Voices in My Head

Chapter 6: Death

I'm running as fast as I can. My lungs burned from being pushed too far. My legs and muscles ache, begging to rest. I'm on the verge of collapsing. But I can't stop.

If I stop, the demons will get me.

It's fine though. I'm used to this. I'm a coward, too scared to face danger or any problem head on. So I do what I do best. I run away.

I sidestepped a trashcan laying on the alleyway. I thought back to how I got caught up in this.

It's been two weeks since he joined the gang. I pretended to be a fool, believing that if I don't think about it, it won't bother me. I was dead wrong.

A couple days ago, some of the gang members ambushed me while I was walking home. I was taken to Dante, the gang's leader. I was surprised to see that he was young, maybe a couple years older than me.

He had black spiky hair and black clothing that contrasted with his pale skin. He radiated power and fear. But the most notable thing is his eyes. Black piercing, cold eyes that bore down to your very soul. It was almost as if you were standing before Death.

He was interested in my hacking skills. I didn't know why. My other self must have mentioned it.

After I showed him my skills, he dismissed me and sent me a warning.

His words were icy, making me froze in fear. "You can't quit this gang. You can't leave. Your life is bounded to me. Don't think of escaping. You can't hide from me. The only way out is death. Remember that."

Dante reminded me of my other self. No wonder he joined this gang. They probably got along great.

The leader's words made me throw out any hope of quietly quitting the gang. I can't believe the mess I'm in because of that guy. First, he had me join a gang with a tyrant and no ticket out. Then, I had to pretend to be him using his name "Raiden", not my name "Allan", just to sastify his twisted version of a game.

So now, I'm trying to avoid the gang, resulting in them chasing me. Fortunately, I've gotten more stamina and muscles over the years from running away from people who Raiden picked a fight with. Unfortunately, I'm near my breaking point.

This is all his fault. This is all his fault.

I tripped over something and collided with the hard ground. I groan, trying to get up before they catch me.

Too late.

I felt two guys hold my arms, making sure I don't run away again.

"You've caused trouble for us." Out of breath, angry voice. "Leader is irritated and wants you properly punished."

I had no energy left. I let them do what they want.

I recieved kicks to the stomach and blows to the head. I coughed up blood, my chest aching.

Through my half-lidded eyes, I saw a fist heading towards me. Seconds later pain was exploding in my head. I felt the world spin at a rapid pace. I would've drop to the ground again if it wasn't for the people holding me up.

I just wanted everything to end. I just want to go to sleep and never wake up again. I felt my throat close up as if someone had their fist wrapped around it.

My eyes flew open as I tried to pry their fingers off.

I heard laughing, but it was muffled, as if I was underwater.

Black dots swam in my vision. I felt my hands go limp. I felt cold. I could feel myself slipping from the world.

Death is coming. And oddly, I was scared. All this time, I wanted to die. But when death actually comes, I change my mind. Why?

I don't want to die. I want to live. No, that's not right. I want to be dead. No, I want to be alive. I want to leave this world. No, I want to stay.

My head hurts. My brain felt like it was being on overload as my thoughts contradicted each other.

Darkness engulfed me. I felt myself losing consciousness.

Before darkness overtook me completely, I heard a maniac chuckle.

A dark laugh. A dark voice.

Raiden.

"Sleep tight, little raven. It's time for me to spill some blood and I'm sure you don't want to see me rip apart some brats for messing with me."