new apprentice he had told me about. It was Tye! "Hey Tye, how are ya?" I asked happily "Good" said Tye with a smile. "How is George treating you?" I asked with a quick smirk. "He is a great teacher" said Tye "You taught him well." Those last three words gave me a feeling that can overpower any bad day I had. Despite all my faults, I think I had taught George very well. He was truly the future of the S.S.C. Later that day, I ran off to go find Tim. My master, my trainer, my friend. He had recovered from the fight as well, and was very happy to be back for good this time. He continued to teach me for years to come. As we threw a football back and forth, I realized that someday, maybe just maybe, we could come together and create a new age of heroes! After all, the school always needed some protection. I'll have to be honest, I was surprised that everybody forgave me for all I had done. This meant that they didn't' hate me after all. I had made a huge mistake about what I had done. But it was over now. I was back to my old self. I later had a huge party that day and half the kids in the school went to it. I ran out the door to see my friends that had just arrived. Tim, George, Samantha, and Tye. We all hugged. We were finally free!

Old Wounds

A new age-

Adventure,... hope,... victory,... amazement. I had experienced them all and more. George had become an excellent Master to Tye. Even Samantha learned some things from him. Tim was still even teaching me new things. Thanks to our combined forces, we had brought the S.S.C back to life. Bullies would come, but The S.S.C would always come out as victor. Since the death of Darkness, everything, everyone, everywhere, was at piece... or so I thought.

Strange Behavior-

"Settle down everyone, settle down." I announced while coming to the front of the room to speak. All the S.S.C members around me straightened up and listened intently. It made me proud to be in charge of a club that could change the lives of students and people everywhere. I wasn't completely in charge though. To keep things fair, me and Tim shared leadership over the S.S.C. But Tim hadn't been feeling well and would miss today's meeting. I finally spoke up, "We have been doing an excellent job." "Records show that our actions have already saved over 50 kids this week!" All the members cheered and bragged to others about the good deeds they had done themselves. Once they settled down, I spoke again, "I would like to congratulate you for another successful week." "I hope to see you all again soon." Kids left the room as instructed, but I stayed. It seemed like a ritual between me and George to meet each other after speeches were over. When most everyone was gone, George stood and walked up to me."Is Tim feeling any better?" He asked in his usual worried voice. "No, I just don't understand him." I said "He doesn't appear to be sick, he just seems so upset here lately." "Are we still having the secret meeting Sunday?" George asked. "Yes, but I will have to ask Tim if he will come along." "Good luck with that" George said mockingly. "I have to go see Samantha." "We are having a date tonight." George said as he began to slip into his little world where it was just him and his girlfriend. "I'll see ya later" I said.

Visiting Tim-

As I walked outside, I decided now would be a better time to visit Tim and ask him if he would show up to the meeting. If I was still correct, Tim would be sitting at his house feeling sorry for himself for some reason. When I got there, his mom let me in. By the sound of her voice I could tell nothing had changed. "Hey Tim how are ya do'in." I said cheerfully. "You already know how I feel." He said,laying down on his bed. I started to get annoyed "It would help if you told me why you were upset." I got a better look at his face and noticed that he had a bruise on his cheek. "How did you get that" I asked? Tim didn't answer. I decided it was no use trying to get him to talk, so i got straight to the point. "I came here to see if you would come to our special meeting on Sunday." I asked. Tim didn't answer. I looked at his face and he was defiantly thinking hard about something else. "Just show up", I said as I left the room. I knew I would find out what was wrong with him. I wouldn't give up.

The meeting-

I came into the meeting place with zero expectations of Tim being there. I was right, Tim was no-where in sight. George, Samantha, and Tye had already beat me there. "Hey guys." I said, trying to hide my frustration at Tim. "It's about time you showed up", Tye said with his usual loud voice that all apprentices seemed to have. No luck talking with Tim?" Samantha asked as she held George's hand. "No luck." I said sadly. Then, all of a sudden the door quickly opened and light filled the dreary room we would meet at. Tim walked into the room but he still seemed upset. "Tim!" George exclaimed. "We were wondering if you would show up." Tim looked at us through is saggy, depressed eyes. "Well I am here now, so what do we have to talk about?" I got the point of the simple meeting. "We were just talking about what new troopers we should put in our elite squadron, with Commander Delta." I said. As we spoke some more, I began to hear something outside. The more I heard it, the more it made me feel uneasy. All of a sudden, someone kicked down the door and yelled "There you are!" I got into battle position and so did everyone else. The "visitor" stepped out of the illumination of the sun and revealed himself to be very tough looking and very upset. "You thought you could hide from me forever!" he yelled again. I had never seen the kid before, but he seemed to be talking to Tim! "This time I will beat you to a pulp!" he yelled one last time. And then he charged.

The Battle-

I stepped up first and pushed him back. He then attacked me with a fist to my stomach and then another to my shoulder. George and Tye stepped up next and hit him in the chest. The "visitor" seemed even more upset. He kicked Tye in the face and swung him against the wall. He tried to hit George, but missed due to the fact that George ducked just in time. George was able to trip him and attack again by kicking him in the side. George tried again but the visitor rolled out of the way and punched him in the face. I then saw Tim spring to life as they battled one on one. Even through the heat of battle, it made me smile to see Tim active again. Tim's arm got caught but he hit the kid in the face with his other one. They started to back up. But the visitor made sure to step on Tye while doing so. I checked on Samantha, she was hiding behind a pallet near-by. Me and George jumped in to help Tim and we easily started to win the fight. We pushed him into the wall,  I got in Tim's way to kick the intruder. Tim got upset and yelled "Get out of the way!" "I will handle this on my own!" It was the loudest I had ever heard Tim yell. I listened to him and pulled George with me. I watched the fight continue, there was something different about this bully. Finally George said what I was missing "Did you notice how good of a fighter that kid was?" It was true, I had not seen a fighter that good for a pretty long time. Something isn't right, I thought to myself. After a while, Tim walked back inside with his usual upset face. "Is he gone?" Tye said. "Yes, but he will be back." Tim said. I couldn't take it anymore, i had to figure out what was going on.

The True Story-

"Why don't you go guys" I said. I will stay here with Tim for a moment. "But what about the meeting?" Tye asked. George cut him off, this is between Brett and Tim, lets go. As they left I noticed George looking at me. I could tell that he was wishing me luck. We both knew that this wouldn't be easy. I finally got to the point, "Tim, whats been bothering you?" He didn't answer again. "I am not leaving until you tell me what is happening!" "Who was that guy and why did he know you?!" Tin spoke up, "He doesn't know me." I could tell he was lying. And I knew he realized it. "I'm not taking no for an answer Tim, tell me!" I was raising my voice, but i didn't care. It was time he started talking. I paused for a moment and let him think. It seemed like he was in another universe, as if everything I said had been sucked into a black hole and lost in an irretrievable place. However... he spoke, "Alright Brett," he said. "It is time you learned the truth." "It all started the day before your big battle with Machine." "I thought Machine was the only threat, and that all the suffering would soon be over." "But then I learned of something far worse." "An old friend of mine,... James, had quite THEM and was forming his own club called The Brotherhood of Death." "He was going to overthrow the S.S.C and THEM so he would have all the power." "I had to stop him, so after the battle with Machine was over, I left to stop James from doing this." "I told you we would never see each other again and I left." "Me and James met near a pond, lined with rocks." "He would not listen to my please of stopping his plan."... "So we fought." "As the fight neared it's end, I accidentally pushed James into the pond." "He badly cut the side of his face on the sharp rocks and was horribly scared." He vowed revenge on me, but I didn't believe him." I later heard that you had turned evil, so I teamed up with George to stop you." "When Darkness was defeated and everything seemed alright, I began to get ambushed by 2 of James's apprentices." "the one that attacked us today is called Blade." "The other one is that popular kid in our classes, Rick." "The Brotherhood of Death is reforming." "And if we don't do something soon, we will wish we would have."

A Strange Note-

I couldn't believe what Tim said. All this time, he had been keeping that HUGE secret from me. I started to get angry but then I realized he was just trying to protect us. "Don't worry Tim, we will stop this madness before it spreads." "I promise that." I said. Then,... for once in months... Tim smiled. It seemed as if the chains holding him down had been broken and he was back to his old self. But then,... there was a knock on the door. "That is strange, who could that be." I said aloud. I Opened the door and found a black envelope on the ground, there was no-one in sight. I carefully picked up the message and opened it up. I grabbed for the first thing by fingers felt. I took out a crumpled up piece of paper that seemed very old. Although it was difficult, I could read what it said: If you want to find out The Brotherhood of Death's plans. Go to the old, school basement at 10:00. Signed, Night Riser. "Well that is weird" Tim remarked, "Should we go, maybe it is a trick." "Whoever this Night Riser is, I don't think he is messing around." I said. "Because there was one more thing in the envelope,... Machine's knife!"

Clues-

Me and Tim hadn't gone to the old school basement in a while. It used to be an S.S.C hideout until they were caught and forced out. It had been locked ever since. "How are we even going to get in?" I asked. "It shouldn't be hard." said Tim as we got to the door, "The lock is gone!" Things were starting to go from being creepy to even creepier when we got inside. Spider Webs blanketed the room from top to bottom. We could have sworn we would hear whispers and echoes around the room sometimes. Nothing seemed out of place and we were about to leave. Until we got to a desk. The desk was completely whipped clean and there was one one paper sitting on it. Tim picked it up and he lit up with joy. "This is the plans for their next big attack!" He exclaimed. "Why is it hear though?" I asked. "Lets not worry about it for now." Tim said as we made our way to the exit. "I will send this to Commander Delta and he will figure out a plan." Tim said. As we left the room, I thought I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. But when I turned around everything seemed fine. Except for one thing. I saw a large piece of black cloth that seemed to have been torn off. Something about it seemed familiar. But I didn't know what. I took the cloth with me and we left. This seemed to be the end of our problems...But I was very wrong.

A Different Level

Delta's Meeting-

It felt strange to be standing with all the lower class S.S.C members. I was so used to being the speaker for all of the meetings, that I started to get a little freaked out. But today's meeting was not in my department of attack. Tim had contacted Commander Delta and sent him the information we had found a couple days ago. Commander Delta was the leader of our elite squadron. He would lead all major attacks and would often take charge of the missions as well. But today was different. I had read the information that we obtained, and I had no idea how we could overcome the problems that came with the mission. When Delta reached the front of the room, he looked around and waited for silence. When everyone got completely quiet, he spoke. "A different level." he said. "Today will be a mission that we are not familiar with." "From the information Tim gave me, there are a few threats that must be neutralized before we make a big attack." he continued, "One of Jame's  apprentices, Rick, is our first big target." "In most circumstances, we would simply find him and put him in the S.S.C detention center." "But he has a lot of popularity on his side." "If we attacked him now, then all of the kids around him would completely blow our cover." "Which is why I need two of some of our best members, to figure out a way to stop him." All eyes shifted to me and Tim. I felt a little embarrassed, neither me or Tim could do it. We had other things to worry about. George seemed to realize the situation and stood up. "Me and my apprentice Tye will take the mission." Everyone seemed surprised. They could trust George. But Tye was still an apprentice, and taking him on an important mission like this, was not a smart thing to do. But George held his ground. Delta finally spoke up again. "Good, be careful out there, the safety and security of the S.S.C is in your hands."

My Own Mission-

As I was leaving the room when George stopped me. "Why didn't you take the mission?" he asked, "Me and Tye are going to have a hard time doing this." I felt sorry for George, but he had already taken the mission. No backing out. I spoke up, "Me and Tim will be investigating the person who sent us the letter a couple days ago." "You mean Night Riser?" George asked. "Yes," I said. George seemed skeptic, "Don't you think you are getting to far into that." "What if it is a trick." he said. I just laughed, "There is a lot more to it." "I NEED to figure this out." I said. George nodded and walked away. I knew I was doing the right thing. So far, all I knew was that this person somehow got Machine's knife. And I also had the large piece of black cloth, that seemed really familiar to me. I looked closer at the cloth. It seemed pretty old and dirty. For a moment I thought the cloth might also be Machine's but I never remembered him wearing this type of cloth. I sat back and sighed, this was going to be harder than I thought.

Plan A-

George and Tye had no idea where to begin. Rick was a much different target than they were used to. George finally came up with the idea to lure Rick into S.S.C territory. And split him up from his friends. George and Tye discussed the plan thoroughly and went on their way. At last, they were able to find Rick. He was more muscular than they expected, but that didn't matter for now. First they had to separate him from the 3 friends he was with. "Hey guys, can we talk to Rick, alone for a bit?" Tye asked. Rick just laughed, "Anything you have to say to me, you can say to my friends." George noticed that Rick seemed to be taunting them. Did he know what they were planning? Rick and his pals went back to listening to one of their friends talk about a party at his place. George was about to walk away, when he noticed something in Rick's pocket. It was a black envelope! It looked just like the kind that Brett showed him yesterday, from Night Riser! Something isn't right. said George to himself. "What's wrong?" asked Tye. George paused for a moment, "it's not important", he said "It's time for plan B."

Suspect?-

I continued to examine my two clues while I was guarding the S.S.C house of records. My mind started to wander off. I just didn't have enough clues. This person would have to have a lot of power over Machine to take his knife away. I looked out the window, and thought about going outside. But I noticed Dark Clouds starting to come in. Before I knew it, rain started to pelt the grass below, like water bombs hitting the floor of a desert. I saw the old playground in the distance. Lighting flashed around it. And for just a second,...I thought I saw someone standing there. I rubbed my eyes and there was no-one to be seen. I stared and the park some more, just waiting for someone to appear again. No-one did. But then I realized it all! There was only one person who had more power than Machine to take his knife. It was also the same person that wore this kind of dark fabric... as a hood! And the last thing, It was the same person that I fought with and that old park... Corruption! It was all clear to me. I called up Tim who answered in a flash. "Tim!" I shouted. "It is Corruption, Corruption is the one sending me these clues!" Tim sounded astonished. "Your right!" he said. "But we need to know where to find him." I stopped to think. I didn't know of anyone who could tell me where to find Corruption. Tim finally gasped, "I got it!" he shouted. he continued, "There is a kid named Francis!" he shouted. "He knows a lot about S.S.C and THEM history." "Good," I said. "Where do I find him." "He lives in Blue point... not to far from here." I'll go find him." I shouted. Tim stopped me, "No," he said. "You need to finish guarding the documents." But I couldn't handle waiting, I put on my jacket and started to walk out the door, "I will be back soon," I said. And I left for Blue Point.

Plan B-

George and Tye sat hopelessly at the side walk. Nothing we were trying was working. George started to notice some dark clouds heading in. "Looks like its about to rain." Tye said. "We can't give up yet!" George yelled. "We have to do this fast." "Or we will be in big trouble with the S.S.C." Tye was silent for a while. Then he jumped up as if he was hit in the head with a baseball bat. "I got it!" He yelled. And plan B was initiated. It was starting to pour down rain outside. Rick and his friends were starting to head over to his house to play some video games. George stepped in front of them and started laughing. "Haha Rick, I can't believe so many kids hang out with you." "Your such a loser and a nobody." Rick pretended like he didn't here George and continued walking. George kept talking though. "Not to mention that smell, "I think anything within 100 miles of here could still smell you!" "Haven't you heard of deodorant!" George noticed that Rick was getting angry. George was running out of material, he had only had one thing left to say. "O well I should have known you wouldn't stand up for yourself,... coward." Rick eyes lit up with anger. He turned to his friends. "You guys should go, I have something to do!." His friends reluctantly left. And he ran up to George. Rick took him by the throat and started yelling. "What do you think your trying to pull!" "I am going to beat you up so hard that you'll have to crawl home!" Rick continued to Choke George and punched him in the face. Rick stepped on George and said "You call this a plan!, that was a horrible idea to beat me up!" Rick yelled. George finally had enough breath to speak. "No,... I think it was a very good idea." George started to laugh in pain and Rick looked over to his right. Standing there, video taping the whole thing, was Tye! Rick quickly stepped off George and gasped that he had been tricked. Tye started to run. He would only have one shot at this.

Meeting Francis-

I finally found the house I was looking for. I knocked at the door and hoped that Francis would answer instead of his parents. Lighting flashed around me. Finally, a short boy with glasses and a big eyes answered the door. "Is your name Francis?!" I yelled over the thunder. The boy seemed confused at first, but then he looked at my face and lit up with joy. "You are Brett Blakley!" he yelled. "Come on in!". He snuck me upstairs to his room. From inside, the storm was completely muffled and all was silent. "What do you need?" asked Francis. "I need you to tell me where I could find Corruption." I said. He seemed confused. "Why?" he asked. I was starting to get annoyed, "I just... need to know." To my surprise, Francis started to laugh. "What, you don't know?" he said, still laughing. I didn't say anything. For a fan, this kid didn't show much respect. Francis finally stopped laughing. "Sorry about that, I would just think that YOU of all people would keep an eye on him." "Get to the point," I said. Francis calmed down and spoke. "Corruption moved away like 2 years ago!" he said. I was shocked, even a little scared. Something was defiantly out of place,... but what?

The Take Down-

Tye kept running as fast as he could. The cold rain hit his face like bullets, but he wasn't stopping. Rick followed close behind, with George not to far back. George tackled Rick, but was thrown off. Rick stood quickly and slugged George in the face. George kicked him in the stomach and elbowed him in the face. The rain began to let up. Rick caught Georges fist and wouldn't let go of it. Rick kicked George in the side, and continuously punched him in the face. Tye slowed down and ran over to help George. Tye kicked Rick in the back, which caused Rick to lose hold of George's fist. Rick wasn't giving up yet. He missed a few punches before hitting Tye square in the face. Tye lost hold of the camera and Rick got a hold of it. George jumped at him and was able to get the camera out of his hands and throw it to Tye. Tye caught it and continued to run towards his destination. Rick jumped at his feet and Tye went face first into the ground. George yelled for Tye to throw him the camera. When he caught it, George was able to get to the computer lab entrance. He opened up the door and immediately downloaded the video to all other S.S.C members. Rick ran into the room, but he was to late. The S.S.C members would send the video to every kid in the school. Rick's popularity was gone. Rick  realized what had happened and ran away. Tye finally took a breath and layed back. George did the same. "Do you think we will see him again?" said Tye as he walked in, limping. "Something tells me we will." George said. "But for now, I'm going to make a call to Brett.

A New Message-

I was able to get off the phone with George shortly before the rain completely stopped. It made no sense, why did rick have the black envelope? Could HE be Night Riser? My doorbell rang, and I swiftly answered the door. Once again, their was no-one in sight. But a Black envelope on my front doorstep. I got a chill up my spine as I picked it up. It read: To he that waits for answer will soon receive them. Attack the Death Pit for your next mission... try not to die. Signed, Night Riser.

The Death Pit

The New Meeting-

I stood once more with the other S.S.C members. I knew what was coming. And something seemed to tell me that this was not going to be easy. Tim stood beside me, he too understood that we would be breaking some pretty serious rules today. Commander Delta was scheduled to give an important announcement today. Even though it was supposed to be a secret, Me and Tim were pretty sure that it would be a mission to go after Blade. As soon as Commander Delta got to the front of the room, there was complete silence. "We have been doing excellent work, guys." "With the help of George and Tye, Rick has went into hiding." "We will use this to our advantage." "Our next attack is on Blade." Delta paused for a moment to let it sink in. I sighed, I would have to break the news to everyone right now. As Commander Delta was about to speak, I cut him off. "If I may interrupt," I said, "We will have to reschedule the attack on Blade for another mission." Everyone seemed confused. Who had more power here, the leaders or the speaker? Commander Delta spoke in an annoyed voice. "What could possibly be more important than attacking a dangerous apprentice of James?!" I cleared my throat and spoke, "We need to attack the Death Pit." Now everyone in the room had gone completely silent. Even Delta had a surprised look on his face. "The Death Pit is extremely dangerous!," He yelled, "Every member in the S.S.C would have to join in the attack." I was starting to shake, I would look like a fool in front of everyone if I lost this argument. Tim kept quiet, he knew that this was my task. I got enough courage to speak again, "We NEED to do this," I said. Commander Delta paused as if he were waiting for me to say more, or maybe he was just as nervous as me. I spoke up again to explain, "I got another message from Night Riser yesterday." I explained. "He told me to lead an attack on the Death Pit." Commander Delta seemed to chuckle, "So the S.S.C takes orders from mysterious messengers now huh?" I was getting upset. I knew from the beginning that this would be hard. I spoke once more, "Listen, Tim and I are the leaders here, we are the ones that make the rules, and we BOTH agree that this is important." I kept talking, "We ARE attacking the Death Pit tomorrow, and like it or not, this is mandatory." Thick silence filled the room, It was like someone had hit the mute button and not a sound could be made. Tim finally broke the silence, "This meeting is over, we shall meet for the attack tomorrow behind the old warehouse." People left the room, still shocked at what we were going to do. I looked at Commander Delta, he seemed worried and upset... (that made two of us.)

Information-

"What were you thinking!", yelled George over the phone. "You are getting WAY to wrapped up in this Night Riser thing!" He continued, "Do you have any idea how many kids could get hurt!" I cut in, "We will try our best," I said. "If we do this right, it will give the S.S.C a huge advantage over the Brotherhood of Death." George sighed, "If you say so... I still think there isn't something right about this." "You and me both", I said. We hung up and I sat down. If this attack doesn't go well I could lose my title as leader. The Death Pit was no laughing matter. It was a very old THEM hideout years ago. Eliminator used to go there a lot. When THEM was destroyed, It was abandoned for a long time. But if Night Riser is correct, then it should be a Brotherhood of Death hide out now. It isn't actually a pit though, it is actually an old barn. The barn had been modified by THEM before they were destroyed. There were secret passages, rooms, and other strange things there. Commander Delta and George were right, this was going to be hard. But that doesn't mean we can't try.

Attack-

All of the members met together behind the old warehouse. Tye was working with George to get everyone organized. They had all brought their weapons of defense. Things like rocks and small sticks. But the elite S.S.C members had things like binoculars, walky talkies, night vision goggles, poison ivy packets, and E-swords. E-swards were long, smoothed down sticks. They would hurt a lot if they were used in combat. I was given the elite gear as well. So did Tim. Commander Delta finally yelled out "Start walking, the attack begins now!" Every member began to march forward, they were all worried. We made it to the top of a hill and saw the Death Pit in the distance. The entire building seemed out of place. There was really nothing around it but long fields of forgotten corn. I looked closer at the Death Pit, there was no-one in sight. The entire place seemed sound. I saw Commander Delta give me an angry look, he also noticed that the place seemed to be empty. All the members made it to the front of the huge barn. Commander Delta separated us into two groups: Team Alpha and Team Gold-point. I was on team Gold-point with Tim and Commander Delta. George and Tye were on Team Alpha. We silently wished each other good luck and entered the building from different ways. I looked around. The walls were old and torn apart. It seemed like it was in pretty bad shape. But Tim pointed something out that none of us had noticed. "Did you see how hay seems to be pushed out of the way?" It was true, hay seemed to have been moved to the sides of the walls. The ceiling wasn't well- supported at all. If anyone made a wrong move. The entire place could come down on us. We all moved quietly. I felt like we were being watched. Commander Delta got on his walky talkie and spoke in a whisper. "This is Team Gold-point, come in Alpha, over."At first we only heard Static, then a faint voice could be heard on the other end. It had to have been George, "We read you loud and clear, over." "Keep us updated if you find anything." Delta said. He hung up and we continued to walk down the dark hall of hay. We came across a small room and slowly opened the door. It was pitch black, Commander Delta turned on a flashlight and beamed it across the room. We couldn't tell what it was used for, but there was no-one inside. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. As we left the room though, there was a loud thump from above us. "That sounded way to loud to be an animal",Tim said. Commander Delta shook his head and motioned for everyone to be quiet. He took out his walky talkie again and repeated the same thing as last time. "This is team Gold-point, come in Alpha, over." Static once again came on the other end, but this time... it didn't stop. "Hello?... can you hear me... hello?" Delta said with a worried voice. The static continued. Everyone was getting uneasy. "Team Alpha, respond now!" Delta yelled. But there was no change. "This isn't good", Commander Delta said, putting the walky talkie back. People on our team began to freak out and back up against the wall. "We need to stay focused", Tim said. We all put on our bravest face possible as we slowly kept on moving. Even though no-one was talking, I could tell what they were all thinking, This was all Brett's fault. As we started to get closer to a turn, we heard a small noise from around the corner and we all stopped. An elite trooper bravely walked over to see what caused the noise, but just as he did, he was punched in the face and knocked out! Before we could react, The Brotherhood of Death ambushed us from all directions. We were trapped!

Secret Escape-

I was hit in my side and pushed against the wall. All normal troopers were immediately taken down. Only elite S.S.C members remained. Two elite members helped me fight off a few enemies. I kicked one in the side and simultaneously punched another in the face. One of my elite guards were knocked out and I was hit hard in the face. My other elite guard seemed to vanish and 3 enemies surrounded me. One twisted my arm and threw me back. Tim caught me and kicked one in the gut. We were running out of men and time. Tim fought off to more enemies while I threw one into 4 more that were heading down as back-up. Things only got worse though. I was choked and knocked to the floor. I was kicked hard from all directions and took out my E-Stick. I hit some of them in the face before it was yanked out of my hands. I began to crawl but I was kicked again. I nearly blacked out for a moment. All I could hear was evil laughter and the sound of my remaining team as they tried to fight back against a force the couldn't be stopped. As i was about to be taken out by another Brotherhood of Death member, Tim stopped him and and yelled for me to run. I stood up as quickly as possible and I nearly fell. My stomach badly hurt and there was no place to run. I began to black out again. I stumbled and fell into the hay surrounding the walls. Just as I did, the hay fell down reveling a hidden room! I stacked the hay up again and closed the door. I sat against it breathing heavily. The noise settled down and the voices of my teammates could no-longer be heard. I tried to settle down but I couldn't, my mind was bursting with questions that needed to be answered. And just as I was about to open the door, I noticed something that I completely missed before.

A New Clue?-

Bathed in the sunlight, was a big table in the center of the room. Filing cabinets and documents seemed to be everywhere! I looked in one of the filing cabinets and realized that this filing cabinet used to be owned by THEM! It made no sense, why would the brotherhood of Death have left this room unchanged? ...Unless they never found it! It all made sense to me now, I was in an old THEM room that even The Brotherhood of Death never found! I looked in the cabinet some more and saw a file labeled S.S.C. I took it out and opened it. But to my surprise,... there was nothing inside! I checked the other cabinet but all the papers about the S.S.C were gone! This is strange I thought to myself. As I walked away, my foot hit something, I looked down and saw an old rusty lock. After inspecting it closely, I realized that it was the same lock that used to be on the school basement door... until it vanished. "What is this doing here?" I wondered. After waiting a while, I thought it was safe enough to leave the room. When I got out, there was no-one in sight. I kept walking slowly until I saw a movement around the corner. As quick as a flash, three figures came rushing out! I braced myself for impact, but instead of getting pumbled, I heard someone yell "Stop!" I opened my eyes and to my relief, Tim, Commander Delta, and another elite S.S.C member were in front of me. "Brett your okay!" Tim said, sounding re-leaved. "What happened?" I asked. Before Tim could speak, Commander Delta cut in and said "What happened, was that because of YOU, all most of out team has been captured!" Even thought it was an insult, I knew he was right. This was all my fault. "We can't be pointing fingers yet." Tim said. "When we hid behind some hay, we saw the Brotherhood of Death drag our members upstairs." "Then we need to rescue them soon!" I said with determination. "Then lets hurry," Tim said, "Or our teammates will be in big trouble."

Missing Friends-

It was hard for me to believe that George could be gone. Maybe even dead. But I tried not to think negative, I had to have some hope. We made it to the small stair case leading upstairs. It seemed older than the entire place, and very unstable. We walked up one by one in hopes that it wouldn't collapse. Things seemed even more unstable upstairs. The walls had big holes in them, even the floor had a few holes in it! As we kept navigating through the hay, more and more signs that The Brotherhood of death was hear began to appear. Things like candy wrappers and shoes were scattered around. But no sign of out team. We were about to go around another corner when Commander Delta stopped us. We peered around the corner and saw a Brotherhood of Death member standing in the middle on the room. Tim jumped out and tackled him. Commander Delta covered up his mouth so you he couldn't yell. I was just standing alone, feeling unimportant. They dragged him against the wall as quietly as possible. "Where is our team!" Tim demanded. "Like I'd ever tell you." He snorted. Commander Delta whipped out his E-Stick and threatened to hit him with it. The kid finally spoke up, "Fine, fine, they have been taken to the old chicken loft nearby." Tim's face lit up with worry. "What is the chicken loft i asked." Tim spoke up "It is the area of the barn that has open wall that chickens would go into." Commander Delta seemed to understand the situation and said, "They might push them off the edge if we don't hurry!" We started running towards the chicken loft. We peeked around the corner and saw all of our members being guarded by The Brotherhood of Death. I looked closely, Tye was there but George was missing! As I looked over, I saw in horror that he was tied up and at the feet of Rick! Rick began to speak with another member. "What should we to do them?" a member asked. Rick seemed confused as of what would be a good idea. "I don't know,... but we need to figure out something soon, or we will be in big trouble." Rick said. I started to get angry at Rick. He had to be stopped. But what he said next was the last straw, "I guess we will have to put them in imprisonment, James will then decide their fate." I couldn't take it anymore, I busted the door open and ran right for Rick. Tim was yelling something, but I couldn't hear him. I was to angry to listen. I kicked Rick in the side and then in the stomach. Some of the Brotherhood of Death ran at me, while the other ones continued to guard our team. Tim and Delta ran in to help me. The battle had begun.

The Battle-

Tim and Delta got the enemies off of me and it was just me and Rick. Rick seemed surprised to see me, but that didn't slow him down. He punched me in my face and began to choke me. Pain surged through my body. "You are strong, but you need to know how to use your strength to master it." He said. Rick then kicked me against some hay and started walking towards George. He picked George up and dangled him over the side of the barn. "If you want you friend to live, then you better give up!" he yelled. I stopped immediately, there was no- way I would put my own apprentice in jeopardy. Just when I thought all was lost, Commander Delta jumped and Rick! Rick dropped George off the edge but Delta caught him just in time and hulled him up. When George was safe again, Rick leaped at Delta and kicked him in the chin. Delta tried to react, but he was tripped and fell on the floor. Delta wouldn't give up yet, he twisted Rick's leg and hit him twice with an E-Stick. Rick was getting angrier and angrier. And with one punch, he knocked Delta out cold. I jumped at Rick one last time and got him in a head lock. As I was doing so, I punched him in the stomach multiple times. I then swung him over the edge of the barn and he began to fall. Before the plum-it could continue, he grabbed onto the edge and yelled for help. I looked down at him, I could let him fall, I could let him suffer for nearly killing my best friend, I could end Rick's terror right here and now... but that wasn't my style. I helped him up and wrapped him up in some hay ropes. Tim and the left-over elite S.S.C member were able to free the hostages and run the Brotherhood of Death out of there. Rick was sent to the S.S.C council for interrogation. Everything seemed to be going well again.

The Last Message-

"I would like to thank every single S.S.C member we have for doing your very best to take over the Death Pit." Commander Delta said at today's meeting. "I would like to thank Brett for taking down Rick, a dangerous member that could have threatened our existence." he continued, "but most of all, I would like to apologize for being so stubborn." He looked at me with gratitude and I knew that he meant it. Everyone clapped and cheered. I had made the right decision after all.... But, then again, it wasn't my idea to begin with. When I got home I saw a new black envelope sitting at my doorstep. This one seemed different though, as if it was the strangest of all, it read: Have you ever wondered what it's like to be forgotten?...It's painful. But,... it will all be over soon. ''Signed, Night Riser. ''And for some some odd reason that I will never understand,... I believed him.

The Truth

Bad News-

Things had been dreary since Night Riser's last note. The blue skies that were once hovering over all the hills, were now replaced with gray skies and multiple rain showers. It seemed like everyone had been effected by the dreariness of the out side world. But no-one else was as bothered as me. Night Riser's last letter was very strange and cryptic. After my narrow escape in attacking the Death Pit, I was to worried about talking to the others about this, it could scare them pretty bad. I tried to trick myself into thinking it never happened, but it kept flowing through my head, day after day. It will all be over soon... What did he mean by that? Nothing seemed to make sense anymore, Machine's knife, Part of Corruption's hood, missing S.S.C documents. It just didn't add up. I looked out the window in hopes that if I blinked a few times, then the sky would brighten up, and all of this mystery wouldn't be a problem at all. But as I opened my eyes, the same colorless sky was still hovering above everything around me. I sat down a sighed, nothing was going to change. As I began to fade away into my own little dream land where everything made sense, a loud ring of the phone seemed to destroy all of the tranquility I had left. I answered it and found out that it was Tim. Before I could speak, Tim began talking loudly. "Did you hear what's been happening?" I answered quickly, "What?, is it about Blade?" Tim paused for a moment and said, "Maybe, but it is unlikely." Tim continued, "Three S.S.C members have went into the small forested area to get a look at Specter's Tree." "And?..." I asked, starting to get interested. Tim sighed and spoke up, "They have all went missing..." I was pretty shocked, Specter's Tree was a pretty safe place. Tim started talking again, "I need you to meet up with me, George, Tye, and Samantha." "We will figure out whats going on." Tim gave me the time and the coordinates, I didn't think it was going to be a big deal, but deep down inside I felt as if I was dead wrong.

Specter's Tree-

I had never been to Specter's Tree before. But many S.S.C member's have heard of it. It was an old tree that many S.S.C members used to go to, for meetings. It was at the center of a small forested area, that was pretty close to the school. I kept looking up in the sky, I thought that it was going to pour down rain any second. I saw George and Tye in the distance, they seemed relieved that I had stopped by. "Am I the last one here?" I said as I approached them. "Tim still hasn't showed up yet." Samantha said quickly. I had learned to get used to Tim's lateness, it was his own way of making a grand entrance. The clouds above us continued to get bigger and more ready to pour down. Tim finally showed up and started to lead the way. The trees seemed to block all outside noises, if it was raining, there was no way for us to tell. Things got dark and eerie as we got farther into the trail. At times, I thought I could hear whispers and footsteps behind us. But there was never anything there. "For an old S.S.C meeting place, this is kind- of creepy." Tye said hesitantly. Hearing the word creepy made Samantha huddle up next to George for protection. I just rolled my eyes along with Tim and kept going. Strange shadows seemed to cover the ground until the ground seemed nothing but a shadow itself. Even though I would never admit it to the others, this place did give me the creeps sometimes. "Maybe the S.S.C members just got lost?" George said, breaking the tension. "That's unlikely," Tim said "This area isn't as big as it looks." I had to disagree, we seemed to be walking forever. We made it to a fork in the path. Both paths seemed to end in infinite darkness, except one of them had a sign saying: Do Not Enter, Path Incomplete. Tye already started heading for the clear path, but Tim stopped him. "This is where enemies would make their mistake", Tim said. He led us past the warning sign and instructed us to go around a huge fallen tree in the way. "Specter's Tree is not to far from here" Tim whispered as if he didn't want to startle anything. As we got to a corner, a chill went up my spine, Tim seemed to feel it to. But George seemed to preoccupied with protecting Samantha to feel anything. We came around the corner slowly and saw a large tree in the center of the lost path. I stared at it in amazement, it seemed so old and wonderful compared to all the other dark and rotting trees. I was so caught up in looking at the amazing relic, that I didn't notice what everyone else had their eyes on. Because, standing in front of the tree, gazing up at it's splendor, was a figure dressed in black! No-one moved or said a word. But, (without looking back) the figure spoke up in a voice that sent a bigger chill up my spine. "It's about time you got here, I was getting worried you might miss the ending."

Night Riser's true identity-

Everyone seemed shocked, I looked over at George and Samantha, they didn't move a muscle. Tye seemed to be partially hiding behind a shrub. I then looked over at Tim. His face was different than the others, he seemed confused and surprised, instead of scared. I tried to speak up, but found myself without words. Tim broke the silence at last, "Who are you?" Tim asked hesitantly. The figure straitened up, but continued his gaze on the tree. The dark figure spoke again, "You've forgotten a lot of things Tim, your old friends, your old missions, your old enemies, but did you really forget... about your own apprentice!" The figure finally turned around, I had never seen him before, but as I looked at Tim, he looked as if he'd been stabbed in the heart. Tim summoned up his strength and said in a shaky voice, "N-Nick?"

The Truth Behind It All-

"Who is Nick?" I asked frantically, "What is going on." The figure now spoke up again, "Oh, you mean he never told you?" "I... was Tim's apprentice." I became shocked like everyone else. I looked at Tim again, "That is impossible, I am Tim's apprentice, isn't that right Tim?" Tim didn't speak, he didn't even look at me. My anger flowed through me. I started to yell "Is it true or not, Tim!" Tim cleared his throat, "Nick... was my apprentice." I couldn't believe what I had just heard, "But... But... this makes no sense." Nick talked again, "And that is why I am here, to tell you the whole story." "It all goes back to the beginning." "I was Tim's apprentice, you trained me and became my good friend." "Everything was fine then, there were no hard feelings, no major problems, no worries in the world." "But after all of that training and hard work I was put through, after all I had done!... you let me down." "You refused to let me fight Machine... the thing I was most anxious to do." "You just left me there, wanting to help, but knowing that you didn't want me too." "So I came up with a plan, If you weren't with me, you were against me." "I was able to find Machine and convince him into making me his apprentice." "He agreed to tell you that he had killed me... and that I was never coming back." "Over the years, Machine trained me and I rose very high in rank." "I became more powerful than Machine and ordered him to give me his precious knife." "I became so powerful, that I was aloud to consult with Corruption, alone." "I told him that he was so strong, that he could take Brett out without any guards." "Corruption went off to defeat you, with Machine." "But he eventually told Machine to leave after he remembered my words." "Once you defeated Corruption, I took immediate control of THEM and got all the members to go into hiding until we could strike again." "I then started to go by the name of Night Riser." "I sent the S.S.C messages about how to find The Brotherhood of Death's plans and when to attack their hideouts." "But at the same time, I sent the Brotherhood of Death messages instructing them when to obtain your secret documents and where a nice place to attack would be." "To keep you from finding out the truth, I left clues that would distract you long enough for me to get a hold of your secret information." "I figured that the S.S.C and The Brotherhood of Death would fight each other so much and so equally that when everyone was weakened, THEM could take everyone out, and become the new rulers." "And I would finally get my revenge and take over the school... and soon... beyond the school!" Tim had his mouth hanging open, I could tell that the truth hurt him badly. There was only one thing to do, and that was stop Nick. But before we could get the chance, Nick took out a walky-talkie and spoke into it loud and clear, "Begin the attack."

Aftermath-

Before we knew it, Tim started to get a call from multiple S.S.C members who were all shouting and screaming. George, Tye, and Samantha all ran out to help. I looked back at Night Riser, but he had disappeared. Then it was just me and Tim, alone. It was so quiet, so hopeless. Tim pulled himself together and ran off, leaving his walky-talkie behind him. I was now all alone. I finally got the answer I was looking for... the answer I had spent all this time trying to uncover. But I still felt empty inside. George had been right the entire time. If I wouldn't have gotten so carried away in the Corruption mystery, then maybe I could have discovered the truth sooner. This was all my fault. All this time, I was walking right into Night Riser's plan. I sat down next to the tree. How could Tim have never told me this, what did he hope to gain from not telling me. I stood up with some new hope, I wasn't going to let Tim get away with this. I was going to track him down and find out why he didn't tell me, no matter what. Meanwhile, George, Tye, and Samantha were heading into the thick of the battle. The S.S.C v.s The Brotherhood of Death v.s THEM, who could win such a momentous battle. There were kids everywhere. It was nearly impossible to tell anyone apart. All they could do was fight. George stayed behind with Samantha, even though she knew how to fight, George didn't want to lose her. They were immediately attacked by five attackers, George punched one in the face and tripped the other one. Samantha then stepped on the fallen one and kicked the other attacker in the jaw. Tye was surrounded as soon as he broke through the front line. He was accompanied by a few regular soldiers and pushed back the enemy. They kept punching their way through the crowds as they made it towards the back. Tye's soldiers were taken down one by one around him. Tye then jumped into action. He picked up an attacker and threw him into four others. He then saw George and Samantha in the distance being taken down quickly. "This isn't going to be easy." George said as he kneed a kid in the stomach. "But we can't back down, we must keep fighting." Samantha said with some hope. George was immediately hit hard in the side and thrown down to the ground. Tye jumped in to help but was quickly pushed down along with George. Samantha was left standing. She hit one in the face and pushed them into one another. Tye was stepped on from all directions, and although George tried to help, Tye was knocked out within seconds. (Ignoring the punches to his back) George stood up and hit a kid hard in the face. As George was about to speak to Samantha again, she was tackled from his side to the ground. As the attackers got off of her, George could tell that she was knocked out. George then got angry. He started punching all of them in the face wildly and headbutting them as well. When there was only two left standing George immediately punched one in the stomach. The other attacker was able to get a hold of George's arm, and twist it. George yelled out in pain and let out a final punch to the kid he was headbutting. George continued to stand his ground despite the pain in his arm. He charged at the kid but was strangled and thrown against a tree. Before George could move, the attacker kicked George further into the tree and finished him off with a hit to the head. George tried to keep his eyes from drooping. But his body wouldn't let him. The last sound he heard was the sound of more screaming.

The Lost Story-

The sky was pitch black. Only the light of the stars and the dull shine of the moon lit the path I was walking down. I knew Tim well enough to know where he would go after a confrontation like that. Whenever Tim was down, he would go to the old park and sit under a certain tree he seemed to like a lot. When I got there, I found that I was right. Tim sat there under the tree and seemed so silent. I sat by him and looked up into the starry sky above. "Why?" I finally managed to ask. "Why didn't you ever tell me about Nick." Tim didn't respond at first, he once again seemed to be in another world. "I'm sorry Brett... I just..." his voice trailed off. He started to speak again. "I thought he was really dead." "I thought that because of me, a life had been lost." "That is why I always gave you what wanted." "I let you fight Machine quickly, I let you battle anyone you wished." "I was to afraid to lose another apprentice... I was blinded by what I thought you needed to stay happy." He looked back down at his feet and said, "It seems like all my old friends are against me now." I continued to look at him, "What should we do?" Tim paused and seemed to be in deep thought. He stood up as he spoke, "There is only one thing to do,... fight back."

The Final Showdown

Final Plans-

We all knew what we had to do. Everyone mattered in this final plan. If something went wrong, anything, it could all be over. Storms were scheduled to come by soon, I hoped that this entire war would be over before the storm even got a chance to come by. It was different than what I was used to in its own strange way. It all seemed to quiet, so small, so... unimportant. But I wasn't in the battle, I was on the outskirts of the Death Pit, hoping that I could catch Night Riser if he came this way. It would be an excellent path to go down if he were to try to ambush our troops. While I waited, I thought out the whole plan to myself. George, Samantha, and Tye were hopefully still going strong in battle, if the S.S.C won the war, they would be the first to tell us. Tim was put with a much harder task though. Tim's mission was to meet up with his old friend James, and put a stop to this war before more people got hurt. It wasn't much of a plan really, it seemed pathetic that the S.S.C had stooped so low. But as Tim and I had agreed on before, this was something that we wouldn't give up on.

The Escape-

George woke up with a jolt, he tried to move his arms and legs, but found them to be tied up. He looked to his sides and saw Samantha and Tye, also tied up. He began to panic, but he eventually remembered what happened. He remembered watching as his girlfriend and apprentice be knocked out, and that he was knocked out eventually too. He rested his head against the wall, he thought to himself for what seemed like eternity. He felt horrible, how could he have been knocked out so easily? Tye and Samantha eventually woke up around the same time. They were all quiet as they remembered what had happened. George looked around and found that they were in a small room with no guards in sight. "Now is our chance to make our move." George quickly said to the others. Tye seemed amused, "How are we going to get untied genius?" George looked at the ropes they were tied up in. Their hands were in front of them, but the rope was way to tight to untie. He looked at his legs and found that they had been very poorly tied. George quickly spoke up, "Samantha, I need you to untie the knots on my legs." Without saying a word, Samantha went strait to it, carefully untying the loose knot. When George's legs were freed, he was slowly able to untie Samantha's  feet, and Tye's as well. Tye still wasn't happy, "What about our hands, their still tied up." "Just go with it." George said as he was able to open the door. George was the first one to leave the room, he quickly looked around, but saw no-one. He motioned for the others, and they came out just as he had done. As they got to another door, they immediately heard voices and hid around a corner. They waited in silence, and listened. "With James at the Death Pit," one said, "It looks like Blade will be in command for now." They all immediately realized that they had been captured by The Brotherhood of Death, not THEM. The two soldiers talked some more and then went silent. Just when George thought it was safe, the two soldiers came around the corner and seemed completely shocked that they had escaped. One was about to yell but George quickly hit him up-side the head with his bound-together hands. The other one immediately kicked Tye in the stomach and hesitantly pushed Samantha out of the way. He came running at George and hit him in the stomach. George ignored the pain and kicked the soldier in the face. As he tried to get up, George kicked him again, sending him to the ground. By now, the other soldier had gotten back-up and gotten help. Five soldiers were all running at them, at once. Tye ducked, missing a hit and head-butted the perpetrator in his face. Samantha was able to do the same thing before she was knocked down and nearly trampled on. George quickly dashed into one soldier, causing him to knock down the one behind them. Before they could get back on their feet, Tye was able to kick them hard in the side. George was eventually hit hard in his back and then hit harshly in the face. He felt himself swaying from nausea, but kept fighting. Tye kicked another attacker in the shoulder and pushed him against the wall. He was then quickly ambushed by two more attackers. He succeeded in knocking one out, but the other one began to choke him and elbow him in the forehead. George was continually hit by multiple people surrounding him, he swung his arms in hope that he would hit something, but he was soon stricken in the back of his head. George fell to the ground unconscious.

Found-

I continuously looked around for any sign of life. The only thing I could see was sky beginning to get a sickly gray color. Every movement I made, I knew I had to be stealthy. Night Riser was no joke, he had been waiting years to get his revenge and power. And he wouldn't let me get in the way of that. A chill went up my spine, even though I couldn't see him, I knew Night Riser was there. "There is no use hiding." I said, trying to keep the fear out of my voice. Nothing seemed to respond but the low sound of the wind as it hit my back. To my surprise, the silence was eventually broken. "Who's hiding?" Night Riser said as he came over a tall hill, "I was just making my big entrance." I could feel my blood thumping, he knew I was scared. I spoke up, "You didn't have to do all this you know." "You could have trusted in Tim, you could have believed that he was making the right decision about you." I continued to talk, "Everything that Tim did for you, he did out of care." The being once known as Nick, seemed to chuckle at this. He spoke up, "Brett, you and I aren't so different." "You once craved power, just as I do now." "You realized how using your anger could make you stronger... much stronger." I was getting angry, "No we aren't!" I yelled. Night Riser seemed just as amused as before, He then spoke one more time, "Of coarse you are... I can feel it." With those few words I lost it, he had lied, hurt people, and betrayed his own friends to get this power. And now he was telling me that I would do the same! I couldn't fight back the hatred I felt towards him. I forgot my fear and yelled as loud as I could, "We are nothing alike!" And I charged at him with all the speed I had.

The Fight Begins-

I ran up to Night Riser extremely fast, my fist raised high in the air, ready for the first punch. Night Riser seemed to see it all coming though. He grabbed hold of my hand and threw me harshly to the ground. He began to kick me in my head and step on my chest. I grabbed hold of his leg and caused him to lose his balance long enough for me to stand. I lunged at him but he swiftly ducked and elbowed me in my neck. I tackled him again but only got hit harder in the nose. Night Riser summoned up his energy and kicked be hard in the stomach, followed by a strong hit to my back. My anger began to swell up some more. I shook off the pain and twisted his arm, followed by a hard hit to the face. Night Riser stumbled back smiling, he knew that he still had the upper hand. I began to elbow him in the face, but he continued to block the hits and head-butt me. He ran up to me again and strangled me for a while, until I got loose. Night Riser then ran up to me and got me into a headlock, he then started to repetitively punch me in the face. My nose began to bleed, but I freed my self and began to choke him back. He continued to try to throw me back, but I wouldn't let him. As I was about to corner him against a tree, he kicked me hard in the stomach and jumped at me. While he was still in mid-air, he hit me in the neck and the resulting fall, sprained my left leg. I cried out in pain and elbowed him back. But Night Riser lunged at me again with both hands raised high. Before he could cause more damage, I grabbed both of his hands. We began to try to push each-other to the ground. We seemed equally matched, one stumble and he would win. As we continued to push each other back, Night Riser began to talk some more. "Do you really think you can beat me? I was Tim's first apprentice. He taught me moves that you were to weak to learn. I have learned every major THEM members fighting style as well. You are crazy to think you can beat me!" I wasn't giving up, he was starting to overpower me, but I didn't show it. "Theirs something good about being crazy," I said, out of breath, "You never know what to expect next." Upon saying that, I twisted both of our arms behind us, kicked him in the side with my sprained leg, and landed on top of him.

Deadly Meeting-

George woke up again. But this time he heard talking all around him. He didn't want to open his eyes. As far as he was concerned, he had failed the S.S.C. Samantha nudged him and he gently opened his eyes. To his surprise, Tye was awake too, looking at his master, in hopes that he had another plan. George looked back at his tied up hands and feet. They were both tied as tightly as possible, and their hands were behind their back now, there was no escape this time. There were beat-up guards surrounding them, each one looking at George and his friends in disdain. Even though they were trapped, George felt a small amount of happiness, knowing that he at least put up a fight. The door eventually opened and all Brotherhood of Death members stiffened up. Blade had just walked into the room looking as if he had just had rocks thrown at him from all directions. He got behind a desk and spoke to one of the soldiers, "Are you sure that they were leading the attack?" The soldier seemed a little scared to respond, "That is what we think s-sir." Blade drew his attention back to George and the others. "How did you get such a large army?!" he started. George was confused, the S.S.C barely brought an army at all. It then hit him, Blade and the others didn't yet know that THEM had returned and was in the war. George paused for a moment, he had an idea. But it was a crazy one. Then again, most of his plans were. George sighed, he had to try. "We've all been tricked." George started, "All this time, the S.S.C and The Brotherhood of Death have been getting messages from a person calling himself Night Riser." Blade's eyes' lit up, he knew what George was talking about. George continued, "Night Riser has been sending us both information on how and when to attack each other." "His plan was to get us to weaken each other, and he succeeded." "He is now coming back with THEM and if we don't do something, they will destroy us." Blade looked up at him, "Whats your point!" George took a deep breath, "The S.S.C and The Brotherhood of Death need to work together." Everyone in the room laughed as if it were the greatest joke they had ever heard. George spoke up, "I am serious," "If we don't do this, then both of our clubs will perish." "THEM has more training, more strength, and more soldiers than any of us alone." "But if we combine, if we work together for just this one day,... we can make a difference." Blade had stopped laughing. He seemed to be in deep thought now. Samantha cut in, "It is YOUR decision, we can't do anything to stop you now." "Whatever you decide, will be completely your choice." Tye nodded and Blade looked us all in the eye, he took a deep sigh and took out his walky-talkie. He hesitated a moment but put it back up to his mouth. He spoke slowly and clearly, "Attention all Brotherhood of Death members,... today... we fight along-side the S.S.C." ...I need every single one of you to help the S.S.C take down a new threat, THEM." "After all this fighting, all this hurting, all this suffering, today... we help.

The Fight Continues-

With Night Riser under me now, I elbowed him in the back and in the head. Night Riser began to roll over and did the same thing to me. Once I tried to roll again, we immediately went rolling down the aging corn field. As we rolled, large pointed pieces of cut-down corn stabbed me in the back and arms. When we reached the bottom, Night Riser let go and backed away. I tried to get up, but I couldn't. I just stared up at the sky, it was much darker now. The clouds looked as if all the rain they had been storing, was finally going to be released,... soon. Night Riser kicked me once again in the side. He looked down at me laughing. Things started to get blurry, every time I blinked, there seemed to be more and more of him. Things were getting dark, but I couldn't tell if it was the sky or my eyes. He kicked be again and I rolled into some more prickly corn stalks. I was bleeding, I could tell. Things got more blurry, a blackout was imminent. I started seeing flashbacks of my friends, and all we had been through. The high times and the low times. I remembered my fights with Machine, my battles with Corruption, my encounters with Jack, the showdown with Corruption, the defeat of Darkness. It was all there in my memory. The memories of friends, enemies, and family. It was all peaceful in some way. As I tried to move my body, the rain finally hurtled down at us. I could tell it was going to be a huge storm. The wind was picking up, but I couldn't give in. It occurred to me that I had been fighting all this time with anger. But that was going to stop now. I felt another sharp kick to my head followed by a large punch to the face. I fought away the darkness that was shrouding my vision and I stood up. I quickly kicked Night Riser in the face. Before he could react, I punched him squarely in the chest. The rain continued to come down harder. He grabbed my face and kneed me in my face. I started to black out again. More blood was dripping from my face and back, he was getting to strong... but I could be stronger. I continued to hit him in the stomach and was able to pick him up. He started to yell, but I didn't care, I threw him into the ground. Causing him to be stabbed in the back by the shards of corn stalks. He yelled out in pain, "You can't stop me, you are to weak, to powerless." I stood above him and held him down with my foot, "Strength and power blind those who don't know how to use it." "But their is always one thing I can count on,... control." Upon saying that, I finished Night Riser off with a clean hit to the head. He was knocked out. Now it was up to Tim to finish the rest.

Old Friend-

Tim approached the Death Pit with rain as his only friend. The sky seemed pitch black. Everything was dimming. Even though Tim and James didn't arrange to meet each-other, Tim knew where to find him. And James realized that as well. Tim eventually found the crippled, old building swaying in the wind. Tim would try to make peace with James, but he doubted it would work. James didn't really care about the war. All he cared about was  getting revenge. Tim got to the entrance of the building and lightly opened the old door. Inside, standing a few feet away, was James. "You're late." he said harshly. Tim stopped and spoke with all his courage, "Just my style." "I've been waiting a long time for this Tim, you realize that don't you?" James was facing the wall. Tim changed the subject, "James it doesn't have too-" "Shut up Tim!" James interrupted. "I know your strategy, you think you can just talk to me and I will learn my lesson and come back to you like nothing ever happened!" James finally turned around. The right side of his face, which had been badly scarred, was bandaged up. He looked a lot like two-face. The look made him look ominous and more powerful. But Tim wasn't going to back down now. James was getting angry and Tim was starting to get ready for the fight. Before Tim could say another word, James quickly turned around and hit him hard in the face with an E-stick. The final battle had begun.

Final Showdown-

The rain was hitting the roof of the building hard, everything was creaking and shaking around them. Tim missed a few punches and tried to hit James. James grabbed his fist and nearly broke it by kicking Tim's arm. Tim took out his own E-stick and the two of them clashed. James spun his E-stick and quickly hit Tim's face again. Tim blocked a few moves before he was able to hit Jame's leg. As Tim was about to swing his E-stick hard on Jame's head, James held his E-stick up in the air and blocked it. James then kicked Tim against the corner of the building. The entire place shook. James got ready to hit Tim again, but Tim kicked the E-stick out of his hands. James did the same thing to Tim's weapon and the fight continued. James hit Tim in the jaw causing Tim's mouth to drip with blood. James then began to choke him. As Tim tried to free himself, James spun around and threw Tim into a wall. Part of the ceiling fell on Tim's hand, causing tremendous pain. James showed no sign of slowing down. He kicked Tim in his face and pushed him to the cold ground. Tim was able to kick James in the stomach as he was down. Tim then was able to hurriedly tackle James to the floor. Tim then realized how angry James was getting, he wasn't going to give up until Tim was dead. Tim hit James hard in the shoulder and stepped on his leg as he got up. James was able to quickly roll out of the way and tare a large piece of wood off the building. James quickly swung it at Tim, causing a major cut on his stomach. James struck Tim again with the sharp board, causing another painful gash on his chest. Tim dodged another swing but was quickly stabbed in the back. Tim fell to the ground gasping for air. He couldn't seem to find any. James hovered over him and pushed him to the ground. "You are weaker than I thought" James mused. Tim tried to move but was quickly picked up and thrown once again into the wall. By then, James picked up his E-stick and began to whack Tim in the face. Blood was dripping from his mouth, Tim couldn't take much more. James swung again, but Tim used all his strength to catch it and use his knee to break it in half. Tim's heart was pounding, he could feel his body giving up on him. James threw the broken stick to the floor and picked Tim up by his shirt. "Getting tired?" James said as he threw Tim into the wall again. "I am just getting started." Tim lied, hoping James would believe it. Tim, shaking all over, stood up and they both head-butted each-other at the same time. Tim took advantage of this free time and punched James in his shoulder. Tim then began to hit him over and over in the face. The rain came down harder and leaks began to appear. James tried to take another board off the wall, but Tim busted it before he had a chance. James ran up to Tim and punched him into the ground. Tim was losing his energy every second. James began to step on Tim's chest harder and harder. Tim tried to struggle, but James just kicked him in the jaw. As James got closer into finishing off Tim for good, Tim was able to trip him, but sprain his leg badly. James fell and tore some of his bandages. Tim couldn't get up, his muscles were aching, his lungs couldn't grasp enough air. James was getting tired to, but not nearly as bad. He began to drag Tim upstairs, and throw him against the wall any time he could. They eventually got to the top and James threw Tim at the center of the Chicken loft. Tim felt sharp splinters and the cold wind hit his face. He felt what he thought to be rain on his back, but it was actually blood. "So this is how it ends?" James said with pride in his voice. "J-James... d-don't." Tim said in a whisper. James ignored Tim's words and began to kick him towards the edge. Cold rain began to hit Tim's face, unforgiving. All Tim could do was listen, he heard the wind raging, the rain pouring down, and no-one there to help him. Tim was at the very edge now. It was almost over. Tim's head was spinning, he began to laugh as he remembered all the good old times he had with his friends. He would never forget them. One last kick was all it took, without a word, without hesitation, without looking back, James finished it all. Tim began to fall.

Last Chance-

Tim wasn't quite sure what it was. What was keeping him from letting go and simply falling to a quick demise. But something was there, just in the split second he had, Tim grabbed onto the edge and hung their hopelessly. More rain hit his back, the wind seemed to be trying its best to blow Tim away. Part of him wanted to be blown away, wanted to be free of all this pain. But he knew that wasn't his destiny. With all of his strength Tim flipped onto the ledge again and kicked James hard in the stomach. James fell down and Tim was able to jump at him and punch him in the face. James head-butted him, hit him in the head, kneed him in the neck. But Tim wasn't giving up, he threw James down the stairs, picked him up, and threw him to the cold flooring. James began to choke Tim again, while kneeing him in the stomach and face. Tim got through the pain and whipped him out of the way. James stood up and hit Tim in the face as hard as he could with the back of his hand, but Tim was un-detoured. James tried again and again, but Tim continued to fight back the pain. James tried one last, quick stroke of his fist,... Tim caught it. Upon catching it, Tim began to push James back. Every step he took hurt. Every movement he made hurt. But he kept going. With the last of his power, Tim kneed James in the stomach, punched him in the face, avoided the on-coming fist, and head-butted James to the ground. Before James could move again, Tim took part of the sharp, pointed, E-stick and held it too Jame's neck. Tim was down on his knees, he knew he pushed himself to hard, any minute now, he would black out. He was running out of time. Tim positioned the pointed stick closer to Jame's neck. Any minute now, Tim could finish off James right there. James spoke again, "Go ahead,... do it... I know you can't... you know you can't." Tim was hurting even worse, tears flooded his eyes. James continued to speak "I know you can't kill your best friend." Tim spoke through his pain, "Y-you are not my friend, the James I once knew is long gone." "Y-You have become a murderer and a power-hungry monster, the old James wasn't like that." James seemed to be getting angry, "Then do it!, show me that I am no-longer your friend!, show me that you have the strength!" Tim looked at the stick and back at James. It was one way or the other. Kill James which will end anyone getting hurt again. Or keep him alive, but risk that James will hurt others. ...He chose.

Finished-

Tim dropped the stick and began to walk away. "What are you doing!" James yelled. "Are you even listening to me!" "Your not worth it." Tim said as he staggered closer to a corner. Then... it all happened so fast. Everything happened in such a blur, that it was nearly inconceivable. James picked up the broken stick and jumped at Tim, about to stab him in the neck and finish it. But the split second before it happened, Tim spun around, and kicked James as hard as he could in mid-air. James went flying backwards and hit the wall with a loud THUD. The entire barn began to shake, Tim could tell that it had reached it's limit. Then it happened,... the entire roof collapsed, bringing the second level of the floor down with it. Right before James was hit, he said two words. Two words that Tim seemed to be able to hear throughout all of the chaos around him: "I'm sorry." Right after that, the entire place started to come down, James was close by, Tim quickly reached out to help James. But instead of taking his hand, James pushed him back, a large piece of the second floor fell right in front of Tim. James had just saved his life. More and more of the building began to fall, Tim ran as fast as he could, but the door was to far. The falling ceiling was getting faster and faster Tim was cut by falling objects and was eventually hit hard in the head. He fell to the ground and stumbled to get up. The door seemed to be missing now. There was only one option left, he had to jump. Tim ran as fast as he could to an old glass window that was already broken. With the rest of his strength and speed, Tim jumped out the window just before the whole place came down. And as he landed on the ground, Tim blacked out.

The War's End-

I had arrived at the Death Pit, just in time to see it all collapse. The look of horror on my face was indescribable. I saw Tim jump out of the window and black out. I was able to carry him back to an S.S.C base and wait for him to get better. Tim did recover but never did say much about his final battle. I didn't mind, it was his own little secret. We eventually met up with George, Tye, and Samantha. "It is good to see familiar faces" George said with pleasure. "It looks like you did a great job." I said. "But what happened?" Tim asked eagerly. George explained, "To make a long story short, we worked together with the Brotherhood of Death." "With all of us working together, we defeated THEM." "However, most S.S.C members were hurt pretty badly." "Most of them quite." "The S.S.C is practically destroyed." It was distressing news. But we could always re-group. Me, Tim, George, Tye, and Samantha still had a lot of fight left in us. "We can't give in though," I said, "the S.S.C never quite." "Then what are we waiting for?" said George, "lets get going." "I'll catch up with you guys later," Tim said. "There is something I need to finish..."

Loose Ends-

Tim entered the S.S.C prison just in time to enter an interrogation room. Slumped over a desk with hands and feet bound was none other than Nick. "Coming to gloat?" Nick asked, sensing Tim's presence. "Oh what am I talking about!" Nick answered to himself. "You are too good for that aren't you!?" Tim found it difficult to find words and simply stated "All I ever did when you became my apprentice was treat you with the kindness and respect of a brother... and yet you betrayed us simply because I wouldn't allow you to go on a mission... now look at us..." A tear fell down Tim's face as Nick became enraged. "It wasn't just that!" he yelled. "You forgot all about me! You found a new apprentice practically a month after I was presumed dead, you left me with THEM as my brother, THEM as my only friend! I couldn't do anything but loathe you EVERY day for what you did... or rather... what you didn't do!." Tim thought upon this for a moment as he dried more tears from his face. "Eric once... g-gave me a second chance..." Tim stuttered. "I've done terrible things and lost friends along the way... I don't want to lose you to." With that, Tim approached Nick, unbound him and then handed over a broken S.S.C stick to the very shocked Nick. "All the doors leading out of here are unlocked and un-guarded," Tim promised. "If you can't find it in your heart to forgive me... then end your suffering now by ending me." With that, Tim closed his eyes and put his hands behind his back. Only silence could be heard as Tim made no movements of deception. When he opened his eyes again, Nick was gone and on the table lyed the S.S.C stick.

The Ending-

After everything that had happened, most people would expect that things would go from bad to worse. But they would be wrong. Nick was sent to an S.S.C base for his punishment. He wouldn't bother us again. Blade realized that the S.S.C was right all along and decided to quite the Brotherhood of Death and be a normal kid again. Without Leader-ship, Most Brotherhood of Death members quite. The ones that remained would be taken down by our remaining elite S.S.C members. We continued to get more and more S.S.C members as time passed, but it would take a long time before it was fully functional again. However, if we had kept the S.S.C alive and well for so many years, we could do it again. As for me and the others, we truly felt that for the first time in a long time, we were finally safe. All this evil was gone, the fighting was all over. We all respected each other, we all cared for one-another, we all fought for one-another. And even when things get tough and everything seems like its falling apart, we will always be there to help. We are the S.S.C.

The Return

It Begins-

My father used to tell me stories of a club called the S.S.C. He told me of their fighting skill and ability to carry out a mission without looking back. He told me how strong they were and that no enemy could stand in their way of victory. But my father also told me about their love for one another. He told me how every person in the S.S.C respected and cared for each other in times of need. He would often bring up his days in the S.S.C and how he and his master Brett Blakley had stopped the most evil of foes through teamwork. Although my mother didn’t always side with his stories, she too claimed to have been part of the elusive fighting squad. Honestly, I never believed either of them. I was certain that they were simply fairy tales that my parents whipped together just to make me confused. It didn’t help my dad that he had no REAL proof that any of this existed. The others whom he mentioned in his stories had “disappeared years ago,” he often told me. As for the club itself, my father told me that it too had disappeared as time went on. It was only until my father told me of their sad moments in the S.S.C that I truly believed him. He told me of how Brett had turned on them, how the great Tim Allender had to leave his old friend for dead, how Night Riser had tricked everyone into falling right into his trap. I guess it was the look in his eyes that told me it was real. Ever since that day, I trained with my father to find the S.S.C, join it, and become a legendary hero like him. Of course becoming a hero takes a whole lot more…

Awake and Alive-

“Wake up Gregory!” I heard my dad yell from behind my door. “You’ve got a big day ahead of you!” I slowly began to recall what today was just as he continued. “Today's the day that you join the S.S.C and prove I’m not crazy!” he said with a laugh. I heard my mom walk over to him, “Let’s focus more on the fact that today is the first day of 11th grade”. “Yeah,” replied my dad, “that too…”. I was honestly freaked out to go to school today and hunt down a club while simultaneously learning what is going on. But I had to get up eventually. I rolled myself out of my bed and prepared myself for the big day I had ahead of me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad with a bigger smile on his face. “You ready for this?” he whispered so my mom wouldn’t hear. “I guess,” I replied simply. “Don’t take this lightly, if you weren’t my son, they would probably not let you in at your age.” “You don’t even know their still around dad,” I replied with a chuckle. “Oh I can tell, I can feel it in my bones… of course that might be the spaghetti your mom made last night.” Mom looked over at my dad disdainfully and then called me over to her. In contrast with my dad, she didn’t look to jolly. “Promise me you’ll be careful today, okay?” I paused for a moment. My mom continued, “We will stick up for you if you get into any S.S.C-related trouble.” “But we can’t always be there to help you out.” “That’s okay mom,” I said quickly before giving her a sappy hug and running out the door to my beat up car which I call Zombie because it should be dead by now, but it still runs.

Back to School-

Pulling up our huge school never felt so sickening as my mind raced with ideas on how to lure out the S.S.C. And what a terrible day to do it, considering the fact that it was like -20 degrees outside that day. Inside, everybody seemed to be just as worried as I was. Half of them looked like they were going to throw up. For most people, this was probably not because they didn’t know what to do, but simply because they were in school again. Last year, my dad had pointed out a couple kids at a Football game that fit the characteristics of an S.S.C member. I had never met the kids or really seen them around the school to be honest. But now I was looking for them whether or not they knew a thing. I was hoping they would simply ask to see some of my moves and I would be let in. After all, I wasn’t all that bad of a fighter. And everyone knew that, ever since I beat up the biggest jerk of the school: Steven. In fact, it was because of how well I beat up Steven that my dad decided to mention the S.S.C to me in the first place. I was hoping this would get me into the S.S.C; not just the fact that I have a dad that was a big part of it. My plan was already going wrong as the day nearly reached its half-way mark. I had not seen the two kids and my hopes were running low. Then lunch came around and everything changed.

Gregory Vs. Steven-

The entire school campus is open for lunch. As you can imagine, I wasn’t all that excited about going into the freezing cold air. But sitting inside would just get me packed in with the freshman who have no choice but to sit inside and eat. While searching for my friends, my eyes came across a figure standing under an old oak tree, reading a paper of some sort. I immediately recognized this kid as one of the guys my dad had pointed out at the Football game. He had short, black hair and big blue eyes that almost didn’t make you notice the small scar above is right eyebrow. He didn't glance at me although I got the feeling that he was incredibly alert to my presence. Just as I neared the oak tree, a brick wall stood in my way. I looked up at the unmoving giant and saw it to be none other than Steven himself. "Thought you could hide from me?" he said, trying to sound bitter. "I'm not hiding from anybody, you should really go Steven, we've been through this like, 8 times now." "Don't try to weasel your way out of a beating," he replied and then lunged at me. With his fist in the air, I quickly dodged the incoming punch and stretched his arm around his back in mid-air. Steven landed on both feet and sent me stumbling forward for a second. In this time, Steven had regained his footing and gave me a good side-swipe to the face. "I think you'll thank me for this," he said; laughing. Without a word, I head-butted him in the face and followed it up with a barrage of punches. Steven managed to dodge some of these and simply pushed me away while he tried to cool down. While hurtling to the ground, I looked around to make sure teachers or students weren't coming by. Our fray had gone unnoticed so far. Then I looked back at the kid under the tree. He was looking at me now, hardly moving. He seemed to simply be a stature. Before I could do anything else, Steven got me into a head-lock, which was a mistake. I pushed all my weight backwards and simultaneously jumped up to head-butt him in the chin while we fell. Steven took most of the damage and let me go immediately. "9th time I've beaten you now," I said, "You really need to work on that head-lock." Steven didn't answer and simply stumbled away breathing heavily.

The Beginning?-

As I rubbed away the pain on my face, I turned to the buy by the tree, only to find him looking directly at me now with what I believe to be the perfect poker face. "Your Gregory?" he said lightly. I was honestly surprised he knew my name, maybe my father was right. "Y-yes" I replied simply. The boy stood there staring at me as if he expected me to say something more. "I have been searching for a club..." the boys stare did not change. "It's called the S.S.C... have you heard of it by any chance?" The boy stood there probably more still than ever. He seemed to be thinking about something. I remember thinking in my head how pointless this was, surely the first guy I asked wouldn't know about the schools most secretive club. I guess that made his response all the more surprising, "Yes" he replied quickly. I could hardly keep from grinning ear-to-ear. Before I could say anything he spoke up again, "I guess you wouldn't ask about us unless you wanted to join, huh?" "Yeah, I've been training with my father for this" I replied with a smile. The boy did not seem satisfied, "Well if you want some REAL training, you'll stop by the barn off the corner of Hickory Street; tonight." With that, the boy turned his back and walked off slowly. I was not very happy with his response to this. My father had trained me for the very reason so that the S.S.C wouldn't have to do it. I decided to speak what was on my mind, "My father is George," I yelled to the boy as he continued his walk, "He trained me for this!" The boy stopped only for a minute and; looking over his shoulder, replied "Things have changed..." With that, he left me alone wanting to say more but feeling as if it wouldn't do any good.

Meeting the S.S.C-

My first meeting with an S.S.C member stood out in my head as being very strange. I hadn't expected this boy to be so serious. My father had mentioned that some S.S.C members aren't to friendly, but this guy seemed to be a flat-out jerk. School was the least of my problems as I thought about what could possibly be at the barn. As far as I knew, the barn had been abandoned years ago. I had never seen anyone go in or out of it. Unfortunately, my gut told me to go anyways and once it turned 7:00, I walked to the crooked old barn as the sun began to set. It was just as quiet and eerie as it always had been. My hopes of anyone being inside were almost completely blown away by the time I opened the wooden door-way. My heart nearly skipped three beats as I peered inside, only to find 5 sets eyes staring at me. I tried not to look surprised. "I'm not late am I?" I asked hesitantly. One stood up, he was big and muscular, had bruises scattered over his face, and had blazing red hair. "Very late!" he yelled in anger. I took a few steps back as he stomped over to me, pointing his finger in my face. "You think you can just show up whenever you want around here and get away with it!" He pushed me against the wall as I struggled out the words "No-one told me what time I sho-" "Shut-up!" The kid replied as he raised his fist in the air. I couldn't help but cower in fear at this huge kid I had never seen before. As I awaited to be knocked out, all I heard was silence then laughter! I uncovered my eyes only to find the kid laughing hysterically along with another kid with blonde hair that I had never seen before as well. Beside him was the very boy I had met that morning, a kid with glasses, and another who seemed just as freaked out as I was. "Stop messing around Patch," said the guy in glasses; putting an end to the laughter. 'Patch' slowly died down the laughter as did his blonde friend. "I was just messing with him," he said in an offended voice. "Chris is right," said the blonde kid to Patch, "his screams could probably be heard from across the block." the two broke out in laughter as I tried to hide the fact that I was extremely embarrassed and confused. Finally, the kid who I met that morning stood up and gestured back Patch to his seat surprisingly easily. "So you want to b an S.S.C member huh?" he said sternly. "Yes, my father as told me a lot about the S.S.C," I said as seriously as I could. "To what date?" said the kid in the glasses. "About 2013" I said honestly. "That was like 23 years ago!," said the stern kid, "Like I told you, things have changed... everything's changed..." I was honestly confused at this point. "What do you mean?" I asked, "Whats changed?" Patch stood up quickly, "We don't have to tell you anything until you prove that you are even capable of putting up a fight!" "For once, I agree with Patch," said the stern S.S.C member, "fighting the local bully of the school isn't anything compared to what we're up against now." I decided it was best not to argue with any of them. I had gotten this far, I might as well not ruin it with more questions."Where do I start?" I said energetically. "You start with Hawk," said the blonde kid. "What do you mean?" I asked quickly. The blonde kid continued, "Hawk was with the S.S.C for two years and was a trusted allie to us all. One day his obedience turned to our enemies. Hawk is now considered one of the most dangerous threats to S.S.C security." "So you want me to find him?" I asked. "Yes," replied the blonde kid, "and bring him to us." The serious S.S.C member walked up to me and handed over an envelope. "Anything you need to know about Hawk can be found in his biography," he mumbled. "Thank you sir!" I replied. The stern looking kid gave me a slight smile and replied, "Please... you can call be Commander Spike."

Mellow-Falls-

I decided it was best to wait until after school the next morning in order to find Hawk. In this time, I could learn everything about him from his biography and use this to my advantage. But really, that was on the back of my mind. I had successfully got into the S.S.C and met with the heroes of the school! It was like a dream come true. I told my father all about it in the morning and he seemed just as excited about it as I was. But he warned me to be careful finding Hawk and my mother told me the same thing except she said it about 200 times. That very day after school, I was on the hunt. Hawk had last been seen in town my a local gas station I was familiar with. If he had went inside, I could ask by buddy Edd if I could view the tapes. I waited until it was his shift and approached him just like any other day. After explaining my situation, Edd told me that he couldn't show me the tapes but did explain to me that a kid had dropped by the gas station multiple times for water and beef jerky. This led me to believe that Hawk was camping out in the woods. There were multiple wooded areas around our city but one that stood out to me was Mellow-Falls. Mellow-Falls was a tourist attraction due to the small waterfalls and good fishing lakes inside of it. Hawk would be easy to spot in any other wooded area, but in Mellow-Falls, he would blend right in. Later that night, I snuck into Mellow-Falls and avoided any contact with the campers there. Hawk wouldn't just be talking with everyone, he would be off on his own, trying to find a good hiding place from people like me. It's probably needless to say how worried I was, I had goosebumps all over my body and I couldn't tell if it was because of the cold; or the fact that I was scared out of my mind. Getting caught here would put me in big trouble if I didn't have a pass. But if Hawk could do it, so could I. After circling the Mellow-Falls more times than I could count, I found nothing and decided to go back home to think things out. I layed in bed for hours wondering what I did wrong and what I could have done better. I looked at the picture of Hawk in his biography. Once again, I had never seen this kid before and I suspected he was from a different school like the other S.S.C members I met.

Mudd's Clue-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">In the morning, I was awoken to the unpleasant sound off my mother screaming for me to come downstairs. After dragging myself to the living room I found muddy footprints all over the floor and my mom looking very unhappy with me. "You tracked mud in here!" she yelled. "Sorry," I replied simply, "I stayed up late trying to find Hawk in Mellow-Falls." My mother looked at me and the floor disdainfully, "Don't do it again or your going to be the one to clean in up!" Pleased by this, I ate my breakfast and went to another grueling day of school. It was only in 6th period that I realized something I had never thought of before. If I had tracked mud into the house, wouldn't that mean that I left footprints behind at Mellow-Falls. And wouldn't that mean the same thing for Hawk?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">End of the Hunt-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The very moment school ended, I raced to Mellow Falls with the bulging backpack weighing me down. As I had previously thought, Hawk was probably hiding somewhere that no-one could see him. So his footprints would be away from any other residents of the falls. Still lugging my back-back with me, I stumbled across my old footprints and was surprised to see new ones surrounding it. My mind immediately jumped to Hawk; he knew I was coming for him! I followed the new tracks through the uncharted parts of the woods and eventually heard rustling coming from the bushes behind me. Without hesitation I dove behind the nearest tree I could find and tried to listen for more noise. But I was so worked up at this point that all I could hear was the sound of my own breathing. Just as I peered from my tree, a fist came hurtling in my direction and hit my chest with an echoing thud. I fell back and realized that my book bag was still weighing me down and I struggled to get out of it. I came to the realization that it was on to tight and that my arm would get stuck if I kept this up. Just then, a tall figure stepped over me. His face matched the picture in his biography, this was surely Hawk. "Looking for someone?" he asked with a smirk. I tried to brush off the look of terror on my face. I had never fought anyone with a 50 pond back-pack on me! "I said; ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMEONE!" Hawk yelled. I slowly propped myself up and without saying a word, attacked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Gregory Vs. Hawk-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">My fist came in contact with nothing but air. Hawk dodged it and jabbed me right in the side with what felt like a rock. More horror came over my face when I noticed that it was only his hand. I did notice something odd though, Hawk had a long metal pole strapped to his back, I assumed this was simply armor and tried to spin-trip him. However, as soon as I bent down, the weight of the back-pack sent me down to the ground. "You're new at this aren't you?" Hawk said with a laugh. "As Hawk stood over me gloating, I reached into the back pack and lifted out two heavy books. Before Hawk could re-act, I through the first one at him and struck his face. Hawk's laughing died out instantly. He quickly reached over his shoulder and took out the long metal pole. Upon, throwing the second book, Hawk hit it out of the way with ease and rushed towards me. I only managed to stand up as he dashed into me and cornered me against a tree with the pole to my throat. "That was a mistake," Hawk told me in a grizzly voice. I looked at my still full backpack and noticed that if I rubbed it against the tree, it would un-zip all the way! "Looks like you just made the mistake," I said quickly. As Hawk prepared a bash to the face, I rubbed up against the tree just enough to un-zip the rest of my book bag and let all the supplies fall out. Now lightened up, I kneed Hawk in the stomach and elbowed him in the face just as he stumbled back. Hawk was so off-guard, he dropped the metal pole and was down on the ground long enough for me to pick it up. The pole was surprisingly light and move swiftly as well. Needless to say, it didn't take me long to figure out how to use it. With Hawk only now picking himself up from the ground, I gave him a quick whack to the side of his head and finished him with a sudden head-butt to the forehead. Remembering what the S.S.C members told me, I rushed towards the barn with Hawk beside me. I would have to come back and get my muddy books, later.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Tears of the Enemy-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">It took me longer to get to the barn than I expected. Every time a car would pass by, I would have to throw the KO'd Hawk and myself to the ground and pretend like we were looking up at the sky. I can only imagine what the people driving by thought. It wasn't long before Hawk woke up and instead of putting up another fight, he walked with me. This had to be the longest, most awkward silence I ever had to sit through. I finally looked back at his face and saw tears building up in his eyes. "Something wrong?" I asked; trying not to sound like I cared. Hawk gave a few sniffles and suddenly burst into tears and dropped to his knees. My mind was racing, was this guy trying to trick me? or was he just insane? "I... can't go..." Hawk managed to say through the tears. "I have to take you to the S.S.C," I replied. "It is my mission." Hawk continued to sob and bury his face in the ground. "I didn't do the things that they said!" Hawk yelled. "I was framed by somebody!" Now my stomach felt like it had just gained a few pounds. Before I could say more, Hawk continued. "If... you take me there, they will beat... me up until I just admit...to a crime I didn't commit." As Hawk let out more tears, I slowly began to consider letting him go. The S.S.C didn't tell me much about what he had even done, maybe they weren't sure either. "Get out of here..." I said quickly. Hawk finally ceased his crying and looked up at me with confusion. "Go on," I said. "I'll let you go this once." Hawk gave me a genuine smile and as he ran off, gave a whisper that sounded like a thank you.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The Test-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I didn't know what I'd say to the S.S.C for what I had just done. How would they re-act? My father told me many stories of his fights with enemies of all kinds, but he never mentioned them crying, he never mentioned the punishments for letting a target go. My mind was buzzing with possible explanations or lies that might set get me off the hook. But each little idea I had was shot down when  realized that there would be no way they would believe a new recruit like me... if that's even what I was. I approached the old barn again with still no signs of life to be seen. However, just as it was before, the five members were sitting in the barn waiting for me. Commander Spike was on his cell phone speaking to someone when I entered. Upon seeing me, Spike told the person on the other line to come in, in a few minutes. I was practically trembling and I could tell the S.S.C member named Patch was going to pounce on this fear any minute now. "Well," asked Spike. "Where is your target?" I gulped and said "I... let him go... I think he is innocent. I know it sounds crazy but I just... couldn't bring myself to it. I swear I had him..." My voice began to trail off and most of the members looked at me distastefully. "Come on in!" yelled Spike to a figure I hadn't noticed was standing at the door. The figure stepped in and I was awestruck to see none other than Hawk standing in the door-way. I had so many questions but I couldn't find my voice. "This was all a test," Spike said bluntly, "Hawk is still an S.S.C member, and we told him what to do if you were to beat him. You may be strong, but you still need the heart to be in the S.S.C. People get hurt, and you don't always understand whats going to happen, but you have to pull through for the greater good." I nearly fell against the wall with shame weighing me down. "I guess you don't have room for a guy like me then..." I said sadly. There was a short pause before Spike spoke up. "On the contrary, half of your team made the same mistake when they were in training." "My...team?" I replied with confusion. Commander Spike gave the biggest smile I had ever seen on his face and gestured to all the other members who were siting in the room. "Yep, your team, right here." All my anxiety stopped at once (as did my heart almost). "I'm an actual S.S.C member now!" I asked with happiness in my voice. "An S.S.C member in TRAINING," Spike corrected. "Gregory, welcome to Team Ice."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Team Ice-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The blonde kid stood up first and smiled at me. "I'm Luke," he said. "I'm am basically the leader of this team." I was shocked and sort of relieved that it wasn't Patch. The kid with the glasses was the next one to approach me. "And I'm Chris," he mentioned with a peaceful smile. "I am in charge of weapons, plans, food supplies, and all that other stuff that no-one really cares about." Both of us let out a short laugh and Chris motioned over to Patch. "You've already met Patch now I presume." I finally found the voice to ask a question. "Why is he called Patch if you all go by your real names?" Patch straightened up and stared at Chris and Luke with hate. "You better not tell him!" he grumbled. Luke just laughed and turned back to me, "When he first joined the S.S.C, he wore an eye-patch because he thought it would make him look tough. It took him about a week to figure out that we were making fun of him behind his back for doing it." I couldn't help but smile and look over at Patch who was refusing to look at any of us now. My attention was now drawn to the kid sitting over in the other corner. He was so quiet that I had hardly noticed him the first time I had came to the barn. He was either really shy or a top-notch spy. It turned out to be the latter one Chris spoke up. "Lastly, there is Guppy," he said. "We call him that because he was our newest member before you showed up." Guppy looked up at me briefly and managed to say a light 'hello'. "Does this mean that my new name will be Guppy?" I asked without fear in my voice. Just as Patch was about to speak, Luke cut him off. "Of coarse not, your George's son!" "Big deal," Patch mumbled. "He is still new." Chris stepped up to Patch and looked him square in the eye. "Ho will George re-act when e figures out how you've been treating his son?" Patch looked at me angrily one last time and then turned his back. I decided that it was time for me to speak up again. "Thanks guys, you all seem great.." "Glad you think so," said Chris. "Because Spike has something important to tell you tomorrow... unfortunately..."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The Dream-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I had gotten home late that night and my father repeatedly asked me how things went. I explained the situation and told him that Team Ice would tell me more after I had a talk with Commander Spike. I went to bed that night feeling happy to finally be part of the club I had spent my life dreaming about. I finally fell asleep and I suppose that is where things began to change. I drempt that I was in another school, the room I was in was completely empty and I could hear arguing from the other side of a door. Peaking out the door, I saw that I was in a huge building that reached high up into the air and had multiple floors filled with bustling teens and even adults. I quickly came to the assumption that this was a college. Despite the hundreds of people, all I could hear was the sound of two guys arguing. There noises were jumbled up and as I pushed against the door to hear more, the whole thing gave way and I found myself at the feet of the two boys. They were both in their teens and something about one of them seemed oddly familiar. He had blonde hair like me, but it wasn't cut quite as short. He was a bit taller and reminded me of someone I had met. The sounds of the two arguing grew increasingly faint until almost everything was eerily quiet. Everything finally went black and just as I was about to wake up from this odd dream, I heard one of the boys shout "You don't have to do this!" I quickly shot up from bed and looked around. Everything was normal again, but what was the dream trying to tell me?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">A Meeting with Spike-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">After school had ended, I made my way to the barn where I was to meet Spike for our important chat. But that was the last thing on my mind after the dream. It was oddly old out that day and the barn didn't really make things any warmer. I entered the barn and as suspected, found Commander Spike waiting for me there. "Good," he said. "You're right on time." "What is it you wanted to tell me?" I said while taking a seat. We'll get to that in a minute," he said. "Why do you want to join the S.S.C Gregory?" A chill went up my spine and I realized that Spike wasn't just going to give me a little talk, this was going to be important. I spoke up, "I want to be like my father and fight off the bullies and other clubs who try to ruin student's lives...like THEM." Spike looked at me for a while in a odd face that seemed amused. "THEM was formed years ago when other students realized that if the S.S.C ever became to powerful it would end up endangering it's own members and other student's lives. It was destroyed years ago around your father's time. Once them was defeated, the S.S.C didn't have enemies for the longest time." I contemplated this for a while and then spoke again, "Well you still fight bullies right? Where would the S.S.C be without some sort of enemy." Spike sighed, "No, we don't fight bullies anymore either... that is why I didn't help you when you were being attacked by Steven." I was now getting confused and upset, why join the S.S.C if you can't even fight? I decided to raise my voice a bit, "Then what good is the S.S.C anymore? What do you do if you don't have enemies? Are you trying to say that I'm not good enough to join your club! Is that what this talk is for?!" I realized I was starting to yell and I slumped down in my seat as Spike starred e down. "We have enemies," he said. "And that is why we need you're help. But you can only help us if you trust us... and we trust you as well. I suppose it's time I explain things to you, about why things can't be the way they once were."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">A New Enemy-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It started about two years ago,"Spike said dreadfully. "The S.S.C was contacted by the long-retired Brett Blakely. Brett explained to us that a robbery was in session over at a local bank. The robbery was being preformed by a gang we had our eyes on lately: Scythe. Me and some other men rushed off to the bank to capture the gang members and get the money back." Spike paused for a moment to let it sink in. He seemed to look sort of sick to his stomach. Finally, he continued, "By the time we reached the bank, the robbery had ended and not only were the gang members gone, but they shot the tellers and any witnesses who were in the bank itself. It was only the next day that we started getting threats from Scythe. Somehow, they had lost the $14,000 they stole and even more strangely, they blamed us for it's disappearance! We have been told to give back the money in what is now 5 days or else an S.S.C member would be killed for every day it is not turned in. Things got worse when we sent in a spy and he was caught almost instantly and sent back with the message, You are running out of time." Now Spike was leaning back in his chair and staring at the ceiling in grief. "Brett retired about 24 years ago," I said. "How did you even know it was really him?" Spike sighed and replied, "Our leader at the time was Rodrick, he asked Brett questions and codes over the phone to prove it was really him... Brett got every answer correct," Spike continued. "After the news that we were going to be hunted down by Scythe, nearly every single S.S.C member quite... we only have three teams now, about 16 members, no leader, and fading hopes." Spike looked as if he was about to puke again and I was also beginning to feel sick to my stomach. How could I be a part of a club that could possibly get me killed?! I spoke up with another question, "If there is no leader, why don't you take the position, you already run most of the things around here?" Spike sighed again, "I don't want to be the one everyone blames when things turn sour, a leader would just present a bigger target for Scythe. They have 'hunters' who have already found other S.S.C members and given them brutal questioning on where the money is." "Just call the cops!" I yelled in retort. "We tried that once, but Scythe has figured out ways to escape the police and even make bribes with the officers themselves. We have been warned not to call again or we would pay the price. Scythe is a very dangerous gang but it is also very intelligent, it knows when something is wrong." Everything was silent after that as more ides of hope shot into my head but were sunk back with the realization that one faulty move could endanger a person's life! "I suppose you wouldn't blame me if I quite now..." I asked? Spike looked back into my eyes again and proclaimed "No, none of us could blame you for not wanting to get involved in this... chaos." I gave Spike a short smirk, "Well sign me up, I said. I'm ready to take on chaos."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Learning from the Pros-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I was sent to an old hill near town for some briefing by my fellow team-mates Chris and Luke. Imagine my surprise when I arrived only to find myself first to a meeting place for once. I layed down in the soft grass and stared up at the crystal blue sky, it looked as if it actually wasn't going to rain, which is a change compared to are usual pouring weather. "Enjoying the view?" called the voice of Chris from a distance. I got up and saw the two members walking peacefully down one of the steep hills, towards me. The two were different now and I soon realized that they were sporting black and red vests, a metal pole strapped to their backs, and brown belts, bulging with unknown items. I began to recall my battle with Hawk as I realized that I had seen him with these similar outfits. In fact, I was so caught up staring at the equipment, I forgot to respond to Chris and Luke who were now standing right in front of me. Luke spoke first, "I see you've noticed our gear." "It's hard to miss," I replied. "What is that pole thing?" Luke pulled out the long pole with grace and tossed it to me. "These are M-Sticks," he said as he gestured to some marks on one end. "For every opponent you KO with these things, you add a mark. If you get up to 30 you can receive another one." I felt the pole in my hands, it was surprisingly light and swift when moved through the air, the entire thing felt quit natural and I noted that Luke had 20 marks already chiseled into the M-Stick. "This is great!," I proclaimed as I gave it a swing. "Check this out," called Chris as he removed the black and red vest. Immediately, Chris tossed it to me and I was surprised to find it heavier than expected. I looked closely at the vest and saw that it had some sort of light-weight material on the inside. "What is in this thing bud?" I asked curiously. Chris's mouth shot into a smile and it was clear that he liked to explain this sort of thing. "It's two light-weight vests which have been sewn together and stuffed with fiber-glass sheets. This allows the person wearing to sustain less damage yet still keeps some flexibility intact. I didn't design the thing, but it was my personal idea to incorporate fiber-glass instead of metal sheets." "Nobody likes a bragger," Luke said as he pushed Chris aside and took the vest from my hand. We also have these belts, they are basically everything else you might need on or off the battle-zone." "Like what?" I asked eagerly. Luke quickly un-buttoning a few pouches and removed a few items. "We have water, food, poison ivy, rope, mini-binoculars, a flashlight, walkie-talkie, and marbles. Does that sound like enough?" I laughed as I asked, "What are the marbles for?" Chris walked up to me now and closely let me examine the 'marble'. "We just call them marbles," Chris replied. "They are actually a modified B-B Gun bullet for a special little project I am working on and Luke shouldn't even have them!" Chris reached for the other marbles but Luke pulled them away and kept them from Chris while laughing like a child. I stood there smiling for the longest time as I realized that despite the situation, the .S.C still had life in it, and hopefully it would continue to have life in it in the future. Chris gave up on trying to get the marbles away from Luke and instead took off a back-pack he was wearing and removed another vest and full belt! My heart skipped a beat as i yelled, "Are those... are those for me!?" Luke smiled as Chris gently placed them in my hands. "Every member needs some, just don't lose it. Chris doesn't like making more." I scanned the my new possessions and put them on with ease. They fit me surprisingly well and it didn't take long for me to notice that something was missing. "What about an M-Stick?" I asked hastily. "You will get that when you prove yourself to be a good soldier," replied Luke. "And if you are REALLY good, then you can expect some medals in your future. After-all, your dad was and is regarded as one of the best S.S.C soldiers of all time." "Really?" I replied. "You think so?" "Of coarse!" Luke yelled. "Your dad was taught by the great Brett Blakley, fighting is in your blood! You could be just the guy to save us all from Scythe!" I gave a smirk but my insides were now starting to hurt. The thought occurred to me that maybe I was getting in over my head... a lot."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The Mystery of Brett-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">It was later on that Saturday night that I decided to ask my dad about Brett once my mom went to sleep. He had often mentioned stories of Brett and how he could over-come any obstacle. The stories of Brett were so great that even when I began to believe in the S.S.C, I still wasn't sure that Brett was ever an actual person. Yet, my father never did tell me what happened after the fighting was over. He would end every story of Brett with happy endings, I just hoped that a new story wouldn't change things. "Dad, what ever happened to your master... Brett I mean?" My dad sighed and mumbled, "After me, Brett, Tim, Tye, and your mother built back the S.S.C, we a few troops and it didn't take long before Brett went off to college. I went to a different college and thus our lives went separate ways." My dad's voice trailed off and I noticed how sad he looked. This was odd seeing that my dad is usually smiling ALL THE TIME. And while I usually thought it was creepy, I think I'd prefer to see him smile rather than frown. He soon started talking again, "Only Tim went to the same college as Brett and Tye didn't go to college at all. Only me and your mother stayed in touch and as for everyone else... well I guess they must have forgotten my number... or they just don't care anymore." My father quickly straightened up upon saying this and corrected himself. "Actually, I suppose I would be wrong with that assumption. Those guys cared about the S.S.C more than it was probably healthy. Brett especially." "Why did he care about it so much?" I asked immediately. Do you remember the story I told you about a few years ago. When Brett embraced his hate and anger and became our ultimate enemy?" I nodded and my father continued. "I think that he never did believe that he could repay us for everything he had put us through. So instead he tried to make things right by doing everything in his power to help the S.S.C and make up for past sins." Chills went up my spine as I recounted the old tale. I soon said goodnight to my father and couldn't get much rest that night. As strange as it might sound, I felt as if I were being watched...

Scythe

First Day-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I had an odd mixture of pride and terror for what my first day as an S.S.C member would be like. I would have to deal with things that my father and mother never had to worry about before. Never-the-less,I went to base as usual and was greeted by Patch and Guppy who were packing their things into an already stuffed back-pack. "Where is everybody?" I inquired. "Their at the base," Patch replied hastily. "The real S.S.C base." Guppy cleared his throat and shyly mumbled, we are going to jog over there and show you around. Th-this base was just for new recruits." I smiled, "Well thats good, I didn't want to stay at this crumby shack to much longer." "The 'new' base isn't much better." Patch mumbled as he led us out the door and began to jog up-hill. We jogged for about seven minutes in complete silence before Patch stopped abruptly behind a couple trees and ushered us over without saying a word. With all of us hiding behind the trees now, Patch directed my attention to a wooded area about the same size as Mellow-Falls. Patch now spoke in a whisper, "over in those woods is where Scythe houses it's main base. The woods are practically abandoned, no-one lives, hikes, or hunts there. But they do occasionally head over to the old section of town you visited earlier to get your vest." I stared at Patch with confusion, "Why are you whispering, we are miles away from there." Patch just stared back at me hatefully and pulled us away from the trees so we could finish our jog.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">A "New" Base

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">After about eight more minutes, we arrived at a lonely warehouse practically in the middle of nowhere. It didn't take me long to come to the conclusion that this base was in just as bad of shape as the last one, if not worse. To it's credit, it was a bit bigger and could obviously house plenty of members. As stood still, taking in it's ugliness, Patch shoved me harshly out of the way as he approached the front door. "What's his problem?" I asked Guppy. "I-i don't know," he replied. "Patch is like this with everybody, he doesn't know how to be kind." Just as Guppy finished his sentence, Patch approached him and stared him down. "S-sorry, I was just kidding." Guppy muttered as he walked briskly into the base. I followed and noted that the inside was bigger than I had expected. Old lockers collected dust over in the back of the base and large pieces of ply-wood sectioned off different 'rooms.' I noticed three S.S.C members who I had never seen before and even saw Chris walk don one of the make-shift hall-ways after giving me a wave. "I'm supposed to give you a tour." Patch said as he came up behind m. He sounded like it was torcher to utter those words. I sighed, "You don't have to if you don't wan-" "Great!" Patch yelled as he walked away, leaving me alone now. I approached the lockers and saw Hawk putting some of his gear NEXT TO a rusty locker. Hawk noted my confusion and explained, "These lockers were and are for documents. We can't put any of our stuff in it." I nodded accordingly and Hawk continued, "If you want a mission or something, visit Chris, he'll tell you what to do." "Thanks Hawk," I said as I left to the same room I saw Chris enter earlier. Once there I saw Chris with a laptop in front of him working behind a table with a fellow S.S.C member sitting across from him. The S.S.C member turned to me and stood up. He looked to be a bit younger than I was and shook my hand as if I were a superior officer. "Hey there," he said enthusiastically. "I'm Dominic, but most people call me Green." "I'm Gregory," I replied. "Are you new here or something?" "Yeah, I joined a few days ago." Chris now looked up from his computer, "Green joined a couple days after you did... and he didn't fail the training mission unlike some other people," Chris said, trying to get on my nerves. "Thats not funny Chris, I said as I sat down across the table. "Green, I will catch up with you later," Chris said as Green left the room. "So," Chris said with a yawn. "What can I help you with?" "I would like to get a mission of some kind... I was thinking something... dangerous OH! and some stealth to." Chris chuckled, "WOAH, slow down there." I'm not sure if you are ready for anything big like that." "Then what?" I asked, "Do I just pick up groceries for the first few weeks?" "Well, no... but that would be nice." Chris replied. "Uh oh, hold on Gregory, I forgot to give Green something." With that, Chris fled the room, leaving his laptop on the table. I hesitated for a moment but decided to look at it. On the computer were files labeled mission 237, mission 238, mission, 239, etc. The mission list went on and on and upon clicking on a random one, I saw that the file contained instructions on how each mission was carried out and how they ended. It was impressive really. Many of these missions dated back to 1999! I scrolled to the newer missions and found that in order to keep these documents easily manageable, they gave each member their own documents with missions inside of them. Looking around to make sure Chris wasn't coming back, I clicked on my own and found nothing. I decided upon the next best thing: to check Spike's file. Tons of missions filled the page and I was drawn to the nearest one that had been created only yesterday. The file was labeled, BOD Spark. I now heard footsteps coming my way but I had to know what this was. I clicked on the file and pulled out my phone just in time to take a picture of the screen and sit back down in my own seat. Chris entered back into the room and stared at his laptop for a moment. My mind lit up, I had forgot to close the page I was on. I clenched my fists in fear as Chris stared at the screen for a bit longer and then dismissed it as nothing wrong. I breathed a sigh of relief as Chris sat down across from me. "Sorry, Gregory, as of right now there is no mission we can safely give you. I would suggest training or relaxing until we find something." I will not lie, I was depressed but there was one shimmering hope in my mind. I could take Spike's mission and complete it for him. This would earn the respect I had been waiting for. I didn't want to make it look like I was sad, so I brought up a quick question that came to my mind. "So Green was speaking with you, does that mean h is on Team Ice?" Chris shook his head, "No, he is not on any team." Suddenly an S.S.C member entered the room and called for Chris to help move something. Chris got up to leave but I still had questions. "How can he not be on a team?" Chris was now walking to the door but stopped to reply, "Commander Spike requested that he train on his own." I was still confused by this, "Thats a bit crazy don't you think?" Chris was now half-way out the door, "I suppose so, but Spike is allowed to make these 'crazy' decisions... after all, he is Tye's apprentice." With my mouth now gaping open, Chris turned his back on me and walked out with his laptop.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Mission

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I found it hard to sleep that night, not because I was excited for the mission I had given myself, and not because I was worried either. I couldn't sleep because of how shocked I was the Tye himself had trained Commander Spike. My father mentioned Tye just as much as he did everybody else. But while everyone else had a wrap-up to their story once they reached college, Tye was one of the youngest and he stayed in the S.S.C longer than anybody. So to hear something new about a figure I had only learned about in little stories, was quite the shocker. Due to age differences, Tye would have had to of trained Spike when he was already a man. For all I knew, Tye could still be part of the S.S.C. But with that brain-bender aside, I checked the picture I had taken of the mission. The main biography stated: Drake Ballard, a 17-year old Junior has been ''officially declared the son of Anthony Ballard who operated in The Brotherhood of Death before being captured by Commander Delta and his unit on June 8th. Drake has been notably trying to rebuild the club once again and will be holding a meeting with another member to discuss imperative future plans. The meeting will be held at The Death Pit at some time between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Capturing Drake before the meeting will cripple most any chance for the club's return. ''The rest of the mission was cut off from the picture but I could easily tell what I had to do. And where I had to do it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Wreckage of The Death Pit

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The next day, I packed up my gear and headed towards the wreckage of The Death Pit. I had heard a few stories about the place and my father had told me that he had fought in it once. Of coarse fighting in it now was impossible seeing as the entire structure of the barn had collapsed and now layed still in a messy ruble. The broken base was quite a distance away from any houses that I was aware of and I found it likely that the destroyed barn hadn't even been discovered by anyone outside of the S.S.C and it's rivals. I arrived early so I could take out Drake before anyone else arrived. It was eerily quiet as I sat hiding near a large pile of rubble. I sat there for half an hour before hearing footsteps and a faint voice. I quickly peered around the rubble and found it to be Drake on his phone. He as speaking harshly to whoever was on the other line, telling him to hurry and meet him before any trouble arrived. Drake then hung up his phone and stood cautiously still on the other side of the barn. I carefully made my way around a corner while remaining close to the wreckage. Suddenly, my foot hit a rotted piece of wood and it came crashing down on several other pieces, causing a loud scuffle. I immediately heard footsteps coming in my direction as Drake came wondering around the corner to see what the commotion was. Without thinking, I dove next to a small bit of the undamaged wall and covered myself with two long pieces of wood. Drake slowly walked along the side of the wreckage, checking very carefully if anyone was there. As he passed me, his body came to a halt as he peered over the horizon for a moment. I used this to my advantage and quickly grabbed his feet as I lept from my hiding spot. With a shriek of terror, Drake came tumbling down with his arms flailing. I tried to get him into a head-lock, but he fought himself back up with surprising strength. "You're going to regret that," Drake said harshly as he swung at my face. I was able to back up just in time to dodge this and follow this up by kneeing him in the stomach. As soon as Drake fell forward in agony, I dashed underneath him and tossed him over myself like it was some sort of acrobatics act. Drake flew through the air like a rag doll before landing precariously on top of some of the wreckage. While Drake was moaning in pain, I withdrew the walkie-talkie from my vest and began to contact Luke. As soon as I turned my back I heard sudden movement from Drake as he drew back his fist for a fearsome punch. I didn't even have time to react and just I I winced for the pain I was about to endure, Drakes fist was stopped in mid-flight by Commander Spike! Keeping full eye contact with me, Commander Spike slowly twisted Drake's arm behind his own back and let him fall to the ground in slow agony. Commander Spike now stared at me with a glare of unhappiness. "Look..." I stammered. "I know you're probably mad Spike... but I... I just wanted a tough mission... ya know... to prove myself to you g-guys." "And you did that by looking at my secret mission files?" Spike replied. I now stared down at my feat, feeling like I was Guppy against Patch. Spike stared at me for a bit longer before propping Drake back up and walking him back to base. "Meet me at the base at 5:00," he said over his shoulder. "I have a mission for you." I should have been happy with that response, but the way Spike said it made it sound more like a punishment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Operation Explorator

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Spike dropped off Drake at Chris's door and motioned for me to follow him into his actual office. I sat down in a chair and Spike made himself comfortable at his desk. Out of nowhere, Spike pulled out a laptop and typed slowly without saying a word or giving me any eye contact. I worried that he would give me a death sentence or worse! He finally stopped and looked up at me. "You were so busy looking at my files, that you probably didn't notice the one called Operation Explorator..." "Is that even a word?" I said, trying to get on his good side. "Explorator is Latin for spy," he replied. "Do you just translate missions to Latin so they will sound cooler?" I said with a short-lived laugh. "It wasn't my idea," he replied. "But it is a smart thing to do so that no-one gets suspicious and clicks on it." Spike paused for a moment and checked to make sure no-one was outside of his office. "I do have a mission for you," he muttered. "And I think you would be the perfect person for the job if your up to it..." I was surprised yet still worried about what this task would be. How could I be better at something than other members who had been training for years? Spike continued, "We have 17 more days until Scythe carries out its attack and attempts to kill one of our own. There is so much we don't know about them and TO MUCH they know bout us. We sent in a spy before... but as I told you... he was caught." I began to see where this was going now. My heart began to race as I realized what a death sentence this was actually turning into. "...Scythe has seen almost all of our members at least once... but you... you are new. If you were to infiltrate Scythe and gain their trust. You might be able to destroy them from the inside. You're previous training with your father and your training with us will serve you well while in enemy territory. I know this is a lot to take in... but after seeing you fight... I believe we have a fighting chance again... can you help us?" Spike cracked an uncharacteristic smile as he outstretched his hand to me. My mind was racing, all of this was happening so fast that I wasn't sure what to do. I always wanted to become a hero like my father... but at what cost? I suppose none of that thinking really mattered in the end... because I walked out of that office with a new mission... a mission to infiltrate Scythe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Debriefing

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">With 16 days left to destroy or at least detour Scythe, it was important that I got to my mission as soon as possible. Spike layed out the rules of the mission as clearly as he could without skipping a single detail. I would be dressed with a Scythe bandanna; the only one left in our storage. I would then proceed to enter their base in the small wooded area shown to me earlier by Patch, or as Scythe called it: Father. I would then say the password used by the previous spy in order to gain entry and then rise in rank until I could make direct contact with their leader Henry. It was important that I keep this information hidden from most of my team-mates so that no information would be accidentally leaked. Every other move would have to be orchestrated by me. With that, I told my father what was happening while Spike put together a cover-story on why I would be gone for a while. My father was hesitant of the mission, but agreed that if people's lives were on the line, someone had to defend them. This did not however keep him from crying and hugging me. The rest of the day went by as slow as possible and at 8:00 it was time for me to make my move. My heart was beating as fast as possible, but an undeniable calm was on my mind. Before I had left, my father told me something that kept me moving. "There are people out there who can stand up for themselves and people out there who can't, you can try to pick a side but it doesn't matter, true heroes are bound to the right path."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Negative

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The skies soon grew dark as I traveled farther away from civilization. However, the occasional car horns and crickets wasn't the only things catching my attention. From time-to-time, I heard a light shuffling. The noise eventually died down until Father was directly in my sights. Suddenly, a hand appeared on my shoulder as I jerked away and turned around to punch the face of what I expected to be Patch or Luke, trying to scare me. My fist was stopped in mid-flight as I looked into the face of my visitor. Standing there was a figure in a blank red mask with darkened eyes peaking out from underneath. He wore a leather white jacket and a black cloth wrapped around the back of his head to keep me from seeing his hair. "What the-" before I could speak, he twisted my arm around my back until I was down on my knees. I prepared myself for a kick to the back or a head-lock, but all I got was my arm released from his grasp. The figure now backed up, allowing me to stand. "Luke, if this is some kind of joke, then now is not the time!" I yelled in anger. "You are going into the Father Base," he said in a raspy voice. "Are you a Scythe member?" I asked hesitantly. "You have to realize that going in there is a death sentence... once you start this mission, there is no backing out." he said softly. "Who are you!?" I yelled uneasily. Instead  of answering the figure pointed towards Father Base. "They changed the password," he said. "It is now Black Crow... by the way you can call me Negative... we will be in touch." "What do you mean?" I said as I turned around, but he was gone, simply vanishing without a trace. I quickly pulled out my walkie-talkie and contacted Spike as I looked around for Negative. Spike answered and I quickly explained the situation to him. "Should I trust tis guy Spike," I asked. "He seems pretty sketchy." Spike thought for a moment and replied, I recall hearing that a similar thing happened to Brett back in the old days." "The Night Riser Incident?" I asked. "Yup, if I were you, I would stick with the plan," Spike replied. "Until we know more about this guy, we will go through with our own plan. Sounds like he will be coming back anyways." "...Understood," I replied. As I hung up the walkie-talkie, I thought for just a second that I saw something out of the corner of my eye.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Password

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I was now torn between listening to this masked man or Spike, the decision could change everything. I had barely got a chance to think before I reached the point of entry into the woods. I was to wait a few minutes holding my bandanna in the air to prove I was not an enemy. Everything was quiet and just as I was about to put it down, two figures came out of the darkness. Without saying a word, one of them yanked the bandanna from my hand and examined it for an uncomfortable amount of time. I held my breath as he began to speak. "Password?" he uttered. My mind suddenly raced s I realized the wrong move could cost me my life. It didn't help that I caught a glimpse of one of a gun strapped to their sides. "D-dark Crow...." I said trying to keep my cool. They both paused for a while as I struggled not to shiver. "Go on in," one said at last. I walked cautiously into the woods relieved that I had kept my head. But this was only the beginning.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Into Scythe

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I walked own an old biking route until I noticed light in the distance. Walking off the trail, my eyes soon fell upon a vast sea of tents sitting by a small stream in a clearing. Scythe members flooded the area, speaking quietly yet still behaving like teens. It wasn't easy to see, but I soon found older members with beards and bulging muscles, this gang had no age limit. I kept my cool... or however much of it I had left, and did my best to blend in. Many of the members had guns strapped to their sides, I even spotted a knife or two from time-to-time. The only thing lighting the night around now was a small fire and a few flashlights. "I'm beginning to hope Negative IS watching out for me," I muttered to myself. Despite my fears, I knew that I would have to speak to someone in order to make my way towards Henry. I came across a small group of tens around my age and decided to speak in a low, intimidating voice. "You guys know where Henry is? I gotta have a little discussion with'em." The boys looked confused for a second as one stepped forward. "You mean Big H?" he asked. "Uh... yeah, where is he anyways?" I replied carefully. "Probably in his office as usual," the kid said. "Are you new here or something?" Without a moment to spare I replied, "Yeah, I just joined the other day." The kid was about to reply but suddenly a low humming noise silenced all the members as they then proceeded to walk down a path I hadn't seen before. Following everyone, we eventually came to a halt at a large shack where members began to pour n one-by-one. I proceeded inside and heard the word meeting get tossed around a few times, I now realized that this would be the perfect opportunity to see Big H. Seats were arranged around the moldy building, but many had to stand or sit on the floor. Luckily, I spotted a seat close to the front where I could receive a perfect view. Just as I sat down, a brooding figure stood over me. I looked up only to find a giant man looking at me in disdain. "What do you think you're do'in?" he asked with a snarl. "Uh... sorry, didn't realize we had assigned seats," I replied as I began to stand. I don't know what it was about what I said, but it just seemed to make the man angrier. "You try'in do be funny kid?" he said as he gave me a shove. "No I-" "Shut it!" he interrupted with another shove. My heart was racing again and now people were starting to watch. Why did I have to pick that seat? Suddenly, a voice intervened. "He's new, he doesn't know the rules yet." I glanced over only to find a kid around my age. He had brown.short-cut hair and a few bruises. Standing behind him was the kid I talked to earlier. The big guy looked at them for a moment, then back at me. "Fine," he said. "Don't do it again." With that, the two boys called me over to a corner in the back of the shack. "Thanks for helping me there guys." I said. "No problem, Devin told me that you were a new guy looking for Big H." "Yeah," i replied. "But I'm assuming that is not easy to do." "You got that right," Devin said with a laugh. "You got to either win a reward or be promoted to Shadow Squad for that to happen." My mind filled with questions, but I was afraid that asking the wrong one would get me caught. What was important right now was that I had found some people who I could talk to and learn information from. Not bad for my first day. Soon, a teen about my age appeared at the front of the room and told everyone to quiet down. "Is that Big H?" I asked cautiously. "No," replied Devin, that's his little brother Trigger. He's pretty much second in command around here." I thought for a moment. "Is it possible for me to meet him?" Devin shook his head no, but the other kid stared at me strangely and then motioned me to come outside with him. I decided to follow him out into the dark where he then turned to me. "How come you want to meet with the big guys so bad?" he asked. "I... I wanted to show them my fighting skills... and become well respected nice and quick. I don't like waiting." This answer seemed to satisfy the kid as he then smiled. "My name is Justin... yours?" "G-Gregory," I replied quickly. Luckily, Justin found nothing wrong with this and proceeded to shake my hand. "Shouldn't we head back inside?" I asked. "For the meeting." "This meeting is really for the Hounds," Justin replied. "Hounds?" I muttered out loud. Justin seemed surprised by my confusion, "Didn't you learn this stuff in training?" he asked. I searched my mind for an answer. "I probably did, but I have a terrible memory," I lied. ""It is my one flaw." Justin laughed, "Well, THAT, and picking one of the worst possible seats to try and sit in." Our laughter was soon cut short by the loudest yell I had heard all day. "What are you to Pups doing out here?!" I looked over, only to find a teen dressed in black, with two guns strapped to his side and a pocket knife gleaming from his pocket. Surrounding him were four guards who also wore black and some shades. "Sorry Shadow..." Justin replied with a salute. I copied Justin as this guy called Shadow proceeded to stare at me for a while. From the looks of it, he was a bit older than me, but looked pretty muscular and intimidating, with scars and bruises to boot. "Yeah, sorry Shadow," I echoed. Shadow stared at us with disdain, "Don't call me that!" he yelled. "You will address me as sir, is that clear!?" Shadow was about to speak again, but a sudden buzz interrupted him. Soon, every light in the entire camp was shut off. And not a whisper could be heard. I could no longer spot Justin, Shadow, or his guards, but I could tell they were close. We waited in silence for a minute or two before another buzz rand out and lights were turned back on. I looked around for Shadow and his guys, but they were gone. Justin remained at my side though. "What was that?" I asked. "What, Shadow or the lights out?" "Both" I replied. "Shadow is in charge of carrying out attacks. He leads the Shadow Squad which is pretty much the highest rank you can get. As for the lights out, whenever a cop car is spotted within a certain distance of the woods, we have to quiet down and shut off our lights." How can you possibly know hen a cop car in coming?" I asked. "Look around Gregory, there are spotters in the trees, they see everything inside and outside of Father Base." I looked up only to spot a couple of Scythe members camped in the trees, keeping a watchful eye over the road and the tents. It was only now that I realized why Patch was so cautious and why this mission would become much MUCH harder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The Secret

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I decided to leave the base before it reached 12:00, and to do that, I had to find a spot in Father Base that wasn't under the watchful eyes from above. I searched the perimeter for a short time before coming to a small path covered by overgrown weeds and fallen tree branches. I made my way out while holding my breath because I didn't want anybody to hear me... and I was pretty scared. Once out of father base, I followed an old rail-rode back towards base. Everything was much quieter now but I still felt that Shadow's fearsome squad would jump out of nowhere and attack. Once I had put 3 miles in between myself and Father Base, I called Commander Spike and asked him to meet me so I could explain what I had learned. He agreed, and I finally found the bravery to start running. However, this was short-lived as a sudden hand on my shoulder pulled me back. I tripped and dazingly looked up at my visitor. Negative was standing above me again. The mask was the same, but he was now wearing black to blend in with the night. He really just looked like a floating head. He spoke softly to me in his grizzly voice. "So... your not backing out after all. If that's the case then maybe you should start asking more questions." "What is that supposed to mean?" I asked as I stood back up. "Spike has been keeping things from you," he said. "You know almost nothing about what is really going on here... we will have to change that." "You just assume that I'm going to trust a masked man that constantly pops up out of nowhere!?" I asked. "You have to trust me, after all... you took my advice for the password..." It was hard for me to hide my surprise. "You... you knew about that?" "I'll be keeping an eye on you," he said. "If you don't trust me now... we'll have plenty of time to change that..." I was now at a loss for words. Negative then took a file from his jacket and threw it to my feet. "Here's your proof." With that, Negative dawned a hood and took a few steps back into the darkness, he seemingly disappeared completely, right in front of my face. Gazing at the file, I immediately noticed the word CONFIDENTIAL stamped on the front. I took out my flashlight and opened up the file. Multiple words, names, and dates, were marked out with sharpie, but the document itself was still in tact. I began to read: ''~With Scythe's attack on Menford Bank underway, seven S.S.C squads have been deployed to quell the situation and retrieve the money safely. Rodrick has solidified the theory that our call was indeed from Brett Blakely. He wishes to retrieve the money and then present it anonymously to the police to handle the situation from there. Conflict is not advised, but it is allowed if absolutely necessary.~ ''The rest of the paragraph was marked out and I quickly flipped to the only other page in the file. Most everything was marked out here as well, but one thing remained unchanged, Commander Spike's signature approving the document. It didn't take me long to realize Spike had indeed tricked me, and now I was mad.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The Whole Story?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">By the time I reached our base again, it was 1:00 in the morning and the entire place was seemingly emptied out. But upon going to Commander Spike's portions of the base, lights were indeed on. I entered his office and found a half-asleep Commander Spike staring at me from the other side of the table. I was still burning with anger as I slammed the file on to the table. Spike jolted awake and confusingly took hold of the file to briefly read it. "Where did you get this?" he asked harshly. "Where I got it doesn't matter," I said. "What does matter is that you've been lying to me!" Spike was completely awake now as he slammed down the file and looked me square in the eye. "More like protecting you," he said. "If I had told you the whole truth, I was afraid you wouldn't take the job... the S.S.C isn't as innocent as I said before..." "Well I've already taken the mission so you might as well tell me now!" I retorted. Spike paused for a moment as he looked down at the file. "Spike, I NEED to know this so that I can understand what I'm dealing with, my life is at stake here!" "Fine," Spike replied as he got up from his desk and checked to make sure no-one was still around. He then sat back down in his chair as he confided in me the whole story. "From what I told you before, when Brett called the S.S.C, we attempted to take back the money but were unsuccessful in doing so. However, Scythe blamed us anyways for no reason. This is not entirely true. On the night of the robbery, Scythe split itself into groups so that one could distract the cops while the others transported the money. One of our S.S.C squads encountered this group and successfully took the money from their grasp. According to the squad, they were then met by an S.S.C member who claimed that our leader wanted all the money to be given to this one guy so that it could then be transferred safely. The squad handed over the money to this S.S.C member and it was only the next morning that everyone realized that our leader never gave those orders and that whoever took the money was no S.S.C member at all." Spike looked up at me, seemingly done with his story. "Where can I find this squad from your story," I asked. "They should know what the 'S.S.C member' looked like." Spike sighed, "That Squad quite years ago, I don't have access to them anymore. Besides, they said that they couldn't see is face very well anyways." I thought for a moment. "Is there anyone who could know anything more about this?" "Sorry," Spike relied. "Most S.S.C members don't know the full story, and the ones that do; still don't know as much as me." I kept thinking, "What about Brett?" "I suppose he might know something since it was him who sent us on that mission, but no-one knows where he is...except...never mind." "What were you about to say?" I asked. "My master, Tye would probably know where Tim Allender is, and since Tim and Brett went to college together, Tim could know where he went off to. However, Tye stopped training me when he heard about whats going on, and I don't know where he lives. He says its our own fault for thinking we were powerful enough to take on a gang with such power... It's sort of funny... THEM became our enemies all those years ago, because it felt that the S.S.C would become to strong and put kid's lives in danger... I guess... in the long-run... they were right. Now look at us... we are a shadow of what we used to be. We don't fight to save kids... we fight to save ourselves." Spike looked down in defeat. I decided to lighten the mood, "We may have made a lot of mistakes, but these mistakes will turn into lessons that need to be learned. And it is because of these lessons that we will survive, through strength, teamwork,... and trust." Spike looked back up at me in approval and nodded in agreement. With this, I made my way to the door. Before I could leave, Spike stopped me with one last thing. "I never thought it would be a rookie to comfort me into thinking we will win this... I will tell any S.S.C member who doesn't know about the real robbery, the whole truth... because you are right, trust will save us in the end." "Glad to hear it," I said with a foot out the door. "Where are you going now?" Spike asked curiously. I smiled, "To find Tye."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Deeper

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The following day was one of opportunity for my new mission. All I had to do was track down a full grown- retired S.S.C member that no-one knows the location of or forms of contacting him with... easy right? Easy or not, though, I had to suit up again and make my daring infiltration into Scythe once more. I decided to show up earlier this time to keep things a bit less scary and also to get a better look at the place. With no sign of Negative and no problems getting in again, I had high hopes for what the day held. There were less troopers around the Father base this time and most tents were missing around now. I saw Devin approaching me from a distance and readied myself to ask some more daring questions. "Hey Gregory," Devin said. "Where were you yesterday? You just vanished after you had that chat with Justin." "I...uh... went back home." I said cautiously. Devin practically jumped out of his skin at the mention of the word home. "Wait!" he said with surprise. "You still have a home... what are you doing here then?" I was now just as confused as he was as I muttered softly "You don't have a home?" "None of us do!" Devin replied. "We have all either ran away, lost our families, or been dis-owned by those who loved us." "That's not entirely true," rang out a distant voice. We soon saw Justin coming up to us as he continued. "It is rare for many of us to still have homes, but there are a few guys who do this to provide for their families." "Provide?" I asked. "Provide what?" Justin spoke up, "Taking missions can sometimes lead to a small cash reward given by Trigger." Justin paused then looked at me with sudden surprise. "I get it now! That is why you joined huh? To get cash to support your folks." "Uh... yep... you hit the nail on the head Justin," I replied. "Follow me," Justin said. "I'll get you a mentor to get things started." I waved goodbye to Devin as I followed Justin through the base. "Is that why a lot of the tents are gone," I asked. "Because people are taking missions?" "Sort-of. But some people just take them down so that just in case someone wanders by our base, they wont get suspicious when they see so many tents. They will all be back by night-fall." I thought for a moment as a burning question slipped out of my mouth. "Justin... if you don't mind saying, how did you end up in Scythe?" Justin stood frozen for a moment as if I someone had glued his feet to the ground. After this pause he kept walking and began to speak. "Pretty simple really," he said. "My mom died when I was only five, and my dad was a trucker, so he was always on the road. When I was 12, he finally agreed to take me on a ride as long as I didn't interfere with what he was doing." Justin stopped for a while as if he had trouble remembering. "Unfortunately, I didn't listen to my dad and I ended up forgetting to lock the back of the truck before we left a pit-stop. We came through this very town and that is when tragedy struck. The supplies fell out of the back of my dad's truck... he was so mad that he pushed me out of his big-rig and told me he had to go cool off and that he would be back for me later." Justin stopped as he looked sadly at the sky with his eyes closed. "He never came back." I was practically crying at this point but Justin still had more to say. "I waited for my dad to return for about a week, but he never turned up. I was so angry at him that I swore I would never go back home... he must have always hated me. Luckily, I was discovered by Scythe members who took me in before I starved to death... I owed them my life for giving me a hand when I had none." "Wow Justin," I said in a shaky voice. "Thats got to be one of the saddest stories I've ever heard. I'm sorry I made you  tell me that." Justin cracked a grin, "It's no problem. You should here some of these other guy's stories... some of those will really make you cry. Looks like we are here." I looked in front of me only to find a little house resting by the side of the creek. It would have looked beautiful if someone gave it a new coat of paint... or lifted the fallen, dead tree off of it. "You can meet you mentor in there," Justin said. "Just tell them that you want a mission." With that, he left me behind to carry out a mission that I didn't even want. "Maybe today wont be full of as many opportunities as I thought." I mumbled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Danson:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I decided that entering the house and taking a mission would be the only way I would ever be able to make contact with Big H, his brother, or Shadow. I entered only to find a short line of Scythe members waiting in front of a table loaded with papers of all kinds. Each member approached the desk and stated their name. This was quickly followed by the guy behind the desk asking them to sign a sheet. I signed the paper and was told to sit in some fold-out chairs while the other  guys and I waited for a meeting to start. A few minutes later, a tall and skinny figure entered the room. He sported a beard which made me believe he had to be about 20 or older. "Hello guys," he said as he glanced over the few of us. "To those of you who haven't been here before, I'm Danson. I'm here to hear your mission plans and decide which of you I will take under my wing this week yadda yadda yadda." Danson quickly turned to the kid beside me as he asked what it was that the Scythe member wanted to do. The member replied that he wanted to go on a sneaking mission of some kind in order to retrieve food from a local super-market. Sadly, the other Scythe members had similar requests. Stealing either food, supplies, or water. It was honestly sort of astonishing that the entire time I had been here, the word S.S.C had hardly been mentioned. Danson finally reached me and asked what I wanted to do. I was without words for a moment, how could I make myself stand out among the rest of these guys. After some quick thinking, I figured something out. "I'm here to get some help in retrieving some S.S.C documents." Danson looked confused. "I mean... if we are going to figure out where the money is, are best bet is taking some documents. We wont get are hands dirty and if we get the wrong documents, the S.S.C could give the money back in exchange for the ones we did take..." Now Danson looked happy. "Not bad, whats your name?" "Gregory," I replied. Danson turned to the other members in the room, "Usually I take time to think these things over... but I think that Gregory might be on to something here." A couple of the members shot me dirty looks while two more approached Danson about what a terrible decision he had made, but his mind was already made up. Danson finally got everyone to leave and then proceeded to talk to me. "I think you may have the right idea with this plan," Danson said as he sat down besides me. "Tonight I will figure out the best place to capture some files. And I am pretty fast a getting this kind of information," he said quickly. "I should be able to contact you tomorrow at 9:00 to start this. Something tells me that the more guys we bring in to capture these files, the louder and more clumsy we will be. How about just the two of us? We could make two trips to get the files?" "Well," I replied. "I'm not sure if you should come with me hen I g-." "Don't worry!" Danson said as he gave me a pat on the back, I have been doing this for years. We will be fine. Don't forget to meet me here tomorrow at 9:00." "Uh.. yes sir," I replied with a hint of dread in my voice. As I left the shack, I began to realize what a poor decision I had just made.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Result of Lies:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Before the day was out, I ran back to base as fast as I could to warn Spike about what my terrible lies had gotten me into. Most members had already left by now which would just make it all the easier for Spike to kill me without any witnesses. I made it to his office and he could tell by the look I had in my eyes, that something was wrong. "What happen-" "Spike I'm so sorry!" I interrupted. "I ended up taking a mission because I thought it would get me closer to Big H, but I... I think I REALLY messed up..." "Slow down Gregory," Spike said. "What happened?" I stuttered for a few moments before being able to continue. "I...convinced Scythe to raid our base and steal files that they could use... against us..." I'm SO sorry, I don't know what I was thinking! Me and some guy named Danson have to get the files by tomorrow!" Spike looked down at his desk and thought for a few moments. "I agree," he said. "This could be a big mistake on your part... but I think that its worth a shot." My spirit suddenly lifted as he continued. "Your plan might just work as long as no one gets hurt. I would be willing to replace our real files with fake ones. It wont be easy but Luke and I will get right on it tonight... you could help too..." "I don't know... maybe I should get some rest before we sta-" "GREAT!" Spike exclaimed. "Lets get started."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Plans:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The following day, I returned to Father base and went straight to Danson's place. It actually felt good to have something to do rather than standing around and asking questions. Danson was already at the shack once I arrived. "I got some in-tell as promised," Danson said happily. "The S.S.C puts the majority of it's files in a storage room at the back of an abandoned office building." I gave a slight smirk as I recalled Spike, Luke, and I setting the decoy files in that exact place. "We are gonna have to get get to this mission SOON," Danson continued. "I'm thinking that we will get half of them over-night and the other half  tomorrow night. We could leave at 12:00, there shouldn't be any guards around at that time. What do you think?" "An excellent idea Danson, anything you want me to bring?" "I suppose water, some flashlights, and binoculars couldn't hurt," he replied. "These documents are as good as ours, the S.S.C doesn't stand a chance." Danson stating this, suddenly made me remember my other mission: finding Tye.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Finding Tye:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I soon left Danson and thought long and hard about how to find Tye. I found it interesting that Danson was able to get in-tell on the S.S.C so fast. Maybe they could figure out where Tye is without taking much time either! Since Justin and Devin were the most trustworthy guys in the whole camp, I decided to confront them about it. I found Devin later that day at his tent and spoke with him about finding a guy named Tye who previously worked with the S.S.C. Devin asked why I wanted to know and I simply replied that Danson and I were looking for him so we could get answers. Devin said he'd look into it, but it might take some time due to other duties he was working on. And with merely 13 days until the attack, I needed to hurry up and get answers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The First Mission:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Later that night I returned to Danson's place with the gear he requested. Danson was already packed and waiting for me at the door. "Good, your here," he said. "I knew you wouldn't chicken out." "I've been called a lot of things," I replied. "But a chicken isn't one of them." "Ha, lets get going. Take some duffel bags to carry those files." I picked up two of the bags and the two of us worked our way to the base which sat quietly as it should be. My only fear was that a member would stay behind and compromise the mission, but Spike had assured me that every S.S.C member was well aware of the mission and agreed to leave it un-guarded. Danson weaved his way through the trees while I stayed close to the ground and slowly shuffled my way towards the front doors. "You sneak well," Danson whispered from a distance. "Have you done this type of thing before?" "Yeah, a few times," I lied. "I'm surprised that you find me good though, after-all this is coming from one of the guys who snuck in and out of the Menford bank with 14,000 dollars in your hands." Danson managed to run near me and shuffle with me along the ground. "Well... actually, on the day of the robbery I was... late... to the meeting. As punishment, Shadow told me I couldn't go." "What is up with that guy?" I asked. We now reached the doors to the front an remained visual as Danson spoke. "No-one really knows. Everything about Shadow's past is completely unknown. The same goes for Big H and Trigger. Some people just don't like to tell personal stories like that... especially not people like Shadow." With that, Danson carefully opened the door and peaked around for enemies. The light of the full moon drew my attention to a small fire-arm at his waist. He motioned for me to follow and I stayed carefully behind him. Every step was done with absolute caution, nearly 15 minutes had passed before we had even made it to the file room. Eventually, Danson gave me the all clear sign and we proceeded into the fake office. "Okay," Danson whispered. "Go ahead and start stuffing the bags." I listened and we son had successfully obtained more than half of the documents. As we made our way to the door, the pocket to my jacket some-how un-zipped and my S.S.C binoculars fell out with a thud! The binoculars were inscribed with the letters: S.S.C. Danson began to reach for the fallen object, if he saw what it said this would be game over! Danson was already to close to the binoculars for me to grab them, and as I readied myself for the pain that would ensue, I instead heard a loud bang from nearby. Danson's attention was immediately diverted to the sound and he quickly pushed me to the side and pulled out his gun. "Stay here, I'll be right back." I used this time alone to my advantage and managed to put the binoculars back into my jacket. Danson returned a couple minutes later with his gun still drawn. "It must have been a raccoon or something," he said. "Lets get going while everything is still going according to plan." We quickly made our way out of the base and began the long process of crawling away. "I'm surprised how seriously you take the S.S.C," I said. Danson stared back at me as we continued crawling. "Are you kidding?" he asked. "These guys have been around way longer than Scythe has. They may not have guns, but they have experience with dealing with enemies. I'm not taking my chances with'em." I nodded understandingly as we quietly continued our crawling. Suddenly, I had the urge t look back at the base one last time before we made it over the hill. Standing vigilantly at the front door was Negative. Danson's raccoon theory wasn't as spot-on as I had thought.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">A Scythe Meeting:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Danson and I reached Father Base around 2:00 am. I knew my mom wouldn't be happy when I told her how late I was staying up. However, Father Base was busier than usual and I found it difficult to find any place to escape. As I scanned the area, Justin approached me with a grin. "Danson is over at the house, talking about how well you did on that mission." I just smiled back, "Danson did most of the work, he probably could have done it all without me." "Quite being so modest Gregory!" Justin said. "We are having a little meeting by the fire tonight if you want to show up... but if you are to tired, I understand if you don't want to come." I thought about it for a moment but decided that it would be in my best interest to attend the meeting and learn as much as I could. And as I caught a glimpse of Shadow and his guys, circling Father Base, I was happy that I hadn't left.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Conclusions:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">About half an hour later, a large fire was set up by some of the guys and about 30 people gathered around in all directions. I felt pretty puny when surrounded by all these people and hoped that nothing would go wrong. Danson and Justin found me and decided to sit with me as the fire was finally burning at it's brightest. "When is Big H getting here?" I asked. Danson looked confused and then proceeded to laugh, "OH! Justin Probably forgot to tell you. This isn't an ACTUAL meeting, its just a time for all of us to hang out, discuss what we did over the week, have some marshmallows, etcetera. But personally, I hate marshmallows." "I am fine with them," I replied. "But I could really go for some steak, I al-" Just as I was about to finish, a couple guys sat down with guitars and began to play a few tunes. I felt like speaking, but everyone else was so quite now that I decided too as well. The two initially began to play a tune at once and it was pretty good considering the fact that one of the guitars was missing a couple strings. Then they unexpectedly began to belt out music that was surprisingly soft and enchanting. They repeated the word believe throughout their lyrics and I noted that it was definably original. Other member began to join in the singing until I was sure that the entire Father Base was filled with the harmony of... Scythe members SINGING. I was absolutely astounded by what was happening here, had I misjudged them? As I looked into some of their teary eyes, I finally figured something out that perhaps I should have understood before. Despite being a gang (a dangerous one at that) and also being the enemy of the S.S.C, they were still humans. Humans with feelings and emotions. They believed that what they were doing was right, like how THEM had thought it was right when it began battling the S.S.C because they felt it would become to powerful and ruin others' lives. I knew that I still had a mission to do... but I wasn't sure I could follow through with it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Warned:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">My energy the next morning was EXTREMELY low and a wringing headache made me want to just topple over; onto my bed. Danson had scheduled the second the second infiltration of the S.S.C documents to be at 10:00 tonight. My dad made my headache all the fiercer by asking 100 or so questions about what was going on. I told him everything except about the dreams I had been having. They had lately been the same thing; I would walk up to a mirror and suddenly phase through it as if I were a ghost. I would then see Negative's mask hanging on a wall. Just as I would walk up to touch it, the room would give a sudden spin and I found myself in a darker version of the same room, this one also containing a hung mask of Negative. The dream would always end abruptly after that. After my father's involvement in the Night Riser Incident ''I knew he wouldn't be too happy when I told him I was taking advice from a complete stranger. "If at any point this becomes to much for you," my dad said. "I want you to back out of this. This is an issue that my friends and I never had to deal with, and I expect you to handle this seriously... I don't want you to get hurt." "Don't worry dad," I replied. "My partners know what their doing. It'll be okay." I only wished that, that was true.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Caught?:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I left for Father base at 6:00 that day and successfully made my way inside. I was starting to get used to these guys and I began to think that they began to get used to me as well. Granted, I still didn't poke my nose into other people's business, nor did I take a seat anywhere. Nevertheless, I was on my way to Danson's place when suddenly my phone began to ring. I had forgotten to silence it and now some of the Scythe guys were staring at me. I casually stepped out of sight behind a tree and answered. It was Luke. "Why are you calling me?!" I whispered. "You could get me killed if your not more careful!" Luke responded quickly, "Yeah, yeah, I know. But Chris and I were having a meeting over here today and we wanted you to show up." "I am already meeting Danson at 10:00," I replied. "Can't this wait?" "It should only take an hour... maybe even less pleeease." "Fine," I replied. "I'll be right over." With that, I hung up the phone and just as I walked away from the tree, Shadow and his guys appeared out of thin air! "You have a pretty nice phone," Shadow said with a smirk. "How did you pay for something like that huh?" My mind was racing and I began to panic as it felt like my heart was about to burst out of my chest. "It... really isn't mine," I stammered. "I took it from this guy over at... Blue Point... I was able to bypass the password and everything... it... comes in handy." Shadow looked me closely in the eye and just stared for a while. I kept the straightest face I had as he spoke once more. "Alright then," he said slowly. With that, he motioned for his guys to follow him as they walked away into the crowd of Scythe members. Without blinking or even breathing, I snuck out of Father base and breathed a sigh of relief. I then hurried over to our S.S.C base to see what awaited me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">An Understanding:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I rushed into the base expecting to see Luke and Chris already there, but instead all I saw upon opening the door was a table sitting awkwardly in the center of the floor. I took a curious step inside and the door immediately slammed shut. Behind the door were Luke and Chris who pointed me to the table. "Whats this all about?" I asked. "We're not... well... I'm not stupid," said Chris. "I know what your going through over there at Scythe." Luke pulled up some seats and we all sat down at the table. "Our last spy was the same way. He went in ready to take on the world. But left with utter happiness when he failed the mission. He didn't want to see Scythe fall... and neither do you." I paused for a moment. While it was nice to hear that I wasn't alone, I still knew what was coming. "We needed to tell you that no matter how kind Scythe seems to be or how innocent, they have still committed terrible crimes and are threatening our lives... you have to do your job without any feelings for this gang," Luke said solemnly. "I... I understand," I said in a whisper. "Everything you said was true, and I know things won't get much easier, but I would like to thank you guys for talking to me." Just as Luke was about to open the door back up, Chris shot up in sudden excitement. "OH!" he yelled. "I almost forgot. I want you to have this." With that, Chris pulled out what at first appeared to be a gun! Upon further examination, I found it to be a B.B. gun that had been modified and spray painted to appear as an actual fire-arm! "This is the result of the project I've been working on," Chris said. "It fires with much more force than that of a normal B.B. gun and perfectly resembles a SIG Pro semi-automatic pistol... Treat it with care, it's the only one we have..." Are you serious?" I asked in surprise. "You trust me with this thing?" "If anyone deserves it, it's you." Luke replied as he handed me some of the "marbles." Suddenly, a figure exited Commander Spike's room as I srammbled to hide the weapon. It was Green who upon seeing us, left the base with haste. "Does that kid have a unit yet?" I asked. "Nope," Luke replied, "It's pretty weird really... he is always hanging around Spike." A thought rushed through my head that Green might be Negative. But this idea was dispatched when I noted that Green was to short. So with new weapon in hand, I left to head back to Father Base for the mission.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The Second Mission:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">By the time I made it back, Danson was already waiting for me. "Ready to go?" he asked as he handed me a sack." "You bet, hopefully their base will be just as empty as last time," I replied. With that, I sent a text to Spike to clear everyone out of the base as me and Danson made our decent. Everything was working out perfectly by the time we made it into the base. Danson led the way as I covered him from behind. As he approached one of the cabinets and took the files out, Danson made the sudden mistake to slam the cabinet closed on his shirt and just as he attempted to dash to the next cabinet, he slipped and fell hard on the floor. He was now fighting back tears as I noticed he had popped a bone out of place in his foot. "Are you alright?" I whispered. "Just get those files and lets get out of here," he replied in agony. I wasted no time getting the files together and helping Danson wobble to the door. Suddenly, a small voice was heard approaching the room. "Is someone in there?" the voice inquired. To my horror, I recognized the voice as that of Green! Danson reached for his gun but I gently placed him aside. "I'll handle this. Sit tight," I said. Green then entered the room and with no time to explain, I got him in a head-lock and quickly threw him against the wall so that his head would hit a cabinet. Green didn't even have time to shriek before he was knocked un-consouce. "Good w-work Gregory!" Danson proclaimed. "Lets get out of here."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Saviour:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">With that, we left and although the trip back to Father Base was slow, Danson told me we could take a short-cut through town. I walked him back in complete silence and we eventually got to the road where Danson proclaimed he was ready to walk on his own again. I hesitantly let him go and he made his way to the road where (with no cars coming) he began to make his trek across. I looked down for only a second to tie my shoe when suddenly I heard Danson shriek in pain and his body fall to the ground. Soon a car came screeching around the corner headed in our direction! In the darkness, it was nearly impossible to see Danson lying there. I quickly dropped the sack and jumped a Danson before the car could reach him. My tackle was successful and as the car sped away, we both sat in silence once more, with our breathing quite heavy. "Gregory..." Danson managed to say. "You j..." Before he could say anymore, some people from a local store popped outside saying that they just saw somebody nearly get hit. I picked up Danson and with all my strength, carried him and the sack to a near-by alley.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Praise:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Once hidden from the people, Danson finally spoke "You just saved my life!" he yelled. "I've been doing this kind of stuff for years, but never have I been saved by a rookie! Gregory, you are some guy ya know that!? A real hero!" "You were in need and I helped you," I said. "There was no other option." Danson smiled as I made sure the coast was clear. "Let's get out of here," Danson said as I helped him up. "This place gives me the creeps... it's to cold, I don't like the cold." "Sure thing, but no getting on roads without me ya hear?" I said jokingly. We both laughed and made our way back to base.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Found:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">When we returned, Danson was taken by some guys for whatever kind of treatment they had in mind. As I readied myself to leave, Devin appeared out of thin air with excitement. "Gregory, so glad you made it man!" he said. "Good news, I found the location of Tye!" I was too shocked for words. "He works as the manager of a mall over at Blue Point!" "Thanks Devin," I responded. "You've been a big help. I couldn't have done it without you." With that, Devin departed and I did as well. Danson called me over to him as the guys continued to carry him off. Can you stay, I have some stuff I wanted to talk to ya about," he said. "Sorry," I replied. "I gotta go after a target named Tye." "Understood," Danson said. "Don't get into to much trouble alright?" I gave him a nod and shook his hand before leaving. With time running short, Tye was my last hope. I was finally going to get to meet a legend... but would he want to meet me?