In the midst of a torrential downpour that engulfed the quaint Northern Californian town of Oakbury, Tristan Cunningham found himself standing, soaked to the bone, amid the gloom of the night. Enveloped by the unsettling gaze of human ignorance and cruelty, the 24-year-old part-time worker, striving for a philosophy degree at Flowerwell College, appeared to those who knew him as an ordinary, kind soul. Little did they fathom the inexplicable scene unfolding before them – Tristan surrounded by menacing thugs and gangsters, thirsting for harm.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAMiYn0GJvHy
Converging from various corners, these thugs hailed from different factions – gangsters, mobsters, crooks, and ruffians, all united by a common pursuit of vengeance. Tristan, his gaze unwavering and demeanor resolute, delivered a commanding warning that cut through the tension-laden air.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAMHfGr744DI
"This is your one warning... Give up now or else."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAanknVRgKNZ
164Please respect copyright.PENANACv01Wl7zkW
164Please respect copyright.PENANAvGMJGkdmZq
Tristan's warning, seeking to quell the men thirsting for blood, echoed in vain as contumelious laughter reverberated through the air.
164Please respect copyright.PENANABwM9PUo3ps
An unknown voice sneered, "Oh, Tristan, my boy, surrender? Why, when the path to revenge is crystal clear."
164Please respect copyright.PENANA6QHy8rbl7l
Tristan's eyes widened in a slit of surprise as the ebullient voice resonated with unsettling familiarity. Reluctantly, the gangsters and hoodlums, initially obstreperous, yielded ground as a man with a red headband and long black hair advanced, a contemptible smile playing on his face.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAY6f1Fhg2b9
"Andrew Dawson."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAHGhvB9G7DD
At the utterance of his name, Andrew Dawson's eyes swelled with a tempest of rage. “The Names Mad Dog!” He yelled out with rage.
164Please respect copyright.PENANATl2bfqIfMs
Mad Dog's smile returned as he brought forth a small, rusty dagger from his side, saying, "And it is time for you to pay for your labors!" His eyes gleamed with a menacing glint as he brandished the blade.164Please respect copyright.PENANAmWeEBdwdFl
164Please respect copyright.PENANAKh9evM7dgD
Mad Dog's claim commanded the attention of every gangster in the vicinity, each sporting a sinister smile of approval.164Please respect copyright.PENANAUCV6FhDbvk
164Please respect copyright.PENANAyyRXq5aX07
Tristan, wearied, shook his head in disappointment. "So, I assume none of you are willing to surrender?"
164Please respect copyright.PENANAXo50fHUUtg
"HAHAHAHAHA!!! Kill this fool!" Mad Dog exclaimed with delight.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAxm0trbyF4O
Responding to their leader's command, the thugs surged forward like a stampede, brandishing wooden bats and rusty steel pipes.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAkt1IQyH895
Tristan's eyes ignited with power. "This will end in an instant," he declared as his fist clenched.
164Please respect copyright.PENANA97XXLydIux
"BOOM!!!"
164Please respect copyright.PENANAmARKEIvGef
164Please respect copyright.PENANABZahUZd7Fm
164Please respect copyright.PENANAuHSXvYDwU5
1 DAY LATER
164Please respect copyright.PENANAmtxR1nvASD
Eyes adjusting to the morning light, Tristan rises from his bed clad in a wife beater t-shirt and black Nike boxers. Surveying his modest one-bedroom apartment, he lets out a tired yawn. "I'm so tired," Tristan mumbles, rubbing his eyes as he slowly stands.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAeFY1jWN1bs
With a lethargic pace, Tristan heads to the bathroom to prepare for the day. It's 7:15 in the morning, and work looms at 8:00 am. Gazing into the bathroom mirror, he can't shake the annoyance triggered by the scars that weave tales across his body. Each scar tells a story, but the truth behind them remains locked away, concealed behind a tale of a past car accident he shares with those who inquire.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAKYUQLY5qJz
Ten minutes pass, and Tristan emerges dressed in a plain white t-shirt, long blue jeans, and black boots. Ready to leave his apartment, he opens the front door, only to find his path blocked by an elderly gentleman with gray hair, just before he could take a single step outside.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAm1HByX12As
"Mr. Barnes," Tristan says in a worried tone.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAqy0oGkAf93
Mr. Barnes, 75 years old and the formidable owner of the entire apartment complex, ruled with an iron fist, much to the displeasure of many residents.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAloVLPGikEW
"Mr. Cunningham, must I remind you that you're three days behind on the rent?" Mr. Barnes says, arms crossed.
164Please respect copyright.PENANA0Qf5TcQ1WF
Tristan clasps his hands together, as if preparing to pray. "I'm sorry, Mr. Barnes. I promise I will be able to pay soon," Tristan pleads.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAk50tAbLP3u
"You have until tomorrow morning. If you don't have my money by then, you can start packing your things," Mr. Barnes declares, walking away without looking back.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAFsY77JHQl7
Tristan scratches his head, releasing a breath of air. "Oh well, I should be getting paid today."
164Please respect copyright.PENANASYq4apLDAx
Glancing at his watch on his right wrist, Tristan's eyes widen. "Oh no! I'm going to be late!" he yells, darting down the apartment complex halls, determined to reach work as quickly as possible.
***
164Please respect copyright.PENANAoHRU8tATaV
"Sorry I'm late, Mr. Fritts," Tristan says, breathing hard as he bursts through the front door of his workplace.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAwOWa9Lz7WE
Mr. Fritts, stationed behind the front counter, shakes his head with a sense of excoriation. "Oh, Tristan, I swear if I didn't owe your dad a favor and if you didn't do such good work, I would have fired you a long time ago," he remarks with a small smile.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAof8GDsswXH
A 65-year-old man with black and gray hair, Mr. Fritts wears small glasses on his face. In Tristan's eyes, he's the nicest man he's ever met. Mr. Fritts owns a thrift shop, and when Tristan needed a job, Mr. Fritts readily extended his hospitality.
164Please respect copyright.PENANA8S1sIX4fYh
"Where's Danny?" Tristan asks, scanning the store.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAja2QMqBlq2
Mr. Fritts sighs in discontent. "My lazy son is in the back organizing all the equipment. Why don't you go and help him?"
164Please respect copyright.PENANAoz3X0q1uiV
"Yes, sir."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAjV84ahSJXX
Tristan heads to the back of the store, surrounded by a diverse array of products—old furniture, clothes, shiny vases, handbags, and shoes.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAYJPVIAhth0
In the midst of this assortment stands a young man with curly brown hair and small freckles on his face, holding a clipboard with a white piece of paper in the middle.
164Please respect copyright.PENANATY2A59bjuY
Tristan approaches his fellow college. "Hey, Danny."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAxvFQcn1Q55
"Well, well, well, look who finally decided to show up," Danny says, arms crossed.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAM3MYcTOTJk
Tristan rubs his head from embarrassment.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAAXRvRyh3TK
"Yeah, yeah, sorry I'm late."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAJT4u7bNaAZ
"No worries, it's been pretty slow today," Danny shrugs as he gets back to work.
164Please respect copyright.PENANA0kpVBDqQIq
Tristan looks at Danny curiously. "Oh yeah?"
164Please respect copyright.PENANAkCpcRCLh8y
Danny smirks. "Yeah. Not a lot of people are going out today, not after what happened last night."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAbglhdXnIBY
Tristan raises one eyebrow. "Last night?"
164Please respect copyright.PENANAQHiiCKzTXx
Danny looks at Tristan. "You didn't hear what happened?"
164Please respect copyright.PENANAnZ5jb19hzI
Tristan stares at Danny without saying a word.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAGhzNdnWO4J
"Well, word is, last night the police arrested more than 50 thugs, all belonging to their own gangs, and all wanted for a multitude of crimes," Danny says in a whisper.
164Please respect copyright.PENANA08EE3sR33r
Tristan remains quiet as his face adorns a look deep in thought. "Is that right?"
164Please respect copyright.PENANARWuj9FczqN
"That's not even the weirdest part," Danny says with a smirk. "The weirdest part is that not all of the criminals come from California, and none whatsoever come from this small town. In fact, they come from all around the country, and all of the gangs they once belonged to were captured by the police."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAHw1TRtBP6e
Tristan's eyes become emotionless as he continues his work, listening to Danny's account.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAIRCjSNYZeD
"Everyone is scared; no one wants to leave their homes, and everyone, including the police, is asking the same questions," Danny says with a serious tone.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAfktnDNxykA
Danny and Tristan lock eyes.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAqngdFlQiRA
"Why? Why did all of these dangerous people come to such a small town? What were they planning, and are there any more of them hiding somewhere?" Danny asks.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAL7spK8bPJ5
Tristan looks down at the ground, his fist clenched in frustration.
164Please respect copyright.PENANALqO3HRHS2p
Tristan smirks. "Why indeed..."
***
164Please respect copyright.PENANAep4YTGhNGc
Tristan accepting the white envelope from Mr. Fritts' hands smiles while standing in the doorway of the store. "Thank you so much, Mr. Fritts."
164Please respect copyright.PENANARr1YioGMzT
Mr. Fritts lets out a hearty laugh. "It's no problem, son. Like I said, you do good work."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAxN7LvlmsIh
Tristan's face begins to turn red from embarrassment. "Thanks, Mr. Fritts. That means a lot coming from you, and now I have enough money to pay my rent."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAlXO89p6XoL
"You have a good night, son, and see you on Wednesday," Mr. Fritts says with a smile as he waves to Tristan, who waves back.
***
164Please respect copyright.PENANAVEuMa4a7I4
Tristan navigated Elmwood Avenue, a location not far from his apartment. Amidst the small stores and hotels that lined the bustling street, he scanned the teeming masses of people.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAKkIh0WRRLl
With a smile, Tristan spotted a young woman with untidy long brown hair and disheveled clothes, sitting on a dirty rug in the far side of an alleyway.
164Please respect copyright.PENANArWdkvGa5j4
"There she is," Tristan exclaimed with a smile as he jogged over to the young woman. "Janice!"
164Please respect copyright.PENANAk6OX79De8U
Janice, upon hearing her name, looked up, emitted a small laugh, and waved at Tristan. "Hey, Tristan!"
164Please respect copyright.PENANAnknYyuYJmw
"I knew I would find you here at 6:30 pm in the evening," Tristan said, putting his hands on his hips.
164Please respect copyright.PENANALEAc03eojf
Janice shrugged her shoulders. "Well, where else is a homeless girl supposed to go?"
164Please respect copyright.PENANANRANjdeQfa
"Janice, you could go to the shelter. They could provide you with food, a bed, and a roof over your head," Tristan said with annoyance.
164Please respect copyright.PENANACJuLSjx0CO
Tristan pleaded with his friend, though deep down, he already anticipated Janice's response.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAeRiwvAOV8R
"No way! That place is way too uptight for someone like me," Janice said, shaking her head. "I much prefer being out here, where there are no rules, and I can sleep all I want under the starry night sky."
164Please respect copyright.PENANA06VpheJkNi
Tristan, familiar with Janice's steadfast nature, sighed upon receiving the all-too-predictable answer.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAgHY4ysDWYj
"Okay, okay. Just promise me if anything happens, you'll come to my apartment," Tristan urged.
164Please respect copyright.PENANA5GxHm9s5uT
Janice's cheeks turned red, and for a moment, she avoided his gaze, leaving Tristan puzzled.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAuHBvK7h8RQ
"Yeah, yeah, I will, promise," Janice said with a small laugh.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAcns5wdaTyD
Tristan smiled, reaching into his right pocket, and took out his wallet. With a sigh, he handed Janice a $20 bill.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAdaPPfSaVBv
"Here."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAuCzLtU2hFe
Janice's eyes sparkled with a certain radiance as she looked at the dollar bill in Tristan's hand.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAcZK0UAKfbp
"Are you sure?" Janice asked, looking up at Tristan.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAXXkizMhtsq
Tristan smirked. "Yeah, as long as you promise me you won't spend it on alcohol like you did last time."
164Please respect copyright.PENANArRr1XXV3Hj
"Yea, yea, I won't, okay!" Janice replied in embarrassment as she snatched the twenty dollars from Tristan's hand.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAbVCoCmZkWb
Tristan, ready to head back to his apartment, walked away giggling.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAIBOa0UhewZ
"It was you, wasn't it?" Janice asked.
164Please respect copyright.PENANADTiDKh9Z24
Tristan stopped walking and looked back at Janice with an awkward smile.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAQvznUfLqbr
"What do you mean?" Tristan asked with an awkward giggle.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAIcaPQBlvvi
"You know what I mean. Those gangsters – you were the one who took them down, weren't you?" Janice said with serious eyes.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAfIRSME4v0Q
Tristan stayed quiet for a few moments. "Me? No way could I do something like that," Tristan said, rubbing his head. "I'm way too weak."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAoncwPU5ygV
Tristan wasted no time as he continued his walk home.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAXbl9FziSPw
Janice looked at Tristan walking away and couldn't help but smile. "Weak? Yeah right, you could have fooled me."
***
164Please respect copyright.PENANAb6QVaAcBUw
After a long day filled with work and unsettling rumors, Tristan lays in his bed, staring at the ceiling.
164Please respect copyright.PENANADCZXWMV80o
Thoughts of the circulating rumors in the town occupy Tristan's mind, and he reflects on how fear has gripped the once-peaceful Oakbury. The paradox of small towns, typically quiet and serene, haunts him as he wonders if his actions caused chaos.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAoyHDaqxdk0
"Should I have done something differently?" Tristan pondered to himself while getting dressed into his pajamas. "Was there another way?" he continued to contemplate. "Did I do the right thing?"
164Please respect copyright.PENANA9mdrJReano
Closing his eyes, he throws himself into bed.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAcb4UxG4Jyp
"I just hope that everything will go back to normal soon," Tristan sighs as he begins to drift into a deep sleep.
***
164Please respect copyright.PENANAktBHyWKmNv
With his eyes closed, Tristan gracefully glides through an ocean of pure white.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAuWjawJjtT0
Upon opening his eyes, he finds himself surrounded by an seemingly endless expanse of white space.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAq0gFIxFWqu
Tristan wonders aloud, "Where am I?"
164Please respect copyright.PENANAoVUWSiBRLQ
An unknown voice responds, echoing from all directions, "Your wish shall be granted."
164Please respect copyright.PENANARRhpgV3q6P
Surprised by the feminine voice, Tristan scans the space to locate the source.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAAZDGexL98M
She materializes seemingly out of thin air – a woman with light brown hair adorned in gorgeous robes. Though her face is not entirely visible, Tristan senses her beauty.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAlZpcVI7rJ3
164Please respect copyright.PENANAdBWu9GbwTj
164Please respect copyright.PENANAUHCe8Oke68
"Who are you?" Tristan inquires, intrigued by the mysterious presence.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAuaUQHZv7pl
164Please respect copyright.PENANAReTXsovgYV
164Please respect copyright.PENANAsdcczaew2v
THE NEXT DAY
164Please respect copyright.PENANAnU65ZQoeTE
Tristan, grappling with the lingering remnants of sleep, rubs his eyes as he slowly awakens in his bed. Chaotic thoughts swirl in his mind as he reflects on the vivid dream from the other night.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAKjvx0uK68P
"It was just a dream," he reassures himself, yet his right hand trembles uncontrollably, betraying an underlying unease.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAzqBcKorDQ1
Dreams were foreign territory for Tristan, accustomed to a vigilant sleep with one eye open. Despite this, the dream's realism left him unsettled.
164Please respect copyright.PENANA3HSgwYGAOw
"Oh man, I must be really tired," Tristan muses with a tired smirk.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAOzeHEjzqrj
"Hello," an unknown yet familiar voice interrupts the solitude.
164Please respect copyright.PENANAadFjKQz5I8
Tristan, now fully awake, turns his head to the right side of his bed, where the same woman from his dream sits on her knees, smiling at him.
164Please respect copyright.PENANARy43uix4IF
"Hello, my name is Loraura, and I am a goddess sent from the Radiant lands. Please tell me your heart's desire."
164Please respect copyright.PENANAFtvIkWttuE
"Huh?
***
Author notes: Please support my work on Patreon for early access to new chapters. https://patreon.com/DarkMatteromniverse
ns 172.70.130.180da2