Hey guys, M4 here. This will be my fanfic, Second Chance, with the help of Beta Reader, Captain Price. Now, I just want to say somethings before the chapter.I will try to post this every few weeks on this fic, but if I can't, then be patient.

I'm still new to this Beta Reader process but I will get use to it. Captain is also human, so if I can't post weekly, it's probably because he is still looking over the chapter.

But, I am finally BACK from the hell that is school. Now, on with the chapter.

Luck.

That word itself can describe my whole life. Most chalk up the word to coincidence, but I was one of those guys that really believed it, and for good reason.

It was with luck that I was even born, because like some babies, the umbilical cord got wrapped around my neck. Almost got robbed of life right there.

It was luck that I went through school without hurting people. Now, don't think that means I'm a psychopath or that I have fantasies of doing that. Everyone has their limit and gets triggered eventually. For me, I was bullied a lot and it was very hard not to lash out at those that made me their target.

In all honesty, if it wasn't for the school guidance counselor, I'd probably be in juvie right now. Every time I got close to snapping, I just had to walk in and vent to him. He was really chill, and he helped me calm down a lot. Everything from bullies, to some of my fellow JROTC cadets that would shit talk me when I had my back turned, he'd listen.

Like all luck, it eventually ran out. And today, it gave me the old "fuck you," finger and all. You wouldn't expect it with the way the day started. You know, beautiful day with the sun shining and it being all warm.

I guess if I had to think about it, it started when I got my math test back this morning. That red ink mocked me in the form of a capital F at the top of it with a "see me," note to go with it. Then I got yelled at by some of those gym jocks. You know, those guys that are all chest and have no fuckin' neck to go with that? Then the cherry on top of it, it started to rain just before school let out.

Maybe it was because I ratted out those stoners on the fifth floor for smoking pot? Man, I don't even know anymore. I just want to get home and put this day behind me.

I sighed as I adjusted the headphones in my ear. False Pretense by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus continued to play in my ears and drowned out the falling rain as I continued walking, my feet making small splashes in the forming puddles. It was an old song, sure, but I liked it.

The New York skyline was overcast as the rain continued to fall and pelt the buildings resembling bullets as it hit the glass. The buildings themselves stretched up so high, it was sometimes hard to tell where they stopped. It may have been a cool sight for those non-city people, but to me? It wasn't special. It was just cramped and congested.

I reached in my pocket and took out my wallet. Taking out my metro card, I quickly put my wallet back and kept walking down the street.

Memories from my day began to crawl from the back of my mind again. My lips curled into a sharp frown and my fists clenched just a bit as I saw the faces of those jocks and those stones. The way they looked at me like I was lesser than them. Nothing but a nuisance.

My knuckles cracked from stress. It was no different than those bullies!

If I had to guess why I was bullied, I'd put all my money on it being my height and because I am the quiet kid in the classroom. I'm in the tenth grade and I'm five-four, barely the same size as some of the girls in my grade.

Keeping to myself was the best way to avoid the bullying, even if it was for a little bit. That doesn't mean I didn't have friends. I had a few in my corner, but I didn't feel that they should be trusted, a gut instinct I had. Now, maybe it was paranoia because of all the shit talkers around me, but let's be real. Everyone talks crap about each other.

Shaking my head, I stopped at the corner of the street. I knew this route well and I knew exactly where I was. Out of the corner of my eye to the right, I could see the Marine Corps Recruiting Center. It was always an inspirational sight to me, especially after a crappy day.

I stepped up to the window and looked up at the cutouts in it. The Marine looked sharp. It was the same guy in the cutout, but one was of him in the dress blue uniform and the other decked out in full battle rattle. His eyes were set in a look of fierce determination. Like nothing could stop him, and that he would utterly mess up anything that messed with him. It screamed confidence and self-assurance.

Inside I could see one of the recruiters at a desk and sifting through papers. He looked up towards the window and stared at me. He offered me a small smile and a nod of acknowledgement before returning to work.

I sighed and kept walking. Why I can't I be like those guys? The guys who aren't afraid to fight or stand up for what they believe in. The guys who will always be there when the situation calls for it. I want to enlist, but age kept me from doing so. The second I turned seventeen, you can bet I'll join. Just need my parents' signature to do it.

Not saying the other branches are bad or anything, but my family comes from a long line of Marines and well. It almost felt like an obligation to join the family business.

I pulled out my phone, and stared at the picture of the Defenders. There was Iron Fist, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage.

Why can't I be like these guys?

Why I can't be any of these people? The answer was simple.

I. Am. A. Coward.

Or, at least I think so. People say that me not fighting the bullies is "admirable," but I say it as it is.

Cowardice.

A loud boom echoed in the sky and towards the ground. The thunder had caught me off guard and I nearly jumped out of my skin.

As the rain poured faster, I just kept walking. Usually a normal person would be running to the trains, buses, or bodegas to get away from the rain. But, because of the shitty day I had, I pulled my hood on and kept walking, lugging my heavy bag on my back.

"Aye, pussy!"

Turning to the sound of the voice, I saw three guys walking towards me. Two of them armed with baseball bats. They were taller than me, and had more bodyweight in the form of fat and muscle.

It was the same group I ratted out from the fifth floor.

...

...

Run.

Dropping my bag, I turned heel and ran as fast as I could. I heard them shouting vile things at me as they gave chase. As, I ran I hoped that anyone I passed would see it and call the cops.

I slipped as I rounded a corner and bolted down an alley. The adrenaline pumped through me and I could hear my heart pound in my ears. In a frantic attempt to slow them down, I pulled the lid off of a garbage bin and threw it. It whooshed through the air, but I didn't watch as I continued my mad dash. I could only assume I got one of them from the cry of anger.

Making another left on a corner, I stopped. My blood ran cold and a chill went down my spine.

No…

It was a dead end. Like those movie clichés, I was caught like a fucking rat.

Turning around, I was greeted by with the three thugs that were chasing me. Blood was coming out of the nose of the leader.

Their faces were alight and twisted grins plays on their lips.

"Let's show this punk what happens to snitches," said the first.

Now, I should point out that I have taken lessons in Krav Maga as a confidence booster and if I ever got into a situation like this. This would be the moment of truth, but realistically speaking, the odds were not in my favor.

Mustering up whatever courage I could, I raised my shaking fists. My whole body shook, and it was something I mentally kicked myself for. Scared out of my mind.

They came at me like a swarm of angry bees. Not one of those fights you see on TV or movies where it's one on one with each guy. No rules out here. I got attacked from all sides.

I managed to duck under a swing and swung my hand for a grapple. It closed around the neck of one and I used whatever momentum I could. My body left the ground as I spun around the guy to box myself between him and the wall.

The thug let out a strained cry and went rigid as the bat from the second hit him in the back. I went to push off the wall, but white hot pain flooded by arm. The thug that missed me initially was quick with striking again and crushed my arm.

I tried to hang on, but I couldn't. My arm fell to my side and I grit my teeth fighting back tears of pain.

I need to get out of here!

Pain shot through me again when a fist connected with my face and crushed my nose. I barely had time to register the hit when the third thug grabbed my shattered arm and pulled up to hoist me in the air.

A scream tore from my throat when he did that, and my struggle became more frantic. My legs flailed wildly like fish that landed on the deck of a boat. The second thug managed to grab my legs and locked them under his arms.

The lead thug took the bat the third one dropped on the ground and towered over me. He gripped the bat tightly and looked down at me, the smirk still present on his face. His arms raised high and I immediately braced for the incoming hit.

The air left my lungs and I let out another scream as the bet smashed on my stomach. A warm, sharp throb pulsed through my stomach and I did everything I could to stifle my whimper. Blood continued to gush from my nose and over my lips.

Another hard smash came, this time on my ribs. I let loose the loudest scream of the day so far. This time I felt something snap like a toothpick and cut inside of me. Blood splattered on my shirt when I let out a series of sputters.

"Put the bitch down," said the leader.

Were they done?

The lead thug's friends dropped me on the ground and I felt water splash all around me. Rain continued to pour and soak my battered body. In a desperate attempt to shield myself from further harm, I curled into a fetal position.

My face scrunched up as the sharp pains shot through me again and again. I managed to open my eyes to look up at my attackers. I guess if I tried to find a silver lining in this, they couldn't see I was crying with all of the rain that was rushing down my face.

My eyes cracked open just enough to see the three thugs standing over me. I was immediately drawn to the one in the middle who was reaching for the back of his pants. My heart began to pound hard and fast again with fresh anxiety and adrenaline.

What was he pulling out?

His hand came back a moment later and in it was a pistol. It was a menacing black.

I tried to move my legs, but my mind was frozen. It could only focus on the fresh magazine being loaded into the pistol and the round being locked into the chamber as the slide was drawn back.

The thug then pointed it right at me and my mouth went dry. My breaths were coming in like rapid fire and my body started shaking again.

"Any last words, bitch?" He smirked at me.

First it was fear that had been racing through me, but now it was just anger. This jerk off ganged up on me with his friends and would gloat how they killed me with the rest of the losers in their group.

It pissed me off.

Fighting through the pain, I clenched my fists and glared right back at the gun bearing thug. I'm sure if looks could kill he would have burst into flames, but this would settle for now. My nerves had settled and my body was steady. I wasn't going to go out scared.

"Go fuck yourself asshole." I said.

The thug's eyes widened briefly before resting in furious glare. He took aim with the pistol and the barrel was just at the tip of my forehead.

Guess I wasn't a coward...for once.

"Rise my son."

Opening my eyes, I found myself sitting in a white room in front of a desk. Looking around, there was nothing. No window, no sunlight, nothing but white.

The desk in front of me offered a break in the endless white as it was a solid black. There was a large chair behind it with its back turned.

"Who's there?" I asked shifting in my seat.

I know I heard a voice a second ago. My foot began to tap nervously on the floor.

Where the hell was I? Last I remember I was in that alley and…

I leaned forward in my seat and covered my mouth in realization. That punk actually followed through. He went and blew my brains out.

"That depends where you stand religiously," the voice said.

So, where was I? Heaven? Hell? Well, probably not the last one, but still. I was in the middle of nowhere.

Finding my voice again, I spoke up.

"Are you God?"

As far as I'm concerned, I'm a Catholic. I wasn't given the religion by choice, it was forced upon me. When you have a mother who is afraid of public school and forces you to go to catholic school, religion is shoved down your throat.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing wrong with the religion. I just hate how it was forced upon me.

If I want to learn something, it will be on my own terms

A chuckle followed after my question.

"No. And before you ask, I'm not Jesus, either."

The chair turned around and revealed an old man.

Holy crap, the amount of white this guy wore could make the Schnees jealous.

He was wearing a white suit that had two blue dragons on the front with their bodies intertwining with each other. It allowed more of his physical features to be put on display. He had silver eyes, silver hair, and he was clean shaven. Almost looking like some angel businessman.

"Who are you?" I asked, still trying to come to terms of what happened.

"We'll keep it simple, so just call me Tex." He smiled lightly. "Going back to what you asked me a second ago, this is what you could call Limbo. A place where only a selected few can have a second chance."

Limbo? What was I doing here? Shouldn't I be standing at the Golden Gates of the entrance of Hell? And what was this about a "second chance?" Just what was going on?

"Second chance of what?" I shook my head, still completely lost.

"A chance to be resurrected. Another chance to live your life," Said Tex as he leaned back in his seat.

"You're shitting me, right?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Far from it. If you're still lost, let me break this down Hamburger Helper style for you. Back on Earth, you are gone with a capital G, buddy. Cutout thug numero uno blew your brains out."

To emphasize his point, Tex made a finger gun and kicked it up to simulate a gunshot. I winced at the memory of being at gunpoint and then waking up here. It was a quick transition, but it didn't make it any less surreal. This was really happening. I was dead, but now I was being offered a second chance of life.

"Well, yeah! Bring me back! I want to get those pricks!"

Tex pinched the bridge of his nose as if to sooth an incoming headache. He let out a small sigh.

"I can bring you back, kid, but you're not going back to Earth," he said.

I shook my head again. Where else can I go then? Earth's the only place I can truly be put. It's not like there's another option. So, what, is it like reincarnation when I start a new life with a new name, new family? That was a messed up package deal.

"What do you mean I'm not going back to Earth?" I asked.

"Again, you're dead. I could bring you back to life, but you'd be a friggin' vegetable, and that's worse than death. It won't be reincarnation, either. You'll still be how you were before you died, although there will be some slight alterations."

This was just getting more frustrating and confusing. My bad day had taken a new turn and reached a new low. I was now in the presence of some angelic being who was offering me a second chance at life through some divine intervention that I could only imagine.

Sighing, I sat back and took account to what he said.

"Then where exactly am I going?" I crossed my arms. "If I can't go back to Earth, where can I go?"

A wry smile spread across Tex's face. He folded his hands under his chin and leaned forward on the desk.

"I'll leave it as a surprise for you, but bottom line, it'll give you the chance to start anew and truly live a life you were meant to live," said Tex.

"Why?" I looked up to meet his eyes. "Out of everyone in the goddamn universe, why am I being offered this choice? What makes me so special? What's in this for you?"

He snapped his fingers, and the desk disappeared. His black shoes clicked with each step he took on the floor. When he stopped, our knees were touching.

"Kid, I'm an angel. I'm one of the few that can choose someone who has shown very rare qualities that most people don't show to start a new life." He put his index finger on my chest. "There's a couple of boxes that have to be checked for that. First, you have to die. You qualify. Second, you have to have some personal traits that stand out. You show true courage. You stood up and fended against those you wanted to hurt you."

I only shook my head at his last sentence.

"That wasn't courage, it was self-defense."

He chuckled.

"Call it what you like. I say it's courage."

He held out his hand for me to take. I went to grab it, but paused.

"You have two options. Take my hand and you will be resurrected in a new world very similar to yours, or call it quits and take your chances and either go to heaven or hell."

Damn... that's actually a hard choice. If I took the chance of being resurrected, what came with that? Would I remember everything from my old life, or would I start from scratch? With the way my luck had gone today, I probably had a higher chance of landing in Hell than Heaven.

...

...

I sat there for what felt like five minutes just staring at Tex's hand and mulling over options he gave me. Either way, I was leaving this place soon. With my mind made up I took his hand and he pulled me to my feet.

"I guess I'll take the new game," I said with as much strength as I could.

Tex's lips curled up in a grin and everything around me began to fade away. The white room slowly began to disappear. Then went the desk. Then the chairs. And even Tex himself started to vanish before my eyes.

"I'm interested in seeing how you live your new life, kid. Don't waste it," said Tex.

Then he was gone.

Shit.

My eyes fluttered and I turned on my side as the sun pierced them. The bright light stung and sent pulses to my brain. The sharp pain from the front of my head grew and I let out a low groan as I rolled to my face to block out the light.

The first thing I noticed once the throbbing in my head died just a bit, the ground was dry. It didn't smell any better, though. Smelled like a sewer. The thick scent of feces wafted into my nostrils and nearly made me gag.

Somewhere from behind me I could hear vehicles driving by and distant footsteps.

Taking the chance, I opened my eyes. Everything was blurred and it was a struggle to push myself up to sit against the wall. I buried my face in my hands and pushed lightly against my eyes to stop the throbbing again.

I lowered my hands after the pain eased and looked around. I was in another alley, and that made me jump to my feet in surprise.

I was back. Tex really brought me back!

Still in a state of bewilderment, I looked down the alley to the street. The air was cool and raced against me as I dashed to the end of the alley to pinpoint my location. I nearly knocked over a random woman who shot me an annoyed look to which I offered a sheepish apology.

I was in another city, but there were no skyscrapers. This time a lot of the buildings were between two to three stories tall. Shops and apartment complexes filled the block.

I went to take another step, but something else caught my eye. In the window to my left, I saw my reflection, but it made me do a double take. It was not the same reflection I looked at this morning before I went to school, that was for sure.

I was a little taller, not much, but enough to put me around average height. My hair was no longer black, but now brown and somewhat curly. To add to that, I had a little more muscle definition, resembling that of a farm boy. Sadly I still had a couple of pimples, but they were not as pronounced as earlier.

...

...

Oh, my sweet Jesus.

I watched my reflection as it mimicked everything I did. A poke to my face. A random smile. Even a flip of the bird.

This was me, just a little different. Was this one of the alterations Tex was talking about before he brought me back?

I blinked and stepped away from the window. My mind was racing, and I was still trying to come to terms with everything that was happening.

I turned around and looked around the block and the people that walked by me. Everything still looked the same just like it was on Earth. If Tex didn't send me back to Earth like he said…

"Where the fuck am I?"

Finished. I do hope you guess enjoy my 1st chapter to my re-boot of Second Chance. there will be more coming soon. Now, I did promise you guys a punishment update and I will post it soon, I just have to add some tweaks into the chapter.

Later!