Regain the Balance

O N E

I don't know where I came from honestly. I just kinda... appeared. No family nor did anyone recognize me as their kin.

That's what people have said anyways but I don't know whether to believe them or not.

I've learned that people can be very manipulative and will do anything to get whatever they can from you, but others are genuine. Some have real love in their hearts and you can see it in their actions.

But that doesn't mean they don't have evil in them as well.

Each human is distinctly different. Their actions almost never match the one's next to them and no matter how hard they try to change they always go back to their roots. They may take different paths to change their fate but it never comes to fruition. They'll never be that drug lord that somehow never gets caught because they're a goodie two shoes and they'll never be the 'perfect' priest because of the simple fact that they're addicted to liquor and hookers.

Oh I'm sorry, I'm rambling. Um let me back up a bit.

Well like I said before, I basically came from no where. I mean I came from somewhere, but as to where I don't know. Everyone I've met has a backstory as to where they and their family came from, but I don't. I don't remember running through the streets with the other children. I don't remember anything really. Just the underlying feeling that something went wrong.

People would say I'm about eighteen years of age, but I would say I am only three. That's as far as I can remember.

'Born' in the Jutei Desert, but feeling like that wasn't where I was meant to be, I decided to take it upon myself and leave.

If you're wondering what I did after leaving Jutei you're in for quite a story my friend. Pull up a chair or grab a pillow and blanket, maybe some crackers or even the sweets from your secret stash hidden under your bed.

Are you all comfortable?

Alright good. Let's get started.

~ ✴ ~

A teen stayed crouched before a drunken man. A bottle in one hand and a belt in the other, the man was outright belligerent. He screamed obscenities at the petrified family in the alleyway. The mother's body shook in the cold night air, her three children hanging to her filthy clothes desperately.

The teen that stood between then had merely seconds to get the family to safety before the man decided he had waited long enough. Quick thinking made the teen reach for the belt in the drunk mans hands just before he struck.

"At the edge of town there's a shack just east of here. Wait there for me." The teen kneed the drunk in the gut, tossing his massive body into a garbage bin. Looking back he saw the family staring at him like deer caught in headlights.

"You'll be safe I promise. Now go, hurry!"

The family nodded, running out of the alley to safety.

"Geback herr ya shiets!" The drunks words were extremely slurred. He tried to stand but fell to his back, flopping on the floor like a fish out of water. The half empty bottle in his hands spilled onto his beer belly.

"I'll getya some-" The teen jumped back as the mans body shook from the massive amounts of vomit that flew from his mouth.

"Are you done?" He asked snidely. Slightly murky white irises glared at the unshaven, scarred face of the man below him. Seemingly out of thin air, a red and black scythe materialized into the outstretched hand of the teen. He placed the tip at the blade at the mans throat and applied pressure, a thin stream of blood coming from the wound. He heard the man gulp and saw the fear in his eyes.

"If I were you, I'd leave this town for good. And if I ever catch you near them again," leaning forward slightly, the teens eyes turned black, "I'll kill you myself."

He took the scythe away from the drunks throat and left the alley, the weapon disappearing once more. He heard the man shout something incoherently behind him and rolled his now gray eyes. Shoving his hands into his coat pockets, he jogged lightly to the shack he told the family to run to.

Upon arriving, he saw the family shivering before the fireplace against the back wall. The mother stood and walked towards him. Gently, she took his hands in hers and smiled widely. The boy saw tears in her eyes as he smiled back softly.

"Thank you so much." She managed to push the words through sobs.

"You don't need to thank me." He whistled and got the childrens attention. "Do you four have a home?"

"Our papa made us sweep on the stweets." The youngest, a toddler with short red hair, was the first to speak up.

The teen nodded and released the mothers hands.

"You're more than welcome to remain here. It may seem small, but this shack has plenty of space for the four of you. The wildlife in the forest about half a mile south from here is plentiful and there's a garden out back." His smile grew as the children pleaded with their mother who gave in. "Perfect. Breakfast will be ready for you in the morning."

"What can we ever do to repay you?" The mother asked.

The teen placed his hands on the womans cheek, bringing her forehead to his lips.

"Let the peace overcome your soul."

Removing his coat, he hung it up in the coat rack by the door.

"You can choose what rooms you want tonight. Toiletries are fully stocked in the two bathrooms and the water pressure is fantastic. You all can shower or bathe to your hearts content."

The childrens eyes lit up and they ran down the hall to claim their rooms. The teen went to set his tired body on the plain brown couch but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.

It was the mother, a questioning look on her face.

"You never told me your name."

A soft yet tired smile made its way to the teens face.

"My name is Titus."