Chapter 1: I Remember...

It has been almost two years since that day. That terrible, sad day. But that day changed my life forever, and I will never forget it.

It all started when I was part of a gang. They were so low. The lowest of the low. This gang did unspeakable things, so terrible that I do not wish to recall most of it. But let me take you back to the hours prior to that life-changing event.

The group I was with were a deadly bunch. Stealing, raping, even murdering. I was ashamed to be part of it. Since the beginning.

'I see him! That damn bastard! How DARE he run from my group!'

The leader of the gang was freaking out. A man I was friends with, who was originally in the gang, had decided to leave. But the price to pay was huge.

'Make Arthur go after him! Make him prove me is worthy!' One of the guys in the group shouted.

'No... I...' I hesitated.

'Arthur, man, come on! We can't let him get away!' The gang leader snapped, shoving me forward. 'You DO realise the price you have to pay for defying me, right?'

'Of course,' I choked out. 'I would never defy you.'

The gang leader smiled. But not that warm, fuzzy smile. It was that sort of smile that sent chills down your spine. Continuously. 'That's good.' He thrusted a knife into my hand. 'Now, act like you mean it. I want you to chase after that guy, and bring his head to me.'

I nodded stiffly.

'Good. Now go!'

'Yes, Leader'

I ran. My head spinning, making it hard to think straight. I did not know why I felt this way. I had killed numerous people before.

Maybe it was the fact that this was the first time I had to behead a person. Just the mere thought made me feel dizzy. Once I was out of sight of the leader, I ran the in the direction in which the victim ran.

As if God knew of what I was about to do, clouds appeared overhead. Usually the rain made me feel comfortable, calm. This time, it made me feel heavy and guilty. I hated feeling this way. It made me feel so low.

I did not know what to do.

I ran through a crowded street. I had lost the man. He must be been hiding amongst all these people. I hid the knife in my jacket to erase suspicion, and looked around. I saw couples walking under the same umbrella, families going home, friends just hanging out.

It made me feel sick.

I wish I could be these people. It was just not fair that I was the one who had to suffer. That was my last thought as I turned to look down an alleyway.

And there on the ground was a small boy.

I had a closer look at him. He looked about 6 years old. He had dark blonde hair with one odd strand standing up, and wore a ragged long shirt. He must be homeless.

It made me feel even more sick.

And yet the people walking nearby didn't give a damn. This world is so filthy.

I walked up to the boy and knelt down next to him. He was fast asleep. It made me feel warm inside. I patted him on the head and left the alleyway quickly so I would not wake him.

When I returned to the street, it was much less crowded. I checked my watch. It was 10:30. I had no idea it was this late. But I still had not come up with any ideas to evade the gang. I turned to walk down the shopping area when I heard a group of people calling my name. I had taken too long. And I did not have what the leader had asked for. For a long second I decided what to do.

They would probably kill some of the people here if I stayed. I had to leave immediately. I fled into an old deserted area, and hid inside an abandoned building. This would be enough to decide what to do. I ran through my options. I could go back to them... no. They will probably kill me. I could stand up to them. But many against one is not going to turn out well. My only option was to run away.

'Come on out, Arthur!' I heard someone call. I had no time. Run or stay... run or stay. I decided to stay put until they left.

But luck was not on my side. Not that it ever was to begin with. The gang entered the building I was in.

'Arthur!' they continuously called. I froze. The footsteps became louder. That obviously meant they were coming closer to the room I was hiding in. Why was God so cruel! Why this building of all places! They could have searched another building first and I would have been able to run away!

The door creeped open. 'I found you' said the leader, with that sadistic smile on his face. 'Grab him!'

The other members gathered around me and held me at my limbs. I could no longer run.

'So,' the leader started. 'Where is the head?'

'I... I...,' I started.

'Why so hesitant? I am just asking you a question. Or have you decided inside your cowardly brain to neglect my generosity?' He leaned into my face and licked my ear.

I could not pronounce words. I was frozen. It also seemed the leader was getting frustrated with my silence.

'Enough of this! Men! Search him and his belongings! Find the head at all costs!' He commanded.

The men removed my jacket and my bag. Heh, jerks. There is no head in there.

'Um... Leader' one of the men spoke. 'There is no head.'

I held my breathe for the worst. But the leader just laughed. 'I should have known!' He then leaned down and grabbed my collar. 'I always knew you were a coward. I always knew that you were a wimpy kid who cant do anything for himself. But, do you know what? You being our errand boy was fun, but I think its time to end it all.'

The Leader then turned to the doorway. 'Men. You know what to do' he said, and left the room.

I still couldn't move. The members of the gang started to close in on me. Before I knew it, I felt a huge pain inflicted on my face as I stumble backwards. More pain. I then felt a heap of punches and kicks on my body as I fell to the ground. They are going to beat me until I die. I knew that fact, and maybe if death came upon me I could be reborn into a better life. I could no longer feel pain. I was fading.. fading... into eternal darkness. I tried to welcome death, but I then felt a weird feeling in my chest. Like I was afraid.

No. I don't want to die... not yet!

With my remaining strength, I got up as fast as I could and ran from the room.

'Dammit! After him!' I heard one man yell.

'Nah, don't bother. He wont get far with those injuries - '

I was out of the building, unable to hear them anymore. I knew they wouldn't follow, but I had to continue running. Despite the pain. I have to get away.

After what seemed like hours, I stumbled into a familiar alleyway. My head was throbbing from the pain. My legs gave way, and I fell to the floor with a thud. This was it. I'm going to die! Someone... help me..! Anyone... I dont want to die! Please...

I then fell unconscious, believing that that night would be my last.

So heres my first ever FANFICTION! Any kind of tips I welcome ~ Since I'm new to this though, dont be TOOO hard on me, please?

I'm going to publish the next chapter soon, so i hope you will read it when it does!