The sound of footsteps turned the quiet night of Mandela County into an exhausting chase of fear. [Name] dashed across the alleyway. Face and body filled with sweat as they sprinted towards somewhere to hide. A police officer followed in pursuit, arms stretched out to reach the runaway child in front of her. How could [Name] get themselves in? They should've been more careful.

Twist and turns became the only thing that could help [Name] escape. He breathed heavily as they pushed themselves to the edge. Objects were thrown everywhere, which only slowed down the cop slightly. The darkness of the night made things more tiring.

[Name] continued to evade their pursuer. He should've stayed hidden. They shouldn't go out in the open during the day. They've been on the run for two years! They can't get cached now! Too much was at stake! They can't let it happen again! Their stepfather could hurt them worse than before! And they're so... so tired of it.

And now here they are, being chased by a cop who wants to bring them to their mom's house. To him, something [Name] thought was a worse fate than death. [Name] should've known.

They ran to a dumpster, hiding behind it. The sense of having a fast-pumping heart made them tense up. [Name] stared at the darkness as he heard footsteps stop with a screeching halt. The cop seemed to be oblivious right now. The sounds of the recent chase became dead as the officer sighed softly.

After a minute of silence and heavy breathing. The cop turned to the dumpster.

"Hey," she said, her voice sounding trustworthy. "Look kid, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to help you! Please don't hide and come out so I can help you!"

[Name] was shaking a little bit. They pulled the pistol out of their pocket, seemingly concerned. Wait, [Name] thought. She's trying to speak to me? Uhh, okay, I don't know what to do... I need to end it all. Okay, I just gotta negotiate... Maybe I could talk my way out of this like those lawyers on TV.

"Are you su-" BANG!

[Name] tried to speak. Only for a gunshot to be heard. It blasted across at the cop. Hitting her in the shoulder. Causing her to pull out her revolver and fire back. Her arm oozed a warm, red, liquid

"STOP RESISTING!" The cop yelled out to her assailant on instinct. "DROP YOUR WEAPON NOW! STOP OR I'LL SHOOT!"

The child immediately jumped to their feet and began to run, gun in hand. Gunfire blasted across the once quiet alleyway. Lighting up the whole place as [Name] ran for their life.

If [Name] wasn't dashing before, they sure were now. The kid ran and ran as the sound of gunfire blasted from behind them. The blasts cause their ears to buzz like an angry swarm of bees. The alleyway walls feel closer to [Name]. Which only caused more panic to run through their veins like a travesty.

[Name] eventually found an exit. It looked like a gap surrounded by two restaurants.

Finally, [Name] thought to themselves. An exit, hope at last...

[Name] sprinted through the exit, the street light feeling like a gateway to heaven. The gunshots were becoming more silent as [Name] slowed down their pace dramatically and walked to a nearby bush to recollect themselves.

"Okay," [Name] whispered between breaths "That's too close. They could've got me! I'm at a disadvantage! I need to think more carefully!"

[Name] was thinking to themselves. I should be more careful! I'm just a thirteen-year-old! I can't let anyone do that again!

[Name] shrugged and began to stare down their pistol before putting it back in their pocket. They needed to rest and eat some food... Because they need to end it all. And time wasn't going to wait for them...

The next night was easy enough. [Name] got their supplies and headed to the place where they would finish their final task. They were no longer going to get oppressed by their monster of a stepfather. At least not after this.

They were thinking about a lot of things. The good times, the bad times, the close calls. But one thing (Or should [Name] say, person.) Was on their mind. And that person was Mark Heathcliff.

Mark, what a familiar name. Mark was a friend who was older than [Name] by five years. He looked like a guy in a hoodie with fluffy brown hair. He was one of the people [Name] could trust. He's been there for them thick & thin. He treated them like a person, not a tool like him.

Yeah, [Name] thought. What a great guy, I wonder what he's doing now. Hopefully, he's alright.

[Name] walked across the streets, hiding from people behind trash cans or the occasional bush. [Name] tried harder in general for the task. Sometimes they ran as much as they could, sometimes they just walked. Whatever it took, all just to end it all.

Eventually, the streets ended. It eventually led the runaway to their destiny. Their destination was here. It looked like a house. It looked like any average house. Nothing seemed different. Looked like a two-story building with white paint.

[Name] thought it was abandoned. They've been inspecting the place for around a month. And every time [Name] visited, it was empty, lacking any human life. Like a Twilight Zone episode or something twisted like that. It was perfect for [Name]'s final task.

[Name] chuckled to themselves, "Well!" They thought, walking slowly. "It's perfect! I can finally end it all!"

[Name] continued to approach the house until...

Static.

The sound of static just appeared out of nowhere. [Name] looked around. Seeing if anyone was there and looking for the origin of said sound. The static only grew louder as the runaway only thought about what the hell was going on. This confused them. Was someone's TV not working? Would the said TV even be this loud to be heard outside? Questions began to run through [Name]'s head like a lion chasing its prey...

Static continued as [Name] stood there. They shook a little bit as they pulled out their pistol. They thought nobody would be here... yet something felt off. They didn't know what exactly, but something inhuman was going on.

[Name] then shook it off for a little bit. Wait, I must be overthinking this. Clearly, I must be hearing things that are not there. [Name] thought. I gotta focus! Things need to be done!

[Name] just headed to the front yard of the house. Slowly taking steps to the destination. They were going to do it until he heard something.

"Nothing is worth the risk! Nothing is worth the risk!" A voice shouted from behind them, it sounded robotic and filled with static. Yet human as well in a way...

[Name] immediately turned their head to what was behind them. What [Name] saw from behind them was a tall humanoid silhouette. It looked pitch black, having large cartoon-like eyes. It didn't even have a mouth... it just stood there, staring at them with dead eyes.

[Name] simply stares. Not even phased by this. Until it hit them. Oh... it's an alternate. They thought, Oh sh*t...

[Name] began shaking, they felt their sweat condensing by the second. The child still held their ground though.

"What the-" [Named] mumbled at the sight of the thing. "Uhh, hey! How's it going, mister? What are you doing here?"

The silence was the only thing they got from the thing. The creature didn't move at all.

The Alternate then spoke nothing but pure gibberish. It sounded robotic and inhuman. The shred of humanity the thing had was gone. It rambled faster and faster by the minute. The mouthless face now had a cruel smile filled with sharp white teeth.

"NOTHING IS WORTH THE RISK! NOTHING IS WORTH THE RISK!" It yelled out suddenly. It said nothing but M.A.D like a machine gun Rambo used. "You are a failure! NOTHING IS WOR- YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN BORN- NOTHING IS WORTH THE RISK!~"

[Name] just stood there, their eyes seemingly expressionless. They expected this. They encountered alternates before, they all seem to mumble and sometimes attack. But [Name] didn't care. The M.A.D didn't really bother them at all.

They simply let the alternate have its fun. Letting it ramble for a bit until they had enough. They then grabbed the Glock, pulling out the pistol like Clint Eastwood and aiming it at the thing.

"Nothing is WORTH THE RISK! NOTHING IS WORTH THE RISK! Nothing is-"

Bang!

"Ris-"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The creature screeched as [Name] fired at it. The bullets went through the thing as it oozed some black substance [Name] couldn't put their finger around. Maybe it was blood? The runaway child thought to themselves. Wait, do alternates bleed? That doesn't look like blood!?

The creature didn't flinch. But it did start breathing a bit shorter. Its smile disappeared as it growled like an animalistic caveman.

"Oh screw you! You're fate I already sealed!" The creature scolded as it slowly turned to leave. The sound of heavy steps with the warm black liquid almost made [Name] want to vomit. "I'll just let you do the job for me.~"

[Name] raised an eyebrow at what the thing said. What did he mean by that? Did he really know my final task? Nah, it can't be true. Can't it?!

[Name] just shrugged and proceeded to prepare for the final task.

Meanwhile, Mark Heathcliff was stuck in his room. Three days, three long, tiring days he's been stuck in this place. He breathed slowly as he finally heard the thing stopped. He got up, gun in hand after he heard the gunshots that scared him. And opened the door, and peeked outside, but nothing was there.

"Hmmm, weird," Mark said, "Well, at least I can rest."

The man continued to explore his home. No alternate was there to see. Everything was fine. Until he reached the front door.

He walked downstairs and across the hallway. Sighing. Until he stood still at what he saw on the other side of the front

Standing there, was a runaway child. They're aiming a gun at their head...

"Freedom at last!" The child muttered.

Mark's jaw dropped, his body shaking slightly. Mark knew this kid. It was [Name]... Why did they have a gun? Mark thought, Oh God no... It can't be!

Mark wasted no time. He dashed towards the door and grabbed the knob with an iron grip. Proceeding to slam it open and barged out in pure adrenaline. Dropping the gun as he ran.

"Wait NO! Don't do this!" Mark yelled out, his voice cracking nearly at the sight he witnessed.

[Name] gasped, they thought fast. They put the gun away in an instant and hid it like nothing was there. The child was secretly in shock. Wait, Mark lives here? The runaway thought to themselves. This is going to be harder now... I don't want this to ruin the final task...

The child decided to break the silence between the two. "Uhh, hey Mark!" [Name] nervously chuckled before continuing. "Look, I know this doesn't sound good. But trust me! It's not that bad! I needed to perish!"

Mark's jaw dropped, his very soul seemed to reek in pain at every word [Name] said out of their mouth.

"No," Mark replied, heart, thudding in his chest, "It's that bad! You're only a kid! You have so much to see and experience! Don't do this!"

The kid shook his head. Their faces looked defeated yet determined. "I disagree, Mark, I need to perish! I've been running for way too long, I've been doing something pointless! I need to finish my final task!"

Mark gasps at this [Name]'s words. This can't end like this! Anything but this! Mark felt the tears well up in his eyes as his body trembled.

"N-no! NO! This can't be it! You have a whole life! Don't do it! I swear [Name], I swear on my life that you shouldn't do it! You need help! Please..." Mark started to break down. "Just don't."

[Name] widened their eyes and took a step forward. Their motive became a bit conflicted. Wait, they thought. Why's he crying? I thought he would understand... Did I give him poor judgment? I gotta do something...

"M-mark? Why are you cr-crying?" [Name] asked, slowly coming closer. "You're kinda making me... sad!"

Mark stares into the kid's eyes. A solemn and sad look was plastered on it. Forming a hybrid expression of pure dread.

"Don't worry kid," Mark said between tears. "Just put the gun away and let us talk... Okay? Please, for me?"

[Name] stood still, their veins filled with adrenaline as they stared at their friend... They sighed. They needed to complete the final task. Yet their friend is in distress. What should they do? What can they say now?

"Look," [Name] said with a solemn face. "This is destiny, I know you may not like this. But this is my final task. I needed to end this. I have been running, and running for two years. My stepfather has been trying to ruin my life even more. People have been after me for far too long. I need this."

[Name] then smiled a light and bittersweet smile. They walked closer to Mark. "Trust me Mark, besides, no one would care about me."

Mark's eyes widened and got up. He's not going to have a child die like this. Mark knew this kid for five years. He just couldn't let the child die... Not if he had anything to do with it.

"No! Please, let me help! I care about you! I would miss you a lot if you go! You can't let this happen! You're too young! This isn't your destiny!"

[Name] stopped and gasped. "Wait, wait... you care about me?" [Name] asked, their expression changing as they started questioning finishing this task. "But I thought I was as disposable as a napkin! You sure?"

Mark nodded as he wiped his tears away. He clenched his fist tightly, he stood up like a man after experiencing a battlefield.

"Kid..." Mark started under his breath, making sure he got a hold of himself. He has to help this innocent child somehow. "Don't say that. I care about you a lot. You're not disposable at all! [Name], don't do it... Please!"

[Name] stood still, time seemed to freeze instantly. The cold air became the only thing [Name] felt as they thought. Wait, is Mark right!? But the final task. That can't be! What if my stepfather reaches me?! [Name] thought as the combination of stress and small sweat droplets emerged on their face. No! I need to convince him! This will be it! My final task needs completion. No matter what!

The kid took a deep breath before speaking. Well, they thought. Here goes nothing!

"Mark, I'm nothing but a runaway, a street rat. What do I offer to society? I've been running and running for two years! What's the point anymore? It's just nothing but a cycle! Alternates, the police, my stepdad. They've been after me..."

[Name] then pointed the pistol at themselves. Tears formed in their eyes as they smiled bittersweetly. Freedom... at last. They thought. Peace is on the other side... I just have to pull the trigger.

"Not anymore..." They continued. "They lose if I'm gone! No one would miss me anyway!"

Mark got up immediately. He ran towards the child as fast as he could. NO NO NO! Not this! Anything but this! Mark thought, running at [Name]. Not this! Never this!

Mark quickly wrapped his arms around the child as soon as he could reach them. Causing [Name] to drop their firearm.

"No," Mark said, his voice soft and filled with stress. "I don't care if you're a runaway [Name]. You're a human too. It doesn't matter if you're stepfather or some alternate is after you, I'm your friend! I care about you and you deserve life, not death!"

Mark held [Name] with an iron grip. Keeping them close to him as he sobbed.

[Name]'s demeanor changed. They had a look of sadness as they melted into Mark's arms. What were they thinking? They were wrong... So wrong. Mark would be devastated if they were gone. Tears emerged in their eyes as clingned to Mark.

"I'm sorry..." [Name] mumbled. "I... just had been running for so long... I thought everything"

"Shh, it's okay..." Mark interrupted, caressing his friend's head. "Don't feel bad. Just please don't do that again. Some people care and love you! I'm just one of those people. Those people would miss you, very very much."

Mark continued to rub the child's back. Trying to calm them down and make them a little more relaxed.

[Name] wiped their tears away, resting their head on Mark's shoulder. Finally, someone who cares! They thought This feels nice, so so nice. I miss Mark.

"Thank you, Mark," The child said, their eyes closed as they let the warmth of Mark's embrace comfort them. "I owe ya one."

The kid then dozed off, falling fast asleep due to the events of the night. Sleeping peacefully while on Mark's shoulder.

Mark continued to quietly sob a little bit. He continued crying until he noticed something: The child was fast asleep, seeming peaceful in their slumber.

"You're welcome [Name], you are alright now!" Mark said, picking them up.

I gotta go get them somewhere safe, Mark thought. They're not safe in the streets. They need to be cared for and loved.

Mark held the teen in his arms as he went to his house. Carrying the pistols in his pockets. Mark's face widened with a grin. He locked the door, put the guns away, and went to his room. Kid in his grasp.

Well, Mark thought, time for bed. I really need the rest.

Mark removed [Name]'s backpack and hoodie and threw it to a corner, followed by resting his friend on his bed and putting a blanket over him. He wanted to keep [Name] close to him to keep them safe. He's too exhausted and paranoid to keep them in a separate room.

"Goodnight, [Name]," Mark whispered, taking off the hoodie he wore before lying on the bed. "You're a good kid."

Mark eventually fell asleep not long after that. Letting his eyes close as he entered into a well-deserved rest...

[Name] took steps back in the hallway, terrified out of their mind. The child aimed at their glock, shaking nervously. Their chills ran towards their back as they aimed their gun at the thing in front of them.

"Back off!" The child yelled at the thing in front of them.

The "angel" in front of them was a tall, long-haired monstrosity. It had large cartoon-like eyes like the alternate... But it (or he,) could talk fluently without any glitching. Its smile was inhumanly large as it stood in its monochrome form and gown. It's hands in prayer.

"Why would I 'back off' child?" It taunted [Name] in a deep voice. Its smile is growing larger than before. "OPEN YOUR EYES! I have won! We will get you! You will return to him! NOTHING IS WORTH THE RISK! Mark will PERISH! You fool!"

It then continued to laugh as it tortured [Name]. It extended its hand as it continued to just laugh, and laugh, and laugh as it tormented [Name]. The child started to tear up as the "angel" reached them.

[Name] then jolted up in fear. Oh, they thought, it was just a dream...

[Name] just sat there, fear running through their veins. They looked into their hands as they lay down on the bed. Without their knowledge, they made the person next to [Name] wake up...

Mark's eyes suddenly opened up in an instant. He made a groggy groan as he noticed the child shaking. Oh, Mark thought. Poor thing... Gotta make sure he's alright.

Mark grabbed [Name], pulling him into a hug. He tightened his grip as a way to comfort [Name]. [Name] stopped shaking as soon as their friend began to hold them. It felt... peaceful for once in this child's life...

"I'm sorry for showing... that." [Name] whispered, the self-loathing evident across their soul...

Mark simply rubbed their back. He didn't know why... But he needed to protect this child. He's been close to this child ever since he and they were young... He grew attached so quickly to [Name]. They became family to Mark. He knew it.

"Nonsense, it's okay for you to show your feelings to me..." Mark replied, his voice like honey. "I'll always be there. Y'know that?"

[Name] just smiled and rested their head on Mark's chest. Mark smiled as [Name] closed their eyes.

"Thanks, Mark, you're the best big brother ever!" [Name] said, as they went to sleep.

Mark's smile grew wider as [Name] fell asleep.

"Goodnight [Name]," Mark replied, closing his eyes as he held his new sibling close to him. "Love you too buddy."

And that's how the night went. Mark and [Name] finally catch a break. And finding something both needed... Company...

The End.