AN:
This chapter is sort of violent, but I hope you like it. It opens your eyes to Yuan's distorted past. And yea, character death in here. And I tried to keep him in character. What a bad ass I am making him.
Shattered
Chapter Three: Distortion
As time went on, I couldn't help but wonder where my life was heading? I had just managed to graduate high school, with fairly decent grades. My childhood dreams of becoming a doctor or rock star faded as time went on, and the desire to go to college was slowly destroyed. Now, I was on my own. Seeing myself and Leon were now out of the house, mother went back to her favorite past-time, drinking. Every time I called her to make sure she was still alive, she'd have another man over, doing lord knows what.
During high school I found myself with few girls at all. Most found me odd beyond belief, or that quiet rocker type. But now? I was in a serious relationship with a girl named Jessica. She seemed like my typical dream girl, but how long would this last? Anyways, after high school I found myself wrapped up in the worse situation I had ever faced.
It was a cold night, a December night in fact. Recently I had found an add in the paper requesting an employee for a certain job. The pay was extremely large, so I decided to give it a shot. Of course, they supplied no details on what exactly the job was, so I was a little nervous.
Passing down the familiar streets of the town I grew up in, my feet became soggy from the wet snow beneath me. The night before it had snowed abundantly, leaving the snow covered in a thick sheet of white. Even now that I was eighteen and a half, I still found the snow entrancing at times, and a reminder that everyone in this world can be pure, if you think of it like that.
Taking a left at the Falls district, I continued on my way. The street lamps were dim, and a snow flurry had begun to fall. Sure, I considered multiple times to just go back to my small apartment down on second street. It wasn't the best, nor the worse place I've lived in, but it was home. Brushing a few flakes of white out of my blue hair, I stumped down the road, until I reached the end where a yield was apparent. The paper said the first house on Colonial Road. Glancing up at the street sign, the name 'Colonial Road' pointed right. Nodding slowly, I turned that way and walked up the stoop to the door.
This part of town was broken down, and the houses seemed to be fire burned, or something of the sort. Years of decay had taken their effect, so now not that many took refuge in these houses.
"So this is it," I mumbled to myself.
Reaching out to knock on the door, I found the door swinging open. Behind it stood a bodily man with three o clock shadow, and blood piercing eyes. Uneasily, I starred back at him for a few moments.
"Who are you?"
His voice grumbled like some sort of lion. Raising an eyebrow, I cleared my throat and watched him suspiciously. Creating a determined look with my eyes, I crossed my arm.
"Yuan, I've come here to apply for the job."
Death glaring eyes searched me for a few moments before he grumbled and stepped aside and let me enter. Taking a leap of faith, I stepped inside and watched the man close the door behind me. In front of me sat a room with a table set in the very little. Candles were the only light, and a pompous male sat in the largest chair at the front of the table. He wore black leather and had bags under his rather large eyes.
"So you've come for the job, neh?"
"Yes, what is the job?"
"Ever use a gun, boy?"
My breath quickened as I watched him toss a hand gun onto the cherry wood table in front of him. Eyes widening, I watched the piece of metal glicker in the dim candle light. It was true, I had used a gun once before when Leon and I went hunting one summer, but what was the true question here? Did he expect me... to kill?
"Yes, sir."
"Good. It's yours."
He pushed the gun towards me with a case of bullets and barrels. Heart pounding five times faster than normal, I picked up the gun and ran a finger over it. Last time I held a gun in hand I ended up killing. Not a human, but an animal. Not imagining what I could do with a gun, I starred back at the boss.
"What's your name, kid?"
"Yuan..."
"Welcome to the guild, Yuan."
And that was the moment where I realized how big of a hole I had just dug for myself. I was stuck in this place, in a gang or so I thought. They had just given me a free gun to do their dirty work. But oddly, the excitement of this job filled me and I forgot any cons there was.
"As your introductory task, I'd like you to go down a block and receive the package from Sloth. If anyone asks who you are, say you've been sent by Scar."
Giving a distant nod, I equipped the gun to my belt easily and starred down the man. Over his left eye was a large scar, and his face represented something out of a horror movie, burnt flesh covered every inch of it except for his crooked smile. A smile that would be drilled into my mind forever more.
"Got it." Turning my back and heading for the door, I was stopped by the member who had greeted me at the door. His hand found it's way to my back and I stopped instantly. Bearing a sinister glare, I glanced over my shoulder and saw him holding a barrel.
"You might need this, good luck, newbie."
A snicker rose across his face and he went back over to the table to converse with the other members of the guild. Furrowing my brows, I stepped outside into the brutal cold. My senses blasted me with a reminder of the season, and how much I was risking. Would Leon make a choice like this?... Then again, I hadn't seen my brother for a whole year, so he was probably a huge success. Sighing, I walked down the path I had made ten minutes ago. It was like stepping back into past, but the thing was, this time I had a journey. A job that had to be done.
Who exactly was this Sloth I was supposed to meet? Was he just as ugly and pompous as Scar, or was he a skilled gunman. Shrugging off any nerves, I continued on. Possibly that's why I was accepted so fast. I was young, and had no fear. No fear of what was waiting for me ahead. And being so young and fearless is commonly mistaken for courage, when in fact it is ignorance to the obvious.
A block he said. Continuing on, my mind drifted off to Jessica. Would she really agree with this dirty work I was pulling off. Grunting hopefully, I pushed away the thought abruptly. I needed money... and no one would hire a high school graduate with no college degree. Hell, I didn't want to serve fries to possible prostitutes and have their vile money pass through my hands.
Turning down the street I believed was were Sloth was, I hurried my pace. The storm was gathering strength, and if I wanted to get my pay and make it home before midnight, I'd have to hurry. Glancing ahead, I noticed a house that had lights on. The only one on the whole broken down street. Taking a leap of faith, I concluded it was Sloth's lair. Anyway, who had a nickname like Sloth?...
Knocking on the door, I was greeted by a skinny man wearing all black. He bore a sinister look, and a crack-using face. You can just tell. Weed and beer bore on his breath, without him even speaking. Clearing my throat, I shook my head.
"Scar sent me."
"You're Scar's new lacky? Heheh interesting. Come in, come in."
Raising an eyebrow at his peculiar laugh, I ignorantly shrugged it off and stepped inside. Ok, the house wasn't as bad as Scar's. It looked similar to my apartment. But the smell.. incest were burning and the odd smell of weed loomed in the air. Sighing, I followed the giddy full greeter into another room.
There, sitting in a large chair, was a man. He was turned around, so his face was not visible. In front of him was a desk, and a few gunmen's were set securely on each side of the room. Heart-pounding from nerves for once, I stepped forward.
"What do you want?"
The name seemed familiar but so demand full at the same time. Stuffing my hands into my pockets, I cocked my head and ran a spare across my chin, and considered my choices. Speak respectfully, or speak like an ass full on himself. Nah, I'll stick with the second choice.
"I'm here for the delivery for Scar."
My voice was more a demand then a request. I watched the greeter leave the room, still sneering uncomfortably. Awaiting a response, my ears picked up on the sound of loading a gun. A single drop of sweat rolled down my face as I stood there, dumbfounded.
"Scar did fully pay the fee."
"He never told me that. I'm here for the delivery, and I'm not leaving without it."
Chuckling was heard from the leader in the chair, who I assumed was Sloth. Lacing my fingers together, I swayed on my feet, and made sure I was consciousness of the gun at my belt. Just incase...
"Did he ignore the fact of telling you what the delivery was?"
"I don't question my boss."
I was speaking as if I knew Scar personally. Hell, this package could be drugs for lord's sake. Waiting a few moments, I cleared my throat and weighed my options once more. Run and hide, or stay and wait. The thing was, I wasn't one to hide from a fight, especially when the oppurtiny to wield a gun presented itself. How sinful life could be.
"You've been sent to pick up marijuana."
Stunned, I took a step backwards. If I was caught as the deliver, I could spend countless years in jail. Stuttering at my thoughts, I remained in my position, I wasn't going to run. I was in need of money, and I wouldn't push away the chance to get it, as dumb and pointless that may seem. The man in the chair wheeled around and my heart instantly stopped.
"L-leon!"
Everything I had ever believed in was shattered. That internal look on his face with death in his eyes was burned into my thoughts. The look on his face... seeing his kid-brother as the enemy. Mouth still wide open, I watched as a few guardsmen arose their guns and aimed at me. With a simple gesture from Leon, they lowered them instantly.
"Yuan, what the fuck are you doing working for Scar?"
"You're selling marijuana!"
The question burned a whole through my soul. Leon was so pure, and defiantly against the use of illegal drugs. But now? He just stood there, looking at me with amusement and aggravation.
"You won't tell the cops, will you, Yuan?"
He didn't seem worried, but a evil smile rolled across his face. The men rose their weapons once more, pointing them directly at my heart. Gulping down a large clump of confusion and fear, I violently shook my head and stepped forward, beyond all further judgment.
"Good. Here,"
He tossed a brown bag at me violently. Catching it with ease, I snapped it open and glance inside. There sat ten plastic wrapped bags of the drug. Becoming faint, I then realized how big of a hole I was digging. But Leon? He was a drug dealer, and had changed so much in a year. He seemed like someone out of an action movie, the attitude and the battle scars and gun wounds. Turning my back, I was about to leave when a bullet shot my left arm.
"That's a reminder. Tell anyone and you will die, brother. And make Scar send his payment."
Dropping the bag on the floor, I clutched my left arm in increasing pain. It wasn't a fatal hit, but one that I would never forget. Wincing in pain, I turned around and saw my own brother wielding the offensive weapon. I was suspecting one of his lackeys to be holding it, but never Leon. Taking a few deep breaths, I turned around, picked up the bag and staggered out of the room.
"May we meet again, Yuan."
"In your damn dreams."
Stepping outside, I was greeted goodbye by a slamming door. Blood oozed onto my right hand from the wound, but I knew I had to accomplish the job. Just go on through the bitter cold, and complete it. Hell, there had to be help when I got back.
So I did make my way back. When I arrived, I was greeted heroically from the door greeter I had seen earlier. He snatched the bag and rushed it to Scar. Another member like me came running over to my side with a medical rap for my wound. He was about to ask me what happened but Scar caught him off when he stepped in front of me. Glancing up at my boss, I breathed heavily with dignity.
"Why didn't you return fire?"
"Answer me, kid."
"He was.."
"He was what?" Scar passed a cup of water with pain pills to me. Drinking them rapidly, I glanced over at him and made out the words. This wasn't happening, Leon hadn't thrown his life away, had he?
"He's my brother."
It was declared and a complete shocked expression spread across Scar. One of the members pushed a chair behind me, and I quickly sat down. The wound didn't hurt as bad, but I was exhausted and eternally bruised. Scar took a seat in front of me, holding a wad of cash. Eyes lighting up, I watched as he put it in my free hand and gave a simple smile.
"You did well, newb."
"Thanks..."I muttered coldly. Flipping through the bills, I realized how much he had given me. Five hundred for this one job? Wholy... Blinking a few times, I nodded respectfully and arose to my feet. "I'm going home."
"Shadow will supply you with a ride." Scar beckoned his head as a silent member stepped out from the shadows. He looked like a ninja in hiding, but the faintest smile spread across his face as he helped me up and led me to the door. Breathing heavily, I stepped a few feet at a time. "And Yuan." I turned my head and looked at him dimly. "I expect you back here in two days." A shallow nod was my reply as Shadow led me outside and to my car.
The next thing I remembered was waking up in my own bed, safe at home. Home... it never felt more right. Strong rays of sunlight blasted through my curtains, hurting my weak eyes. Taking a moment to just lie there, the slow realization of last night flooded back to me. I was a drug deliverer and my brother was a drug dealer. This was worse then our parents. Biting down on my lip, I sighed. The only thing that kept me going was the fact it paid. And paid damn good.
"Yuan."
A knock was heard at my door from the entrance to my apartment. Grunting irratibley, I recognize the voice as Jessica. Sighing a few times, I sat up in my bed and put on a long sleeve jacket, so my wound was non exsistent. Brushing my hair for a few moments with my good arm, I stepped out into the apartment.
"C'min."
She entered, with that usual whip of her hair. The way her body bounced was entrancing, as she looked at me with confusion. Maybe she knew? No, that was impossible. Shrugging off any suspicion I had, I took a seat on my sofa and beckoned for her to sit down next to me.
"So, how was the job?"
A brilliant smile was accompanied with her innocent question. Heart dropping, I blinked. How could I conjure up a good lie in such a short time. Shrugging my arms as if I could care less, I reached out and placed a hand around him.
"Sucks, what else is new?"
"What is it, anyways?" Taking a gulp, I felt sweat appearing on my face, and I began to stammer.
"Oh, what is it?"
"Yes, that's what I said." Jessica replied, looking at me calmly.
"Well..."
"Is something wrong?"
"No, course not."
Running a hand through my hair, I sighed and looked over at Jess. Confusion filled her as she starred at me, caringly as always. Grunting once more, I pulled out the wad of cash and showed it to her. Squeaking, she counted it with amazement.
"You, got this much in one night!"
"Yea.." I wasn't proud of myself.
"That's great!"
"I suppose."
"I'm glad your finally getting on your feet again, Yuan." She smiled brightly, but my extreme stare didn't falter.
"Jess.."
"Is there another opening?"
Guilt rushed through my veins and I paused a moment. How could I stray away from this topic without seeming like I was doing it on purpose. Sometimes things to say come out wrong, and the scar on my arm would never go away. Any person I'm ever with, will ask what happened. And my past would be evident to them, and our relationship would crumble. Crumble just like my hellhole of a life.
"No."
"I'm sure they'll make an exception. 46 Colonial Road, right? I'll be back later, thanks!" Jess stood up and ran over to the door happily, about to take off to what she thought would be her dream job. Arising to my feet rapidly, I grabbed her by her arm and starred at her defiantly.
"Jess, don't go there."
"Why?"
"Jess, just listen to me. Stay as far away as you can from that place."
"Yuan... what kind of job did you take?" Tears appeared in her eyes. If I didn't be honest with her now, I'd never have the chance. Gulping, I pulled up my jacket sleeve painfully. There, wrapped around my arm tightly was the cast, with dried blood.
"You're a, hit man?" Her voice didn't change, but I knew how much she was hurting inside.
"Yes." Was all I could reply.
"I hate you, stay away from me." She managed those words out of her lips before striking out and slapping me across the face.
"Jess, wait. It's not entirely what you think!" I grabbed her by her arm, in attempts for her to stop leaving. She was the best thing in my life at this point, and I couldn't let her go. Not now, not this far into life.
"Let me go, I don't date drug dealers," She whined, trying to break away. Tightening my grasp, I gave a stern look as my casted arm began to hurt once more.
"I'm not going to stay one. You don't understand-!" I began but she reached out again and struck me across the face. Wincing in pain I watched her storm out of the apartment, slamming the door. And I was left alone. To confined in me. Blinking to make sure I didn't just nightmare those events, I took a deep breath. I had just lost my dream girl, and I had received the most sinful job, and my brother had shot me. What else could go wrong?
The next day I felt myself arriving at Scar's. The snow had begun to melt, and it was easier to make the walk over to my job. Before I could knock, Shadow gladly let me inside. Giving him an icy stare, I walked inside and made my way to Scar. His conversation was paused when he saw me. A sinister smile crossed his face as he beckoned me closer. Agreeing, I walked over and stood in front of him.
"I see you're feeling better."
"Yea."
"Ready to take on your next job? You'll finally be able to put that weapon to good use." Scar grinned when he spoke, and the image of a fat, drug-selling man wasn't that appealing. Gut hurting as it is, I nodded briskly. "That's a good boy."
"What's the job?" I sighed.
"Keep in mind the pay will be triple from last time."
Stunned by the huge promised sum, interest flickered in my eyes and he laughed heartily. Pausing, he placed a hand on my shoulder. Trying not to let this phase me, I kept a stern look upon my lips and eyes.
"You see, Sloth has been scamming us recently with this fake drug. And us of our guild don't take bull like this lightly. What I want you to do is-" Scar began.
"Forget it."
"What?" Scar seemed stunned. "I can understand you not wanting to kill a leader like that, but never cut me off," He spoke grabbing me by the collar.
"I won't kill him."
"Give me one good reason why you are rejecting this job, and why I shouldn't kill you here for your disobedience?" Scar punctured his nails into my collar line as I winced in pain, but kept a stubborn glare.
"I'm not killing my own brother, he may be a ratass but he's my own flesh and blood." Scar seemed stunned as he let me go and blinked.
"But he shot you, boy."
"Damn right, and screw him for that. But I won't kill him." I turned around and made my way for the door. Scar seemed speechless, but my gut told me I wasn't quite done here. This man.. he made me turn against my own brother. Sharply turning around, I unsheathed my gun, which was already loaded, and aimed it at him. Now was sink or swim. My mind wasn't working right, and all I wanted was someone to pay. My guts took the best of me as I tightened my finger on the trigger.
"You know what, you should have never given me this gun."
"Hmmm?" Scar asked, stroking his chin. Sudden alertness flashed in his eyes as he watched my grasp on the trigger tighten. Pulse rising, I glared defiantley.
"This is for Leon." The fatal sound of death was heard through the building as the man clutched his chest in pain. "This is for deceiving me." Another bullet was sent at him. "And this? This is just for pissing me off!" I yelled, shooting him one more time. Breathing heavily, I dropped the gun and glared at Scar and his lackeys who were in shock beyond belief. "And oh yea, I quit." It wasn't really the first time I shot anyone, but that was another story.
And with that, I was gone.
AN:
Sorry this may be crappy, but I put a lot of work and time into this, trying to make it awesome and action packed. I wanted many plot twists, so that's why I did this. Well erm, yea. Any idea on what movie this is from yet? Let me just tell you the movie is over sixty years old. Any ideas? Feel free to ask. Eitherway, have fun with it! The next chapter will continue with Yuan's past. Yes, I lied, no present.. yet. We have a lot to cover in the past so this story makes sense!