Redemption |ShadowPeach|

01 - Old Path, New Oath

TW//; mentions of human trafficking ahead! Please read with caution!

| Wukong |
| Three years earlier. . |

Why was it so hard to do at least anything that was worth my time? Everything involved so many responsibilities. Why couldn't I just be lazy and relax? Because every little thing I did always had to have consequences behind them. Looking out my window from where my small apartment was kept.

Hearing people laughing and chatting like birds would when the day was just beginning. Sighing briefly. While digging through a bag of crisps. Eating through at least two to three bags. Although, it didn't really matter. I was fine. I was happy where I was and I was-- well fed?

Well, sort of. If you consider eating crisps as being well fed-- you get it. Oh, who am I kidding? Everything I do has to have responsibilities behind it. I work a job at a gas station and they don't pay very well. I've asked several times for a raise. The only days I work are during the week. And get paid about 10 an hour. So, tell me that isn't cruddy.

Hence why it is! But I have enough determination to push myself through this hell just to have a place to stay and get at least a little money together to be able to feed myself and keep a roof over my head. Or-- so far it's a roof from what I can tell anyway. I wasn't homeless, which was a start. But the apartment had a little bit of leaks whenever it rained here and there. Causing me to settle pots and pans around just to prevent the rain from soaking the already not-so-well-kept carpet. It was becoming a dingy brown, which I didn't complain but every time I had anyone come over they would make fun of my living condition. And to be honest, I really didn't care much. (WHICH I really should, but I don't).

I'm pretty lazy, but I know when to get off my ass even if I don't want to. Hearing my phone vibrating and spotting a notification that popped up with a message that was from MK, a good friend of mine who was still in middle school. He hadn't even started high school yet. He saw me like a big brother figure, though I probably would suck if I was a big brother to anyone. Shrugging and grabbing my phone to read his text;

MK: Wukong! I'm being bullied at school--.. What do I do??

His text came in so clear that I felt my left eyebrow twitch by only hearing about this 'bully' he speaks of to me. He's said he's been bullied several times by the same kid who was in at least a higher grade than him I was now sighing deeply and responded with;

Wukong: The enemy of my enemy is my friend, remember?

Sending it in question, as I chuckle. "He probably forgot about that." I said to myself. Soon hearing commotion outside my slightly run down building. Guns were shooting and eventually people were screaming out for someone to help.

MK: Oh yeah! That helps, thanks! I forgot about that! But.. It doesn't work all too well.

Wukong: Kid. You're gonna have to fight back one of these days. Defend yourself. And I don't mean with a knife, your words are the weapon. Remember that. I gotta go, bud. There's some commotion going on over here across the town I am staying at. Also shouldn't you be in class?

MK: it's a Saturday. LMFAO

When I realized this I bursted out in laughter at how I totally forgot. Explains why I didn't go to work, but even though I still get paid by check on the weekends. Thank god.

Was it weird? Maybe.

| Nezha |

We were running out of time. We had no one else on our task force to do the job that was severely needing to be done.

Cars were being shot at or either blown up, our squad was down for the count. Making it harder for us to keep position to take down the shooter who was keeping about six to seven people hostage. This town was a bit run down, ruined even, the buildings didn't even look like they've seen the sunlight in what felt like weeks. This part of town was where a few of the mob ran their trade roots. Crime was all over the place. People were being killed left and right. Human trafficking was getting out of control. So many missing people signs were up but none of those people were ever found. Most of those who were missing ended up being found by the detectives claimed as 'dead'.