Beyond My Choices/Issue 4

Issue 4 - Death and Past.
'''Tom stood in the gym in front of a punching bag. Black and red MMA gloves, topless, black sport shorts, and he paced back and forth shoeless. One hit. Two hit. Three hits. Dante continues in that same pattern until he hears a few words, from a familiar voice. Tom soon stopped, as he turned around.'''

Tom: What do you know, now isn’t it Adrian Smith?

'''Adrian: You need a partner? Adrian says in his British accent.'''

The two man eye to eye, until finally the two begin to talk towards each other, eventually exchanging a pound hug.

Tom: Yeah, you got equipment?

'''Adrian: Of course! '''

Tom: Alright good, should be just like old times then!

'''Adrian now much more cleanly as his scruffy beard is now gone, makes his way towards the locker room with a large sports bag. He quickly proceeds to put on his attire, until making it back out to the main open area of the gym. He wore similar attire as to Tom, except he had black and yellow gloves.'''

'''Adrian continues to walk by Tom as he continues punching the boxing bag. Adrian makes his way into the eight-sided ring, as he looked towards Tom who was doing the same thing as before.'''

Adrian: Are you going to continue punching the bag, or get in here start a little match?

Tom: Oh, didn’t know you wanted to begin so soon… Tom makes his way towards and eventually inside of the octagon.

--

'''Kyle sits down in his 9th grade class. Only 14 years old, he’s still going to puberty, with pimples on his forehead.'''

'''Kyle signs in relief as he hears the bell ring; he quickly stands up, and makes his way out of class with all of his items in his hand. He continues down the hall where he sees his locker, next to his locker was the pretty young lady who name was Andrea.'''

'''He unlocked his combination, and looked besides him. There he stood Andrea, her sunlight hair, along with her blue eyes. She was in the same grade as him, so he had no problem talking to her. In fact he was pretty confident in himself; therefore he stepped up before her. He lies against the hall locker, as he decides to take the cool guy approach.'''

Kyle: Hey Andrea!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Andrea: Oh hey! Kyro is it?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kyle: Oh no, it’s… Kyle…

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Andrea: Oh, I’m really sorry! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kyle: Oh it’s fine… Look I know we never talked much before, but how would you like to go maybe for a movie with me on Saturday night?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Andrea: Oh, wow I wasn’t expecting this! You seem nice though, sure! Andrea proceeds to write her number against the locker, and hands it to Kyle as he just wants to jump around in joy. Andrea walks the opposite way and waves back at Kyle who soon, jumps up and down happy!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Kyle sits down in his parent’s car as he is unaware of what exactly is going on. His Father and Mother are panting, as they load up the last of their luggage. His Dad quickly presses on the gas; Kyle looks around as he sees a few nasty figures walking around. He sees one man laid out on the ground, with his guts being eaten out by what looks like a homeless man.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kyle: What’s going on Dad?!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dad: Some disease or virus, I don’t know what the hell this shit is! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Kyle wasn’t used to hearing his Father cursed. In fact, if his Father ever cursed, then it meant some damn business. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Kyle: What about my date with Andrea? Kyle’s Mom Laura looked at her son in the eyes.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Laura: Honey… I don’t think your date with Andrea will happen. She looks up and stairs at her Husband who sighs as he just wants his child to have a good childhood. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Kyle hearts stops as he hears multiple claps come from his ears. He looks towards his right as he sees Kiera looking at him.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kyle: What the hell was that for?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Kiera: Rookie hazing gets used to it. Kyle sighs as he looks towards the front of the class-like environment.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''He feels a tap on his shoulder as he looks to his right. It’s Lewis O’Day! He always looked scary, but he never looked like this before. Collar T-shirt, blue jeans, and brown boots; for once he didn’t look like a fitness model.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Lewis: Don’t mind her, she can just be… Uhm how should I say it…

<p class="MsoNormal">Kyle: A bitch?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lewis: I was going to say moody, but bitch works. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''The two men chuckle, until finally steps in Lionell. Not much people ever got a chance to talk to Lionell, unless of course you were a Kurio.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Hello ladies, and gentlemen! I just came to talk to you guys about the big trip to New York! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Everyone applause Lionell, after all he’s the only reason most of them are alive now.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Thank you, so first of all I’m going to go over a few of the rules. First rule, when y’all guys get there it’s important to know that you’re going to be around new people, so I suggest don’t and I mean don’t mess with anything or anyone! Unless… You have permission. That’s all I really have to say, just be good, and make sure y’all guys stay as a group so everyone makes it back, is that clear?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Everyone applause Lionell once again, as they show they’re willing to co-operate.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Alright, that wasn’t all that I had to say, there’s still one more thing… Now, someone is being upgraded, I’ve known him since the beginning of this progress, and just by saying that he already knows who he is! Therefore I’m upgrading Bradley to Level 35!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley who sits in shock is just fueled with excitement. He stands up as he has been waiting for this moment for the past 12 months. Bradley shakes Lionell hand, as it feels like the first time he met him.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Thanks men!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: don’t thank me boy! You’re the one who worked for it! Still got a while to catch up with Tom, and Adrian but you’ll get there!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''The two exchange in a brotherly hug as Bradley finally felt accomplished for once. It’s been a while since the last time he actually has felt this good about himself, he was exited where the future was going.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Keep it up alright? And whatever happens, and I mean whatever happens always step up when the times are needed the most, got that bro?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Yea, for sure men!

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley stands outside, as multiple people phrase him for his efforts. They never gave out anything, but it was still an honor. He continues walking until finally his boy Jay and Chanel along with Jackson arrive.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Jay: Congrats bro! Bradley and Jay exchange in a pound hug. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: Thanks men! Oh, hey Jackson, Chanel…'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson: Hey man, good job!

<p class="MsoNormal">Chanel: Yeah, I’ve only been upgraded once…

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Who gave you permission to talk Mrs. Level 5?

<p class="MsoNormal">Chanel does her signature “eye roll” as Jackson and Bradley, can’t help but laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: Thanks guys… Means a lot! Bradley is quickly cut off by the sound of a wild Dante.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dante: What’s sup fuckers! How many we drink tonight?!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: I think one just be good man.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dante: One? Why, is that the number of seconds you last in bed?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: Hell nah, you tripping now! Bradley says, but his sarcasm is easy to hear.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dante: For real though, congrats men!

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom stands in fighting stance, as he stares down at his opponent Adrian.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian: What you been up to? Adrian swings towards Tom, who doges the damp punch. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Nothing much, just been guiding these young adults to the path of successfulness. Tom swings, but Adrian counters the move as he is able to get a grip on his arm, wrapping him up from behind.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian: You know, I don’t really remember anyone actually being successful throughout all this shit. Adrian picks up Tom; he struggles to lift him up, as he is quickly countered. Tom is the one behind now.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: You forgot about Lionell didn’t you? After all, he is the only reason you have some power now. Tom finally gets an advanced as he sweeps Adrian’s leg, causing him to fall to the ground. Adrian quickly, wraps his feet around Tom’s leg, as he begins to follow Adrian in a similar fashion. Both men are now back to their feet.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Adrian: Of course not, we all still have a while after all… 

<p class="MsoNormal">'''The two men who are panting and sweating finally call it a time for rest. Both men head out of the ring as they begin to gulp down on water.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Everyone sits around a booth as they admire the loud music, bright neon lights that flash around the room, and of course the company around them. Dante sits in the middle, almost as if he was the leader of the Avengers, and he was Nick Fury.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dante: So I set my bow on I think 90 pounds, and all of a sudden! I see these two beast right next to each other. Dante stops for a second as he looks around the table. He’s still shock everyone is interested in hearing his story.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dante: So, I only like one more arrow left, and keep in mind I’ve only shot on 90 pounds just a few times! So I release the bow string, and the arrow flies right off the arrow rest and right through the fucking deer and hits the other deer! Bad thing was, I had to chase the deer around for the next five minutes! But I was still able to get both, had my bud wait by the first deer, while my Pops pulled the truck up!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Jay: I wouldn’t ever actually sit through a bow story, but holy shit that’s cool! Fucking two deer’s?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dante: Hell yea! Dante takes a sip of the whisky which stands in front of him.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Chanel: Are you sure, you’re not just drunk?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dante: Come on, I’ve only had like 2 drinks! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Chanel: Well how many does it usually take for you to drink?

<p class="MsoNormal">Dante: I would say about six!

<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson: Damn, I feel so weak now, takes at least four for me…

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dante: Don’t worry, just means you’re more responsible! The group once again all laughs, as they all feel good.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley suddenly feels the sudden urge just to take a walk outside. After all, late night walks were always the best, especially when he was with his closest friends. He remembers back in his 12th grade of high school, he’ll walk around his neighborhood, or even drive around. Although access to cars was tougher to get ahold of, Bradley didn’t like this as he loved driving. He’ll save up $50 just to drive around for two hours with his homeboys, listening to their favorite music, just boys being boys.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: Hey guys, I’m going to go take a little breather… Jay stood up, as that was always their time to have their one on one convoys they always enjoyed. After all, they are the only thing each other have to remember from the pre-apocalypse.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Yeah, I’m going to head out soon.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dante: Dang, y’all guys going to come back?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: We’ll see! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Just like that Jay and Bradley are out of the club.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Shit, I was about time to leave anyways… I think I was beginning to get a headache…

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: Damn, you sounding just like yo’ Daddy! Bradley chuckles and even Jay can’t help but grind as he can hear it.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Jay: Aye, my pops used to be a pimp! That voice taught bitches where to go, and what to do!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Ahh, whatever dude, you know damn well he wasn’t no pimp!

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Shoot, you got me, I wish though!

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: You wish your Mother was a slut?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Jay: When you put it that way, it just makes everything sound so much worse! The two man laugh, as these are always their favorite moment during the week. Bradley stops, causing Jay to stop with him.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Jay, what do you think after we die?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Damn, why haven’t we ever actually talked about this before?

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: I don’t know… Just ran across my mind, so what you think happens when we die, after all you’re a preacher’s son?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Well you know me men, I’m always a believer and always have faith, I think there’s a heaven, but I can’t guarantee you there is a hell…

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Damn, never thought about man… I mean it would make sense right?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Yea… I don’t know, what do you think?

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Well I always like to have faith, but honestly I’m losing more and more every day.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: I feel you man, but we’ll get this through the end, brothers for life my nigga.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: For sure, brothers for life. The two man exchange in a fist bump. They’re quickly caught off-guard when they hear the sound of a guitar playing.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom and Adrian are finally back at it, as they bother are in there fighting stance.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian swings first, this time the hit isn’t dodge as its unexpected. Tom stumbles back but he still has his mind into the fight.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: So you never told me what happened to the president. Tom strikes as it nails Adrian in his face. Adrian soon regains his focus, as he hasn’t been punched in the jaw this hard in a wild.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian: He’s dead. Adrian does a 360 turn-around kick, as it barely touches Tom’s stomach. Tom quickly catches him off guard as he lays the wood on Adrian’s face as he regains his balance from his kick.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian falls down still with his guard up. Tom doesn’t feel like taking advantage, as he actually has some type of competition with someone.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian stands up strait as tall before. Multiple ladies gather around the scene as they’re enticed by the two men fighting. Abs pumping up and down after every breath, sweat pours down their bodies, what more could women ask for.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: What about his daughter?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian: I don’t know to be honest… I wasn’t there during the time. They split us up as soon as the President was bit… Adrian runs towards Tom, picking him up slamming him against the cage. Tom, who back is now full red, can feel his back full of pain. “I’m going to be sleeping good for the next few days” Tom thought to himself.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''The two man who now are stuck against the wall fight for position. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Just- li- like old times… Tom says as he has a tough time speaking while trying to regain his strength.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adrian: I’m surprised not one us actually have a broken nose by now, I’m sure these girls loving the view of your ass right now.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Oh, y- you trying to be a funny guy now aren’t you? Tom quickly wins the position battle as he regains his strength. Adrian is up in the air, and this time he is the one being slammed to the ground.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom takes advantage of this as he begins to pound, but is quickly wrapped up by Adrian.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adrian: You know it wasn’t your fault she died...

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: What do you mean? Tom says as there are mixtures of grunts between them.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian quickly lets go but Tom can’t do anymore, and neither can Adrian. They’ve been going at it for the past 45 minutes. Both men breathe in and out, as Lewis rushes to their aid with two towels and two water bottles.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom sits up as he looks towards Adrian who is worn out as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Tie?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian:  Yea, this too damns much. Both men laugh as they grab the goods from Lewis.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Thanks Lewis…

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lewis: No problem, alright who wants next? Lewis says as a big smile forms on his face showing his purely whites.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: No thanks, I don’t feel like dying today. The three men laugh as the ladies around them clap for their much entertaining match.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley and Jay turn towards their right as the sound from the guitar sounds very well pleasant. It’s a girl, most likely in her teens that are playing. The song sounds familiar to Bradley, until finally she begins to sing. The young girl looks familiar; “Is she in the rookie class?” Bradley thinks to himself, he had never seen her around much. She has her eyes close as she isn’t aware anyone is watching her.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Young Girl: ''If I die young ''

<p class="MsoNormal">'' Bury me in satin ''

<p class="MsoNormal">'' Lay me down on a bed of roses ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Sink me in the river at dawn ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Send me away with the words of a love song. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Uh oh, uh oh ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors, oh, ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''And life aren’t always what you think it ought to be, no ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Aren’t even grey, but she buries her baby. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">She opens her eyes and smiles as she stares at the two men.

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Wow, beautiful voice…

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Even I have to admit, that was pretty damn impressive.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Young girl: Thanks… Aren’t you Bradley? And you’re Jay?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Yea, I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re a rookie Kurio?

<p class="MsoNormal">Young girl: Yea!

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley:  So, I don’t remember your name sorry… What is it if you don’t mind me asking?

<p class="MsoNormal">Young girl: Audi… Audi Arabela… 

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Jay: Audi? Like as in the car Audi?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Audi: Yea, like the car brand Audi…

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay:  So what is a young lady like you out here by yourself, don’t you think it’s about time you have to head back?

<p class="MsoNormal">Audi: I got nothing else to do; all the other girls around my age like to talk about what guys they would like to fuck if they weren’t dead… Kind of weird if you ask me…

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: I’ve only known you for about five minutes but I like you already… Tell me, how old are you, it’s just so chill how you treat yourself so adult-like…

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Audi: 16… in a half… Why are you guys out so late? Shouldn’t y’all not be drinking?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Come on, give him a break he did just get the big 35 today!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Audi: Oh you did? Well congrats!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Well we should really get going, are you going to be at the games tomorrow?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Audi: Of course! Well see y’all guys then!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley and Jay wave and walk the opposite direction. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: I don’t know why but for some reason that name just sounds so familiar…

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Sure does… Just like that the night ended, and a new day waits for Bradley.