Masked by G. S. Michaelson

Author:G. S. Michaelson [Michaelson, G. S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2019-04-27T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22 - Rocky

WestScarlet

Aslog.

10 Years Ago.

It was the year after a madman had unleashed a weapon on the most populous city on the continent. The Legion covered it up, so the ordinary people didn’t know who or what had caused the Phoenix to turn on them. To them, it was simply a natural disaster. A fiery force of nature had set ablaze the city, and lives would never be the same. The Phoenix’s attack had left many orphans. The fire had burned homes, had claimed families, traumatised people. Just like that, so many lives had been shattered.

In the months to follow, some would observe that not enough resources were going towards getting the people back on their feet. It was no one’s fault. Buildings had to be fixed. The Archion Tower had to be reconstructed. People had to be reprimanded. The thorny issue of where to keep the weapon that had caused so much pain and suffering was one that had crossed the minds of many.

As a result, vulnerable people simply slipped through the system and ended up on the streets with no one. Allen Rocky was one of those people. At the age of 16, he had quickly adapted to his new status quo. He needed to know that he was not the same person with a cushy life that he was before, otherwise, he would simply go insane and break down. He had no time for grief, nor regrets.

And thus Rocky was born. With no ties and attachments to hold him down, the youth took whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Fun was always to be found in someone else’s pocket, wallet, house or even simply in someone else.

Then he attracted the attention of another boy, a younger one who ran in the same circles as him. The 15-year-old Juniper Rose began to follow Rocky around. Another victim of the Phoenix, Rocky would later learn. At first, he was not aware of his new found stalker, simply thinking it coincidence. Then he began to see him at the grocery store where Rocky stole his lunch. He noticed him at the laundrette where Rocky would find clean clothes. Then outside the gym, where he would shower with a stolen card. That pissed him off.

Juniper was slammed into the wall. The wind knocked out of him. Rocky stood in front of him, all full of menace and righteous rage.

“Why do you keep following me?” Rocky said. In his left hand, he flicked a switchblade. His right hand rested on Juniper’s shoulder, but the grip was slack. It was as if he was daring him to try and fight.

“Because you’re cool,” Juniper sputtered, “It’s because you’re cool.”

Rocky looked at him for a second, and then laughed so hard he fell to his knees.

“You think I’m ‘cool’?” Rocky repeated, “Don’t ever say that crap ever again.”

“It’s what I think.” Juniper replied, his voice quivering, “Everyone says it. You go to all the best parties, you don’t have anyone to tell you what to do.

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