Alex Cruz was a junior in college. His parents, both government workers, often praised him for his brilliance in school. He won competitions, excelled in his classes, and was the model child every parent dreamed of. To his younger sister, Arya, who was still in high school, he was a fiercely protective older brother. But his parents were acutely aware of Alex's darker side—he had little tolerance for anyone who hurt his family.
In Mr. Lanister's lecture hall, Alex sat near the front, listening intently as the professor droned on about a complex topic. His focus was soon broken by his only friend, Fred, who had little love for academics.
"Hey, Alex," Fred whispered, nudging him with an elbow.
Alex sighed, massaging his temples. "What is it now, Fred? I'm trying to listen."
Fred grinned, ignoring the irritation in Alex's tone. "Like you don't already know everything this guy's teaching. Why even bother?"
"Because no knowledge is ever wasted," Alex replied curtly, hoping to end the conversation.
Fred, however, was undeterred. "Sure, sure," he said, smirking. "But I came across this anime last night—man, I've never been so scared watching something before!"
Alex raised an eyebrow, half curious and half resigned. "What's got the 'Great Fred' so shaken?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Fred ignored the jab and leaned in. "It's about these giant monsters called Titans that eat people like they're snacks. And the only ones who can fight them are these hunters with jetpacks who slash at their necks."
"Sounds... interesting," Alex admitted, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his calm exterior.
Fred's grin widened. "You should come over after school. We can watch it together."
Alex gave a noncommittal nod, more to end the conversation than out of actual agreement. He turned his attention back to the lecture, but Fred kept whispering about the anime until the bell mercifully rang.
"Finally," Alex muttered under his breath, gathering his things. He made his way out of the classroom with Fred trailing behind.
"You heading to see Arya, aren't you?" Fred teased. "Sister complex much?"
Alex shot him a warning look but didn't bother responding. He walked briskly to Arya's classroom, but as he got closer, his steps slowed, and his expression darkened. Outside the room, he saw Arya sitting on the floor, her face pale and her arm cradling a large bruise. Nearby stood a smug-looking boy, flanked by a small group of onlookers.
Alex clenched his fists. "Fred," he said, his voice low and controlled. "Watch Arya."
Fred, munching on a bag of popcorn he'd mysteriously produced, gave a mock salute. "Sure thing, Captain. But make it quick—I don't want to miss the show."
Ignoring him, Alex stepped forward. The bully turned, his smirk widening as he noticed Alex's calm approach.
"You're Arya's brother, huh? She didn't mention she had a babysitter."
Alex stopped a few feet away, his face eerily calm. "Why did you hurt my sister?"
"Because I can," the bully replied with a shrug. "She needs to know her place."
For a moment, Alex said nothing. Then, almost imperceptibly, his tone shifted. "Oh, really?"
The bully blinked, suddenly uneasy. Alex's calm demeanor was unnerving, and the atmosphere seemed to grow heavier.
One of the nearby teachers frowned. "Should we step in?" she asked her colleague.
Another shook his head. "Alex Cruz? He's an honor student. He won't do anything reckless."
Before they could reassess that judgment, there was a sharp, resounding crack. The bully staggered backward, blood streaming from his nose. The crowd gasped, and the teachers froze in shock.
Alex advanced, his movements precise and deliberate. "Let's see if you enjoy the taste of your own blood," he said coldly.
The bully stumbled, trying to retreat, but Alex was relentless. His punches were calculated, each one landing with brutal efficiency. Jaw, ribs, stomach—the bully crumpled to the ground, coughing and groaning in pain.
"Enough!" one of the teachers finally shouted, snapping out of her stupor. She and another teacher rushed forward to separate the two, pulling Alex back just as he prepared to land another blow
Alex sat in the detention room, tapping his fingers against the desk. The cold silence in the room mirrored the headache pounding in his head.
"That kid deserved the beating," he muttered under his breath, his mind replaying the earlier confrontation.
Before his thoughts could spiral further, the door creaked open, and a teacher stepped in.
"Alex, follow me," the teacher said curtly.
With a sigh, Alex got to his feet. Here we go, he thought as he followed the teacher down the hall. They stopped at the principal's office.
"Go in," the teacher instructed.
Alex hesitated, then pushed the door open. Inside, he saw his parents seated beside the principal. Across from them sat the bully's parents. The bully himself sat slumped in a chair, his face pale and his body visibly trembling.
"Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad," Alex greeted, attempting a casual tone.
"Sit down, Alex," the principal said, gesturing to the empty chair beside the bully.
Alex took his seat, shooting a sidelong glance at the bully, who quickly looked away.
"Alex," the principal began, folding his hands on the desk, "did you attack this student earlier?"
"Yes, I did," Alex admitted without hesitation.
The bully's mother gasped, her face contorting with outrage.
"Not a shred of remorse! What a poorly raised child!" she exclaimed.
Alex turned to her, his voice steady. "With all due respect, ma'am, your son beat up my little sister. What does that say about how he was raised?"
"You little—" the woman began, but the principal cut her off.
"That's enough, ma'am," he said firmly. "You're arguing with a teenager."
The woman huffed, crossing her arms but falling silent.
The principal cleared his throat. "Now, I've called this meeting not to debate but to inform you of my decision. Alex will be suspended for one week, and your son will be suspended for two weeks."
"Two weeks?!" the bully's mother exclaimed. "That's ridiculous! My son was the victim here!"
The principal's gaze hardened. "Your son's actions warranted expulsion. My decision is final. If you're unhappy, you're free to transfer your child to another school."
The woman's face turned red, but she managed a curt nod. "Thank you, Principal," she said through gritted teeth.
"That will be all for today," the principal said, standing to signal the meeting's end.
As Alex stood, the bully's mother and son glared at him with hatred in their eyes. Alex stared back, unfazed.
"How's Arya?" Alex asked his mother on their way out.
"She's fine," his mom replied with a sigh.
"We're heading home now," his dad added. "Are you coming with us?"
"Not yet," Alex said. "I need to pack my things and talk to Fred."
His parents nodded. "Alright. See you at home," his mom said, giving him a quick kiss on the forehead.
After school, Alex walked alone down a quiet street. The events of the day replayed in his mind, but he pushed them aside. He had almost reached home when a cloaked man stepped into his path.
"Are you Alex?" the man asked, his voice gravelly.
"Yeah," Alex replied cautiously, his muscles tensing.
"Your parents asked me to fetch you. They're waiting just ahead," the man said, pointing down a dimly lit alley.
Alex frowned. "Why would they send you? I've never seen you before."
"I don't know, kid. I'm just the messenger," the man replied.
Alex took a step back. "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't follow strangers."
The man sighed. "Guess we'll do this the hard way."
Alex's heart raced as he turned to run, but figures emerged from the shadows, surrounding him. Each wore a hooded cloak, and their presence felt oppressive.
"What do you want?!" Alex demanded, his voice steady despite his fear.
"You, kid. Nothing personal," the man said, stepping closer.
Alex's mind raced. He clenched his fists, readying himself. When the man reached out to grab him, Alex lunged forward and sank his teeth into the man's hand.
"Ah! You little brat!" the man yelled, shaking his injured hand.
Alex threw a wild punch, but the man blocked it effortlessly and retaliated with a brutal strike to Alex's gut.
Pain exploded through Alex's body as he collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.
"You're a feisty one," the man sneered, looming over him. "But it's over."
The man stomped on Alex's stomach repeatedly, drawing sharp cries of pain.
"Still got some fight left in you, huh?" Alex spat through gritted teeth, blood trickling from his mouth.
The man's face darkened. "Shut up!" he roared, throwing a punch at Alex's throat.
Alex choked as his windpipe collapsed. Blood poured from his mouth as his vision blurred. The man cursed under his breath.
"Lose the kid. Mission failed," he barked at his subordinates.
The figures vanished into the shadows, leaving Alex alone in the alley. His body trembled as he struggled to breathe.
"I hope my family stays safe," he whispered, his vision fading to black.
"Don't worry, boy," a soft, enchanting voice said.
Alex's eyes fluttered open to see a woman standing before him, her beauty beyond anything he'd ever imagined.
"Who... who are you?" he rasped.
"You'll know soon enough," she replied with a gentle smile. "Rest now."
With a wave of her hand, darkness enveloped Alex.
Far above the alley, the woman stood watching. "Are you satisfied now?" she asked, her voice filled with quiet authority.
"Yes," a deep, masculine voice replied from the shadows.
"And what do you plan to do with him?" she asked.
The voice gave no answer, but she smiled knowingly before disappearing into the night, taking Alex's body with her.