~Lucifer~ 

"The world looks kinda peaceful today, doesn't it?" I asked, looking at the blue skies, blue waters, and the grey lands covered in buildings and infrastructures. Not even a small patch of grass would dare grow at such a disgusting place.

But then again, gigantic patches of grey landscapes like these are the perfect holes for breeding sin.

I tilted my head to the right and stared at the gorgeous sunset.

"It's a little too peaceful for my taste."

*****  

"Hello dad." The emotionless greeting came rolling out of my tounge like a boulder, and I hurriedly removed my bag and rushed off into my room.

I have a total of twenty-six assignments to do for tonight. And it's for Brick and the rest of his gang.

"Lucas, hold it." My dad stopped me, his hand clammed on my shoulder to prevent me from inching myself any further.

"What is it, dad?" I asked, craning my head to look at him.

All I could see in his eyes... Were concern.

"Teacher Julie must've told you then," I scoffed, mentally rolling my eyes. Because if I do it for real, dad might sucker punch me in the face.

"She was just concerned," my father began, as he placed his palm on my head as usual, so I didn't complain anymore.

Besides, the room feels a little... Stuffy.

I sighed in annoyance. "I know that she's here, dad. You can quit the facade." My father tensed up after I spoke. But he recovered pretty quickly anyway... His jet black hair swaying from time to time.

"I'm sorry for intruding, Lucas." I turned around, just to see the person who was making this very room stuffy and hot. "But personally, I think your bullying case is starting to go a little too far."

I was used to the fact that it was only me and dad. So used that my body automatically reacts differently whenever another person's around.

"What do you mean by 'far,' Ms. Sanders?" My father inquired, while his son here was literally dying just to get away from his firm grip. I felt my shoulders sag.
Looks like there's no hope of escaping this time.

"Lucas Stellar." Hearing my full name made me flinch. God, my father's mad.

I turned to face him, no idea whatsoever if he'll scold me. I don't even know what kind of expression I'm wearing right now.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Matthew questioned, brown eyes filled with outmost concern for his only son.

"It wasn't worth telling you," avoiding his gaze that could ultimately pierce boulders, I focused my sights unto the grandfather clock instead.

Teacher Julie sighed, as she handed a brown envelope to my worried dad. "Mr. Stellar, please don't worry about your son's grades though... He's a straight A student."

"Well, that's the very reason why he's in that school."

I wanted to get out of here. There were still a lot of things I needed to patch up before I proceed to making Brick's schoolwork.

I continued to stare at that clock, watching its visible cogs turn, the tick-tocking sound filling my ears like music. I didn't want to hear whatever they might be talking about. No.

"I don't want my son to get hurt anymore. Maybe it's for the best if he transfers—"

"—No." I decided to cut him off before he could finish his reckless answer.

"That school... I can still bear it, don't worry." Instead of sounding brave, my voice ended up like a squeak.

"Only a year before I graduate. I can handle it." I wasn't even looking at my father, or at my science teacher when I allowed those words to fall out of my mouth. I was looking at Hauser, who was busy chewing a random pillow that fell off from the couch.

"Lucas, I know that you're trying to help. But it doesn't help at all, knowing that my son gets bullied every time he goes to school," my father argued, his voice firm.

"It doesn't make me feel better, knowing that you're enduring this kind of pain just for that scholarship."

This time, I actually rolled my eyes and glared at this idiotic father of mine. He doesn't know that I'm doing this for him. Because some bastard kept on threatening me.

"Honestly, dad." I returned the piercing stare with additional interest. "I've been bullied all my life because of some stupid curse."

I heard teacher Julie's sharp intake of breath, and my father's almost-defeated sigh.

"But when I say that I can handle it... Trust me. I can." Don't underestimate your son too much, I thought.

"But Lucas, you—"

"—Well, he said it's okay, so we better let him be." This time, it was my dad who decided to cut off the teacher.

"Besides, I know that he's strong. Just don't overdo everything though."

I smiled. I didn't care if I get beat up everyday, or if I have to do the entire class's schoolwork. All I want is to help my father. I don't care what else happens.

He's everything I've got.

*****

Only one more year... And I'll be able to graduate as a fulltime scholar at Breakfield Highschool. I'll be able to pursue my job as a lawyer, and hopefully, I'll be able to support my father.

It was Tuesday. And it's the deadline for this month's research thesis, so everybody's all worked up. No one even noticed me as I slipped past my locker.

Good riddance.

Classes flew by quickly, but I made sure to give Brick his schoolwork and his thesis before he ends up smashing my face.

And finally... I was satisfied with the result of my grades. "In all of my subjects, I actually got a straight A+," I marveled, eyes slightly widening. I've gotten good grades all the time, but not this good.

If I ask my dad to build Hauser a bigger doghouse, and then show him my grades, I wonder if he'll agree.

Sure, most people as their parents for new clothes and gadgets, but I'm fairy clothed, and my phone's still working quite properly, so why ask him for more?

But the thought itself made me smile. If I end up with a part-time job, I'll save my money and help him.

Oh, and buy a new watch for his birthday too. It's only a few weeks away, so I better start saving up.

With a new goal in mind, I strutted off outside... But stopped when teacher Julie waltzed in front of me.

Honestly. Students hate persistent teachers like her.

"What do you want, Ms. Sanders?" I inquired, head slightly titled to the right. Her posture was quite stiff, so I suppose it's about my bullying case. Again.

"Lucas Stellar, please come with me to the teacher's office," She stated formally, which struck me. She's always informal when around a non-talking, antisocial brat like me.

So out of mere curiosity... I followed her.

Halfway through though... She looked at me, eyes nearly as sharp as daggers.

"Lucas... Why won't you listen to the adults? We're here, doing what's best. And here you are. Trapping, shutting yourself like you're the only person alive in the world," my science teacher spat those words out like venom, but I was more impressed by that unnecessary speech she gave me.

"And I told you to stop already." A small, annoyed growl began to form itself. And I rolled my eyes in irritation.

"Why the are you even putting so much attention on me? Do you want something else?" I retorted, not realizing that my mouth was already out of control.

"Because that's what you humans always want. Recognition. Material stuff. Money—"

And with that, I got a free slap in the face.  

"Ungrateful brat," She whispered, tears brimming from those bright blue irises, waning, threatening to fall.

Why the hell is she even so desperate to help a cursed boy like me? I've gotten used to all the bullying... But that slap hurt more than Brick strangling me—or punching me in the stomach.

I didn't understand. Why?

But there was actually nothing I could do, only watch as the female teacher made her way out—stomping a random foot every now and then.

After the pain subsided, I allowed myself to venture out into the locker room... Without any form of protection in my sleeve.

And that's when this head splitting headache suddenly crashed towards me like an out-of-control train, ramming itself straight into my system and causing me to stagger. Heck, I couldn't even stand straight without leaning into one of the lockers.

I panted heavily, trying to focus my breathing and trying ever-so desperately to regain my strength. That migraine of mine was gone in an instant, just as soon as it had appeared. I noticed that this headache has been getting stronger and appearing more frequent lately.

It made me wonder if I have some sort of brain disease that has symptoms indicating, ungratefulness, numbness, and goodness-me—curses.

Even though I was slightly baffled and a little dazed, I continued to trek my way unto the locker with my name plastered on it.

"Oh, here goes 'Mr. Teacher-Heartbreaker!'"

Well... At least I tried getting away. But a hand clamped itself against my arm, trapping me between his body and the locker.

Brick's garlic-scented breath filled my nose as he sneered at me deviously, like a cat who finally managed to trap a mouse it's been toying with.

I think I need to puke.

"Well hello there, Lucifer." His voice was laced with venom, and he wasn't even trying to hide it. He's got more venom than a cobra, for goodness sake. Stay fifteen meters away from me, will ya?

I've been doing whatever he wants me to do, but then how come he's trapping me here again?

I'm being a good victim here... So that he and his insanely rich family won't strip us of our properties.

All this time, Brick's been spoonfeeding me with all those threats, which I knew had 99% chance of coming true, since most people consider me as a nuisance.

Honestly, I wish this prick in front of me would just die.

I couldn't say anything as usual anyway, so I just hung my head. "Hello to you too... Brick." I replied, a hint of sarcasm rolling out of my tounge. And it was so obvious, I bet my bully tasted it.

"Well, first thing's first, I wanna congratulate you for the magnificent job, Lucifer." He patted my shoulder quite harshly, snicker still evident in his smug face.

I seriously needed to puke my lunch right now. I can't stand garlic.

"Thanks to you, I got an A."

I breathed a sigh of relief because of that statement. I finally completed my job. Then that means...

"That means, I'm free to go?" I asked, looking straight at him—and how I wish I could turn back time. My decisions never fail to make me regret them.

"No. Of course not!" A large hand came—as I had anticipated it—and wrapped itself roughly around my neck.

"Just because you completed this semester's work for me... Doesn't mean that you're done."

"Yeah, I could've guessed that." I answered, slightly baffled as those words flowed out by itself. I was getting strangled here! Why am I talking?

The hand around my neck snaked itself tighter, causing me to gag and cough.

"Oh, by the way," Brick said, his voice lowering itself so that only I could hear. There were already so many onlookers, and all of them were simply whispering amongst themselves... Not caring about some random guy getting chocked to death by a garlic-scented jock.

It was as if I was a vampire, cursed by humanity, and I was being hunted down by a vampire hunter that reeks of garlic. Phew! I really need to go now, or I'll end up barfing in his face.

"What did you do to Teacher Julie?" I eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

What? What?

"What?" I finally verbalized, still managing to choke out the word.

"You heard me, Lucifer!" Brick bellowed, nearly breaking my eardrums, startling everyone else in the process.

I see... This prick has a crush—obsession, rather—on the very teacher sticking to me like super glue. That's why.

"Answer me." His voice was already speaking for itself. If I don't answer truthfully... I'll get smothered.

"Well... She was annoying." I really shouldn't have said that, for the man in front of me was literally spewing out smoke from his ears.

And just like that... I got punched. Straight in the jaw, causing me to fall on the tiled floor upon impact, skin making physical contact with the cold, hard, seemingly unforgiving ground.

I can't wait until everyone else just stomps on me as if I was nothing. I'm being sarcastic here, in case no one noticed.

I wasn't even finished with my monologue yet, but I could already feel someone's hand wrapping itself around my collar again.

"Let's take a trip to that old parking lot, shall we?" He whispered briskly as he yanked me upwards, and dragged me.

"Unfortunately, I think I have to say 'no' this time around." I replied, the sweet taste of victory lingered in my mouth when the hint of shock and surprise registered across his face.

I didn't know how I did it exactly, since I don't even have any sort of experience in fighting, but as I spun around to twist his arm that was still holding unto my collar, my right leg instinctively raised itself to kick my bully in the spinal cord, causing us to part.

The rest of the onlookers fell into a trance of dead silence after witnessing their school's timid, cursed student, actually fighting back.

That strange sensation of victory satisfied me. Heck, I didn't even know... Beating up people could actually feel this good.

I shook my head, slightly surprised that such thoughts entered my mind. What, is the migraine affecting the way I think now?

Brick glared daggers at me, his eyes clearly amused by the fact that his prey was, for once, trying to fight him.

"I'll make you regret every single decision you've ever made Lucas."

*****

And I got beaten up. It's just as simple as that.

More of those who didn't like my attitude jumped into the fray and began attacking me for no reason. I don't think I still need to explain all these in detail, because it freaking hurts so much already.

My face slammed against the ground, veins on fire because of all the punches and kicks I've taken in so far.

"Are you hitting on her, Lucas?"

That question was just so ridiculous. So this is all because of that stupid teacher? Then if it was, I'd rather prefer if she hadn't appeared in my life.

I rolled on the ground, wincing and groaning in pain, when some random kid who was only there for fun stomped on my stomach, making me lurch upwards and gag. It felt like I swallowed a vacuum cleaner, and it's sucking all my organs, and then setting them on fire.

They did a high-five for the successful attack, and Brick proceeded to grab my hair and yanked it forcefully. It's just so different when someone starts to call you by your real name, doesn't it? Only means that you're about to die.

"Answer me, prick!" He hollered, and it made me wanna roll my eyes heavenward, despite all the pain surging throughout my entire body.

This guy's so dumb. How the hell does he expect me to answer him?

"O-of course... N-not." I barely coughed out those three words, but it seemed like that answer wasn't enough. Brick's fist connected itself with my jaw, and in one fluid movement, I was sent rolling down on the ground one more.

I couldn't move. It felt like all of my bones were broken, and I needed a desperate amount of pain killers to subside this oozing feeling that's about to eat me alive. My thoughts became consumed by the fact that I was seriously about to meet my end in some random parking lot, after being dragged from school.

I can see it in the headlines now.

But what was worse, was that my body was starting to grow accustomed to the pain... And I was left feeling nothing. Their kicks, punches, and taunts. My body was so numb—I couldn't even hear a thing.

My consciousness was beginning to disappear, darkness clawing at my back, telling me to go to sleep... And it reminded me of Jeff the killer for one second, before I got one last kick in the face. The world spun around me, as if it was inside a blender, and then everything else finally went black.

~~~~~

Everything felt like a hazy dream. I opened my eyes carefully, trying to make sure that Brick and the others were gone.

My surroundings were still black, tints of red lights casually flying off here and there. That's when I realized that I just died.

But that's strange. Instead of feeling cold... There was this comforting warmth spreading across my entire body, as if assuring me that things will soon turn out fine.

Fine my foot.

I was about to give in and just close my eyes in defeat, when a hand clasped itself on my head, stroking it gently... Making a -834° chill run down my spine.

"How was the trip, Lucas?" A husky male voice rang out... And my mind was suddenly flooded with nostalgia. Why did I find the voice so awfully familiar?

The hand stroking my hair so longingly, swiftly guided me, until I ended up leaning on a sturdy, broad chest covered in a formal tuxedo, cradling me.

"It's been a while, Lucas. Did you miss my presence?" A pair of red eyes came to my view, and I nearly fell to a dead faint.

"W-who... Are you?" I stammered, barely getting the question out of my mouth. The man chuckled dryly, his eyes holding back amusement.

"I've been your loyal companion ever since you were a child. You don't remember me anymore, buddy?" He did a fake 'I'm-hurt' facade, but recovered quickly anyway.

"Don't worry, Lucas," a comforting pat in the head was what I received from him, along with a toothy grin.

Red, taunting, menacing eyes... And pitch black hair. Except for those features, the two of us looked exactly alike.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, still confused. But the man simply gave me a tender look before walking off. "I'll take care of everything else, so take a short rest, okay? I'll come back for you later."

I was still in the middle of wondering what he meant, when my entire being faltered. Sleep tried to consume me... And before I knew it, I had already succumbed.

~~~~~

**Third person's POV**  

"Hey, Lucifer's not moving anymore, Brick," one of the goons began as he used a foot in a pathetic attempt to make the passed-out Lucas Stellar move.

Brick's expression changed from anger to slight worry. He was only trying to separate the teacher from making contact with a cursed student... That's why he was so desperate to get rid of Lucas.

So the boy bent down and placed a hand on Lucas' wrist. He began to sweat profusely, and dread started to settle itself in the depths of his stomach.

No pulse. 

"M-maybe we went a little too far?" One offered as he tried to lighten up the mood, but it wasn't working. The nervous boy quickly ran a hand across his blond hair in utter anxiousness.

"I-I... I k-killed someone." He stuttered, voice shaking. "I... I just killed L-Lucas!" He blurted out, panic seizing him as he hurriedly stood up.

They each took their precious moments to examine the body of Lucas Stellar, arms twisted in such a way that his elbows had become a hue of purple and black.

Buries and broken bones covered his entire body, and in his lower lip, blood slowly oozed... Creeping the hell out of everyone who participated in that huge, 'beat-the-cursed-student-up' party.

"W-well... It's for the best, r-right?" Someone chimed in. "N-no one likes that cursed son of the devil anyway."

"We should call the ambulance!"

"It's too late for that, you dork—"

They all stopped.

An icy-cold hand suddenly wrapped itself around Brick's ankle, terrifying everyone to the point where they might as well pissed their pants. He instinctively raised a leg and kicked the hand away, backing off as far as he could.

Brick watched in horror, mouth agape, as the person he thought was dead, rose up right in front of him... A malicious smirk plastered on his face, and a pair of bloody red eyes that caused his stomach to flip upside down.

Which—as far as they all knew—Lucas Stellar had gray eyes, not vermilion coloured ones.

"Oh? So you're the ones who beat up my beautiful, future body?" 'Lucas' asked, sticking his tounge out and casually examining his wounds for everybody to see.

There was this annoying feeling of dread that settled inside of them, rendering their movements useless.

One by one, slowly buy surely, the bruises all over his body began to disappear, and in no time at all, Lucas Stellar was back to his original form, before they dared beat him up.

"Honestly, he didn't do anything to you at all, and yet here you are, beating him senseless." The creature inside Lucas' body mumbled, making everyone else wonder if it was still him inside his own.

But no one would even dare to take their chances. They began to run away like the cowards they are, leaving Brick and the possessed Lucas alone.

The bully decided to swallow his fear and confronted 'Lucas'. And with a stutter, he finally asked the million-dollar question.

"W-what are you?"

"Hmm... Good question, actually," the being inside the cursed child's body answered, but as he did so, tendrils of darkness came out from the shadows and came after those cowards who ran off.

"First thing's first," he began, his voice almost turning into a growl. The rest of the students who beat up Lucas began to get dragged back, writhing and squirming, trying to escape the devil, but to no avail.

"I hate cowards." The devil said, spitting into the ground with disgust, and Brick's eyes went wide when he saw that the spit was smouldering. Acid.

His feet became mush, and his knees buckled. He remembered now. Lucas Stellar wasn't called the cursed son of the devil for nothing.

And the one who took over his body certainly didn't look friendly.

'Lucas' approached Brick, and patted his shoulder before bypassing him. "I'll take care of you later," he declared, staring at the other goons menacingly, his red irises boring holes through their souls.

They pleaded for mercy, Brick could surely hear it... But it was repaid with a loud, demonic laughter, filled with both amusement and malice. Those red eyes remained heartless and unmoving, locked on target.

"P-please Lucas... S-spare us," One of them stammered, kneeling down.

"Y-yeah... You'll get arrested for d-doing this to us anyway." 

'Lucas' simply raised an eyebrow. "Will I?"

They all bobbed their heads up and down like dogs. It was a pathetic sight, really.

"Here's the big surprise for y'all." The creature inside him poked out his tounge, even in that playful attitude, they could tell that they're doomed.

"I don't fucking care."

And just like that, Brick watched, eyes nearly popping out of their sockets, as 'Lucas' burned the students to the ground, bloodshot eyes unmoving, unwavering, dead.

The only thing that wasn't dead in Lucas Stellar was his smile. It was filled with malice, the utter pleasure of killing those who beat him up was sending shivers—good ones—down the creature's spine.

He turned to Brick, after seeing the satisfying results of the other corpses lined up like burnt garbage for display.

The bully's lips quivered, he thought of running away a long time ago, but his feet were planted onto the ground by an unseen force. He knew that everything's already over... And he only needed to wait for death to come to him, inside the body of the cursed boy he was jealous of.

Tendrils of scorching hot flames licked the edges of 'Lucas' skin, but it never took damage. An oddly satisfied smile was still evident in his face, as he approached his former perpetrator, now his victim, quivering helplessly.

He will fulfill the wishes of Lucas Stellar. He wanted them dead, he just said so before, didn't he?

"Now," Lucifer began, his real attitude finally showing up. The fun was just starting, he still had a female teacher to kill.

"Where were we?"

*****  

Teacher Julie was driving her minivan slowly, her thoughts still lingering at the fact that she had just slapped her best friend's son.

Yes, she and Matthew were friends, and classmates ever since highschool... Up until college. His son, Lucas Stellar, reminded her of Matthew before. Uncontrolled, silent, and the type who just bottles up his emotions inside.

Matthew had asked for her help, and Julie, who was quite a softie, especially for her best friend—agreed.

She regretted not telling Lucas about that friendship. He got the wrong idea.

But not giving up, the female teacher tried cheering herself up. She won't give up! She'll try to explain tomorrow, and hopefully, Lucas will be able to understand.

She tried to pull over near Matthew's house... But she couldn't.

Her heart quickened its pace, and panic began to seize her. Julie panted, her hands beginning to sweat. Eyes darted to and fro, she gulped... Realization hitting her like an angry wave.

The brakes weren't working.
  

"Oh, please... No." Julie closed her eyes, silently hoping that someone would help. She could try calling for help, but it was near impossible. She needed to keep her eyes on the road.

She continued driving, hoping that the car will stop soon—until she reached the bridge that is.

Not as single soul was around when Julie surveyed the place. But her eyes landed on the person she had been thinking about just recently.

Lucas Stellar.

Julie's eyes bulged, and her jaw dropped. She called out to him worriedly, seeing that his uniform was covered in grime and soot. His beautiful dark brown locks lay in a mess, and his red irises bore through her soul...

And that's when she realized that there was something wrong. This one—whoever he is—wasn't Lucas.

Teacher Julie let out a scream as her car swiveled, tires out of control, and it was as if someone else was driving.

She tried her very best to maneuver the steering wheel... But there was nothing else she could do.

The car was heading straight for the edge of the bridge.

------------------------------------------------------

To be continued...

What's gonna happen to Julie?

*If you liked this chapter, please offer a comment, or a vote!

Ciao.
awesomeSTG💀