Entropy's Stagnation

 "Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense"
- The Adults Are Talking (The Strokes)

Hope Shopping Center.
There's always been a significant amount of irony when it came to this mall's name. The facade of an outlet where joy and wonder and a future filled with nothing but opportunity and happiness persists only if you're customer with a debit card.
This is all just cheap branding after all.
The truth of the matter is, this mall is nothing short of a waste bin for those whose potential have been snuffed out or those looking to kill time as they wither away. A box of survival.
Service workers like myself are only here because there's nothing else. There's no hope, but there's no despair. All we have is carpe diem.
The present is all we have.
My name is Castor Hayes. I am a cinema worker employed at Hope Cinemas where only a world of possibilities can exist in our screens.
Or some other shit like that.
I'm 24 years old and I make about 25 dollars an hour.
I've had this job for over 4 years now.
Though, honestly? The past couple of years have been a meshed blur. I can barely remember the things that have happened since I started working here.
I graduated from university about 2 years ago and own an Education degree that I can't seem to find work with. The closest thing I have to teaching people is teaching the newer staff how to do shit as a supervisor. Though these days, I've been employed at the milkshake concession counter where I make the damn things all day every day. It's an exhausting job, but its all I have.
The only silver lining that working for Hope Shopping Center does is it gives you housing. Most of us live at the staff complex just across the street because we have no where to go and housing is really cheap. We're free to find a place elsewhere, but in this economy? I'd rather not take my chances.
My work starts at 10 AM, so in about 2 hours. I take the time to go through the motions as I always do. Get up, ignore breakfast because breakfast is just a construct, shower, and put on my uniform. Working at the shopping center, our uniforms are mostly identical. Though the cinema provides us with a small variety that makes us stand out from those that work in retail at the floors below us.
The normal staff crew are given black polo shirts. Those that work the concession or food stands are given decorative shirts with small angel wings designs. Another reminder that hope is supposed to exist.
Its design does little to disguise my pale, tired face and pale grey eyes. If I look any closer, I swear I can see some white on my wavy black hair.
The one thing that all the staff that works the center has to wear is this silver metal cuff we keep on our right wrist. From a distance, it looks like a pretty bulky bangle.
They're meant to be an ID of sorts to allow us to enter through Staff Only doors and the backway. Like a microchip inside it or something. They have our names engraved on it and serve as our namebadge as well. You'd think it would feel tight being on your wrist for about 8 hours a day but it's actually pretty snug and doesn't even feel like it's there. Honestly, one of the few things that even phases me about the jobs is how Hope actually has the budget for such high tech things.
Makes me wonder where the mall is getting their money from.
I walk over to my roommates room to check if he's still here, but he's gone, as usual. It's odd, considering that the Ice Cream bar he runs across the Concession stand I work at doesn't open until 11. But he's never here in the morning whenever I get up. And when I do arrive at the staff room, he's already there relaxing. I'm curious about what he does in the morning, but I don't have the energy to get up just to spy on him jog or something.
I clasp on the bangle and hear it beep as the device whirr to life. It's time to head to work.

~H~

As expected, Reed Torres was lounging at the staff room couch. He had at least another hour and a half before his shift is supposed to start so he's got a Nintendo Switch to keep him occupied.
"Yo." He says, lowering the console from over his head.
I give him a small wave as I put away the lunch I packed into the communal fridge and lock my bag in my locker.
"You opening Milky Way again?" He asks sarcastically.
"You opening Cold Boulder again?" I shoot back. He shrugs.
I sit at the chair across the couch and check my phone. I have 30 minutes before I have to open the shop. 
"Any luck?" He asks me.
It's a question I didn't like hearing. My drive had dwindled significantly since the initial months of applying for jobs. A lot of the hope I've had of escaping this place has mostly vanished and I'm stuck here. I usually tell him that I'm still looking. But the number of applications I've sent out have significantly decreased over the years.
"No." I look down at my phone. "I'm still trying."
Reed seems to notice the hesitation in my voice as I say that but turns away, saying nothing. Probably to spare me a lecture. It's not like he can comment on me being here.
At 32, Reed Torres is infamous for being the oldest member at Hope Cinemas in a cinema that employs mostly older teenagers and young 20 somethings.. Yes, Cold Boulder is partnered with Hope. If you think I'm unlucky, Reed has the unfortunate luck of being one of the incredibly flexible staff members who just so happened to be really good at the Ice Cream bar and was forever rostered there. For him, there really was no escape.
I used to hear him complain about finding a job, but after some time of having the same dilemma as I have, he's seemed to have moved on to accepting that he'll be trapped here for the rest of his life. It's probably why he ended up being my roommate. Despite that, he seems to keep that young energy around him. Doesn't stop him from being sassy at the very least.
I hear the door to the staff room beep and another kid enters.
It was one of those teenagers we inducted about half a year ago. I think her name was Jordan.
She was wearing a jacket over her clothes so I can't tell where she's rostered today. Her feet shuffled as she walked to her locker. She eyed us, her eyes heavy looking and exhausted. Her eyes lingered to my uniform and she gave us a curt nod before walking off and sitting at one of the rooms across the hall.
"What was that about?" I ask.
Reed looks over to where she was walking before returning his attention to me. "You didn't hear this from me, but I hear she was getting placed somewhere else for training. Alo told me she overheard the managers giving her some pep talk about how her customer service performance have started slipping
"Really? But wasn't she one of those trainees who immediately picked up on all the roles and learned what to do on the fly? Last I heard, she was even being considered for a supervisor role."
Reed raised his finger. "Well, according to Keith, she's seemed burnt out some time ago and had gotten so frustrated that she had a mental break at the back rooms of the Popcorn stand. Said she started slipping after that day."
"I'm surprised no one's done that sooner." I say. My phone beeps, notifying me that my shift is about to start so I have to go down and get briefed. "I got to go. I swear, Reed. You gossip with these kids too much."
He chuckles and brings up the Switch back up to his face once again.

~H~

There were two managers on at the office at this moment. Gigi and Kai. Kai was one of those irritably excited people you'll meet at least twice in your lifetime. He had climbed up and taken promotions as fast as customers could buy tickets from the ticket machines. Gigi was a co-worker of mine who was recognized for her calm demeanour and hard work. Though I suppose she was better at hiding how much she bitched about this job around the managers than we did because she was as about as vocal as I and Reed were about being miserable here.
"Hey champ!" Kai practically squeaks. "Just the usual today. Oh, but we've got one more thing we need you to do for us."
There was a knock on the door and Gigi opens it up for the next employee.
It was Jordan. She was fitted with a uniform I could not ever mistake.
She was rostered onto Milky Way with me. Reed's gossip continues to be accurate as usual.
"We're moving Jordan Amber with you for the day." Kai beams, but I could tell there was a bit of uncertainty in his inflection today. It was quick, but sounded odd from the man who always seemed so confident and full of himself. "We're going to be checking whether some training in here could boost up her already impressive skillset."
I look over to Gigi, who gave me a troubled side eye.
"Management." A radio on the desk buzzes. "We need some help up here regarding a patron."
Kai turns to Gigi. "I'll handle it. Can you give em the rest of the briefing?"
She nods as Kai exits the office.
"Here." Gigi hands us radios and a a box of cash for the till. "Jordan, why don't you go ahead over to the stand. I just need to speak with Castor for a second."
There was an uncomfortable look in her eyes before she nods and heads on out first.
Gigi turns back to me, a strange silence emanating between us before she sighs.
"I know you've heard the rumors. Reed doesn't exactly shut up. But let me go ahead and give you some context. I've received some data and feedback from a bunch of the higher ups and they're worried about the state Jordan is in. She was in line for a promotion some time ago but after her mental break, they've decided to put her on probation because she keeps slipping. I'm not always here to understand why, but when I asked her if something was wrong, she wouldn't tell me anything."
She turns to the large monitor that checks on employees working around the area. Jordan stood outside Milky Way's staff entrance, seemingly holding herself in comfort.
"Most of the managers are worried about lowered productivity. But I'm worried she's losing it. I don't know if this is a home thing or whatever personal thing is going on. But I can only offer help if she accepts it."
"What's management going to do if she doesn't get any better? Does she get fired?"
"It's not that simple." She says. "You know as well as I do about the Everlasting, right?"
The hair on the back of my neck stands. How could I forget about it? The Everlasting was a form of extra evaluation that happens after a random monthly performance evaluation. It doesn't happen all the time, but it has occurred on random intervals. No one has been able to trace when it's supposed to occur, not even Reed and his infinite gossipy wisdom.
The Everlasting was a program for employees chosen into a group and lead into that section of Hope Center called the Ebony Gate. It's more of a closed off wing of sorts, though. Most of us were told that this area is for Corporate and IT. So basically an office building.
We never questioned when people are ferried over to that section, but I assumed it was a form of training and discipline seminar that corporate inducts their employees in.
Though it's not often talked about since it doesn't occur as often as we'd dare to talk about, but a lot of employees who end up going into the Everlasting either quit or never come back. The handful who have returned end up do seem to be better... But they never talk about their experiences within it. No one has any actual evidence about what goes on or what's talked about.
"...What do you want me to do about it?" I ask.
"Look. I know you can train her just fine. What I want you to do is to try and befriend her. Be there. See if you can find out anything and give her advice. You're a fellow employee. I'm sure she'd be much more willing to share things with you than some manager she barely knows."
"So you want me to spy on her. Gigi, I barely know her myself."
"This is all I can do and all I ask of you. You don't have to report to me about it." She looks down, sighing a bit before returning her gaze to me. "Castor. Today is the monthly evaluation. And I've got a bad feeling that tomorrow will be the next Everlasting."

~H~

I try to keep a neutral face as I teach Jordan about opening procedures. Knowing that there's a chance for the Everlasting to happen soon and she's a high risk of being evaluated worries me. What am I supposed to do to help this 19 year old? It's not like I can just shake the truth out of why she's having such an intense existential crisis. I've got my own shit to worry about, not to mention I could end up being brought into the Everlasting as well.
I look over to her, her back facing me as she examines the blenders and toppings we keep out front.
"So, you ever make a milkshake before?" I ask bluntly.
She shakes her head. "Though I guess it depends on what kind."
I think this is actually the first time I've had a conversation with her.
"Our milkshakes are mostly fruit based with some ice cream. We just blend the ingredients as shown by the instructions and put whip cream on top. If they ask for a thickshake, just add an absurd amount of ice cream."
"Okay..."
"Do you have any questions?"
"No. I think I got it."
We didn't really have any special items in our menu so the logic of all the flavours given follows the same procedures. It really wasn't difficult. But people moan about this area a lot, saying it was too much work. Cold Boulder the only other area worse than this.
Reed waves happily from across as he begins opening up the Ice Cream Bar. 
I sigh, waving back at him and lean across the work bench. "How can he be so cheerful working a place he's so sick of. Not that I'm one to talk."
She looks at me, seemingly catching her attention. "What do you mean?"
I stare back at her exhausted eyes. I never noticed it before but it's not even just her eyes anymore. The tiredness has seemingly seeped to her bronze skin, making her seem unhealthy. Her curly hair is trying to keep itself together in a messy bun, but its a bit frazzled. The hat is doing little to cover it.
"Surely you've heard of people talking about me and Reed still being here despite our ages. It almost feels like we're trapped because we don't have a choice."
She flinches a bit. "Really? Don't you want to get out of here?"
I look down. "Of course I do. It's just taking longer than I'd like."
"What if you can't get out?"
"I'm not about to accept that." I say half heartedly. I've told myself these words before to try and comfort myself. These days I hardly believe myself. But I have to or else I'd have nothing. "There's got to be a way for a better life, y'know?"
"But..."
"What's wrong?"
I can see her eyes tear up but she looks away to wipe it away. "I've been faced with the reality that I might not be leaving here. These days, I don't think I can."
She looks at me, as if to see if I'll respond to it. When I don't, she continues.
"I thought this would be a fun thing to get into. Put it my resume, get a good recommendation list as I'm finishing University. But I've been told that I might be losing my scholarship soon because I've been slipping up. No matter how hard I try to balance myself, I'm not doing so hot. This job is all the insurance I have. My family isn't that well off and any expenses I had to have relied on that scholarship and anything extra was from this job."
She slides down to the floor and chokes. "What am I supposed to do? I don't want to work here forever."
"Take a loan?"
"I don't know if this job can even pay it off."
Oh man. Damn it, Gigi. What am I supposed to say to that? That's way worse than what I'm going through.
She exhales, scratching at her head in frustration.
I slide down next to her. "I can't tell you what you can and can't do. But instead of thinking of the ways you can fail, maybe try and see what you can do to improve your situation. Is it absolutely sure you're going to lose your scholarship or do you have time?"
"I... I have half a semester."
"See? Then there's hope."
"But is that enough? And what about work?"
"Use your annual leave. Take time to study or something. Quit if you have to. There's still hope for you, you know. You don't have to end up an old geezer like me."
She smiles and wipes her eyes. "Thanks.
"Excuse me." We stand at the customer's voice. "Uhh, can I get a chocolate milkshake please?"

~H~

Break time is the time of day I look forward to the most. There was an obnoxious amount of customers today but having a second person on made it so much easier. And now I've got time to enjoy the fried rice I slaved over last night. Life's little pleasures. 
The staff door swings open and I find Gigi and Kai walking over.
"Oh hey." I say. "It's rare of you guys to take your break here."
Gigi shakes her head and looks over behind her.
"We're just showing Ophelia around. She'll be conducting the performance evaluations today."
Behind them, a tall, blonde woman wearing a white lab coat approaches us.
"I must say, you have a very organized staff room." She spots me eating my lunch. "Oh. Hello."
My fried rice practically gets stuck on my throat as I tried to swallow. "Oh, uh... Hi. I'm-"
"Castor Hayes, yes? I've read your file."
"O-Oh."
She giggles. Giggles. "Sorry. I hope I didn't make you nervous or something. I just try to remember faces when I go over staff files. Anyway, it's nice to meet you."
"S-Same to you."
She takes a seat across me and sets her files down, then takes a out a sandwhich from her purse. The randomness caught even Kai of guard.
"We could take you to the office if you want to take a break before we continue the tour." he stutters through that failing smile.
"That's okay." She chuckles. "I want to get to have my lunch in a staff room. It makes me nostaglic, you know? The power dynamic just doesn't sit right with me."
The managers stare at each other, unsure of what to do next.
As if she read their minds, she beckons them over. "Come. Why don't you join us?"
Yeah. Sure. Invite them to join the 30 minute break I have to myself.
"We'll be sure to extend his break by 10 minutes for interrupting him, right?"
Wow, maybe she IS a mind reader.
The two could only nod, trying to appease the evaluator from corporate.
"W-We'll just get our lunches." Gigi says, taking Kai to retreat back to the managers office.
When they're out of earshot and our sight, Ophelia laughs.
"Sheesh. Some people are so uptight you know."
I just smile, taking a spoonful of my fried rice.
"Oh, don't be like that. Look, it's my first time doing this evaluation thing and I'm already sounding like the big bad corporate monster. Surely my colleague who usually did this didn't make you uncomfortable."
Actually, the usual evaluator, Collin, was a pretty straightforward, business only guy. He was polite but we knew what to expect from him.
Ophelia was... a wild card that I didn't expect.
"I'm sorry. I really hope I don't make you uncomfortable. I'm not trying to go for that strange, boss is your friend angle. I'm just trying to be relaxed."
"I see." I don't even notice at first, but I've finished actually the fried rice without even realizing. She really distracted me. It makes me kind of sad I couldn't even enjoy my food properly.
She sets her sandw\ich down for a sec. "So tell me. Do you enjoy working here?"
"I guess." I say. What was I supposed to do, say no? Bitch to this stranger about how much I hate being stuck here without a choice?
"If you say so. Look, I know it's not exactly the end all be all of all jobs, but Hope Center wants to make sure we're doing the right thing."
Does this chick ever talk about anything other than work? We're on our lunch break. If I have to talk about work, I'd rather just gossip with Reed.
"What do you see yourself doing in the future?" Is this a job interview or something?
"I'm hoping, pun not intending, that I can get a job as a teacher."
She bites into her sandwich in thought. "Oh that's right. Your file said you graduated with a degree in education. That's very admirable."
"Yeah..." I can't bring myself to say anything more about it. Her tone is friendly, but her approach of trying to seem familiar with me is irritating. It's like she's patronizing me.
"I've heard good things about you from your managers. We're happy to have such a hard working fellow like yourself with us." She sounded almost robotic when she says those words. "But I sincerely hope you achieve what you set your heart out for."
She wipes her mouth after finishing her sandwich and takes a sip of water from a bottle in her purse. Ophelia gets up and turns to leave. "I'll see you around."
What a strange woman.

~H~

The day ended without me having actually been called out to do the evaluation. The managers were taking Ophelia everywhere on a tour. She briefly stopped by to survey our stand before finally finishing the tour and returning to the office. By the time my shift had ended, I've only seen Jordan and Reed get called. I was ignored. I had seen Ophelia in the office on my way out after handing the radio back and all she did was smile and wave at me. Was that little lunch time chat the evaluation?
She was super cryptic. What happened to Collin? Did they shuffle between employees rostered to do this shit too? Still, it's always been Collin for the past few years. But I guess it's not my place to question how these things work.
When I finally reach our apartment, I take off my bangle and uniform. I have to put the clothes in the washer since Hope is cheap enough to not give us extras.
I plop down onto my bed afterwards and sigh into my pillow.
My phone beeps. It was a text from Reed.

"I overheard the managers talking about the evaluation. That Ophelia chick said an Everlasting is going to occur tomorrow. Here's a few names I heard them list down from the Cinema department. I didn't get all of it because the night manager was coming in for his shift and saw me."

As always, I can count on Reed to eavesdrop and know everything. 

-Terrence Eagan
-Renee Saunders (Hah. She deserves it)
-Nene Waverly
-Keith Morgan (SHIT. NOT KEITH)
-Lailah Summers
-Jun Chau (Poor kid)
-Freese Svetla

At first, I was glad that my name didn't seem to be on the list. And yet, as I scrolled, I felt a sense of dread knowing there still might be more tomorrow. Then suddenly, the next name sent a shiver down my spine.

-Jordan Amber

-Authors Note-
This is a story I had come up with some time ago with a slightly different plot. Supposedly a one off. As I developed an idea, this story evolved into something more. To the point that this isn't even the main story anymore. This background story is a prequel of some sort that's supposed to give a bit of context to what I intend to do soon. This was originally going to be only one part, with another story connected with it to give it context but not be a continued part. But with how I've written it, I don't think I will be able to condense it in one part. It would end up being too long if I placed it in one. This way, I'll have time to properly think about how I'd do it and finish it. In that sense, I hope I've managed to somewhat set the tone for it.
-MaxAxil

Breathe

 "You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone"

-Lights (Ellie Goulding)

It never mattered what time I decided to fall asleep at night. I was waking up at 5am and I won't be going back to sleep unless I decided to try again at 11am. But I guess that's my fault for breaking my body clock one too many times.
It's okay. At least I know I can give myself longer days and commit to my tasks of the day.
That's a fucking lie. Those post it notes I stuck on my computer for those days I'm lucid enough to believe I can change won't matter. I'll still go on living without living.
I check my phone, ignoring the muffled screaming in my head telling me I won't be able to stop scrolling until 7am if I do.
Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok... They're nonsense. But I'm so bored of life that every little tidbit of tea that I can find that will stir me or make me laugh for at least 5 seconds makes them valuable of to me. But credit to myself today. I tried putting it down and going back to sleep. Obviously I failed because I didnt take more than 3 winks to open back my phone to waste time. Time that I cannot tell because my body lives as if time was fleeting.
It was 5am. Then it was 6am. Then it was 9am.
The alarm goes off and I have to "get up". Fun.
I finally put down my phone and stare up at the ceiling.
Yes. Contemplate life some more, think about a few silly conversations with my friends and think about the people who came and went. The people you chose to believe would be there forever and vanished. The people who still want to be there for you but you forget they exist.
"Jettes." My roommate, Leon, knocks on my door. "I'm heading off in 40 minutes. Do you need a ride to work?"
I do. I have work in 2 hours but our apartment is like at the end of the train stations and taking the train would take me at least an hour and 30 minutes to get there. At least if my best friend takes me, I'll be there in at least just an hour.
"Nah. It's fine. I can take the train."
There was no response at first. Then a sigh. "Okay. Tell me if you change your mind."
His footsteps become quiet as he walks away from my door. I turn my head back up to the ceiling and breathe in.
I can make it in time. My mind so arrogantly tells me again. But I know I'll have to call the office up to tell them I'll be late again. Then I turn once again, cover my body with my sheets.
From here, I could hear my friend prepare his lunch and go to the bathroom to take a shower. It's so mundane and normal that I sometimes forget its a person. And everyday I feel guilty that I someone so close to me is someone I forget exists.
I stir for another 40 minutes and I could hear Leon walk towards the front door.
"Last chance, Jettes." I don't reply. I could feel him shake his head and shrug before the door shuts.
I get up, hunger I've ignored for over 2 hours finally winning me over.
My mind is already mentally dreading over the decision I have to make.
I look over the food stored in the fridge. Leon had always made it a point to be meticulous about preparation and storage. But I guess that's what having a chef for a roommate is like.
Beef Stroganov, hard pass. Spaghetti? I had noodles yesterday. Fried chicken... mental note to eat that tonight. Assuming I remember anyway. Tempura maki. Nah.
My eyes drift over to the container of Mac and Cheese I made for myself 2 nights ago.
I just ate that last night.
My hands already pull the container and head to the microwave.
Why do I do this to myself?
~
I stare at my laundry, taking a minute to decide if I was gonna call in sick or dig into the clothes I refuse to fold for a button up.
I need money to pay for my vices. I tell myself.
Reluctantly, I find a slightly less crumpled blue button up. I can just hide its state with my jacket.
My phone pings, notifying me that my uber driver is just downstairs.
I nod to myself and grab my badge, backpack, and headphones.
"Jettes Manner?" The driver asks.
"That's me." I beam and buckle my seatbelt.
I put my headphones on, the music turning my brain off and leaving me on communal autopilot.
The new Paramore single, This Is Why, playing on repeat as my brain scrutinizes the beats from the guitar and the bass and the drums and the pitch of Hayley's voice. My spotify has a lot of wonderful songs. But this song was just the latest of things that stimulated my brain.
It was Lights by Ellie Goulding 2 weeks ago. Capabilities Unseen by Void_Chords a month ago. Body by Mother Mother 3 months ago.
I don't know why I'm like this. My fingers just rewind and replay and eventually I'm at the station.
"Stay safe." I tell the driver and make my way to the station. The train arrives in 3 minutes and I'm using the local train app to see how long it would take me to reach my building.
I was going to be 10 minutes late.
Just as I predicted I would be.
I pull out my phone and pause my music to call the office, hoping our Area Manager, Andy, doesn't pick up.
"Y'ello. This is Sean speaking." Thank god.
"Hey. It's Jettes. I'm just gonna be a little late. Missed the earlier train."
"Yeah sure s'all good. I'll see you later."
He hangs up and I go back to enjoying my music.
At least until the invasive thoughts came by to interrupt again.
You should have left with Leon. Do you think you even have a future the rate you're going? Where's that novel series you said would be done 10 years ago?
Pathetic.
Oh this cat meme is really funny. I should send it to Nica and Thea.
Does Blizzard hate Symmetra that much?
I like this fan art of Jake.
Gotta fold my laundry and clean my room when I get home.
Wait what's that thing called again?
I breathe in, my mind going on overdrive to the sound of Lights by Ellie Goulding again after I remind myself of that song and the Supercrooks meme.
4 more stops before I get there and I try to mentally organize myself so I can have a good day at work.
I exhale, trying to focus intently on the music.
It doesn't take 5 seconds for me to zone out.

-Author Notes:
This is probably one of the few things I've written without any planning.
I didn't think much about this when I was writing it and based it mostly on instinct and struggles I find myself facing with my ADHD. I might write some more when I have the time.

Thanos Venge - Wrath

 "Someone said I am such a foolish girl
Who cares? It's better than without a light
Sometimes I need someone to hold me tight
Explain to me what is justice, what is right"
- Someday (Sawa)

Before coming to Eastbrick Academy, Reese, Mandy, and Terrence all agreed to  make peace with the fact that they were going to be leaving their friends at their old school behind and that by the time they were at the front of the academy gates, they would attempt to start fresh with no homesickness or regrets. After all, this was a fancy school. Beautiful dorm rooms, amazing academic program, exclusive clubs and more. Not to mention the extravagant food they keep hearing about. The three of them were smart enough and had the money to come here, so they might as well enjoy their time there.
At least, that was the plan.
Considering what happened to Terrence, there was no time to prepare themselves emotionally for their arrival at the academy. They were supposed to be awed. Excited. Hungry, as Mandy once mentioned.
Instead, the moment they got to campus parking, what registered on Reese and Mandy's faces were passive, tired, even depressed expressions.
Their reasons for coming here have changed. Reese, mostly.
The moment they stepped into the administration building, they were immediately greeted by an almost too perky young woman wearing a bright yellow sash over her green sweater.
"Hi!" She practically squeaked. "I'm Victoria Mason. You must be Reese Morrison and Mandy Roe."
Reese gasped, placing a hand over his mouth. "Are you psychic?"
The girl laughed, perhaps a little too much.
Reese and Mandy exchanged looks and looked at the student guide who seems to be desperately trying to be optimistic to the cynical looking students.
"I'll be your student guide for today. We'll help you with your luggage and bring you to your dorm rooms. After that, we'll give you two the official campus tour so you can be ready for your first day on Monday."
They return to Reese's car to grab their things with Victoria skipping right behind them. They knew she means well, but her overflowing aura of sunshine annoyed the hell out of them. On their way, Reese hears a young woman complaining to a young man that looked their age.
He could barely make out what they were talking about.
"Well, what do you expect me to do about it?" the young man asked.
"You know, your thing!"
Reese didn't seem to notice he had started to slow down to listen to the conversation until Mandy pushed him forward.
"You're being nosy again."

~X~

To call the Eastbrick Academy dorms, well, dorms, was an understatement.
The building that served as the dorms looked more like a 4 star hotel. A buffet style mess hall, a cafe, a large student lounge with a lot of entertainment systems, board games, foosball, pool tables and other stuff. You name it.
That wasn't even the start of it. Leading them to the back patio, they were pleasantly surprised to find a large swimming pool and hot tub.
"Well, now that you got a look at the first floor, it's time to send you to your dorm rooms."
Victoria waved over to two people sitting around the cafe area.
A blonde, burly young man who Reese guessed was in the football team, and a brunette young woman who exuded grace in her simplicity. Mandy envied her slim shape.
"This is Scott Wills and Jeanette Mars. Scott will be Reese's roommate and Jeanette will be Mandy's"
"Remind me again why we're not roommates ?" Mandy quips.
Reese nudges her slightly. "The dorms here aren't Co-Ed."
"They will be helping you to your rooms. I will meet you at the school fountain in an hour after you've acclimated with your rooms!" With a clasp of her hands, Victoria beams one more smile to the two before taking her leave.
Reese and Mandy wave to her goodbye and give each other one last glance.
Suddenly, Mandy moves over to Jeanette and quickly turns on that radiating and friendly aura of hers. "Hi! It's nice to meet you! I'm Mandy"
The girl gives a quiet but polite response. "Nice to meet you. I'm Jeanette. I'll show you to our room."
The two slowly inched away to the elevators talking as if they've always been friends.
Reese turns his head to Scott. Huge, quiet and intimidating, Reese felt pretty unnerved.
He wasn't one to believe in stereotypes such as jocks being bullies or party heads considering he was friends with a bunch at his old school.
But that didn't stop those types from existing anyway.
The man seemed slightly uninterested and tired.
When he suddenly moved forward, Reese twitched slightly backwards but did not close his eyes to not show any of his fear.
"Oh, uh. Sorry." Scott suddenly said, picking up some of Reese's bags. "I just thought you needed help with your things."
And the tension all suddenly faded away. Sighing in relief, he smiled. "Thanks. I didn't mean to look startled."
"I get it." He says. "I'm a pretty big guy. But trust me, I don't bite. I'm Scott."
He raised his hand and Reese shook it. "Reese."
Like most of the dormitory, the dorm room looked amazing. Located at the third floor, the room had two beds at opposite ends and desks at the foot of each one.
Reese was thankful that Scott wasn't a slob as the room was well maintained and fairly clean.
Scott's side of the room seemed modest at first. Then you feast your eyes on his wall and you find sports posters mixed in with a surprising amount of horror movie posters and some video game posters as well. Bridging the gap between beds was a TV. A Playstation 4 was hooked on and a bunch of slasher dvds were located just above it too.
Wow. I really misjudged Scott. Reese thought.
"Didn't expect a Football Player to be a horror buff or a video game nerd did you?"
"Honestly, yeah." Reese stood there looking at each one of the posters on the wall. Dumbfounded still at what he's looking at. "You really like the Scream franchise, don't you?"
Scott smiled, setting down some of Reese's things, and sat on his bed.
"What's your favorite Scary Movie?" Scott asked in a near perfect Ghostface voice.
Reese paused, genuinely thinking of an answer. "Stay Alive."
"That was a terrible movie."
Reese shrugged as he continued to unpack. "I didn't say I had good taste in the horror genre." 
Just as Reese scrutinized Scott's side of the room, Scott returned the favor as Reese unpacked his things.
The huge box Reese had was a computer. It was the very first thing that he took out of his things. Scott knew pretty basic stuff about computers but he could tell that Reese had a very expensive set up that he most likely saved up for.
Decor wise, Reese was minimal with his side of the room. While Scott had stuck at least 12 posters on his wall, practically covering it even, Reese only hung up 5 things on his side.
A Mr. Robot Poster, a Final Fantasy Tactics Poster, and three photographs.
Two were family photos. The last one was a picture of him with the girl he was with in the lobby along with a tall young man with shaggy, dark hair.
Scott noticed that he looked at that picture extra long before he hung it up. Curious as he was, he tried not to bring it up.
"Ugh, are you for real?!"
Outside their window, they watched as the loud girl that Reese noticed at the parking lot start to have a nervous breakdown in front of the boy she was talking to earlier.
"That's Erika Dela Cruz." Scott returned to his bed seemingly uninterested and opened his phone. "No need to stick our nose in her business. She'll probably have her family's money deal with her problems."
The more people told him to not be nosy, the more he so badly wanted to be.

~X~

It was hard to seem excited even as Victoria gave glowing commentary on the already magnificent looking school building and its facilities.
But Reese and Mandy certainly tried to be amazed. The effort to smile seemed to at least keep Victoria's spirits up as she brought them to every nook and cranny.
Advanced science and computer labs, clean libraries, very prestigious cafeterias and multiple club spaces for extracurricular activities.
It was very impressive.
But it didn't seem to matter. Not when they weren't complete.
"Alright! Now that we've gone through the campus, let's head over to the faculty room so we can set you up with your schedules and whatnot."
Mandy didn't quite notice, but Reese somewhat perked up. His poorly veiled boredom had fizzled and his face steeled.
An opportunity to see places where he can check for clues.
"You CANNOT be serious here! I built this club from the ground up!" The shouting was ear piercing from the club room they passed that even Victoria paused to watch from the room's window. It was the girl that Reese had been seeing all day.
How the hell do we keep encountering this girl? For someone so small, she moves around so fast.
"Erika, these allegations are too serious." A girl of Chinese Decent stepped forward and pointed a finger at her "We let it slide at first because you are our president, but it has piled up and your alibis have been getting less convincing as days go by."
"But all at once? Gia, I did NOT steal tests from the records room. I did NOT put tacks in Lana Burke's purse. And I most CERTAINLY did NOT start that rumor about her being pregnant either!"
The girl, Gia, gave her a slow clap. "Or maybe you're just doing this to boost your standing since you might just actually lose your position here. Face it, your Daddy's money can't buy you out of this one. "
All of it spiralled too fast. Suddenly, Erika was on top of Gia and pulling her hair.
"Tarantado ka!" She shouted, the language unfamiliar to Reese and Mandy. "I worked my ass off to build this community without my father's help. Don't talk as if I'm just some rich bitch!"
A Japanese student pulled her off. "Stop it! Both of you! Gia, enough!"
"She started it, Azuki!"
"How about this." A Malaysian boy stepped forward. "Until this matter is resolved, Erika is suspended from the Asian Community meetings."
A loud thud to the wall breaks the trio's stupor from what they witnessed.
It was the boy that Erika was talking to earlier. "Show's over."
He was tall, rather pale. His hair was done in a buzzed undercut and he had small clock gear tattoo on spanning over his left arm. 
Victoria practically jumped. "We're so sorry."
She turned to motion the two over and started speeding off into the hall.
The boy aimed an annoyed glare at Reese and Mandy.
But his piercing green eyes met only with what his mind could only describe as tired souls in the irises of the new students.
Reese returned a look, a knowing look, as he gave the boy a once over.
After all, it didn't take much to identify another computer nerd. Not when the boy was clutching a pretty heavy laptop in his left hand.

~X~
"Collin Sanders? Oh you mean our old math teacher. We were told he was transferred somewhere else." Reese expected as much. But he had to try and see if Victoria knew something.
The guide opened the empty faculty room and went over to one of the desks. It was weird seeing the teachers so lax to leave duties to the guide.
"Ah. Here we go. " She returned with two folders and handed it over to the two.
"Neat." Mandy dangled the ID from the folder. "And it looks like our schedules are in here too."
Before they could be dismissed, Victoria stopped them. "I'm sorry, I almost forgot. I have to get your meal cards in the Records room just next door."
Reese observed carefully, watching Victoria's fingers press the password into the room's door.
1583.
This was almost too easy.
Reese knew where he was going first.
Minutes later, Victoria returns with two white cards with their names on it. "Try not to lose these."
Reese and Mandy thanked the tired guide and watched her walk off back to the administration building.
"Say Reese." Mandy looked around. "Don't you think that they're a little too relaxed here? There are no teachers. Barely any security guards. And no one to stop us from just looking around the teachers room."
Reese shook his head. "I took a look around while Victoria was looking for our documents. There are CCTVs almost everywhere and most of the cabinets are locked with a combination lock. Even if we did have the code to say the records room, there was no way we were getting in there without alerting a few people."
At least, if that were normal students trying to sneak around.
They hadn't met Reese.
Mandy had no way of knowing that Reese already noticed that some of the CCTVs were just for show and that he was mentally preparing his way around the building. Certainly, it wouldn't be that hard to find a way to disable or loop the CCTV footage. 
Some security.

~X~
Reese was thankful Scott didn't question that he was almost immediately too eager to go night exploring onto the campus. Even more so that he was more inclined to play Dead by Daylight than join Reese in his mission. Every day he thanks his peerless memory as he made himself a route that would leave very little suspicion on him.
A short trip to the cafeteria for a little chocolate. Sugary Brain food was always important. Leaving the cafeteria, the normal route would be to take the left hall towards the footpath to the dorms.
Truly, it was just a fake out. That left hall opened to a small staircase that lead to the hallway with the computer room. This way did not have a CCTV and the computer room had a dead camera.
It was a matter of finding a way to disable the cameras near the faculty room. Guards were primarily at the first floor and the Security and Records room was unguarded during the weekend night.
The computer room was the perfect place to start.
It shouldn't take long to bypass the admin locks on the school desktops. Hopefully the IT people at the school were bad.
Reese expected to be alone, yet for some reason, someone had already beat him there. For the fourth time today, Erika and her friend are there.
Reese hadn't turned on the lights, but the door did make a lot of noise.
He knew it was them because the already open computer's light beamed at the pair.
"Shit." Erika stood, ready to run. But the boy stops her.
"Hold on." He stands as well, his tall frame coming closer towards Reese. He didn't know what to do. Should he run, or should he stand his ground.
"You're that nosy kid that was with Victoria today."
Reese didn't answer, simply shutting the door behind him. "We just happened to walk by."
"What's he talking about, Paul?"
Paul looked back for a second and returned his attention to Reese. "What are you doing here, new kid? You're not here to snitch on us, are you?"
Reese crossed his arms. "I don't even know who you are. I'm just here to use a computer."
"The Computer Lab is closed."
"Obviously."
Paul laughed and pulled Reese over. "I like you. What's your name?"
"Reese Morrison.""
"Paul! Now's not the time to make friends! Life or death here!"
"Tak nuzhdayushchiysya" Paul muttered under his breath. 
Reese heard it and looked at him in confusion.
"Sorry. I'm half-Russian." He lets go of Reese. "I'm Paul Evanoff and the loud one's Erika Dela Cruz. Anyway, feel free to try using the other computers. But if you're trying to use one with admin privilages, you're going to take quite a bit of time trying to break in."
Reese had expected it and sat next to the pair. But before he could boot a computer, he noticed that the one those two were using was already using Admin controls. "How are you..."
"I'm technically the IT guy. School is bent on placing responsibility on the students." He smirked. "So let's just say that it's gonna take you more than the average time to hack into an admin's account thanks to my security."
Reese weighed his options. If he's dealing with another IT expert, confident enough to tell him outright that hacking the system would take him a while, then what choice did he have.
"Can I use it after you're done?"
Paul laughed, incredulous at this boy's boldness. "Bro, I'm not a model student, but I'm not morally corrupt enough if you think I'd let you snoop around for tests."
"I'm not here to cheat.  I came here looking for something."
Erika groaned. "Look, whatever your crisis is, can it wait? You're interrupting us trying to find answers."
Reese looked over to see what exactly Erika was dealing with.
The colorful school website was something akin to that of Facebook. Of course, students were more inclined to use this site to learn announcements and encourage support of the student body that built the website on HTML. 
On it was the rumor that Erika was being accused of. The admin should have deleted the post by now but Paul had managed to stop and preserve it to try and trace whoever posted it.
It was an anonymous account using Erika's handle. The email used was also a dummy.
"They were extra careful." Paul said.
While Erika practically pulled her hair out, Reese took over and check the site elements.
"Schooch over." Reese tapped away, performing a Cross Site Scripting Attack on the profile and forced control on the account.
While Erika seemed impressed, Paul was still unsure."That's great and all, but it's still a dummy account. We still don't have the information we need." 
"Not necessarily." Reese clicked over the emails. "To open an account at the school website, you need to connect the school email you created with your real account and send them an sms."
The email linked to the account was a ceratin nram@gmail.com.
"It doesn't quite tell us who this is, but if we request a password change, the account's number will display on the confrimation email, yes?"
And Reese does just that. As he said, a number appeared on the confirmation email.
"Let's give it a call, shall we?" Paul dialed the number on his phone.
Erika had to hold her hands to her mouth to not alert who answered.
"Hello?" It was Azuki. The Japanese girl who seemed to be on Erika's side earlier.
Paul hangs up, looking quite disturbed himself. "Uhh... I didn't expect your sweet little secretary to be stabbing your back."
"That little skank!" Erika pulls up her phone. "Oho, when I'm through with her, she's gonna wish-"
Erika gasped as Reese pulls her phone from her. "Don't act carelessly. She's just gonna erase any evidence if you confront her."
She wanted to shout at this stranger who had just abruptly butt into their business. But he did uncover the truth for her.
"And what do you suggest I do?"
"Finding out her motive is one. But what say you get even?"
In the darkness of the computer room, the smirk on Reese's mouth almost seemed evil with the computer light bouncing off of his face.

~X~
It only took them two hours to finish their compilation. After finding Azuki's email, it wasn't hard to get into her Facebook and find out that she'd been conniving with another community member to try and get Erika booted off and place Gia in control. She felt as if Gia's more head strong personality and hands on actions was a better form of leadership than Erika's careful planning. Azuki was also tired of all the important calls and paperwork that Erika entrusted to her. Surprisingly, Gia was not in on this conspiracy. She was simply a bitch. Azuki's petty attitude and extracurricular activities also uncovered a lot of ammunition for Reese and Paul's little surprise.
"She'll never see it coming." Erika grinned, watching as Reese prepared the timer site's little bomb. "I'll be sure to print the rest outside. The only problem we have will be the cameras. There's not enough dead cameras to cover my tracks"
"Leave that to me." Paul typed into the keyboard and opened up the CCTV's app on the school computer. "Those dumbasses at the security room won't know a loop if it hit them over the head. I'll copy this into my computer so I can remote control it from my room."
It was the perfect opportunity. "Paul, is there any way you can loop the footage right now?"
"Why?"
"I need to break into the Records Room."
The boy was new and was already planning on commiting a felony. He shook his head and sighed. Should he trust him? Was he just gonna let shit slide?
"30 minutes." He says. "Get what you need in that time and then explain when you get back."
There was no time for an argument. 30 minutes was enough time. Reese stood and prepared to leave.
Erika stood up. "I'll come with you."
Despite Reese's objections, the girl insisted on following. He was on the clock and he had more important stuff to deal with.
Thankfully, the records room was only two hallways away.
Erika expected another hacking session, but was disappointed to learn that Reese just remembered the code from Victoria. 
"What are we looking for?" She asked, immediately going over random files.
"Anything about Collin Sanders."
Erika looked up, confused. "What do you want with our old Math Teacher?"
Reese remained silent for a few minutes.
He furrowed his eyebrows and grit his teeth. "Revenge. Justice."
The venom was so crisp on his voice. She has never heard someone emit spite with such quiet yet such anger.
She could question him more, but she realized he'd explain to them later when they get back to the computer room.
Three cabinets in, Reese found little of note about his best friend's father.
Surely a math teacher that students still remember should still have data on here.
"Oh!" Erika squealed. "Here's a file on Mister Sanders."
Reese grabbed it with such force that Erika nearly tipped over.
Basic information, lecture plans, meetings, and attendance notes.
There was not a lot of background information on him. But this would have to do.
He hurried over to the copy machine and made copies of the file before promptly returning it to the cabinet.
The two briskly walked back to the computer room with 5 minutes to spare.
Reese never planned on involving other people with his mission. He considered lying to them and say that it was for a prank.
But Reese's determination to go after a teacher that's been gone for a while was just too strong. So he spilled his guts out, letting these strangers in.
"And I won't stop until he pays for what he did."
Understandably, the two were speechless. It almost seemed unbelievable to think that a normal looking Math Teacher could do that to his own son. But the pictures and police reports Reese produced confirmed it. Somehow the school managed to keep it hush hush, but Reese wasn't going to rest until he's found everything that can point him the right direction.
"Wow." Was all Paul could say.
Erika shrugged. "Well, if we're going to look for this guy, we're going to have to start looking for more information."
"What?" Reese backed up. "I can't involve you guys in this. "
"We're already involved. Besides, after what you did for us tonight, we're in debt. And just imagine, a vigilante group like this... Who know's who you could help around here?"
"Help? I'm not exactly going around helping people get revenge."
"Not for free, of course." Erika winked.
"Or at all. I don't want to help people get even."
"Are you sure about that?" Paul asked. "Cause I saw the look in your eyes when you helped Erika. It was borderline twisted."
Reese paused, contemplating the situation. He couldn't deny what Paul said even when he tried to. He found tremendous satisfaction upon helping Erika get even. "What would we even name ourselves?"
The trio sat and think. It was Erika that came up with the first name. "Thanos Venge!"
"What? That sounds so lame." Paul and Reese collectively graoned.
"No, it's cute and it's final."
"Don't we have a say in this?"
"I already bought the domain name."
That night, Thanos Venge emerged from the shadows. A small name that started lurking around the prestigious Eastbrick Academy. Though Reese and Paul swore they would change it at some point, they never did come up with something else. None of them ever thought that they would start the fires of something big.

~X~
The Monday morning was never pleasant for most students. It was the end of the weekend. The fun killer.
But for Azuki Sakamoto, it was the beginning of her end.
She was ruined.
The perfect image of a gentle and helpful student. Shattered.
Leaks of her conversations about overthrowing Erika spread like wildfire. Not only that, captures of her commiting small crimes that she tried to pin on Erika surfaced.
Even her little ponzi scam she had started was exposed.
Posters of her smoking around bars and pickpocketing strangers in her area were hung up. No one could find who did it since it was never caught on camera.
Gia was stunned, her mouth agape as she turned to the Asian Community's cherished Secretary.
"It's a fucking lie!" Azuki's tears made her mascara run through her cheeks.
"Get out." She wasn't just kicked out of the Asian Community. She was expelled almost immediately to preserve the campus' image.
Reese briefly wondered if they should have kept it light and get her in smaller trouble before he realized that the girl was slowly pinning each of her violations and crimes on Erika. Even with her money, Erika would have most likely been unable to save her reputation and spot at the school.
At the bottom of the posts were signed Thanos Venge. A last minute touch up by Paul. 
Students clamored at this mystery of Thanos' identity.
"'Revenge is Sweet. Almost as Sweet as Cupcakes.'" Mandy read out loud from one of the posters. "There's a QR code to a site that says it's under construction."
She turned to her friend, looking at him with incredible suspicion. "Did you stick your nose somewhere it didn't belong again?"
"Mandy, we've been here for 3 days. Do you think I have the time and energy to cause this much damage?"
"I can believe it." She teased. Still, she didn't doubt that Reese could pull something like this if given the resources. But would he really go through the effort to make such a big splash like that? She knew he was looking for Mister Sanders. This would be too much time away from his search. And so she put it at the backburner of her mind. Her friend couldn't possibly engineer this kind of crap. Could he?


Author Notes:
Thank you for reading the newest chapter of Thanos Venge.
This story has been on development hell for months and it took me time to actually sit down and force myself to finish it.
I admit that it's long and kind of a slow start, but I hope to build the story from here and proceed without a hitch.
This is the true start of the newly reborn Thanos Venge.
-MaxAxil

The House Magriuz - An FFXIV OC Lore Companion

"Cornet 'n spinet
The sound flows, follows till they're home
Dragged by the power of dreams
That power is yet unknown"
- Twister (The World Ends With You)

"Legends once talked about a forgotten city just outside the borders of Eorzea. Though history has long erased the name of its city, the legends of their existence persisted and preserved many clans of myth and legend. One such noble clan was that of the House of Magriuz. Few scholars and historians remember the name of those once recognized as the Wanderers of Green. Notable for their green hair, those with the blood of Magriuz were easy to spot within the city. Scholars, merchants, mages, adventurers... Small they may be to those within the walls of Eorzea, but their exploits were that of legend. And like most legends, they were erased.
Those who survive the memory of the city's legend debate to this day on what Umbral Calamity cleansed away those who perished in history. Some say it was the fourth. Others the fifth.
Many deny that it could have been the sixth Umbral Calamity with claims that a clan with bright green hair and regarded influenced could not have perished and be forgotten in just the previous cycle."
- The Borders of Eorzea (Rhiean Und, 6th Astral Moon)

At the Quicksand, a male highlander white mage and a female midlander warrior sat across each other on one of the tables looking over the book describing the Magriuz Family.
"Hmmm" The highlander boy crosses his arms, giving the book a stern look. "Is this really all they have? It was a miracle we got a blurb out of it even."
The woman pound her fists on the table. "Take this seriously! It took me forever looking for this."
She looked down on the book, slowly losing the energy as she continues staring.
"But you're right... There... really isn't much to go by with this."
Silence, nothing but the bustling of the adventurers guild echoed them as they sit there, defeated.
"Don't give up just yet, Aria." The mage tells her. "At least you found something. Not even the many preserved knowledge in Giridania could tell me anything."
"Lars, why do you insist on staying with the forest people anyway?"
The large mage shrugged "Would you rather I go around being unpredictable like Uriah? Where is he anyway?"
With a small puff of smoke, another midlander appeared before them. Unlike the white clad Lars, this one was dressed in black from top to bottom.
"Here I am!" He exclaimed. "Sorry I'm late. Had to pick something up."
Aria sighed. "For once in your life, can you PLEASE be on time."
The boy sneered. "Aw, but being fashionably late is so much more fun. It builds suspense."
The two were not amused.
Uriah pulled up a chair and took a look at the book laid out in front of him. "Don't bother with that. It won't tell you anything."
"I noticed." Lars hissed.
From the Quicksand's counter, the lalafel that tended to the guild strode over to the table with 3 tankards of mead for them.
"Aw, thanks Momodi." Uriah smiled.
Momodi gave him a curt chuckle and tossed him a key. "Don't go casting spells in your room... again."
The mage returned a grin and looked back at the two.
Incredulous glances were given to him as if to ask "What the hell are you doing?"
"I was late... Because I picked up something Mom gave me a long time ago. I've seen what most historians have written about the Magriuz. But wouldn't you say... It would be much easier to learn more about them from the source?"
The two were silent once again.
Uriah pulled down his hood and shook the sweat off of his messy green hair.
Lars did the same, sweeping a hand over his short, green hair.
Aria took off her helmet, allowing her flowing green locks down her shoulders. 

~~

Lars, Uriah, and Aria Magriuz were raised like normal Eorzean citizens by their mother. A beautiful, green haired maiden by the name of Contessa Magriuz.
It was always a mystery where Contessa and her children came from.
Most assumed she was but a refuge at first glance. But she couldn't have been when she looked to have the Gil for all they need.
No one knew where the Magriuz came from and no one bothered them when they could live like any normal citizen. Mayhaps they had just decided to move there?
Though one did wonder how Lars were related to his siblings, Contessa explained that her first husband was a highlander who had died many years ago.
When asked where the father is, Uriah and Aria would grimly recount the moment of his death in detail. A trip gone wrong. A sudden ray of light that erased the poor midlander father from the face of Hydaelyn. Only the man's dagger remained.
Contessa does not like to talk about it.
Because the existence of the Magriuz name was all but myth that very little know about, they had lived in relative peace.
Lars, large in size, was expected to become a warrior by friends and peers. And while he did exceed in physical combat, the man was far too kind and put his interest in healing others and learned white magic from a family friend. He was teased at first, being belittled for not living up to the image projected on him. That is until his magic had saved his peers from death in one particularly dangerous skirmish.
His younger brother and sister were a different story.
The fraternal twins were two sides of a coin.
Uriah, the older twin, was quite unlike his kind and gentle older brother.
There was a dangerous inquisitiveness that accompanied Uriah's playful and smug nature. It was hard to believe that someone with a smart mouth would be related to Lars. Contessa, in her few comments about her late husband, would mention that his father had a similar attitude.
But no one denied his talents. His sneakiness and sharp mind was only accompanied by his ability to use magic. Though capable of healing, Uriah was well versed in destruction and randomness that fuels his unpredictable nature. He was expected to become a rogue.
Aria, the younger twin, was steadfast and louder than her patient brothers. Where they excelled in magic, Aria was more enthralled by the prospects of holding a sword. Having spent her time with soldiers of the Immortal Flames, she would spend her time getting stronger physically as her Aether could not match that of either Uriah or Lars. Initially, men who had encountered her sneered and underestimated her capabilities for being female. Those men would soon find their throats under the heel of her boot as she quickly defeats them. Unlike her brothers, she became a warrior quickly just as she was expected to become a warrior.
Their lives went on like normal until Aria would one day find mentions of the House Magriuz in a small book of family history. There was very little mention of their history and she would soon share this interesting find with Lars and Uriah.
Lars and Aria were more than happy to ask their mother for answers while Uriah watched on.
But Contessa gave no answers, only cryptic clues about the nature of their bloodline.
"We the Wanderers of Green walk to harness the Projected"
Unsatisfied with this, Lars and Aria would soon leave home and pursue their careers outside the walls of Uldah in an attempt to also search about their bloodline.
Lars, migrating to the trees of Giridania. Aria, wandering as an adventurer in Eorzea.
They never did find out when Uriah decided to leave. Just that he was not home when they had come to visit Uldah.
His exploits would quickly reach their ears however as they learn of a green haired sorcerer wreaking havoc in fields of battle and proceeding to participate in strange jobs.
He had gone on to pick up an alias, a borrowed name from someone they believe to be his friend.
"So what is this thing that Mom gave you?"
"Her diary."
"Are you serious?!" Aria pushed Uriah to the wall. "You had this all along and you didn't think to contact us?!"
Lars restrained their angered sibling.
"First, Ow." Uriah said, swept his shoulder. "Second, it's not like you guys asked. You guys sort of just went on to do your own thing."
"You know we wanted to know more about our family!" Lars pointed his finger at him. "We searched our whole lives for clues and you're just telling us now that you had them?!"
The highlander jabbed an accusatory finger at Uriah. Normally calm, it was easy to understand why even the kind one had lost his patience.
Uriah swatted his finger away, finally a serious look replacing his annoying grin. "Mom didn't want you guys poking around it so I didn't say anything."
He picked up one of the tankards they had brought with them and took a drink as he walked over to the bed.
"You guys just took off and left her alone. Broke her heart. She said she wasn't ready to tell you."
"Well she's not here anymore, is she?" Aria crossed her arms and glared at her twin brother.
Uriah shrugged. "I guess."
He put the tankard down and reached into his bag. From within, he procured a small, black diary. It was wrapped in twine and slightly beat up but relatively preserved.
Without another word, he handed the diary to Lars, who had quickly swiped it from him.

"Preserving our history:
The Magriuz Clan had scattered during the 5th Umbral Catastrophe. In that neverending ice age, the city that once kept my grandfather's family alive had started giving in. The cold was too much and not even the solace of the grand Magriuz Household could keep them going. It is with great sorrow that they must scatter as foretold by them who preserve the future. They of past and present follows. We were called fools by those who stayed but far be it compared to those whose fates were that of oblivion. Father lived through the War of the Magi while more of his family were lost. More and more scattered, quickly resulting in ensuring the legacy of the Magriuz from being further diminished. We were scattered. We were lost. My generation persists through the 6th astral era.
Though little, the Magriuz that were still within my father's reach stayed together and tried to rebuild Not such an easy feat.
Soon, I would be born.
Contessa Magriuz lived peacefully. But would Lars, Uriah, and Aria be the same?
Being told what my future children's names would be, even as a prank from my Forward Projected Seeing Brother, Celo was something I wanted to hear.
I of the backward projected could only look back.
~
I met Thulm as a young lass. He was large and scared me at first, but he was kind. He loved me.
And inevitably, he would save me from the destruction laid upon my family.
My brother would soon be the only one left as mages of some sort of voidsent had come searching for the powers of the Wanderers of Green.
They found it and died along with it.
We had since gone on to live quieter lives. Alas, Thulm would not survive another Astral moon after succumbing to illness.
~
I have always been one to avoid people with silver tongues and fast fingers. So why was it that Addas swept me off my feet?
The backward projection he held was that of a powerful history such as ours and we found kinship. That of the Magriuz and that of the Verc. So while it shocked me to watch my husband eradicated by light, it also did not surprise me.
I do not know if he is dead. I do not know what happened. But I will find out. Mayhaps I will find him.
~~
It has been decades since my brother had contacted me. Hearing him tell me that he had met Uriah in a dream meant that Uriah has awakened to our bloodline's secret. He who can Forward Project. He who is a soul of the future.
It pains me to watch my sweet... rather, sharp boy undergo that pain. But he is very good at hiding it. Seeing into far to the future and extending his soul to what must be the modern era and yet be trapped here in the present.
Lars and Aria have been saved from this power... for now. I will let them enjoy their lives.
~~
They have begun asking questions. Questions I cannot answer. No, questions I do not want to answer. Questions I forbade Uriah from answering.
They are not ready.
~~
Uriah has been comforting me as of late. It must have been painful for him as well when he watched his siblings leave. Even if he may have known it would happen. But I cannot divulge them of what fate may await them until they awaken to it.
Even Uriah cannot tell when that is.
I hope one day they can forgive me.
The history of the Magriuz is one bathed in sorrow and violence.
~~
If you are reading this, I have passed on and Uriah has allowed our history to live.
Lars, Aria, do not blame your brother from withholding this secret.
I could not be there to teach you what our Projection could do. I have failed you.
But it is not the end.
When the time comes that you awaken to your power, it is up to you to find the rest of our family. Save them from the next Calamity.
All my love,
Your Mother Contessa."
~~
Lars looked up from the diary, his mouth agape as he handed it to Aria.
Uriah stared at him, another sneer on his face.
He ignored it, proceeding to sit down next to his younger brother.
Suddenly, he pulled the boy into a slow embrace. The smug smile faded from Uriah as he felt awkward from his older brother's hug. "I am so sorry..."
"What's the big deal?" Uriah pat Lars' back. "I've been lying to you two for ages. This one was a cinch."
Aria shut the book and scowled at him. "How even? Why even?! This isn't something that you should have been burdened with!"
Uriah scoffed. "Please. It really isn't a big deal. I saw the future here and there. So what?"
"But that's not--" Lars pulled away from his brother.
He lowered his head and felt sweat drip down his head.
"Lars?" He keeled over and dropped into the bed.
Aria rushed over and tried shaking him awake until Uriah stopped her.
"Stop." Aria didn't even get a chance to yell at her. "It's happening."
"What do you mean it's happening?"
"He's awakening." Uriah placed a hand over Lars' forehead and Lars winced as if in pain. "He's seeing the past."
Aria backed away. Not because of surprise.
In her heart, she felt it once again. That envy.
That envy that used to consume her as her brothers were recognized for their magic. And now both of them have powers? She was always the one searching for her family's history and now she was the one left behind again?
Uriah switched his gaze unto her. "Aria. You have to awaken your powers. And if my guess is right, it will be soon."
"Why? Because you saw the future?"
He shook his head. "Just a hunch. If it took Lars this long to awaken, I think your powers are next. But what it may be, I don't know. Mom never talked about how Projection of the Present worked."
"Projection of the Present?" Uriah said nothing, only watching over his unconscious brother.
Aria sat down next to him. "What are we supposed to do?"
"I don't know." Uriah gave her an indecisive grin. "But if anything... Eorzea certainly got a lot bigger."

Thanos Venge - Exordium

"If you're a ghost, whispering
 Then I'm waiting, listening"
- Left of You (Eclipses for Eyes)

Reese Morrison never had a problem coming over to his best friend, Terrence Sanders' house even if it was a little far from the rest of society.
"Who would pass up on a chance to live in a beautiful house overlooking the cliff?" Terrence had once asked him.
"Sane, sensible people who don't want to fall to their deaths when an earthquake hits." He sarcastically replied to his Best Friend.
"Dad paid good deposit to make sure that doesn't happen."
But there was something very wrong when they arrived this time.
For the first time in their lives, Reese and Terrence had overheard Terrence's father, Colin, angry. With some lady in their house no less.
But they weren't alone. Inside, Reese could spot at least 2 other men wearing business suits and shades like some sort of secret service.
They couldn't hear much of the conversation from the porch, but it sounded like a business thing that Reese and Terrence shouldn't be messing with.
"You're going to jeopardize us all!" Colin shouted.
The woman, whose hair was dyed a deep blue, crossed her arms.
"You have no idea what you all are playing at here. We're crossing too many lines!"
"And you grow a conscience now?" One of the men replies.
"I needed the money. I didn't expect this revolution!" She stomped her foot down. "Why on earth would you want something this radical?! I can't be a part of this!"
Reese already knew this wasn't good. That they should leave and probably call the police. But he and Terrence were rooted to the spot.
"We should..." Terrence started. The sea crashed down from below and the sounds of waves echoed across the area. But it couldn't muffle out the obvious sound of a gunshot.
Reese fell over. He kept his mouth from screaming by covering his mouth with his hands. But he couldn't say the same for Terrence, who had gasped at the horror of watching his father murder someone right before his very eyes.
The woman, who had stubbornly stood her ground was now lying lifeless on the ground with a gaping hole on her forehead. Blood seeped out from her wound, mouth, and nose.
"Dad..."
They all heard it. The two men and his father looked over.
His father gave a similarly horrified look. A look of guilt and pain over what his son had just witnessed.
The two men whispered something to him and his eyes widened in even more despair.
"What?! But..."
"We need to make sacrifices." One of the men suddenly said. "Your heart belongs with us, I know. Just as Rain's heart was when he had to do it. We need no compromises."
Terrence stepped back, his quick mind already processing what this sacrifice could mean.
"Or you can follow Janine's sacrifice." Colin turned to the woman's body, staring at the shocked expression that was left on her face.
He closed his eyes and sighed.
Reese didn't need to look to know what was going to happen next.
He grabbed his friend and made a beeline to his car.
There was shouting from behind them and three footsteps as well.
Terrence didn't have time to put on his seatbelt as Reese revved the car and gunned it.
"We have to go to the police. We need to-" Terrence, who was looking behind them as they went, suddenly turned the wheel. He swerved just as he heard the gunfire across the path behind them. Glass shattered from behind and Reese screamed, speeding his Honda Civic to get the hell away from their.
They made it out to the main road and Reese quickly followed the road towards the police station.
He looked back to see if they were following behind. Terrence's father was a dot on the path to the house, but he didnt follow anymore. "I don't think they're following us. What did you turn the wheel for?!"
Reese slowed down a bit and turned to his friend. "Whatever. We're almost to the police and--"
Terrence had slumped over. Blood seeping out from the side of his head. A bullet had hit him to the left side of his brain.
Reese choked back a scream and quickly sped to the hospital, which was thankfully a corner away.
He was waiting at the emergency room, blood soaked his shirt and pants. His eyes were wide, his hands were shaking and he could only keep staring down.
30 minutes later, the cops arrived to ask for his statement, with his father his other best friend, Mandy Roe, and Cynthia, Terrence's mother arriving minutes later.
He powered through the questions, trying to pull it together enough to provide the police what they need.
After they were done, his Father and friend tried to comfort him but he could not utter a word and only let tears flow down his cheeks.
He refused to leave, wanting to know how his friend is.
About an hour later, a surgeon returns to them and talks to Cynthia.
The next 5 foreboding minutes drove Reese crazy. He was waiting, hoping that Terrence's mother does not break down crying to signal his friend's death.
But she did not. She had her hand to her mouth and exhaled. But as the doctor continued, Cynthia's expression darkened.
"What did he say? Is Terrence going to be okay?" Reese's father asked.
She nodded her head. "Terrence was shot at the far left side of his head. He narrowly missed a fatal blow. They were able to remove the bullet successfully."
Her eyes suddenly got glossy and she had to sit down to breathe.
"But he's in a coma and they don't know when and if he'll ever wake up."
When they were finally allowed to see him, Reese could only look at his friend, once vibrant and energetic, now a vegetable and quiet.
If he hadn't swerved the wheel, it would have been him in this state. Or worse, dead.

-X-

Reese woke with a start, his body drenching in sweat and his heart racing.
Another dream about that day. He pressed his face against the pillow he clutched to his chest and exhaled.
It's been a month since the incident and almost everyday he's reminded of it because his dreams wouldn't let him forget.
"Reese!" His father called. "Breakfast! You don't want to keep Mandy waiting!"
That was right. Today was the day he and Mandy would move to Eastbrick Academy dorms. With their parents going abroad and none of their siblings around, they had to move to a boarding school. 
They all planned to do this for over a year and now that it was happening without Terrence, it felt empty. Sad.
"Are you sure you still want to push through with this?" Vas Morrison took a sip of his coffee. "You know, I'm sure your brother or sister would be more than happy to come home and look after you while I'm gone. Mandy can stay over too while her mother is away. You don't have to leave your old school."
The concern was touching, but Reese had made up his mind.
"It's not like we can pull out now that the mid school year is about to start back up." It was a lie. He could very well cancel it if he wanted to and just stay here.
He looked up at the clock. They had time before he needed to bring his dad and Mandy's mom to the airport. "And beside, I'd rather not drag Molly or Trent back home from their busy lives. I'm sure I can handle living in a fancy boarding school for a while. And it's not like it's gonna cost you much."
Vas sometimes wondered what his wife would have said if she were alive. He knew that there was something more to what Reese wanted, but it's not like he could force him to stay if he didn't want to.
"I'll be fine, Dad." Reese smiled. He hoped this one wasn't a lie. Considering his nightmares, he's already considered seeing a therapist. But he didn't want to worry his father. His concern touched him, but if Vas knew he wasn't okay, he'd drop everything for him. He'd rather just see his school councillor once he gets there.
"I'll go load our things into the car."

-X-
Vas was always casual with Reese and didn't express his emotions without being extra. He gave him his allowance, hugged him goodbye, and told him to stay safe and contact him if anything happens.
Larissa Roe was far more exaggerated when she was parting with Mandy, barely pulling away when Vas told her they had to go.
But it really was the sort of distraction they needed as they drove to Eastbrick Academy.
They spent about the first 20 minutes discussing their parents reactions and what they would do when they reach Eastbrick.
"I just wish Terrence was here." It wasn't until his name was brought up that their moods dipped and silence enveloped the car. Just the sound of Reese's spotify blasting The Ballad of Mona Lisa echoed in his car.
Mandy tried hard to just browse social media but she just couldn't bear it.
"We need to talk about it at some point, Reese." She was right. They did need to talk about it. "And how we're still going even though we definitely could have opted to not go."
Reese clenched the steering wheel. He wished he could shut his eyes for a sec but he would probably hit something if he did.
He didn't know what to say. Was he going to shout at her? Was he gonna break down and cry? Was he going to make a joke? Was he going to reminisce?
Terrence wasn't dead. Terrence's father wasn't in jail yet. Terrence still hasn't woken up from his coma. Terrence could die if they pull life support. Terrence could have avoided all of this if he didn't suddenly swerve the steering wheel.
"Terrence should have been the one here." Mandy noticed Reese tremble. "I should have been the one who got shot."
Mandy didn't even have time to tell him to pull over. Reese had the sense to stop at a convenience store parking lot.
He felt his breathing get heavier and his eyes water. His whole body was shaking.
"I should be dead."
"You two were at the wrong place at the wrong time. It wasn't your fault."
It wasn't like she was wrong. Reese realized that. He was smart enough to see that logic. So why did he feel such intense survivor's guilt?
"Why do you want to go to Eastbrick?"At the back of Mandy's mind, she already figured why he wanted to stay at Eastbrick Academy. She's known him for years. She knew what kind of person he was. He was kind, maybe a little snarky, but full of heart.
"Terrence's dad used to work there." And this confirmation was enough for Mandy to affirm her theory. That he'll look into Mister Sanders. Try to find him, maybe. And then...
"What will you do when you find the leads you're looking for?" She asked, again already sure of his answer.
Reese stopped shaking. His exhausted expression faded, a fierce anger replacing it.
"Revenge."

-Author's Notes-
Good day Everyone! This chapter, while originally meant to be Chapter 2 has been rebranded as Episode 0 because there's just way too much to move it forward with the actual plot I planned for Reese's beginnings as Thanos Venge.
This chapter is meant to serve as a remake of the third chapter of the original run of Thanos Venge: Wind Up. I wanted to make this much more impactful to Reese's being than simple anger.
I hope you enjoy!

You can read the original version right here

Thanos Venge - Rebirth

"See it's easy to ignore trouble 
When you're living in a bubble"
- Aint it Fun(Paramore)

It's human nature to learn from their mistakes and improve. Become better people. Get farther in life and succeed.
But sometimes people never learn. And unfortunately, those kinds of people are usually lucky enough to get away with whatever they do. 
Art Gallner was one of those people.
No one understood how this 18 year old scum won and got out of the courtroom without the three counts of rape against him. The case was extremely strong and he got off with nothing but a slap on the wrist. It was outrageous. It was unfair.
But Art understood. After all, what case would they have to offer without the key evidence in the way. His family had a way of getting rid of things that shouldn't exist under the sun after all.
Making his way through the angry crowd throwing food at him, he managed to get into the family van.
"The Apartment." He says to his driver. He looks out the window and gives the furious people a smug grin and the finger.
He felt powerful. He felt large.
He felt untouchable.
The phone on his pocket vibrated. His new plaything had finally texted him back.

Veronica Manson:
Omigosh, congratulations! I knew u wer innocent.

Art Galner:
But of course. I'm Art Gallner. I wasn't about to be taken down by some lying bitches.

Veronica Manson.
Mmmm that's sexy.

Art's grin widened into a creepy smile. He felt his crotch tent up his pants and he couldn't keep his excitement at all.
He felt he needed to share that, sending a picture to this naive girl.

Veronica Manson:
<3 omg ur hot and u have tat huge sword on u 2? It feels unfair Im not sending you anything.

Art Gallner licked his lips. His excitement continuing to grow.

Veronica Manson:
Say... Y dont we celebrate your win. Meet me at that alley just behind Eastbrick Live!
I've got a friend inside and we can get a private room.

You'd think, after nearly losing his court case, Art Gallner would be careful not to act on his libido. But this one was being too easy for him and he wasn't passing up that chance.
"Ricky. Change of plans. Drop me off at the alley behind Eastbrick Live."
The driver looked back at the spoiled brat, nodded, and changed his route.
Once they've arrived, Art shoos him away and walks over to find Veronica.
The thing about this place, it was loud and it was very, very busy. If this girl had so much as a working neuron on her brain, maybe she'd have the sense to have a date somewhere public. But where was the fun in that? She probably thought.
Besides, assuming she did have these connections, he had her in a room all to himself.
Art didn't care for the details. He cared about the condoms on his back pocket and his bloated ego.
"Veronica?" He walked around the long alley stretch. He normally wouldn't be caught dead here. Alleyways are for stoners and criminals, after all.
But he turned off his common sense the moment he got aroused.
Maybe she didn't hear me. He rationalized to himself. This is the loudest part of Eastbrick City.
But the longer he walked towards the end of the alley, the faster his arousal start to fade and his sense of caution starting to return.
As he was about to reach the end of the alley, starting to expect no one... or worse, someone else, a backdoor to Eastbrick Live opened. 
It was Veronica. The same foxy young woman he had seen from the few photos she had graced him with.
She looked like the piece of meat he had so wanted to eat for days. Tall, bottle blonde, and curvy. The way she lit up when she saw his face and practically jumped meant he was probably the ditzy type too. Judging by her expensive choice in clothing, she was most likely also after his wallet. He knew how to play with these types.
He slid his hand into his coat pocket, clutching on to the Stun Gun he used to knock his conquests out.
She was throwing herself at him so there really was no need for him to use force. But on the off chance she gets annoying, he had a way to shut her up.
"There you are! Sorry I didn't wait out here. It was kinda stinky." She sticks her tongue out, trying to be cute.
"No worries." He pastes on a smile. "Just got here really."
Veronica turns to a suited man by the door. He nods and lets Art through.
Art was practically pulled in by Veronica, who excitedly led them through the halls into a room. The press on nails digging into his wrists were enough for Art to decide that this was a one man act and prepared the Stun Gun for when they find privacy.
They reach a velvet door. Before they could enter, Veronica places her back against it and smiles at Art. "I think you're gonna love the private party I put together for you."
Oh I'm sure I will. He said to himself.
Veronica slowly opened the door without peeling her eyes away from Art.
The room was dimly lit and decorated with velvety curtains and wine to set the mood.
Is this what this girl spends the money she gets from men on?
"I hope you're prepared for an... Exciting Night" Veronica giggled.
It didn't matter to Art what Veronica planned. One small zap will be enough for Art to enjoy himself.
Veronica turned her back to him as she started walking towards the wine. "Let's celebrate."
"Oh I intend to."
Electricity cackled across the room and a loud thud hit the floor.
But it wasn't Veronica who was sprawled down on the floor.
The door closed behind them. Art was still a little conscious but his body was twitching from the impact where the Stun Gun hit him.
Veronica didn't react, only staring at Art as he tries to regain composure.
Then, a third set of footsteps echoed the room.
The combat boots stopped in front of Art's face. His vision was a little shaky but he was starting to regain his footing.
For all of 5 seconds.
Art couldn't even get his own Stun Gun out before the mystery man kicked it away and kicked his face in.
"What do you want? Money?"
The mystery man laughed. His voice filtered by some sort of voice modulator.
"He thinks he can buy me." Veronica laughed with him.
"What a loser." She said.
He felt the man plant his heavy foot down his back. Veronica finally moved from her spot, taking out what looked like handcuffs from her purse.
Adrenaline started coursing through his body. His mind raced and he started to think that these people were here for his organs.
But his mind was shut down before he could even attempt to overpower the man. The cold steel of a Stun Gun was all too familiar to his neck and a long blast of electricity had finally knocked him cold.

~X~

It wasn't the draft that woke Art Gallner nor was it the loud music that was suddenly playing in the room.
It was the slap across his face.
he was stripped to his boxers and both his hands and feet were handcuffed to the bedpost.
Sitting right next to him was a man, presumably the same man who had knocked him out. his face was hidden in a black leather hoodie and his mouth was covered by some sort of scarf. There was nothing that could give out anything about him.
Veronica was no longer in the room.
"What the fuck do you want from me?!" He struggled from his bindings. "HELP! SOMEONE HELP!"
"No one's gonna hear you and no one's gonna help you either." The man said.
"This is one of Eastbrick Live's most exclusive rooms. These walls are built to secure nothing comes out of that door. And even if somehow your voice exits this room, the noise of the crowds outside would drown you out."
The man leans in to his face. "And besides. Don't you like private rooms? I thought it was your MO to get girls alone and quiet."
"Don't you watch the news? I'm not guilty! Its all bullshit!" Art screamed as the man zapped his chest.
"I'm not a dumbass. I know your family tried to destroy any evidence incriminating you."
Tried? He knows his family DID destroy it. What was he talking about?
"That's... just... a bunch of rumors."
The man tilted his head slightly. Art could feel him give a sadistic smile from beyond that scarf.
"Are you sure?" The man pressed a remote and TVs around the room that he didn't notice before lit up and played videos... of him. These were security footage and hidden recordings of him forcing himself on the women who he raped. Women who had tried to defend himself.
Art felt a lump on his throat and his eyes watering. 
"If that's not enough for you, I've also got the pictures and the data you tried to destroy."
The man tossed out a folder to the floor where numerous self taken images and paperwork that sets timestamps on him that were previously seized by the Gallner Family to try and save him.
"Why are you doing this? Who are you?!" Art tried to sound defiant, but his quivering voice and crying made it all too pathetic.
"Ah. Where are my manners. My name's Thanos Venge." That name... Art didn't believe it. That name was just... It was just a rumor. A story to scare off criminals around Eastbrick. "As to why I'm doing this, I think you'll find that I've been paid quite generously to make you suffer. And I happen to dislike rapists."
"But I'm not--" Another zap to his body cuts him off.
"Are you seriously going to deny how much of a cockroach you are even with all this evidence? Maybe I need to knock some sense into you."
Art yelped, not used to the pain inflicted on him. "Okay! I did it! I raped those girls!"
He sobbed, making a mess of himself as he blubbered on. "But I only did--"
Thanos zapped him again, this time to knock him out.
"Rape is rape." he put away his Stun Gun. "You don't get to justify how vile you are. Cara says Hi."
Thanos walked out the room, finding "Veronica" waiting for him outside.
"Thanks for the help, Erika." The girl, Erika, shrugged. "You know, you don't have to keep wearing that outfit or that wig anymore."
"I dunno. Don't you think blondes have more fun?"
Thanos chuckled at the reference.
"Will that be enough though?" She asked as she slowly removed her press on nails.
"Just open the news when you get home. I think you'll be surprised."

~X~

"Shocking evidence surfaces as a video of Rape Suspect Art Gallner is spread across local digital billboards in Eastbrick City. The video shows Gallner admitting to his crimes as lost evidence is found in the room he was locked in. Police found him and all this evidence in a room in Eastbrick Live. No one can tell how he was lured here and no CCTV footage was found. 
Evidence suggests that this is the work of local vigilante, Thanos Venge, who seems to have left a card with those initials.  People have been asking who this Thanos Venge is, and whether if he is a hero or a threat. This is not the first time his name has popped up in the news. More on this at 9:00 with Maria Samson. This is BBC News."
Reese Morrison silently ate his dinner with his best friend, Mandy Roe, at their dorm's mess hall.
"Can you believe it? Who is this Thanos Venge anyway?" Reese looked tired and just nodded.
"Where have you been anyways? You came home late yesterday."
"Los Angeles." He said sarcastically. Mandy rolled her eyes as Reese smiled.
She'd never have known that Thanos Venge was just sitting across her.

-Authors Notes:
Hello, readers. Welcome to the first official reboot episode of Thanos Venge.
The original story is something that I've been brewing up for over 5 years. I knew how the story was originally going to go but when I took the chance to read the previous stories and its original future, I felt myself cringe. I've changed somewhat as a writer and after a long lapse, I feel as if I should finally give this story new life. Something with a better, more thought out formula that doesn't sound ridiculous.
Note that the upcoming episodes may not follow the storyline you may have read in the past.
I will not take down the old ones either but it will be marked now as Rumors regarding Thanos and Reese in this storyline to account for their existence.
I hope you enjoy this renewed start of Thanos Venge.
- MaxAxil

Read the Old Version here!

Rebranding

I think this is my third time rebranding on this blog.
When I first started in college while I was writing short stories at the same time as my friend, EthelReker, my Username was Strange and Depressed (SaD) because my emo phase had just started to awakened. This then got bumped up to Thanos Venge as I started to get used to the norm of writing mostly because it was my current IGN, was obsessed with Revenge and Stun Guns and I had gotten knee deep into my emo and depressed stage with a deep desire to use my misery to fuel my drive to write.
But while my depression has far from actually vanished, my emo phase is I believe pretty much gone. I'm just a bummed out burn out who wants to try again a little. So in my current transition, I'll use my real IGN, MaxAxil, now and leave it at that.
Hello, adult me.
-MaxAxil

PS:
Where does that leave the namesake series of Thanos Venge? Well, that identity has become its own entity and may see its own rebranding.
Because honestly, as an adult? Thanos Venge sounds extremely silly to read when I went back over it and my old notes to see if I can return to where I was since the last time I tried to do it.