A/N: The following story is long and different. If you do not know anything about Kamen Rider do not worry. This is a retelling of a series which I love to watch as well as a original story I had in the work for a long while now. Some parts maybe similar while others maybe completely new to the source material. Everything is connected. To get the fullest experience of the story at hand please check out and add my Spotify Playlist for the OST for Destroyer of Worlds. Now with all of that out of the way. Let's dive in...

"A dark abyss. It seems endless and devoid of all life. I felt myself falling and falling and falling into the nothingness. My limbs felt as if thousands of pounds of concrete were holding me down from making any sort of motion with them. My face was as still as a river over a stone. Completely motionless. I felt as though as I couldn't breathe...I couldn't move or even make any sort of expression on my face.....All I felt was nothingness..."

"As I was falling in darkness I could feel myself drift further and further away from where I needed to be....Falling? Was I really....falling?"

"I was disappearing into the void that I was in. Fading away. I felt no pain. I felt no danger. All I felt was the urge to-"

.......to what again?

I-I can't remember............what was I doing......?

"I was finally able to slowly open my eyes. I look up to see a small spark of light in the distance."

so pretty.....

"Even though I felt nothing and I was disappearing. I willed myself to raise my arm upwards. The darkness was around my arm like slime. I reached out to the small slimmer of light. It grew bigger as if I was bring it closer towards me....or maybe.....it was flying down towards me...? As the light grew the darkness grew stronger. I felt it's tug to me stronger than ever. It didn't feel like slime at this time.....it felt more like hands pulling me trying to keep me down........Even though I felt all of these hands around me I continued to reach out to the light. I don't know what had possessed me to do so....but I felt like I.....couldn't just...fade away.....not like this....."

"Once the light was within reach, I grabbed it and with that the darkness faded and the void of light replaced the nothingness of the place I was in. I felt the light in my right hand take form as a sword appeared in the grasp of my right hand. It looked like a long sword with a golden hilt in the shape of wings."

.....don't go.....

....you're still needed....

....i will never let you go....

.....you don't have to be alone anymore.....

....we're not just friends anymore....

...we're more than that...we're a family...

...listen up estrada, cause I ain't asking twice...

...help me...

....if you see the real me will you still love me?...

..If I go down this path. If I become the very thing that I swore to destroy. I want you all to..

..You're not going anywhere! We'll save you..

..Don't you believe in us?..

...I'm asking you guys...

...As friends...

...let my suffering end...

...let everyone else's suffering end...

...Finish this sad story of mine...

"I was then engulfed in a blinding light as I heard my name in the far distance. Then I heard an alarm and I gasped for air as I sat myself up in my bed. I looked at the time on my alarm clock across my room on my desk. It's 6:00am, I need to get up. I stare at the floor as I noticed droplets of water falling from my face. I touched my cheek with my right hand as I noticed that tears were falling from my eyes."

Manuel: Tears..?

"After I dried the tears with my hands I walked into the bathroom down the hallway outside of my room to wash my face. I then look up towards the mirror to see my reflection. I noticed that my grey T-shirt was a bit soaked by the water so I grabbed a towel that was hanging from the towel rack and dried up my face with it. I glance at the mirror to see a dark figure standing behind me. I gasped as I quickly look behind me only to see.....nothing. There was no one behind me. I relaxed myself as I placed the towel on the countertop."

Manuel: (Looks in mirror) I'm....just seeing things that's it...

"I proceed on with my morning routine. Though I was a bit more wary from what had happened in the bathroom, I continued getting ready for the day nevertheless. I'm in my room as I stand in front of the mirror as I adjust my tie of my school uniform."

Manuel: (Sighs) So annoying...

"I pick up my school bag and put on my shoes at the door way before I left I turned back to the empty living room devoid of life other than me."

Manuel: I'm off!

"I open the front door and closed it behind me. I sighed to myself as I look over to the house on the right. I see a girl come out in the same uniform as me."

Blond haired girl: (Looks at watch) I wanted to go in early but this was the best I could manage. (Sighs) I hope High School isn't going to continue being like this...

"The blond haired girl looks over towards me and notices me looking in her direction."

Blond haired girl: Oh. Hi Manny! (Waves Hand) Good morning!

"I merely glared at her while I walked over to my parked Motor Scooter."

Blond haired girl: You could at least wave back...

Sierra's Mother: Sierra you forgot your books!

Sierra: Oh no!

"Sierra rushes back inside her home. I see this through the rear view mirror and I just shake my head. I start the engine and begin driving off."

      *January 3, 2022, Monday, Time: 7:30am*

"While driving down the road, I see the school in the distance as I rev the throttle up a slight bit and speed up towards the parking lot. I take off my helmet and placed it in a compartment in my Motor Scooter. I grabbed my school bag from the compartment and closed it. I then looked up at the school."

Manuel: Wow...this place looks way better than in the photos.

Manuel: Maybe this won't be so bad..

"I walk through the gates while other students are entering in. The wind blows softly as peach blossom petals fall from the tree. I'm then immediately greeted with a female student holding up a flyer."

Female Student: Hi! I haven't seen you here before. You're a first year right?

Manuel: Umm yeah I am.

Female Student: Great! I'm your senior here. I'm a part of the student council here and let me be the first to Welcome you to Hoover High Academy! Please take this flyer it shows a list of all the clubs and sport teams you could join here.

Manuel: Thank you (Takes flyer)

Female Student: Remember every first year student has to report to the faculty office to receive their class student schedule if they didn't already receive it in the mail. Just enter the building turn left pass the shoe lockers and it'll be the last door to the right.

Manuel: Thanks for the info.

"The senior student walks away assisting the other new students. I look at the flyer."

Manuel: (Sighs) Waste of time...

"I walk off towards the school building and did as I was instructed but before I did I took off my shoes and traded them for the slippers inside my labeled shoe locker. I stood in line to the faculty office. Eventually it was my turn and I slid open the door and entered. I walked over towards the skinny teacher nearest to the door."

Male Teacher 1: Name?

Manuel: Manuel Estrada Sir!

Male Teacher 1: Let's see...(Looks through paper pile) Here you are.

Manuel: Thank-

Male Teacher 1: Wait a minute.

"The teacher noticed something on my transcript before handing me my class schedule."

Male Teacher 1: It seems like you're missing some info on here.

Manuel: Oh really? I'm so sorry!

Male Teacher 1: Don't worry about it. These things tend to be left out. I just really need something to written down here for the records. I'll ask the questions and you answer them then I'll write it down. Got it?

Manuel: Yes sir! Sorry sir! (Bows)

"I hear another much more larger Male teacher who's seated at the opposite end of the room glared at me and whispers under his breath."

Male Teacher 2: Stupid kid should've written it all down before submitting it in the mail.

Manuel: (In thoughts) *Mind your own business you jackass. That form was already hard enough to write down without any help.*

Male Teacher 1: Let's see. Name: Manuel Estrada, Age: 15 years of age, oh here it is. What is your current goal for education?

Manuel: To get good grades and get accepted into a university.

Male Teacher 2: (Smirks) Such an average response.

Manuel: (Whispers) bite me ass hat...

Male Teacher 2: (Stern) I'm sorry did you say something?

Manuel: Nothing worth saying sir. (Smiles)

Male Teacher 1: If we can continue...

Manuel: Right sorry.

Male Teacher 1: What career path do you want?

Manuel: I...I don't know...

Male Teacher 1: Okay. "Undecided". Do you have any idea which college you wish to go to after graduating?

Manuel: No sir...

Male Teacher 1: "Undecided" then...Do you wish to work for any of the companies here in Kochi City?

Manuel: Well umm...

Male Teacher 2: Let me guess. "Undecided"?

Manuel: (Downcasts and nods)

Male Teacher 2: (Laughs) Just another kid who had no idea what he wants in life. You should ashamed of yourself. You're not gonna last a single week here at the top of the line Academy.

Manuel: I'm sorry sir but if you don't mind me saying. I actually do plan on doing great things in my life.

Male Teacher 2: Really? And what may that be?

Manuel: I-I'm not sure as of yet but whatever I do. Whatever path I decide I'll do the absolute best at it. I'll prove you wrong.

Male Teacher 2: (Laughs hysterically) Can you believe this kid?

Manuel: Laugh it up now. In the end I'm gonna be the one laughing.

Male Teacher 1: (Smiles) Well said kid. Sorry about him he doesn't tend to be in a good mood until he eats his daily intake of ten donuts in the teachers lounge.

Manuel: (Laughs)

Male Teacher 2: The hell you told him that for?

Male Teacher 1: Hey you didn't had to respond all guilty like that Sho-San if anything your reaction just confirms what I said.

Mr. Sho: (annoyed) Whatever.

Male Teacher 1: Anyways he does have a point. You should've filled this part out on your own Estrada-San.

Manuel: You're right. However I had difficulty to. So I left it all blank.

Male Teacher 1: How hard is it to write about your dreams and goals in life? Oh well listen classes start in 15 minutes from now and I still have schedules to hand out to other first years. So here's the plan. I'm going to give you back this part of the application and you fill it all out. Doesn't matter if you put "undecided" on all of them but they have to be filled out with a serious response.

Manuel: Okay sir! Thank you sir!

Mr. Touma: The name's Mister Touma to you. I'll send someone to pick up that form from you by the end of the week okay? Here's your schedule too.

"He hands me all the forms and my class schedule in my hand."

Manuel: Thank you so much!

"I bow to the teachers before exiting the room. I walk pass the line and rest against the wall and read my schedule. I see the list for my classes and I head towards my first class which is at the third floor of the building. I walk up the stairs and walk  to my class with my bag and papers in hand. I look at the door."

Manuel: (Takes a deep breath) Here we go...

"I slide open the door to the classroom and every one who was already in the class looked at me and stared. I closed the door behind me as I entered and walked towards a empty seat at the back of the class while not making any eye contact with anyone. I was walking towards the seat and laid my bag on the desk next to the window. Suddenly it burst open and all of books and papers fell out of my bag. I kneeled to the floor attempting to pick them up all in a hurry while other students laughed at me one student with red glasses who was seated next to me got down on his knees and helped me out. After getting everything sorted he hands me the pile."

Manuel: Thanks.

Student with red glasses: Hey. Don't mention it.

"I put what I had thought was everything in my bag. But the kid with glasses picked up another small book and it reads 'Journal of Manuel Estrada'."

Student with Red glasses: A journal?

"From within the pages of my journal a small silver dagger drop out of it and onto the floor. I saw this and I quickly grabbed it before anyone noticed it all except the student with red glasses next to me."

Student with Red Glasses: Dude! Is that yours?

"I quickly snatch my journal out of his hands and put it back in my bag with the silver dagger. I then took a seat."

Manuel: Please don't say anything...

Angel: Hey! My lips are sealed. Although it's pretty cool I gotta admit. My names Angel...Angel Venegas.

Manuel: Manuel...

Angel: I know. I saw on your journal. Sooo...(Whispers to me) *what's up with the silver dagger?*

Manuel: Please just drop it.

Angel: Is it for protection?

Manuel: Yes. Obviously.

Angel: From what exactly?

Manuel: You wouldn't believe me if I told you...

Angel: Come on try me.

Manuel: No. Just pretend you didn't see anything-wait how did you know it was silver?

Angel: I could tell by the tone of the blade and by the shape of it. I just assumed is all though. I'm kinda a freak for weapons since I watch a lot of anime and movies.

Manuel: (Smiles) Cool. I do too.

Angel: I told you about me now tell me about you. Especially what you're doing with that.

Manuel: It's nothing bad just...you never know especially with this city.

Angel: Yeah you got that right. Crime had gotten up here in Kochi City. So I guess is only natural. Don't worry I'm not a tattletale.

Manuel: Thanks.

"The teacher then enters the classroom and the whole class settles down. Angel then lends over to whisper something."

Angel: After class lets compare schedules. You're pretty interesting.

Manuel: Umm sure?

"Class begins and as the teacher explains the rules and guidelines. I take out the forms to fill them out. I read them. 'What do you desire to be?' 'Is there anything you want out of life' 'If you could choose one person out of your life to spend the rest of your days with who would it be and why?'"

"All of these questions are impossible and completely personal. I look outside the window and stare into the sky through the glass. Is there any point to any of this? I go to school and for what? To Graduate? I don't even know what I'm going to be doing after high school. Before I knew it class had ended in a blink of an eye. I look out of the window completely out of it. The bell rings and I immediately get back my senses."

Female Teacher: Now remember pages 202 to 208 readings must be done before tomorrow's next class. Even Questions only.

Manuel: Wait what?

Angel: Dude were you not playing attention?

Manuel: No actually. What did she say?

Angel: (Laughs) Man you really have your head in the clouds. Here...what's your chat ID? I'll text you the assignment later tonight and do you mind if I grab your number as well?

Manuel: Huh? No I don't mind. But umm

"I took out my phone and gave it to Angel as he scans my chat ID and takes my phone number then he hands it back to me."

Manuel: Why?

Angel: Well...you're kind of a weirdo especially with that  "special item" you're carrying around but you don't seem dangerous. You just seem...lonely. So I thought us weirdos gotta stick together.

Manuel: Thanks...I guess. (Nervously laughs)

"Angel takes a look at my class schedule and points out the 6th and final class I have for the day."

Angel: Hey I have these classes too. Let's catch up with one another by then okay? (Pats Manuel's shoulder) See you around.

"I watch as Angel leaves the classroom. I smiled but then immediately downcasts."

Manuel: (In Thoughts) *I can't have any friends...*

"I went throughout the rest of the day going about my business. Finally it was lunch. It was finally time for one of the hardest decisions for High School."

"Choosing where to sit. I stand there with my tray of food in hand. I watch as all the students already have their friend groups. That was okay though. I wasn't here to make friends. I looked around to look for places to sit but most of the table were full. I looked to my left to see the girl next door Sierra along with other female friends of hers. I...don't think that would be a good idea. I look over to my right to see that one guy Angel I met earlier."

Manuel: (In thoughts) *I don't know him but...he was pretty nice...I wonder if he would mind if I-...*

"Just as I was going to head towards his table I noticed that three other male friends of his was seated with him."

Manuel:.........

"I turned around and continued to walk to the very end of the cafeteria until I found a single empty table. I sat down and sighed."

Manuel: I should've expected as much.

"I began eating my food but then I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I look over to the left of me and I see this girl standing by me with her tray of food in hand."

Blond haired girl: Hi. Could I sit with you maybe?

Manuel: Umm...go ahead..

"She sits down on the opposite side of the table. I tried not to make any eye contact. I noticed her looking at me. I look away as much as possible."

Manuel: (In thoughts) *Should I say something? I wish she stop staring.*

Blond haired girl: I figured you to look more like a delinquent.

Manuel: (In thoughts) *Thats her opener?!* Umm excuse me?

Blond haired girl: You're Manuel Estrada aren't you?

Manuel: Umm yeah. Who are you?

Misaki: My name is Misaki Sawa. I'm the student council president here.

Manuel: I see.

Misaki: You don't really seem that surprised.

Manuel: Well you honestly struck me as that type. Calling me a "delinquent" and all.

Misaki: Sorry it was wrong for me to label you that before getting to know you. I was under that impression since we got in contact with your old Middle School.

Manuel: Yeah figures. Look I'm not anything like before. I'm honestly just trying to go about my own business.

Misaki: I see that's good to know then. Weird I honestly was expecting you to be trouble from the stories I heard but you honestly don't give me any sort of negative vibe.

Manuel: Oh? What do you think then?

Misaki: Well...you just seem...lonely is all.

Manuel: Yeah probably. I'm not here to make friends. I'm just in it for the ride I guess. Passing through if you will.

"I finished my food and got up from my seat."

Manuel: Well it was nice meeting you I guess. See ya around Sawa-san.

"I leave the table with a smile on my face but as I leave my tray on the trash can and leave the lunchroom. I frowned as I left from the cafeteria and headed to my next class."

Misaki: Manuel Estrada huh? Interesting.

"Angel from his table looks up and watches as I leave. A frown forms on his face as he then focused back with they rest of his friends."

*January 3, 2022, Monday, Time: 3:00pm*

"After a long day of school, I go the school's parking lot and get everything ready with my motor scooter before I leave."

???: You own a nice model.

Manuel: Huh?

"I look back to see a male student holding his bag over his shoulder."

???: The Scooter of yours. I mean it's no motorcycle but close as you're gonna get to one.

Manuel: Yeah well I can't get a motorcycle license until I'm 16 so I'm stuck with this until then.

???: But hey for what it matters it's a good ride. It goes up to what 55 miles per hour?

Manuel: Actually it goes up to 80.

???: (Laughs) You're kidding.

Manuel: No it actually does. You see I was given this as a gift by someone and (Puts in key and start the engine) after tinkering around and replacing the engine for one with a bit more strength.

"I rev up the throttle as the engine roared loudly the speedometer reaches 80 while still parked. The student was impressed by this."

???: Damn dude. I didn't even know you could do that. That's awesome.

Manuel: Thanks.

Noa: I'm Noa by the way. Noa Kido.

Manuel: Manuel. Manuel Estrada.

Noa: Nice to meet you. You're a first year right?

Manuel: Yeah I am. You?

Noa: The same. I saw you in one or two of my classes so just thought I say "Hi".

Manuel: Cool. Maybe I'll see you around.

Noa: Aight. Oh yeah that reminds me. (Pulls out card and hands it to Manuel) Here.

"I take the card from him."

Noa: If you ever need of an oil change or anything to do with vehicles like your scooter there take it into the shop there. I work there part time.

Manuel: Cool. I'll consider it. Thanks.

"I watch as he walks away from me then turned my attention to the card he gave me and read the address."

Manuel: Hey! This shop in the Ghetto!

"Without turning back he yells back."

Noa: Trust me kid that's the best shop that you're going to find in the entire city!

"He walks away until he was out of my view. I sighed as I got open the compartment in the scooter and traded places with my helmet and my bag."

Manuel: Talk about a first day...

"I put on my helmet as I get on my scooter and drove off back home."

*January 3, 2022, Monday, Time: 4:00pm*

"I drive up to the driveway of my house and I parked. I get off after removing my helmet. I then noticed the neighbor girl Sierra sitting outside on the porch of her house looking at me. She was still in our school's uniform. As I grabbed my bag and head to my front door she calls out to me"

Sierra: Manny!

"I stopped in my tracks without turning back. She runs up closer to me but still keeping the

Manuel: Don't call me that..

Sierra: Okay...Manuel...How was School?

Manuel: Fine.

Sierra: Made any friends?

Manuel: No.

Sierra: Join in any clubs yet?

Manuel: No.

Sierra: Could you at least look at me?

Manuel: Why would I? I hate this about you Sierra. You act like everything is fine between us and that starting up a conversation with me is something normal that we do daily. We don't talk, we don't hangout and we're not friends. Not after what you did back then.

Sierra: I know I messed up before but it's unfair that you're not even giving me a chance to redeem myself. You used to be so nice and sweet to me. I want that back. I want to be a part of your life again.

Manuel: Well you should've thought of that back then. Now if you excuse me I got homework to do now.

"I open my front door and slam it shut behind me. I calmed myself with a couple of deep breaths. I then took a look in the inside of my home. All I hear is silence. Just like before."

Manuel: I'm home...

-Play Spotify Playlist Track #26 "I wonder"-

"I do all the daily things such as sweeping the floors, mopping, and cleaning what I can around my house. This is the daily routine for me. Just another day. As it got later I put a frozen dinner into the microwave. I waited there for a few minutes. As it was ready I took it out and sat it down with me seated at the dining room table. I look at all the empty seats around me. I then pulled out my iPhone and checked it for messages or any type of notifications."

IPhone: You have no new text messages. You have no new voicemails.

"I placed my phone down on the table. I began eating my food."

Manuel: Just another day...

"I look forward to the chair in front of me as a tear from my right eye was trailing down on my cheek and onto the table."

*January 3, 2022, Monday, Time: 7:00pm*

"I was finishing up with my classes homework in my room on my desk. Then after finishing my last assignment I realize that I didn't have any info for my first period."

Manuel: Damn I should've asked the teacher for it.

"Just as I said this I then received a text message. I quickly grabbed my phone to view it."

Angel: "Hey! The teacher just to do pages 202 to 208 of reading. That's it."

"I texted back."

Manuel: "Thanks Angel."

Angel: "No problem. Btw I saw you at lunch earlier. If you want I'll introduce you to my friends and you could hang with us."

Angel: "If you want."

Manuel: "We'll see....Have a goodnight and thanks again."

Angel: "Np. Night dude."

"I went ahead and did the final assignment for my class. Afterwards I written down all of the events today in my ever expanding journal. I sit back in my seat and look up at the ceiling."

Manuel: I don't want to hurt anyone else.

"Afterwards I gotten ready for bed with my daily night time routine. I stare up at my ceiling while laying in bed then I look towards my clock and look at the time."

*January 3, 2022, Monday, Time: 8:30pm*

Manuel: It's so early to go to bed.

"I look back up towards the ceiling and as a few more minutes my eyelids felt heavy and I drifted off to sleep."

*Within Dream*

"I opened my eyes quickly. I look up to see a night sky. I stood up as I was dressed in my sleepwear. I look around to see a desolate wasteland. It was nothing but dirt and mud not a single signal of a tree or grass in sight. Pits in the ground all had fire coming out of them. I look behind me and I see a sign I walk over towards it and wiped off the spot from it. It reads 'Kochi City'. I look away in horror while I pace all around the area until I noticed something at the corner of my eye. I see a dark figure standing a good distance away from me then a flash of lightning in the night sky reveals that something was flying above him. It roars an eye piercing sound as I then see a bright purple light coming crashing down towards me but as it came close to me I woke up."

*Back to Reality*

"I woke up in my bed as I gasped. I swiped cold sweat from my forehead as I attempted to calm myself down. I look at my clock as I look at the time."

*January 3, 2022, Monday, Time: 10:30pm*

"I laid back down on my bed as I look up at the ceiling."

Manuel: (Quietly To himself) What the hell was that?

"From the distance I heard movement coming from the living room just outside the hallway of my bedroom door. I quickly but very quietly got out of my bed and grabbed the silver dagger from my bag. I slowly turned the knob and quietly exit my bedroom as I sneak down the hallway to the living room. I got to the corner of the hallway I peered into the living room and saw a dark silhouette moving around in the living room."

"As it came near towards the hallway I rushed out as I attempted to stab the intruder. The creek of the floorboards gave me away and the intruder caught my wrist disarming me in the process. I shoved them away and go for a kick to the head until they caught my leg and threw it to the side spinning me in a 180 but I caught myself and did a handstand as I successfully kicked them away. I backflipped back onto my feet as we both exchange blows. However it was no use neither one of us could land a single blow to the other. However he was able to grab me by the hair and lift me up in the air and slammed me to the floor. I quickly noticed the dagger near their feet and as they rush over towards I kicked them away causing them to stumble back as I rolled towards the dagger and grab it with my right hand as I also form my left hand into a fist and hitting them in the back part of their knee on their right leg. They grunted in pain as I get up and spin around to deliver a clean kick to the back part of his knee on his left leg. The intruder got onto one knee as I punched them across the face with my left hand causing them to fall back to the floor. I spun the dagger in my right hand so I'm holding it backhanded and I was about to deliver the killing blow until the intruder yelled out."

???: PONDERO!

"I was then sent flying back crashing into the wall with the light switch for the living room then I see the dagger flying towards my head but I dodged and it was stuck into the wall itself."

Manuel: A spell? A phantom!

"I pulled out the dagger and turned on the light to see something I was not expecting."

???: (While on ground) Hey Manny.

Manuel: The hell?! Asher!

"I see my good friend Asher Agawa wearing all black clothing with dark T-shirt, dark jeans and a full dark light trench coat with a hood. He performs a kip up jumping back onto his feet as he then dusts himself off."

Asher: I got to admit I didn't think you would get me in a harsh matter like that. If it wasn't for my reflection spell I've would've been screwed.

Manuel: Asher...the hell man?! What are you doing here?! Also why the hell didn't you say anything?! I thought I was fighting a phantom!

Asher: I wanted to see if you were still training.

Manuel: Of course I am!

Asher: Hey I didn't know before but now I know. If I was a Phantom you would've killed me for sure.

Manuel: Freaking hell man...You come into my house in the middle of night, don't text or call for months and you fight me in my own house. You know I could've killed you?

Asher: Ehh debatable at best.

Manuel: (Sighs) You're so lucky I can't stay mad at you.

Asher: Hey that's my big bro.

Manuel: First of all, we not brothers...close friends maybe and that's a big "maybe" considering what just happened. Second, it's a bit weird for you to call me "Big Bro" considering you're a sophomore in college while I'm barely starting my freshman year in High School.

Asher: Come on you might as well be. You're taller than me, more mature than me, you make your own money and you got a place of your own.

Manuel: You know that's not the case for that last part.

Asher: Well it might as well be considering you do all the maintenance around here.

Manuel: Asher not that this reunion isn't nice or what not but I'm asking again. Why are you here?

Asher: What a friend can't visit a friend to congratulate him for making to Hoover High Academy? The greatest school in the city.

Manuel: Yeah some friend you are. Where the hell have you been? You never reply to any of my text messages, when I call your phone it just sends me straight to voicemail which by the way you haven't even bothered setting up for your phone.

Asher: Yeah I know. I'm sorry but the Magia Clan had called me on many different retreats so I've been busy for 80 percent of the time that with the clan and school.

Manuel: Yeah what about the 20 percent of the time. Communication goes both ways you know?

Asher: I know...

Manuel: I don't think you do. Look (Takes out IPhone and points to the screen) You see this? (Talks slowly) This is the messaging app. You use this to text.

Asher: Okay okay I get it. Mind if I make it up to you?

Manuel: How so?

Asher: Well I brought gifts.

"I look past Asher as I see a couple of gift bags set on the dining table. I look back towards him."

Asher: Why do you think I was walking around out here for? Anyways do you think you could forgive me?

Manuel: It's a start...

"I walk into the kitchen as I heard him talk to himself."

Asher: (Smiles to himself) He forgives me.

"Asher heads into the kitchen with me. After a while I prepared both me and Asher a cup of coffee for the both of us. I handed the cup to Asher."

Asher: Thanks big bro. (Takes a sip of coffee)

Manuel: Okay do you just take what I say and ignore it?

Asher: Pretty much.

"I merely rolled my eyes as he continues drinking his coffee while seated by the kitchen table. I also take a seat down at the table facing Asher. I take a sip of the coffee as I then break the silence in the room."

Manuel: So how's everyone back at the Magia clan?

Asher: Everyone is pretty good. You should definitely visit us over at Akemi City. We all miss you Manny.

Manuel: Yeah I know. I think about the others too. I've just been a bit busy you know?

Asher: Really? Wait let me guess. You got a girlfriend?

Manuel: Umm no.

Asher: Oh really? Dang I thought that I had got that right. Okay then...(Snap fingers) You got yourself a group of friends to hang with now!

Manuel: Still no.

Asher: Wait so has nothing changed for you then since the whole thing with Devoid a few years back?

Manuel: I tried my best to keep everything the same since then.

Asher: Dang it Manny. I told you that you can't keep on isolating yourself.

Manuel: (Downcasts) I know...

Asher: You didn't make a single friend today at School?

Manuel: Well I met this one guy who I share some classes with.

Asher: Oh really? Is he your friend now?

Manuel: Well no not exactly.

Asher: (Whines) Manny! You're killing me here!

"Asher then grabs his cup of coffee and begins chugging it down. I watch in horror as he then slammed the cup down on the table and he stands up."

Asher: Damn it. You got me all worked up now. I need some air. (Looks at Manuel) You coming with?

Manuel: To where exactly?

"I drink from my cup as I look and listen to Asher."

Asher: Out to the city of course. There's plenty of places to run through out there.

Manuel: Seriously? You're gonna run out there? It's a bit dangerous.

Asher: Since when have you cared about danger? You were up and around all over Akemi City. Come on you know you want to.

Manuel: I don't know to be honest...it's a school night and it's late enough as it is and I-

Asher: Manny.

Manuel: Yeah?

Asher: It'll be good for you to clear your head. Come on man let go just like before. Or maybe you just can't keep up anymore.

Manuel: You kidding? I know those rooftops better than you.

Asher: Big talk. But let's face it. You're probably a wash out...it has been since you've been "so" busy with living your "normal life". Oh well...looks like I have to go for that run all by myself.

"Asher begins to walk out of the kitchen and into the living room. I slammed my fist against the table as I then stood up."

Manuel: Wait!

"Asher turns away looking towards me."

Manuel: I know you're playing me...but no one. And I mean no one comes into my home and calls me a "wash out"! You're on!

"Asher smiles towards me as I quickly moved out of the kitchen and then go towards my room to change into my normal clothes. Then we head out to the city."

*January 3, 2022, Monday, Time: 11:30pm*

Manuel: (Laughs) YEAH!!!!

"I jumped off a rooftop and rolled onto the top of another. I started running again as I cartwheel forwards over a air conditioner unit and I jumped into the air as I backflipped onto the ledge of the third rooftop. I look down at the city lights and I smiled."

Asher: Hey you would've killed yourself if you had made that jump a few inches forward.

Manuel: Nah...I would've been fine Asher. Besides even if I did fell would you have let me?

Asher: I'm not a safeguard for you Manny.

Manuel: But...? (Smiles)

Asher: (Sighs) I would save you.

Manuel: (Laughs) I totally called it.

"I decided to sit down on the ledge with my legs dangling over the edge and Asher stands by my right side of me. We look down at the great city lights as the cool breeze passes by us."

Asher: So you never told me about that guy you met today.

Manuel: Well to be honest...if I told you how we met you'll be upset with me...

Asher: (Concern) Why..?

Manuel: Well he sort of...saw the silver dagger you gave me...

Asher: Oh my- Manny you had one job. To keep that dagger concealed at all times!

Manuel: I know! I'm sorry...it fell out of my bag...

Asher: Has he told anyone?

Manuel: No...I made him swear he wouldn't.

Asher: Well that's just great Manny...The best thing you could do now is befriend him and hope to god he doesn't rat you out.

Manuel: But I-!

Asher: Manny. It's time to move on. You of all people deserves it...

Manuel: Right...I guess in the end I'm the only thing that hasn't change is this city.

"A soft night breeze brushes pass my hair. I take a deep breath in and then out."

Manuel: This city is really great...

Asher: You....really love it here. Don't you?

Manuel: To be honest I do. But at the same time I don't...

Asher: It's because of B.O.A.R.D.?

Manuel: Yeah....ever since they came into the picture. This city has been left broken in my eyes. The only thing that hasn't changed is the great city lights in the night while I run...

Asher: I know what you mean. This feeling while running. I never got this feeling back at Akemi city. Something about this place is just great.

Manuel: Yeah...I wish that it go back to the way it was...

Asher: Manny...that anger...is it..?

Manuel: I swear...one day soon...I'll destroy B.O.A.R.D......

Asher: Manny........

"Me and Asher continue to talk to one another but as we speak towards one another I eventually take out my phone and look at the time."

*January 4, 2022, Tuesday, Time: 12:00am*

Manuel: Asher...it's getting late...maybe we should go back home...to our own homes...

Asher: You sure that you don't want me to go back with you?

Manuel: I'll manage... (Sniffles)

Asher: I'll be sure to answer my phone next time you call or text. I'm here for you Manny. I always will be.

Manuel: Thanks...it umm...it would mean a lot.

Asher: I know....Take care of yourself Manny. Be sure to open up to more people like you do with me.

"I look down at the city lights as I hear Asher run off. I turned around and Asher is gone. I stand up and walk away moving slowly from one rooftop to another. Some time has passed and I was halfway home. I was taking a shortcut cutting through the Ghetto. A good portion of the city that is now abandoned due to a fatal gas leak five years ago. It used to be the center piece of Kochi city but is now just a memory of what it once was."

Manuel: It's no fun running without someone by my side...

"I look up to the sky and sigh. As I continue my way back home I noticed a flash of light from above me followed by another. I looked up and I see a meteor shower in the night sky."

Manuel: So...beautiful...Asher thanks for getting me out of the house tonight. I wonder...if it's the same rules as a single shooting star...

"I began to pray and as I close my eyes and tell me wish to anyone who is listening."

Manuel:.....I wish.....what I want.....is for people to like me.....I want friends.....a significant other........new family......so please for whoever is listening grant me my wish....

"I see more and more of the shooting stars fly past the night sky at a alarming rate."

Manuel: Is that normal..?

"Then a star glimmers in the distance and comes shooting down towards the earth. I see this and I attempt to run away. It crashes into a abandoned factory nearby and the shockwave sent me flying towards a nearby brick wall. I hit my back against it and fell to the ground."

Manuel: (Groans in pain) God Damnit...

"After a while of laying on the ground, I eventually recovered and got back up on my two feet. I held my left arm with my right I walked over towards the edge and look over towards the abandoned factory and a bright white emits from the roof of it seeping outside where it's visible."

Manuel: What the hell...? What is that..?

"The glow slowly but surely started to fade as the light can no longer be seen from outside the factory. I pondered for a moment but then shook my head to get my mind off of the idea I had."

Manuel: No....no no no......you didn't see anything....it's not your problem.....

"I look away preparing myself to run away from the scene. I was about to but I looked back once more."

Manuel: Damnit....It shouldn't hurt to check...

"I began by jumping down to a nearby fire escape and dropped down in a alleyway. I ran out the alley and onto the street. I looked around to see if there was anyone nearby but there wasn't a single person in site. I rushed over to the abandoned factory. I reached the chain link fence (about eight feet tall) blocking entry into it. Without any effort at all, I jumped and kicked the fence to perform a front flip over the fence. I landed on my feet and started running towards the entrance of the factory. I tried to opened the two front doors but I noticed the chains wrapped around the door handles and the heavy lock keeping it bound together. I ran around the factory towards the back of it. After looking around for a good few minutes I see a broke window on the second floor. With no stairs leading up to it I look for another way up. I see a old pipe attached to the wall leading up to a gutter. I got a good grip on to the pipe and began to climb up. I eventually got up to the second story then I reached my hand out towards the broke window and grabbed onto a part of the window without any broke glass with my left hand. I let go of the pipe and then lift myself up with both of my hands and into the window. I landed on a steel flooring on the second story and immediately felt pain in my right hand. I looked and see a large piece of glass sticking out of the palm of my hand."

Manuel: (Grunts in pain) Goddamnit...

"I carefully pulled out the shard of glass out of my hand and dropped it to the floor and blood immediately spills onto the floor from my hand. I shrugged it off and continued to make my way towards the crash site as I tried to ignore the pain from the cut I suffered."

Manuel: I need to take care of this once I get back home...

"I walked down the stairs and onto the ground level of the factory. I continue towards the center of the huge factory considering that's where the shooting star had crashed in. I looked ahead of me and see two large machines blocking my way, I see a tight gap between the machines big enough for an average person to make it through. I looked through the gap towards the opposite side and see a extremely large crater. I begin to squeeze through the machines moving slowly towards the end. I finally got to the other side and see the entirety of the crater."

Manuel: (Surprised) Holy.........

-Play Spotify Playlist Track #24 "she is still sleeping"-

"I look down towards the bottom of the crater and see the faint glow down below. I found myself amazed by the glow and without knowing it tears begin to fall, trailing down my face and falling to the ground. Just then the ground underneath my feet broke and I began sliding down the crater and when I finally got to the bottom I rolled on the ground instantly dirtying my clothes with dirt and soot. I picked myself up and I looked to see the glowing object nearby me. I got up and walked slowly towards the glowing center of the crater. I kneeled down and reached out my right hand towards it and when I did the glow got stronger. I quickly pulled back my hand. I took a deep breath in and out. Once again I reached out my hand towards the glow and it shines brighter and brighter. Eventually the entire factory shined in a bright blue light and as I grabbed the glowing object it all faded immediately. I shake my head as the blinding light effects on my eyes wore off. My vision was clear and I look to see what I was holding in my hand."

Manuel: what...is this...?

"I looked at the strange device and inspected it. Along with a few strange symbols, I read a single word."

Manuel: "Decade"....?

"I switched hands and inspect the back but I noticed something. There was no blood on the device. I quickly looked over to my right hand and see that the cut I had suffered from entry in the factory had disappeared."

Manuel: It's gone.....?

"Just then the device started to glow again. It began to shake violently in my hand and then shoot out a beam of light into the night sky through the giant hole in the top of the factory. I look up as I not only see one but three more stream of lights shooting in the sky then more appeared. I counted at least sixteen different lights being shot into the night sky and the device shot out of my hand and begins to float in the air in front of me. It shot out a shockwave sending me flying backwards towards the end of the crater but before I landed the device attached itself to me forming a belt around my waist. I crashed into the wall and fell unconscious all while I heard a voice in my head."

???: So it begins...