Tainted (Rewriting)

S. Coups (Rewritten)

Trigger Warning: Verbal and Physical Abuse, Violence, Death

Seungcheol's childhood was an average childhood. He had a loving mother and a hardworking father. He was an only child and received all the love he could ever want from them. Seungcheol's favorite memories from his childhood would be everytime he explored the woods behind his house with his father. One day, his father lost his job. Everything changed the day his father came home after being fired. Seungcheol heard his parents argue for the first time that night. His mother and Seungcheol were hopeful; they believed that he was merely stuck in a slump and he needed encouragement to get better. His father did not get better, though. He no longer wanted to explore with Seungcheol. He turned to alcohol to drown his misery. He became hostile and would yell at Seungcheol and his mother for every little mistake that they made. His mother never knew of the things that his father had physically abused Seungcheol. She did not know about the hidden bruises or the scars. Seungcheol's life changed one night when he was 17 years old.

His father had discovered Seungcheol's report card. Needless to say, he was not happy with what he saw. His voice roared throughout the house. "Why are you so stupid? What is the point of you wasting time in school if you still manage to fail four classes?"

Seungcheol looked to his mother for support, but she stared back at him helplessly. She was always afraid to stand up against his father, especially when he was as drunk and angry as he was now.

His father slurred, "Do you expect to actually make it out in the real world?' Was his father taunting him? "You can't make it in life if you're going to continue being a failure".

Seungcheol stares into space as his father continues to shout insults at him. Stupid. Dumbass. Disappointment. Failure. His father noticed that Seungcheol stopped listening and lifts his hand to punch Seungcheol. His mother intervenes.

Seungcheol flinches as he sees his mother collapse. He is petrified with fear. His father grabs a piece of firewood, not lit, and aims to strike Seungcheol across the face. Seungcheol instinctively blocks it with his hand. Suddenly, the piece of wood ignites into flames and burns his father. Seungcheol does not have anytime to process what had just happened because his father grabs him by the throat and shoves him against the wall. His grip tightens, Seungcheol struggles to free himself, but it's no use.

"You're one of those freaks, aren't you? My blood was pure, so that means you inherited this from your mother". Seungcheol began to see black spots. "Once I kill you, I'll-"

His father collapsed. Seungcheol gasps, breathing deep breaths for the first time in minutes. He can barely stand with his shaking legs. The sound of metal clanging to the floor brings his attention back to reality. He realizes that a bloody knife sits at his mother's feet. She's sobbing. He notices the big red spot on his father's back. His father laid still. It was finally over.

"Honey..." Seungcheol's mother sounded pitiful. The normally optimistic woman sounded broken. "You need to leave. They can not find you". Both Seungcheol and his mother are crying because they know she is right. They know the consequences of what would happen if the government discovered his powers.

People that were granted with supernatural abilities were often referred to as "Tainted". They were alienated from society because they were believed to be a threat. He could be sent to prison or killed. If the wrong people discovered him, he could be utilized as a weapon against society.

"Mom..." Seungcheol cries as he hugs his mother for the last time ever. He knows that he has to get as far away from the city as fast as possible. "I love you".

His mother kisses his cheek. "I love you too. Stay strong." She exits the room and returns with some money. "Pack yourself some clothes and take this. Take the subway and try not to be suspicious. His mother tears up again. "My baby is all grown up now". The burning piece of firewood had grown into a substantial flame. Soon the neighbors will notice the smoke and will call the police. "You have to go now".

Seungcheol packs himself some clothes and a few cans of food. He takes the money from his mother as he gives her one more hug. He leaves the house, smoke starting to escape through the windows. He runs until he sees a subway station in the distance. He boards the train and keeps his hood up in order to hide his bruises. He does not sleep that night as he heads to the countryside.

Author's note: Hello! It has been a long time. I have decided to revive this story and rewrite it. I am actually creating a plan for it to help me write the chapters, so hopefully I will be able to finish this.