Alter Ego (On-Hold)

Chapter 1

"Mythologies are stories about powerful deities which are said to rule the earth long time ago. Each country has their own set of myths that they consider as either part of their history or literature. Whether these deities are real or not, nobody knows." Mr. Swanson explained while rolling his pen between his hands.

Mr. Swanson is my teacher in Literature and I don't have any problem with how he handles the class except...

"Ryuji, could you share us your insight about mythology?" He asks while throwing a smile at me.

"Uhmmm.. I th...think..." I started to stutter.

Riiiiiiinnnggg!!!!

Whoo! Saved by the bell. I let out a sigh of relief and fixed my things so that I can go home. I slung my bag on my shoulders and made my way through the room but my attention was called by Mr. Swanson.

"Mr. Amada, can I speak with you for a moment?" He asked.

I didn't respond and just stood in the doorway.

"Ryuji, I just want to let you know that you are actually doing well in my class especially when it comes to written assessments. But you have to exert more effort when it comes to recitation. Why don't you try to make some friends? That way, you'll be able to gain more confidence when speaking to an audience. Okay?" He said without even pausing. I wonder if one of his talents is speaking without breathing.

I just nod and went on my way. I want to go home and take a rest.

I am Ryuji Amada. A freshmen student at Hyundai High. And well, there's not much to talk about me and I believe that you already know that I'm not pretty much of a sociable person. Yes, I prefer to be alone most of the time and wants less attention as much as possible. And that is my main problem with Mr. Swanson. Most of the time he calls me just so I can speak in his class. I know that he only wants to help me but can't he see that I have self-esteem issues? That is why I stutter everytime I speak inside the classroom. And cliché as it may sound, due to my personality, people perceive me to be weak and looking weak is the main reason why I get bullied.

"Amada!"

Speak of the devil. Just hearing his voice makes me want to completely disappear right on the spot. I tried to run but before I could, a pair of hands already grabbed my shoulder and shoved me on the lockers. The impact made an echoing sound through the hallway but no one seems to dare stop this bully in front of me.

This is Shigeru Sakamaki. We are on the same class. We are both fifteen yet he is taller than me and his body is much more developed compard to mine. No wonder he can just toss me around so easily.

"I want you to make my report for our history class for tomorrow. Make sure that I'll get a high grade or else you'll taste my wrath. Got it?" Shigeru shouts making his spit go all over my face. This is pretty much our routine everyday and I always just give in to what he wants.

Except for today.

Something just ignited inside me and I feel power coursing through my veins. It's as if I could take on the world. I don't know what happened but suddenly Shigeru is lying on the floor with his hand wiping off the blood in his mouth.

"What the... How dare you?!" He bellowed. And I can tell by his voice that this doesn't bode me well.

I sprinted away from the scene and hid in one of the vacant rooms. I will just stay here until he goes away. I heard footsteps outside the room and held my breath until the sounds were no more. I'm glad that he went away or else I will be asphyxiated.

After a few minutes, I decided to go home since it is almost dark outside. And I don't think Shigeru will hang around just so he could get back for what I did to him.