Chapter One

  Present time, 4 years later

  Juke's eyes snapped open, his breathing coming in measured rhythms. His reflection stared back at him from the crust-stained mirror. The memories from that night were so heated that it peppered his neck with sweat. The screams faded, leaving him alone in the silence washroom. The strong stench of urine stained the air, replacing the faint remnant of smoke. It was over now, his thoughts quieted.

  No longer that ten-year-old boy, Juke was fourteen now and practically a man. He shed his pajamas for hand-me down rags he could piece together. Black ink spread along his arm and neck, weaving together creating beautiful designs.

  He licked his full lips as he started admiring his features. He had brown skin, with a head full of auburn locs pulled into a ponytail, save for a few straggly pieces draping his forehead. His dark eyes had a purple tint to them. Smooth fingertips rubbed over the bandages that covered his cheeks. What was underneath were constant reminders of something he no longer was.

  Giving his reflection one last glance, he stepped back and exited from the boy's washroom. His sneakered feet stepped onto the hall of his school. The halls were empty and many of the lights were half-lit, leaving a slight buzzing the only thing swirling in the otherwise silence. It was after regular school hours, with a few staff and students attending to their separate endeavors. He himself was supposed to be sitting down in detention, with everyone else, yet the sneaky teenager had something else up his sleeves.

  Making his way up the hall with his torn sneakers squeaking, he turned a corner and stepped up to a door. Checking his surroundings, he walked into the room. In here was a bunch of power boxes with wires scattered around. Along a desk rest a huge computer monitor.

  Juke couldn't help but chuckle as he sat at the monitor. Alright, let's play. Fingers clacking against the keyboard moved at great speed as Juke hacked through the system, breaking through jailbreaks and scrolling over the school's database.

  This is a piece of cake.

  His irises scanned over the screen- deeply focused. His hands were steady as they worked the board with such grace. He paused when he clicked on a file. A list of names popped up and the boy scrolled down until he reached the four that he was looking for: Juke Okoye, Dre Kamau, Swazzy, and Jade Minori. There was a column highlighted beside their names with times. Too easy.

  "Say bye bye to three weeks of detention," Juke murmured, twitching his fingers with glee and excited. He brought the cursor to over delete button, then pressed. His chest tightened as he watched the cursor spin around as the busted device took a moment to load. He gave the machine a smack. "Ah, come on. Don't do this to me." He groaned in annoyance, his palms starting to sweat. There wasn't much time.

  As the data was being erased, his ears caught the faint sound of heels hitting the floor growing louder. Oh shoot. The boy's heart pounded and that pushed Juke to get a little nervous, yet the rush was a thrill.

  "Come on, come on." His eyes skittered along to the old computer screen, begging it to hurry. Ding, data erased, the monitor read.

  Just then as the heels stopped at the door, Juke quickly erased all of his evidence from the screen. He spread his arms wide, then his thumb and index finger to his forehead and hummed. The familiar warmth spread through his body, as shimmers of lights buzzed from him.

  Click! Just when the doorknob turned and the door opened, Juke's body illuminated like a bulb, casting a blinding light filling the room.

  A startled yelp, followed by a crashing bang gave Juke enough time to make his grand escape. Once he was in the clear, he took a glee breath and carried on with his mission.

  Bursting through the doors of the detention classroom with a prideful smirk, three familiar faces darted to him in anticipation.

  With pride, Juke boasted with a bounce of his shoulders, "No more detention."

  The three let out a pleased, "Yes!"

  Meet the juvies. These three were his close friends with one thing in common, they all were living in Everly foster home. So far, he's been at the foster home for two years now, but these guys were the closest to family he has.

  "You're awesome, Juke." The girl, Swazzy (15), enthused, beaming a smile. Her bright teal hair fell at her sides in two puffy bubble ponytails. Her brown eyes matched her smooth coffee skin tone.

  Juke skipped his way to his seat with a smirk, "Well, ya'know, might as well call me the genius."

  An older teen, Dre (17), leaning back against the wall let out a grunt, "Yeah right." His bright blue eyes looked at Juke with a mischievous glint. His eyes seemed to glow against his chocolate skin. A white mark ran from his nose up his forehead, blending into white patches of his hair. His hair fell down his back in large wicks.

  Jade (13) sat crisscrossed atop a desktop. Other than his strong chin and adams apple, everything about Jade screamed female. "Well great genius, how do you propose we get out of trouble with the master then? You know he's going to be pissed that we're late... Again." Jade spoke up, pushing a strand of his wavy hair behind his ear.

  Juke waved him off, leaning back in his chair with a -creak. "Meh, the old man will be alright. It's not our fault we have detention."

  "Um, it kinda is. Sneaking around is what got us here in the first place." Swazzy chuckled out, lifting a mischievous brow at him.

  Juke just rolled his eyes at his friends, "Well, it was Jade's fight that started it all." He deflected, his eyes glinting under the dim light.

  Jade's jaws stiffened, his eyes slitting on Juke. "I was being bullied. Not fighting."

  The detention door opening silence the room, and in stepped an older woman giving the lot a deep glare.

  "Sit properly, Jade." She chastised with a growl, as her eyes went from person to person.

  The tension went on for a second before the woman let out a huff, "Your detention is over."

  Before she could say anything else, the four were up and out the door, dashing up the halls leaving their squeaking shoes in their trail.

  The four took a deep breath once they stepped out into the fresh air. Leaves rolled in with the breeze, wafting in the smell of grass and nearby foods from the town.

  The streets of Ezico Village were busy as usual, with people bustling about on foot and riding in their automobiles along dusty stone streets. The blend between ancient and modern made up most of the Village, with traditional wooden structure side by side to bricked ones giving it a striking charm of old and new. Ezico Village was one of many that made up the great Land of Nas. Each piece of land inside of Nas held their own traditions and histories.

  Juke stretched his arms dramatically as he beamed a dimpled smile, "Man, being free feels so good."

  Dre chuckled in agreement, reaching into his satchel and pulled out a bottle. He jiggled the bottle and the substance inside splooshed against the glass. "I hope it's not too early to celebrate." He said with a waggle of his bushy eyebrows.

  "Oh yeah! Pass the hooch." Juke let out a hoot.

  Dre tipped the bottle to his lips and took a shot. After making a face, Dre passed the bottle to Juke who took it rather enthusiastically.

  Juke brought it to his lip, the strong aroma tingling at his nose hairs. Tipping the bottle back, the burning hit instantly; so, did the comfort- warmth spreading through his chest, soothing at the edges of his mind. Just what I need to mellow out. The teen managed three deep gulps before Dre snatched the bottle from his hand.

  "That's enough for you," Dre huffed with a grimace.

  Juke rolled his eyes but didn't argue. The substance was already settling in.

  Dre passed the bottle to Swazzy, who took a quick sip.

  Swazzy's face frowned in as she let out a nasty bleh. "Uh, it never gets better." She sputtered, waging her tongue then handed it back to Dre.

  Jade threw the older teens a disgusted look, tooting up his nose. "I don't see how ya'll drink that stuff."

  "Oh, just something like this," Dre goofed, throwing the bottle back and then let out a satisfied breath.

  Jade cringed, then cried out, "A bunch of animals."

  They all laughed as they made their way through the marketplaza. Small businesses and shops lined the strip, many getting ready for closing time. Hanging lantern slowly lit to life, giving light for the coming dark. The savory aromas swirled around, causing the teens empty stomachs to touch their backs. One of the shops caught Juke attention, making him stop. It was a candy store. Good ole Al, he thought with a side smirk.

  "Let's stop and get a few snacks first." Juke offered out, already heading for the entrance.

  "Come on now, Juke." Dre grumbled with a frown. "We're already behind. Do you really want to stay on master Kenpu's bad side?"

  Juke looked at Dre with a big smile. "I mean, you said it yourself. We're already late. Plus, I'm low on my night snacks and I need some before they close." He retorted, already walking inside the shop.

  A bell in the corner acknowledged his entrance, dinging again as the others strolled in behind him.

  The smell of bread and pastries tickled the youth's nostril. A few rows of bins filled with snacks and candies were spread throughout the small establishment.

  "Oh~ Mr. A~l," Juke song getting the owners' attention.

  A burly, older man stood behind a counter -head full of white curls- cleaning the lenses of his glasses. At the calling of his name, he grunted in annoyance. "Well, well. If it isn't the troublemakers." He huffed out in recognition as he placed the round frames on his face.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Juke feigned hurt, "Don't be like that, Alberqurt. You know we're your favorites."

  Al's bushy mustache twitched. "It's Alphorke and you're all nothing but a bunch of heathens and delinquents." The man fussed with a frown, however there was no real heat behind his words.

  The teens let out a laugh, strolling around the store like they were at home which made Al rolled his eyes. Everyone scattered out, joking around as they shopped. Al has owned this little shop for over 10 years, providing for his wife and children. For some reason it has become somewhat a comfort inn for the teens.

  "What are you lot up to anyway? It's getting late out and will be dark soon." Al asked, crossing his chunky arms.

  "Just coming to get a few things." Swazzy answered, as she eyeballed a pile of different cakes.

  Juke stepped up to the counter with an armful of junk, then dropped the snacks tumbling across it.

  Al wasn't even fazed as he gave the boy a pointed look. "I hope you have money this time." Al huffed out, leaning against his countertop.

  Here we go again. Juke rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "Put it on my tab."

  Al chuckled at that then replied, "You don't have a tab."

  "Since when?!" Juke gasped, placing a hand against his chest.

  Al pointed a finger at the boy, "Since never."

  "Aye Juke," Swazzy called to the boy, who turned to her. She held a couple of cakes nestled in her arm. "Me and Jade about to head on."

  Juke nodded to her. "Ok, we're right behind ya'll." He chided.

  Swazzy nodded for Jade and the two started for the door. She dangled a cake as she went out and stated, "Put these on his tab."

  Jade, oh so respectful, did a light bow, "Utara miishi, grandpa." He thanked him.

  The bell jingled as they left.

  I need some bread, Juke thought with a jerk as he went to the breads in a glass warmer. The aroma of the warm bread was sweet and tangy.

  "Are you almost done?" Dre spoke from his quiet stupor. He was crunching on a bag of chips.

  Juke growled, "I gotta get one more thing." He grabbed a loft of bread and walked it back to the counter.

  Al thrust out his open palm. "Money."

  Juke jolted slightly, reading the man expression. "Come on, old man." Juke said, clapping the man's hand. "You know I'm good for it. Aye, I got you when I'm rich." He then started packing his goodies.

  Al shook his head, then nodded for the door. "Get on, kid." The man grumbled, very wholesome like.

  Juke beamed his dimples, gathering his bag to leave. "Utara miishi, old man." The boy laughed aloud, walking out the door.

  Dre rolled his eyes and stepped to the counter. Digging into his pocket, he laid some loose coins and a few papers currency down. "It's not much, ya'know with us being orphans and everything, but it's a start, yeah?" He muttered so slick.

  Al's mustache gave another irritated twitch before growling, "Get!"

  Dre chuckled and left the store.

  Juke waited, munching on a chocolate, watching as the older teen stepped to him.

  Dre gave him an agitated look, "Can we go now?" He asked quite aggressive.

  What's his problem. "Chill out, grumpy dad. What's eating you?" Juke raised a brow to the boy.

  Dre shook his head with a perplexed expression. "Nothing. I just been feeling a little anxious lately. My wolf's been stirring and I'm not sure why."

  That doesn't sound good, Juke thought. "You should talk to master Kenpu about it. He might know what's wrong."

  "Yeah, let's go." Dre stated and they went to walk on.

  Just then, two men ran past them, bumping into the boys' shoulders as they went. When one of them bumped into Dre, a bag he'd held dropped to ground at the teen's feet.

  The bump also knocked Juke's chocolate out of his hand. What the hell? Juke let out a low growl, looking back at the men. "Damn, excuse ya'll." He hollered at the men, before he noticed their attire.

  These were no regular everyday men. These were thugs apart of one of the local gangs that terrorized the streets, or they tried to. These two floozies didn't look quite intimidating. Dante was the leader of the local gang called, Wave ninjas. A very stupid name for a group of goofballs. Even Dante himself was no real threat. Just a bunch of punks, picking on the hard-working folks of Ezico Village and slanging their drugs. The gang colors were green and orange.

  One of the thugs bristled in anger and bulged his eyes at the teens. "How about you watch where you're walking."

  Juke retorted with a glare, "How about ya'll watch were you running."

  Dre reached down and picked up the bag with interest. "What's this? Looks like a nice little treat for us. You're too kind."

  "Give that back!" The thug yelled.

  Juke slit his eyes. "Come take it." He challenged, his voice quite chipper as he balled his fist.

  "You little punks. You don't know who you're messing with." The thug yelled out, raising a fist.

  The other thug tapped the yelling man on the arm, pointing at Dre. "Hey, you recognize that flag?" He asked, indicating to the symbol of a double edge axe on Dre's jacket. "He's from the Kano tribe."

  Dre's eyes daggered as his chest rumbled.

  Juke placed his hands behind his head as he gave the thugs a bored look. "Man, ain't nobody scared of Dante or you lackeys."

  The first thug let out a low chuckle, "We're not with Dante anymore. We've leveled up with a new gang. A better one, and you better watch yourself dealing with him or us from now on. This boss has bigger plans than Dante ever could."

  Juke's eyes slit dangerously as he studied the men. He noticed that the bandanas adorning their necks were purple and black. Gangs were popping up like popcorn.

  Juke puckered his lips as he murmured, "They're just letting anyone make a gang these days."

  Juke and Dre turned their backs to the pathetic thugs. Shouldering the bag that they'd just taken from them, they started to head to the home.

  The first thug growled loud and angry. "You think you're so tough Mr. Last survivor of the Okoyeshi clan."

  Juke's feet stopped moving at that comment. Faint memories of that night played behind his eyes. Many emotions flashed across his face as his fist clenched and unclenched at his sides.

  Dre watched him carefully from the sides of his eyes, prepared to intervene if he must.

  The other one let out a dry chuckle, "Yeah. Word around the street is that you're the one who did it."

  The first thug let out a heckle, evil to the ear. "That's right. When they found them, everyone had been burned to a crisp."

  Ba-boom

  Juke's eyes shot wide open at that.

  Taking a hard breath, Juke shot around giving the smirking men a harden stare. "Ya know, if that's the word on the street, then you should know that I'm nobody to mess with." His voice was heavy as he stalked towards the men so menacingly. He rubbed his hand along his face as it seemed to grow darker, cynical, as his eyes seemed to glow like a flame.

  "Juke," Dre's warning taunt slithered out.

  The warning was lost to the dark haze clouding Juke's mental. A crazed grin stretched his cheeks, his huffed laughter never reaching his eyes. "I mean, if I can do that to my own people, then there's no limit to what I'd do to you, pathetic ass kissers. Just imagine all of the painful ways that I could make you scream." Juke's low voice rumbled hauntingly, his eyes glowing like a demon. The air sizzled and cracked from his rising kana. I can show you fear.

  The thugs tried to put up a strong front, standing tall, yet the fire burning behind the teens' iris had them visibly shaking.

  "We're not scared of you!" One of them yelled out, raising a fist as the other took a frantic step back.

  Juke stretched out his arms then slowly went to place his fingers against his head, but that was all it took as the thugs visibly shuddered then turned tail to run away, leaving a cloud of dust in their trail.

  A sly grin stretched Juke lips as he let out a laugh. Pussies.

  "Chill it," Dre said, with a shake of his head.

  Juke looked over his shoulder to the older teen, "I'm just having fun." He said, turning to make his way back.

  Dre just rolled his eyes and started walking, "Yeah, come on. Let's head back before it gets dark."

  The sun was starting to set, casting purple, blue and orange to dance along the sky behind the mountain. The boys walked on until they made it to a small building. There was a sign out front that read, Everly foster home. Instead of going in through the front door, the boys went around the side of the building. Stashing the bag behind some bushes, they walked around the back and climbed a ladder all the way to the roof.

  The flat rooftop served as a training ground for many of the kids at the home. Master Kenpu - grandfather to the foster homeowner- personally handled keeping the kids on a straight leash. A seasoned very old warrior now retired, he devotes his life as a master passing on the teachings.

  Making it to the top, emptiness gave the boys a pause. They looked around in confusion. Nobody was out here, not even the master, leaving an eerie silence drifting with the wind.

  Juke brows knitted in, "Man, I didn't think we were that late."

  Dre shook his head, "I gotta stop listening to you."

  Out of nowhere, Juke doubled over with a pained gasp as a wooden cane smacked into his stomach. The cane quicky darted over and wrapped Dre in the face causing him to stumble back. The two were hit with an onslaught of hits before they were flipped to the ground onto their backs.

  Stepping into view was a rather short man with his white, slick hair pulled in a ponytail and a long goatee. His face was deeply wrinkled, each one holding a tale from his long life.

  Master Kenpu stood over them, with his cane poised ready to strike again. "You're late... again." He grunted out.

  Juke and Dre raised their palms to surrender from a further beating.

  "We're sorry, master Kenpu. We didn't mean to be late." Juke pleaded, feigning an innocent expression.

  Dre nodded his head along, "Yeah, we got into a little trouble on the way. Ya'know how it is."

  Kenpu let out a huff, "You two are the trouble. That doesn't excuse you of your responsibilities. Discipline is key, now get up and hit the floor until I tell you to stop."

  The teens let out deep groans as the rolled over an got into a plank position. Master Kenpu watched them intently as they held the position steady with their heads up high.

  "What am I going to do with you two?" Kenpu huffed out with a shake of his head exasperated. "Out of all the kids I have mentored, no one has given me as many wrinkles as you two have. So much potential you two possess yet you squander it to play in these streets."

  Dre, gritting his teeth as he held his position, quipped, "Well, at least we're memorable."

  Kenpu paced slowly, his legs hobbling from his missing shins, the clanking of his cane echoing into the night. "That may be true, but we are Nin'turi. We use our strengths to protect and guide the way of the world. You two come from two strong family lines of Nin'turi. It's a shame how you handle yours."

  A frustrated Juke muttered under his breath, his muscles becoming strained.

  Kenpu frowned in annoyance, "Have something to say?"

  Don't talk back, Juke thought then answered, "No master Kenpu."

  "Many people would call us eccentric." Dre muttered out trying to calm the tension.

  Kenpu raised his cane with a throbbing vein, "You want to be hit again?"

  Dre let out a hurried, "No master Kenpu."

  Kenpu let out a sigh as he closed his eyes. "One day, you will understand why I push you the way I do. You are the next generation of Nin'turi, and it is up to me to make sure that each of you are prepared for the world. It's our fate." He lectured as his expression softened, letting his message sink in before giving his command. "You can relax now."

  The boys wasted no time letting their bodies drop to the ground, panting heavily.

  Juke's face frowned as he rubbed his sore arms. One day. It's always one day. Fate doesn't help you survive. Fate didn't save my family.

  "Remember what I said, young ones." Master Kenpu stated. "Let's call it a night."

  Dre looked at Kenpu with a glint, "Ya'know, with all of these lectures we'll be better philosophers than warriors."

  "Good. That'll probably do you two some justice." Kenpu added in.

  Juke chuckled, "We can write a book and call it: The art of being hit by a cane."

  Kenpu raised his cane with fake agitation. "How about we write the first chapter right now?"

  The boys squealed as they ran and jumped off the building to head in for the night, leaving Kenpu shaking his head, a hint of a smile pulling at his lip.

  Later...

  The sky was dark now. On the rooftop of the foster home, Kenpu sat with his legs crossed and arms poised as he meditated. The cool embraces from the nights air and the sweet lull of nature surrounded him gave him the peace he needed to concentrate on becoming one with the world. The night played on, before his ear suddenly twitched. The sound of rustling out in the distance aroused the man as he peeked one eye open. Looking a few miles out, he noticed shadows stirring and morphing. He stood to his feet, grabbing his cane for leverage. Getting into a wide stance, he did a warrior dance then slammed his fist on the roof. A barrier formed around the orphanage.

  Jumping from the building, Kenpu hobbled out watching as the shadows morphed into twisted creatures with glowing eyes. The eyes all varied in colors, and these indicated what kind of element it possesses. The shadiki were shadow creatures that came out to destroy the lands, migrating from the dark side of the mountain.

  Stepping into the empty streets, Kenpu faced the shadiki as they crept forward, their claws scraping the stone with an eerie, grating sound. The air grew thick with the stench of decay and poison, a misty haze swirling around the creatures. Throwing his hands in signs, Kenpu's kana covered his body and split into a few copies of himself. The shadiki growled as they neared. When they jumped to attack, Kenpu was ready as his copies moved in unison. Swinging his cane, the older man took out the first wave of shadiki with ease.

  There are a lot more out tonight than any other. More and more are showing up as the nights go on which means the darkness is growing ever so stronger, Kenpu thought as he watched more creatures emerge from the woods.

  The second wave was just as easy to take out, as their destroyed remains scattered into specks that returned back up to the spirit world. The world once again went still as that seemed to have been the last of them for now. Kenpu released his clones, then looked back at the orphanage with a deep expression.

  I'm getting too old for this. We have to get them ready. The fate is in their hands. Kenpu's mind was determined as he resumed his meditation on the roof. The fate of Nas—and the world—was in their hands, and he would stop at nothing to prepare them for the darkness ahead.

  -Misfit, Juice Wrld-