We call them I’m not exactly sure why we do, but the name fits. Many people have died to them. Yet, I feel uncomfortable whenever I say that word. Not because of the creatures of said name but because of what they used to be. They were once human. They were once just like me.

  Instead of living their lives, now, they have a desperate need to kill people. I heard that they are also always in pain. I couldn't even imagine what it would be like.

  Whenever I think of… , I try to shake the thoughts away. Does that make me a bad person? Probably. But what am I to do? There's no cure for demonization and I’m not an Eternal so I can’t exactly go beat up Giants (bad, bad creatures) and save people like my brother does. And I’m not exactly thrilled at the idea of risking my life to become an Eternal either. The likelihood of surviving would be around 15 percent-- if that. I am unlucky as it is. I’m not going to start asking for trouble even if it twisted my gut into a guilty mess.

  Though, speaking of my brother, he should be on TV right about now. Acting like a real superhero!

  I peeked into the living room from the bottom of the stairs, eyeing my father who was hunched over on the couch, scrolling on his phone. The TV was off.

  I jumped onto the couch, startling my poor old pa. He shot me a disgruntled look that I responded to with a smile that was the very manifestation of remorse. Even so, he didn’t seem impressed.

  “What are you doing?” he asked in a gruff voice as I began fiddling with the remote.

  “It’s time,” I said. “Cory’s first-ever interview. Do you think he’s nervous?” I pulled up the channel which Cory said would be the one hosting him. The host was on the screen.

  “Nah, this is your brother after all.”

  I nodded, “Cory is so cool it’s actually unfair.” I huffed. “Why does he get to be a superhero?”

  “He’d hate it if he heard you call him that.”

  True.

  “Why do you always go on about superheroes anyway?” Dad asked, finally lowering his phone.

  My face heated and I hunched my shoulders. “I dunno. I like ‘em.” The camera finally panned away from the host. “Oh! There he is! Do you think Mom’s just out of shot?”

  On the screen were three people. The host, who was in a big comfy chair, and two Eternals. My brother, Cory, and the other upstart, Ron Basin. I actually met Ron once, though the guy didn’t really notice me, which was fine. Totally fine. It wasn’t like I was bitter or anything.

  Mom should be on set with them. She too was an Eternal and decided to accompany Cory. She insisted it was just to make sure everything went smoothly but I was sure she was silently cheering for him like a soccer mom. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was wearing face paint in support.

  “Absolutely,” Dad said. “I’m surprised you’re not there with her.”

  “I didn’t feel like it. Besides, I’m meeting up with Cory tonight.” Also, Cory may or may not have told me he didn’t want me there, but I wasn’t going to say that.

  .

  the host said.

  Ron flashed that stupid grin of his, it screamed rich entitlement.

  “Show off,” I muttered.

  “You’re pouting,” Dad said matter-of-factly. I waved him off.

  “

  Cory smiled as well, which was odd because Cory never smiled, and spoke as if he was reading off a script.

  I thought,

  “Hey,” I said, pointing. “He’s fiddling with his bracelet. He nervous! I totally called it.”

  Cory was in fact twisting the black bracelet he wore. Albeit, he was doing it subtly.

  the host asked.

  Ron said with a chuckle. “

  Cory merely nodded. No one else could probably tell but it was obvious to me that he was uncomfortable. Cory never did well in the spotlight. It was unfortunate he was the brother with the power. I would have eaten this up.

  The host asked about the Giants they fight and if they had encountered dangerous ones. Ron answered that question, as he did the next one. He continued to answer more than Cory as the interview went on. My brother did speak on the safety protocols the Eternals have in the Wardens, but that may be because my brother was a Warden fanboy despite being a popular and important Eternal. He was quite young for the amount of expectations set upon him. Cory was twenty years old, he became an Eternal only two years ago. Some Eternals in the Wardens had powers for a literal decade or more. I am nineteen and I work in my dad’s cafe so… I suppose Cory’s doing all right.

  the host asked.

  I gaped. He just ask that.

  Ron opened his mouth but Cory of all people cut him off.

  Wait. Cory saw a demonization? Since when?! Why did he never tell me these things?

  Cory’s face was blank.

  Ron said.

  That guilt twisting in my gut was back.

  “Uh, I’m going to grab a snack real quick,” I told my dad. I then jumped off the couch, my face in a frown.

  When people go outside we wear masks. Not normal masks that you'd wear in a hospital but protective ones. These masks filter the Entha from the air so we won’t die when we walk out our doors. Everyone wears them, the only exception being the Eternals and demons. Entha kills most people. If it doesn’t kill then it transforms. Most transformations give people powers, but it can also make people become demons and lose their minds.

  Eternals and demons. If Entha didn’t end you then you’d become one of those two. Eternals have magical abilities whether they be weak or strong. They have a resistance to the Giant’s powers and stronger bodies. Demons can also have powers, but that's rare. They can also have physical changes, like fangs or three eyes. One thing that all Demons share though, other than going into what we call frenzies, is the ‘death touch’. Demons can kill people with only a touch. My high school used to give lectures on what to do if someone was exposed to Entha and happened to change into a demon. It usually involved running as fast as you can.

  The masks we wear are magical in nature. They weren’t created by science or humans. They kind of appeared one day before Entha was a thing. I personally love the feature of it forming on my face as I walk through doors. I don’t know what I would do if I had to remember to put it on every time I went outside.

  It formed on my face as I walked out this time too, covering my mouth and nose. I scrunched my face and adjusted to the new weight.

  It was a light drizzle today instead of a downpour, I could accept that. Looking around I turned left. Other people were on the street despite the aging day. All of them wore masks in all different shades and patterns. Mine was plain but it didn’t matter what it looked like, I didn’t like the masks anyway. I definitely didn’t want it to be red or look like a spider web or anything.

  “Rogue!” a voice called out behind me.

  I flinched and looked over my shoulder. It was Dickhead Jones, a name I personally came up with. Dickhead was a tall guy with broad shoulders and a clear mask that clearly revealed his hideous smile. He was also uglier than Cory’s ex, which was saying something.

  “Oh, hello,” I said, my voice nothing but a mumble.

  “Is your dad’s shop open?” Dickhead asked. “We’re hungry.” He gestured to the boy next to him who I didn’t even notice. Yondu is what I called Dickhead’s friend. The mohawk upon his head sure was something.

  “It’s not.”

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Well, will you let us in any way? You can serve us, right?”

  “I would love a coffee,” Yondu said. He was skinny, especially compared to Dickhead, but he had muscle on his arms and had the vibe that he could and would strangle me if the situation called for it. He reminded me of a determined monkey.

  “He would love a coffee.”

  “Sorry,” I said, raising my hands. “I'm off duty and I kind of have a dinner planned with my brother so… sorry, again.”

  “Aw, come on, ,” Dickhead said. “You can do it for us. Just this once.” His hand clamped on my shoulder and the next thing I knew I was being pushed towards my dad’s shop which was across the street.

  “Dic- I mean, Jordan, I really have to meet my brother. He just had his first interview and I have to be there in only an hour-”

  “Interview, huh?”

  “That’s right, he’s an Eternal,” Yondu said.

  “That must be sweet,” Dickhead said. “Having a rich mother brother. I wonder why your dad even has this run down piece of garbage.”

  I tried to force myself not to tense or show any reaction but Dickhead must have noticed something because his grip on my shoulder tightened.

  “Is everything alright, Rogue? You don’t seem happy. Is it because I called this place a piece of garbage? Come on, you know it’s true. Especially with those Eternals in your family. Or, is it that you’re jealous of your brother? Is that it? Yeah, I know the feeling. It’s not fun watching someone else get exactly what you want.”

  He pushed me forward, almost right into the doors of Dad’s cafe.

  “Open it,” he ordered.

  I stared into the shop through the glass doors. It was dark inside and my face was reflected back at me. I looked quite pathetic.

  That's what I told myself for most of my middle and high school years. It still holds some power I suppose. I took a deep breath and turned to them.

  “I don’t have my keys…”

  Dickhead narrowed his eyes and leaned forward.

  “Then I guess we’ll have to come back tomorrow. I don’t want to be disappointed, Rogue, so make sure to remember your keys. I know how easily you forget things.” He smiled a smile that would shame the Grinch. I think it was secreting radiation poisoning, actually. “I won’t be so easygoing next time.”

  The guy stepped back. He gave me one last creepy look before stalking off with Yondu next to him. I watched them for a moment before slipping my hand into my hoodie. My hand curled around the keys settled at the bottom of the pocket.

  I despised the subway. I wished it didn’t exist. I wished I could teleport. Why was life so unfair? I ride it almost every day, which is reason enough to dig a hole and crawl into it, but what makes it worse is that the one I normally take, the one that gets where I need to go the quickest, has the worst cars ever. Maybe they are all that way but I don’t care, the ones I end up with are the worst of the worst. They stink, they are loud, they are full of people, they have mysterious substances on the floor and seats, and they are always too bright. No one needs the lights to be that bright! If I didn’t have the endurance of a newborn I would consider walking. But with my legs I would probably end up in an alleyway somewhere, unconscious.

  When I finally got to my stop, I threw myself out the doors. Even through the mask, it was like finally breathing fresh air again. Light raindrops bounced against my neck and I could feel it in my hair. I pulled my hood on and continued away from the car.

  This part of the city was more expensive with bigger and more elegant buildings, even compared to my neighborhood. It was also obviously newer too. Even the sidewalks were cleaner with less cracks. A park with trees was the opposite way, the grass was cut neatly and the paths were paved. The park and the street were highlighted with bright light posts. Because of them, I could see decently despite the rain.

  The restaurant my brother told me to meet him at was only a block away and it was easy to find, seeing how it was massive. It reeked of money with its big fancy doors and windows that seemed to be made by expert craftsmen. The customers leaving and entering were dressed in nice clothing that made me feel like I was wearing rags.

  I cursed Cory in my head. Why did he have to pick this place out of all the places? Even a hot dog stand would have been preferable.

  I sighed and entered the restaurant which was named ‘Green’s House’. The mask disappeared from my face as the air became safe again. I could feel a few people eye me and I tried not to bury myself in my hoodie. An attendant, holding a clipboard, was standing behind a desk. She met my eyes and her cold gaze roamed over me for a moment before a fake smile was plastered onto her face.

  “Welcome, do you have a reservation?”

  “Uh, yeah. My brother should have made one. Cory Rogue.”

  The lady blinked as if trying to process what I said. She shook her head slightly and she smiled again. She checked her clipboard and stepped away from the desk.

  “Right this way, Ms. Rogue.”

  "Mr." I corrected, examining the restaurant.

  I followed the woman. We passed tables and different rooms with hanging chandeliers, red upholstery, and Tiffany lamps. The entire building smelled of fresh bread and cooked meat. My mouth may have watered a bit. Eventually, the woman stopped before a table with a person sitting at it.

  I could recognize my brother’s back immediately. He was wearing the same button up he was wearing in the interview, his black hair was tousled in its usual way, and he was slightly hunched. Even sitting he was tall.

  What surprised me was that he was alone.

  I waved a ‘thanks’ to the attendant and bumped into Cory.

  “Where’s Mom?” I asked, sliding into the seat across from him.

  Cory didn’t even seem startled to see me. He merely shrugged. “Working late. The Wardens are sending another party into the Wall next week.”

  I nodded. “I saw the interview.” A grin graced my face. “You looked like you were having fun.”

  Cory groaned.

  My smile grew. “Do you have to sign autographs afterward? Were there a busload of screaming admirers? Did a modeling agency give you a contract? Do you have any merch yet?”

  “Cain, stop.” Cory ran a hand through his hair, glaring at me. I continued to smile at him. He deflated and raised a finger. “One, stop looking at me like that. Two, I am not going to become a model. And three, any merch I may or may not have is not official nor consented by me.”

  My mouth fell open. “Wait, you actually have merch?” I slumped onto the table. “Dude, how is that fair?” My next words were muffled into the table. “I want fans.”

  “I’m willing to switch places.”

  I lifted my head. “Nah, it’s okay. I like watching you suffer.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Just so you know, if any of your creepy fans give you trouble, send them my way. I’ll beat them up for you.”

  “That would be the smartest course of action,” Cory said, a hint of a smirk on his lips.

  “I know. I know.”

  A waiter, seemingly appearing from the shadows with a sudden return, set a basket of rolls in front of us.

  “Do you wish for any more appetizers?” he asked.

  “Actually, can we order?”

  I got the safest thing on the menu: a basket of chicken strips and fries. Everything else had fancy names that I could barely understand. Cory though got some kind of fish. I half expected him to get chicken strips too seeing how Cory and I always shared the same food curiosity, which was none. We both never really diverted from our normal choices.

  “Hey, Cor?” I started, tearing off a piece of roll. “Why did you choose this place? It’s too fancy. Even for you.”

  “My friend brought me here some time ago. I suppose I thought it would be nice to come here again.”

  I blinked. “You mean Ron?”

  Cory made a face. “No. Not with Ron. He and I are barely even friends.”

  “If it’s not Ron then who could it be? You don’t have any friends.”

  “I have friends.”

  “Uh, no you don’t. You are seriously lacking in all things social,” I said.

  Cory sighed, looking as if he were ten years older. “It’s a business friend. He helped me with some things.”

  “And you can’t tell me what those things are?”

  He seemed to struggle with what to say.

  “...Not really. I don’t think I can.”

  I straightened, all traces of my smile gone. “Is it something you to tell me?” I leaned closer. “Is everything okay?”

  Cory waved a hand. “Yes. Everything is fine.” He ran his hand through his hair again. “I mean, I am fine. If anything, it was more my choice to keep it secret. I’m doing alright, Cain. Promise. I just can’t tell you or Mom and Dad just yet.”

  “Not even Mom?”

  “Not even her.”

  I leaned back again.

  I decided to leave it alone. He was probably sworn to secrecy under the government or something so there was no point asking about it. There were many things both Mom and Cory couldn’t tell me.

  “So, how's the cafe? Is everything going alright with dad?”

  I groaned. “If meant more stern than ever. I think he hates me or something. Apparently he wants me to have ‘. What does that even mean? I have a future! Can’t I have an future cleaning up coffee stains?” I breathed a puff of air. “He’s making me take up another part time job. I don’t have the time for that!”

  “Cain, all you have is time.” Cory shook his head fondly.

  I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean .”

  Cory's face broke and he began laughing.

  “What the fuck man, are you saying I’m talentless?”

  Cory only laughed harder. I crossed my arms and huffed.

  My stupid brother hiccuped another laugh and met my eyes.

  “I’m glad to see you,” he said.

  I tried to keep my expression annoyed but even I couldn't help the smile that slipped out.

  “Whatever, man.”

  Cory tensed then checked his phone which was sitting on the table and his brows furrowed, a look of worry overtook his features.

  “Sorry, I have to take this.” Cory stood up, answering the call. “What is it?” he said in an urgent whisper and walked away from the table.

  The dinner ended kind of abruptly. Stupid face, I mean, my dear brother had to leave immediately after that call. From what I could tell it was mostly a one sided conversation with Cory listening to the speaker with a stony face. He had made his way back to our table only to tell me he had to go. Of course, despite how rude he was being, I graciously let him go. Before he left he said he would come to the house tomorrow so at least he was giving me that.

  Without Cory I felt awkward sitting at that table all alone. I was exposed. I decided to leave with my plate half finished and Cory’s credit card in my hand. He had left it with me so I could pay for the food. He probably wasn’t thinking clearly otherwise he would have never made that mistake.

  Should I buy new paint supplies with it? Maybe a new phone with a gold plated case? I chuckled, imagining Cory’s reaction.

  My mask formed on my face as I walked through the door. The night's rain sprinkled onto my cheeks and I shivered. I should hurry to the train, maybe then I won’t freeze my ears off.

  As I speed walked I flipped the card through my fingers. I passed the big restaurants, the hotels, and the fashion stores that belonged to huge companies. I tried to ignore the smiling people inside. Maybe I should stop at one, maybe buy a big puffy jacket with the card. Hand warmers would be nice. An umbrella would be better.

  I probably shouldn’t. It was already getting late and I’m a responsible person…

  Okay, maybe one stop wouldn’t hurt.

  Just an umbrella, a bag of chips or two, a packet of gum, and a pair of white gloves. Not just any gloves but the gloves that you can wear use a phone! So my fingers will no longer go numb during the winter. Pretty sweet if I did say so myself.

  Because of my quick detour I had to take a later train. Less people were on the later ones which was the only upside. The subway at night always gave me an eerie feeling though that may be because of all the movies I have watched. Too many characters have died on trains.

  I was just scrolling on my phone a couple stops from my house when an announcement was called over through the speakers.

  “

  I threw up my hands.

  “Oh come on!”

  The doors of the train opened and a person sitting on the other side of the car got out. I grumbled but I pulled myself out of my seat. I checked the time on my phone.

  I’m about a forty minute walk from my house. If I leave now, I should be home around 11 pm. If I go to bed immediately, I should get enough sleep to function tomorrow. Even with my early shift.

  I cursed Cory in my head again. Why did he have to work so much? We could have had dinner hours ago.

  After weighing my options I stepped out of the car and into the covered area. The station was practically empty, most people who were there were leaving. That would include me.

  I opened the umbrella I bought. It did its job pretty well. I barely got wet. The pitter patter of the rain against the umbrella was loud though. I liked the almost shield-like shape. The street I was on was sketchy as fuck.

  There were very few people. Some of the lamp posts flickered ominously, and most lights were off in the buildings. A chill went down my back and I wasn’t exactly sure why. My hold on my phone tightened.

  “” a distant voice shrieked.

  I nearly jumped out of my skin. Without planting my feet I twisted to look in the direction of the scream. In doing so my feet tripped over one another and I fell to the ground. My backside stung and water soaked my pants. I closed the umbrella and scrambled to my feet.

  Another scream sounded from the same area.

  My eyes darted around the street. There was no one. Not a policeman or Eternal in sight. If there were other people they weren’t reacting.

  “Shit.”

  I was sprinting.