Chapter 18: Pain
The following week was a nightmare for Max. Despite his efforts to lay low and avoid trouble, Brandon and his friends found every opportunity to torment him. Every corner, every hallway seemed to hold a new threat. Max's days became a constant struggle to evade their relentless bullying.
During his martial arts classes, Max approached his instructor, Sensei Michael, for advice on dealing with multiple attackers. Sensei Michael listened carefully but offered a stern response. "Max, physical skills are important, but the best defence is to tell your family and teachers about this bullying. You need their support."
Max frowned, unwilling to burden his mom with more worries or bring his friends into his problems. "I understand, Sensei, but I need to handle this on my own for now."
Sensei Michael's eyes softened with understanding. "Just remember, strength is not only in your fists but in seeking help when needed. But if you must defend yourself, focus on staying calm and looking for opportunities to escape."
Max nodded, appreciating the advice but still feeling the weight of his decision. At school, he continued to avoid Brandon and his gang, while also avoiding talking about his troubles with Tommy and Lily. He didn't want them to feel guilty or worried.
Max tried out for the soccer team, hoping to find a place where he could fit in. But the physical education teacher, Mr. Collins, who seemed to be in cahoots with Brandon, refused to even give him a chance to try. "Sorry, Max, the team is full," Mr. Collins said with a dismissive wave. Max could see Brandon smirking in the background.
One afternoon, as Max walked home, he felt a familiar sense of dread. He turned to see Brandon and his friends trailing behind him. He quickened his pace, but they quickly caught up.
"Hey, genius, where do you think you're going?" Brandon taunted, grabbing Max's shoulder.
Max spun around, his frustration boiling over. "Leave me alone, Brandon!"
Brandon laughed a cruel sound that sent chills down Max's spine. "Or what? You're going to fight us again?"
Max's mind flashed back to Sensei Michael's words about staying calm. But the constant harassment had pushed him to his limit. When Brandon shoved him, Max reacted on instinct. He threw a punch with all his might, aiming for Brandon's nose. He felt the satisfying crunch as his fist connected.
Brandon staggered back, clutching his bleeding nose, his eyes wide with shock and rage. "You little-"
Before Max could react, Brandon's friends tackled him to the ground. They rained punches and kicks on him, the world blurring with pain. Max tried to shield himself, but the blows kept coming. Brandon, his nose bleeding and eyes blazing with fury, joined in, kicking Max's legs repeatedly.
The pain was unbearable. Max's vision darkened, and he felt a sharp, excruciating pain in his right leg. The last thing he remembered was the sound of Brandon's voice, filled with venom. "This will teach you to mess with us."
Max lost consciousness, slipping into a deep, dark void. In his unconscious state, the eerie dream returned, more vivid and horrifying than before. He found himself back in the dark, misty landscape, the air thick with foreboding.
The shadows seemed more menacing, whispering louder and clearer. In the distance, Max saw the shadowy figure again, but this time, it was not alone. The shadow was torturing a humanoid creature, a being that looked human but was twisted in agony. The creature's eyes were wide with fear and pain, its mouth open in a silent scream.
The shadow moved with a terrifying inflicting pain with deliberate cruelty. It seemed to revel in the suffering, its movements slow and sadistic. Max watched, paralyzed by the horror of the scene. The creature's agony was palpable, and Max felt a deep, instinctual fear.
As the shadow turned, it locked eyes with Max. The same wide, malevolent grin stretched across its face, a grin that seemed to promise endless torment. Max's heart pounded with terror, and he felt himself being pulled back into consciousness.
Max woke up with a gasp, his body wracked with pain. He was lying on the ground, his right leg throbbing with a sharp, searing pain. Tears filled his eyes as he tried to move, but the pain was too much. He lay there, panting, trying to process what had happened.
The dream lingered in his mind, the image of the tortured creature and the grinning shadow burned into his memory. It felt like more than just a nightmare felt like a warning, a glimpse into something dark and malevolent.