How much of your past do you remember?
``W-what? Who is talking? What-''
How do you remember your past?
``Why do you sound like me?! Who are you?! Where am I?!''
Go to your earliest memory.......................
A young Richard sat quietly near his older brother as his mom and dad yelled incoherently at the doctor. His left eye was in pain and constant voice ran through his mind.
SLAP!
Richard's eyes snapped open.
``Ow! Fucking shit!'' He shouted. His vision was blurry for a few seconds before it cleared up. He checked his surroundings and gasped. Two figures stood above him. The dimly lit room didn't provide much
``What's up, you little shit! Remember me?!'' Jessica shouted before kicking Richard in the balls.
``HOOOOOOLY SHIIIIIIIIT!!!'' Richard shouted, as he doubled in pain in the chair. Jessica laughed.
``Damn! That wasn't necessary!'' Jamal snapped. Jessica scuffed and walked away.
``That was for hitting me with a guitar you fucking manlet!'' She said as she walked out the room. It took awhile for the young black to overcome the pain. when he did he attempted to free himself. He was unsuccessful.
``Easy there, what's up my dude?'' Jamal smiled. Richard took one look at him and recoiled. Jamal's face still had bruises but they weren't too serious. Many cuts were covered up in bandages. Some showed signs that they were still bleeding. Richard quickly remembered who the guy was. The energy flame balls and the creepy smile he gave before punching him in the back of his head.
``Listen man! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just told to fight and I swung my guitar an-and...''
``Whoa whoa whoa, it's cool. You weren't the one that hit me so we're cool. It wasn't your fault I'm like this. But you... You got dragged into something you didn't want to be a part of right? I mean hitting a girl with a guitar? That isn't you, right? You just got a bit scared and she was being a major bitch. Believe me, I know.'' Jamal smiled. Richard nodded not wanting to upset his kidnapper.
``They made me drink this weird shit and next thing you know I have guitars appearing out of my hand like a bad reference to an anime.'' Richard added. Jamal cupped his hand under his chin as if in thought before he took a step back.
``What if I told you that you don't have to carry this power for ever. That you can transfer this burden to someone else.'' He said, turning away from the now confused black cat.
``What do you mean? Transfer? Transfer this power to who?'' Richard questioned. A moment later a cheetah boy stepped into the room smiling.
``You can transfer that power to me.'' He said.
..........
Ronald sighed as he lit up his joint. He inhaled and exhaled calmly as he stood in his little brothers doorway. Richard's empty bedroom greeted him with posters of video game characters. Ronald stared at the picture frame that was face down on the nightstand. He knew what it was but it didn't stop him from walking into the room and picking it up off the nightstand. He stared at the picture and chuckled silently. It was Richard and Ronald at ten years old. Ronald being the bigger of the two had his arm around Richard while the two smiled warmly at the camera.
``What changed yo-'' He closed his eyes and shook the thought from his mind. He then drew in a deep breath and blew it out.
Amanda was downstairs washing dishes which filled the silence with running water and clattering silverware.
``Hey babe, aren't you going to help with the housework? I can't do this all by myself!'' Amanda called out. Ronald groaned and set the picture down.
``Yeah, be right down.'' He said, leaving the room and closing the door behind him.
Just as he reached the top of the steps, his cellphone rang. Ronald stopped and pulled his phone out of his pocket and answered.
``Hello?''
``.......''
``What's up old man?''
``.......''
``I don't do that anymor-''
``...........''
``How much?!''
``.......''
``I think we got a deal!''
..........
``Turn left here!'' Matthew shouted, his finger nearly hitting Alice in the face. She quickly swatted it away.
``Sit back asshole!'' She snapped.
``Damn girl, I was just trying to show you whe-''
``Just give me the phone!'' Alice yelled. Matthew recoiled into his seat.
``The way you're driving, I prefer to keep it.'' Matthew said. Alice grumbled to herself.
``Dick!'' Alice grumbled.
``Are you sure we are going the right way?'' Rena questioned, holding the arm rest as though it was going to fly away.
``Yes! But if Asian driver over here don't figure out what a turn signal is we might not make it!'' Matthew snapped. Alice turned her head to say something but a honking truck reclaimed her attention.
``Geez Alice. Are we going to get there in one piece?!'' Rena shouted, as Alice corrected the car.
``Oh my god! Shut the fuck up, you two were talking about how I have to drive fast!'' Alice snapped.
Suddenly Matthew stopped and looked out the window to his right. A motorcycle had passed by. Rena noticed the dog boy acting weird and looked out the same window.
``What's wrong?'' She asked.
Matthew pulled out his vape pen and took a hit. His eyes staring at the rear view mirror. The motorcycle had already disappeared from sight.
It can't be... father wouldn't be so reckless as to hire him again!
``Nothing... don't... don't trip. We're almost there... take this next exit.'' He answered, absentmindedly.
.....
``You know, it would have been a lot more enjoyable if we just fuck his ass up right now!'' Jessica growled, folding her arms against her chest.
``Calm down, it's all water under the bridge.'' Steven smiled, his tail swaying behind him. Richard was seated at a glass table. Around him were all the people he fought before They all watched anxiously as Steven placed a yellowed piece of parchment in front of the black cat boy.
``Okay, all you need to do is place three drops of blood on here and-''
``Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Hold up! Three drops of blood? What the fuck?!'' Richard shouted. Steven sighed as the rest groaned.
``See?! What did I tell ya'll? We would have done better kicking this fags ass!'' Jessica huffed.
``It has to be done willingly, Jessica you know that.'' Jamal said.
``Come on hun, it's just a small prick on the finger.'' The dog boy said, rubbing Richard's shoulder. The cat boy moved himself away from his touch and stood up.
``I hate needles let alone poking myself with one.'' Richard said, folding his arms against his chest. Steven started to lose patience but managed to keep himself from showing it and yelling.
What a giant, fucking pussy! He thought, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
``Didn't you say you wanted out of this? Well unfortunately we can't just transfer powers like money over the Zelle app. There are rituals to be done here. Look at it as the last scary thing you have to get through before you can go back to living life as a regular college student.'' Steven explained, before producing a kitchen knife and handing it to the cat boy. Richard took the knife and stared at the people in the room with him. With the exception of Jessica, they all watched him.
*flashback*
``How do you know? Honestly do you really want to go back to being a loser? Trying to get bitches while struggling through homework given by lazy ass teachers?''
Matthew's words buzzed in his mind as Richard picked up the knife. Flashbacks of his high school years ran through his mind. A skinny, nerdy, bullied teenager whose girlfriend ran off with his deadbeat older brother. The times he was called a future school shooter. The times he watched his lunch get taken from him. The times he was made fun of for not being athletic. Richard closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath before he exhaled.
``You know up until this point... I was taking L's left and right. I was bullied in high school, no girls talked to... except one but she left me for my brother, and on top of that I am still a fucking virgin.''
``Hey loser! We didn't ask for a sob story. So stop being a bitch and cut yourself already!'' Jessica shouted. Richard stared at her then at his right arm. It began to glow again.
Richard backed away much to the groups confusion.
``I told you we should've just beat his ass!'' Jessica yelled, clenching her fists.
``I?m sorry, I wanted to get rid of this power but... I CAN'T GO BACK TO BEING A LOSER!''
Steven stared at Richard as he threw the knife down onto the table. The group jumped up from their respectful seats.
``Totally understandable my dude! But we brought you here with the intention of taking that power away from you so...'' Jessica threw five red daggers at Richard, hitting him in the chest. He fell back onto the floor before sliding a couple feet. Richard groaned in pain, as he clutched his chest. Hot pain spread throughout his ribs, as a thin trickle of blood seeped from his mouth.
``Fucking....Christ!'' He swore. Jessica walked over to him and smiled.
``I am going to enjoy every moment of this, Richie.'' She said.
Richard's arm began to glow red as his hand began to grow hot. Before Jessica could deliver a blow, Richard aimed the palm of his hand at her. Jessica stopped and stared at the young cat's red glowing hand wide eyed. Without warning, a guitar was ejected from his palm hitting her in her face. Jessica flew several feet back crashing into Jamal. Steven sidestep them, avoiding the collision.
``Impressive.'' The cheetah boy said, as Richard slowly crawled to his feet, clutching the guitar with his right hand and holding his bloody chest with his left. His chest was bleeding profusely, staining his white t-shirt. His body shook as he struggled to breath.
Where the hell is my stunt double?! I am in fucking pain here!
``You guys are... *Cough*... so gonna get a one star on Google reviews.'' He said through gritted teeth.
``This isn't a restaurant, Richard.'' Steven sighed, digging in his pocket. Richard raised his guitar at the young leopard as he pulled out a pair of sunglasses.
``This could've ended better if you had just went along with the today's proceedings.'' Steven said, sounding annoyed. He put on the sun glasses as Richard leaped towards him. Richard was quickly halted by the collar of his shirt and was yanked backwards onto the ground. The cat boy looked up and gasped.
``Forgetting someone, cutie?'' A dog boy questioned, he then aimed his hand at his forehead.
``The name is Erick. Not that it matters now sweetie, consider it a parting gift!'' He laughed, a black circle started to form from his palm. Richard closed his eyes shut.
``Hands off, fudge packer!'' A voice yelled. Erick turned to see a concrete ball coming at him. With a frustrated grunt, the dog boy jumped to the side avoiding it. Steven stopped the ball with his finger before tossing it to the side. Matthew, Alice, and Rena quickly made their way into the kitchen.
``What an honor. Young prince decided to pay us a visit.'' Steven bowed. Matthew rolled his eyes and sucked his teeth. Rena quickly rushed to Richard's side.
``Don't give me that shit! I thought I told you dick-faces to leave me alone!'' Matthew snapped.
``You know the rules more than me, young master. Until 'he' is dead, his commands are law. But things would change if you decided to take the mantle, young master.'' Steven said, standing up. Jamal and Jessica slowly rose to their feet holding their heads.
``This shit is getting old!'' Jamal said, as he and Jessica stood up.
"No fucking shit, ass powder! I am not becoming my father's puppet!'' Matthew shouted, raising his hand at them. Suddenly, Steven teleported in front of him.
``I am not going to repeat myself! You know what must be done.'' The teenage tiger said. Before Matthew could say anything, Steven pushed his palm against the dog boy's chest. Matthew flew back into the wall, slamming hard against it. Alice jumped back gasping in horror.
``What the hell are you doing, Steven?!'' She shouted. Steven
``I was told to bring him back alive and that's i-'' Steven was interrupted by a guitar hitting him in the face. He fell backwards, flipping over a table. Richard laughed.
``Head... shot... bitch!'' He grunted.
``This is a big fucking mess! But it makes it more exciting!'' Erick smiled, appearing next to Richard. Rena quickly produced a shield around Richard and her. Erick's smile didn't waver. He approached the shield and stroked it with his finger tips. He stared deeply into the young black cats eyes. Richard stared back, holding his side while grinding his teeth.
``So... I see you found another one, Kathie. Where did you get him?''
Kathie? Richard thought.
``W-What is he talking about?'' The cat boy asked. Rena Just looked down at him than up at Roy.
Before she could say anything, the sound of police sirens and car engines became louder and louder with each passing second. Matthew quickly jumped up and dusted himself off. He then rushed towards the window and pulled back the blinds. To his horror he saw a couple of police cars rapidly approaching the house.
``Aw shit! Its the cops!'' Matthew shouted. Alice shrugged.
``Yeah , so?''
``Did you forget?! Prince or not, no one is above the law!'' Matthew shouted, running towards the exit. Jessica ran towards him but was stopped by Steven.
``We have to call it quits here. We can't stir up too much trouble. Stand down,'' Steven said before turning his attention to Richard. ``You don't know what mess you got yourself into. You will regret crossing us.'' He hissed. Steven turned and walked to a window leading to the backyard. Richard could only watch as each one of his enemies climbed out the window.
``What wa-''
``We need to move, ass-wads!'' Matthew snapped.
``Come on, Richie!'' Rena urged. Richard drew in a sharp breath, before standing on his own two feet. The pain wasn't unbearable to stop the teen from following his friends out the backdoor.
The four teens drove away in silence as Matthew drove the car through the backstreets avoiding anything that resembled a cop car. It was late afternoon when the four arrived back to campus. Once the car was parked they all exited the vehicle in an empty space. The parking lot was all but empty. There were a couple of students exiting and entering their cars.
Richard checked himself over. His shirt was tattered and torn in multiple places but his scars had healed. The young black cat had checked himself over in amazement.
``Holy fuck! I could save my mom a fortune on the medical bills!'' Richard yelled. Rena giggled. Matthew took a hit of his vape pen as he watched Richard with anger.
``What's your issue? We got away from the cops?!'' Alice questioned.
``Yeah, but this pussy ass muthafucka left me fighting by myself!'' Matthew shouted. Richard turned to say something but quickly stopped. As much as he didn't want to admit, Matthew was right. He ran while Matthew fought.
``Listen, I know you probably think I'm a bitch. And I'm sorry. That's all I can say.''
``Probably? I know you are!'' Matthew said, slamming the car door shut.
``Oh shit! This is gonna be good!'' Alice laughed, pulling out her cellphone to record. Rena stood silent, watching the two. Matthew took another hit from his vape and started walking away.
Richard looked down and swallowed hard.
``Hey!'' Richard shouted. Matthew stopped mid step.
``Give me a chance!'' Richard shouted. Rena smiled.
``What?!'' Matthew questioned.
``Give. Me. A. Chance!'' Richard shouted again. Matthew turned to look at him.
``The fuck are you talking about?'' Matthew questioned again, giving the teenage cat boy a confused look.
``I-I want to join you!'' He shouted. Matthew took a long hit from his vape pen before scratching his head. He then blew out a big puff of cherry smelling vapor.
``You ran out on me like a bitch made asshole and now you want to be on my team?! Fuck that shi-''
``You were right! I-I don't want to be a loser no more. Please... don't-'' Richard fell to his knees and slumped over. ``Please...''
Matthew stared at the cat boy and sighed. He made his way closer to him and looked him over. Alice sucked her teeth and put her phone down
``Crying? Really? What a bitch.'' She grumbled.
``Get up, pussy! If you want in you're going to have to sign something.'' Matthew said suddenly. Richard looked up.
``Anything!'' He said, jumping to his feet. Matthew pulled out a long piece of parchment paper and unrolled it in front of him.
``What the fuck? Wait what am I signing? I wanted to join you guys not try to go into the rap illuminate!'' Richard said. Matthew rolled his eyes.
``Remember, this is how the Order does things. You sign, you're with us. You fight on our side, Permanently! Got it?'' Matthew growled. Richard stared at the paper then at the dog boy.
``I'm not going to have to kiss you or anything gay... right?'' Richard asked.
``Do I look like Birdman to you?'' Matthew sighed. Richard raised an eyebrow at him.
``...Well what do I sign with? My blood?'' Richard asked. Matthew groaned as he dug into his pocket and handed the cat boy a ball point pen. Richard silently took it and signed his name. Matthew looked at the paper then at Richard.
``Oh shit! You really signed it!'' Matthew laughed in disbelief. Richard's stomach dropped as the dog boy stuffed the parchment into his back pocket.
``This better not be a trick!'' Richard seethed. Matthew shook his head.
``That thing you signed, it means that you are also his butler!'' Rena said suddenly. Richard stared at her wide eyed.
``I'M HIS WHAT?'' Richard yelled.
``Don't trip my dude. You don't have to do much.'' Matthew giggled.
``Except when he asks you to give him a bath.'' Alice blurted out.
``AW HELL NAW! You fucking, dipshit! You tricked me!'' Richard yelled.
``You wanted in, right? You said anything right?'' Matthew asked, smugly. The cat boy narrowed his eyes at him. Matthew turned away from him and walked off.
``I already got your number so I will call you when I need you.'' He said. Richard slowly got off the ground and dusted the gravel off his knees.
``Damn him!'' He grumbled. Rena placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled.
``Welcome to the team. It isn't as bad as you may think. Matthew is not a bad guy.'' She said, she then leaned in and gave him a kiss on the side of his cheek. Richard blushed and stared down at the ground.
``Leave that virgin alone, Rena! We gotta get back to our job!'' Alice shouted. Rena followed Alice towards the school.
``I'll try to swing by tonight, Richie!'' She shouted back. Richard stood there dumbfounded holding the side of his cheek Rena had kissed.
``No you won't! Stop trying to pop his cherry!'' Alice argued.
``You're not my mother!'' Rena argued back.
``Is this... really what I wanted?'' He asked.
..........
The bloodied and bruised dog man slowly backed into the corner as the masked figure slowly made his way towards him. He fell down and watched in horror as the masked intruder threw down an empty wooden box. The man?s house was in ruins. Lamps broken, windows busted through, and the carpet sliced to pieces. The man produced a grey energy ball and threw it at his masked assailant. The masked assassin blocked it with his hand and held his other hand out in front of him. Once the two were with a small distant, the masked man produced a blue guitar from his hand and aimed it at the frightened old man.
``Give me artifact, and I will let you live!'' The deep voice commanded.
