Extraordinary Minds: Road to Hell

Side Story: Guardian Angel

You ever look back at your childhood and ask yourself sometimes. What am I gonna be when I grow up? Am I gonna be the doctor to discover the cure for cancer? Maybe save countless lives in the field of psychology? Well, one thing I've come to learn through the years, is don't place expectations on yourself or your capabilities within your field of what makes you who you are.

I myself have always been confused on what exactly I wanted to be. I was just your average everyday kid, until..that night. A night that no kid should ever have to endure. Kids are supposed to be nurtured and brought up by their parents, tutored to be their very best in however way possible. My mother was always the type to love both me and my brother. Always encouraging us to do our best, even if she didn't fully understand the things we loved.

While my brother always loved Video Games, I did too. Even if Everytime I played against him, Akira would always whoop my ass. To be honest, I was jealous of him. How he was always better than me, but I was proud too. I never wanted him to feel bad about himself, but instead embrace his natural talent. Is that stupid? Maybe so, but even through the occasional teasing and messing with him..He's my little brother.

That said, our bond wasn't exactly perfect when everything all happened at once. Awakening that fated night, I remember sweating uncontrollably after hearing Akiras shrill screams.

I was just a kid, so I presumed it was another nightmare and Mom would soon come in to comfort him. Yet..For what felt like an eternity, I didn't hear her. I heard Akira repeating "Mommy..Mommy, wake up. Please."

Those words still haunt me to this day. The moment I had walked out of the room to the sounds, that's when I saw the haunting sight. Mom, dead in her nightgown and Akira crying hysterically and begging her to wake up. I myself wanted to cry..but I knew what I had to do. He needed me, and so I held him as tight as I could.

The sounds of his wails ringing through my eardrums, as all I could do was hold on tight. My once beaming, energetic little brother...now screaming in hysterics in my arms, and across from me..our mother dead.

Sirens. Wails of sadness. Insistence of running from me. I was just a kid, but yet the instincts kicked in to ensure I don't let Akira out of my sight. If they tried to put us in a foster home, and separate us..what would he do then? What if he went to a bad family, especially after what that..man did to him, that I was forced to call dad.

I was impulsive, but desperate. Despite how much we struggled at first, I always made sure to prioritize Akiras safety first and foremost. If he looked to be getting hungry or dehydrated, those was times I'd sacrifice my own meals to ensure he was ok. I lost sleep on some nights due to his nightmares.

We were given a good chunk of Cash to spend by a nice guy we ran into, but he still seemed so sketchy to me. Sitting in his car, telling us he was some Genie who would grant us 3 wishes. Sad thing is, hearing your own brother ask the question. Can you bring my mom back? That stuff can sting..

However, after some time...that money ran low and we became more and more desperate. It's when my brother took up Gaming, and got a ton of cash from bets alone. It was surprising seeing him grow into his own person.

Yet...Something about me. I always asked myself. What..was my passion exactly? What purpose did I have for myself, other than im just my little brothers protector?

I mean sure, I didnt mind being that. Knowing he was safe, and bonding with Akira was a nice experience. Playing Video Games especially was nice, even if..I wasnt exactly a natural like he was.

Yet, I always wanted to be something that not only he'd admire..but something I especially could be proud of. As Mom always taught me, you are your biggest critic and biggest supporter. Kinda insane thinking you could be both at the same time..