At Midnight

Ethan stood frozen, his gaze locked on the peculiar tattoo that had emerged on his arm. Minutes slipped by until he glanced at his watch, realizing it was midnight. Without hesitation, he dashed homeward, weaving through the dark, silent streets until he reached his doorstep. Fumbling for his keys, he unlocked the door quietly, careful not to disturb his mother.

He slipped off his tattered shoes, placing them neatly in the shoe cabinet by the door, and tiptoed toward his mother's room. Peeking inside, he found her peacefully asleep. A faint smile graced his lips before he gently closed the door. Ethan then retreated to the bathroom, where he stood under the shower, warm water cascading over him. His mind fixated on the sharp pain that seared through him when he touched the chess piece earlier. His eyes drifted back to the enigmatic tattoo etched on his arm.

After the shower, Ethan prepared himself for bed, bracing for another challenging day at school.

At Dawn

Ethan awoke to the shrill sound of his alarm. Groaning, he silenced it and checked the time: 5:00 a.m. Dragging himself out of bed, he moved sluggishly last night's turmoil denying him restful sleep.

After freshening up, he prepared breakfast and went to wake his mother, ensuring she ate. As he tended to her, she asked gently:

"Son, do you remember the name of my condition?"

Ethan offered her a sad smile:

"Quadriplegia, Mom. Don't worry; I'll find a way to cure you soon."

Her lips curved into a warm smile:

"Isn't it time for school, my little gazelle?"

Ethan glanced at the clock and replied:

"It's fine, Mom. I'll leave once I'm sure you've had enough to eat."

She reassured him:

"I've eaten plenty. Go now, or you'll be late."

He rose, grabbing his schoolbag, and kissed her forehead:

"Rest well. I'll be back before you know it."

She smiled after him:

"Stay safe, my son."

At School

Ethan arrived at high school, weariness evident from his sleepless night. Navigating the bustling hallways, he accidentally bumped into one of his classmates and fell to the floor.

"Well, well, looks like someone's gotten bold," sneered James, one of the school's notorious bullies.

Terrified, Ethan stammered:

"James, I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention."

James' friends laughed mockingly:

"Haha, is that all, James? Just a bug trying to stand tall!"

James smirked maliciously:

"You've been begging for a beating since this morning, Ethan."

With that, James delivered a powerful punch, followed by another and another, until Ethan's eye swelled shut. Gripping Ethan's neck, James lifted him effortlessly:

"Do you fear me now?"

A voice echoed within Ethan's mind:

"This is always me... a foolish coward, too scared to defend myself. But will I stay this way forever? No, I won't!"

As the punches kept landing, Ethan felt something stirring inside a visceral sensation that gripped his chest. A fiery rage coursed through him, and his eyes glowed a menacing crimson. James suddenly felt the weight of Ethan increase, forcing his feet back to the ground.

With one decisive punch, Ethan sent James hurtling into the adjacent classroom. Onlookers froze in shock. Advancing slowly toward James, Ethan grabbed him by the hair and slammed his head against the locker repeatedly. His blood-red eyes brimmed with fury, devoid of emotion.

Thoughts raced through Ethan's head: "Is this really me? No, I'm not in control. What's happening?"

His once-blue eyes faded entirely, replaced by a deep crimson hue. Amid the eerie silence, Ethan spoke in a chilling tone:

"This marks the start of a new chapter in my life. Think twice before crossing me."

Beneath his shirt, the tattoo's glow dimmed, as if satisfied with the chaos it had unleashed.

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