5: Back Story - How Ath Met Jax

Setting:

The river fight from Scene 1 has just ended. Ath, still catching breath after dispatching the group of boys, steps away from the bridge. She's only 16 years old, but the strength and confidence ath carries make ath seem older than her years. Ath walks through the dimly lit streets, hands stuffed towards pockets, thinking the fight is over. But life has other plans.

Characters: Ath (flashback age 19 to 16): Tough and guarded, trying to survive in a world where she feels alone, Jax (24): Older, more experienced, and with a quiet wisdom. His presence is steadying, and he's been through his own battles, Thugs: A new group of rough-looking men, much tougher than the boys from earlier. They're after trouble.

Action:

As Ath turns the corner of a dark alley, instincts kick in— being followed. Before ath can react, a group of older, more dangerous thugs step into her path.

Thug 1 (sneering):

"Heard you gave some kids a beating. But you're not so tough now, huh?"

Ath rolls eyes, fists tightening by sides. Ath doesn't back down, but there's a flicker of uncertainty in her stance. These guys are bigger, stronger, and more experienced than the boys fighter just faced.

Thug 2 (grinning):

"Bet a pretty penny you won't walk out of here unscathed, little bastard."

Before the fight can escalate, a voice from the shadows interrupts.

Jax (calm but firm):

"How about you leave the kid alone before you bite off more than you can chew?"

The thugs turn, momentarily distracted. Jax steps into the dim light, his tall, muscular frame casting a long shadow. He's confident but not cocky, and his eyes lock on Ath, as if sizing her up.

Thug 1 (laughing):

"And who's this? Big brother coming to the rescue?"

Without waiting for an answer, the thugs rush at Jax. But what they don't know is that Jax is no ordinary bystander. He moves with precision, deflecting blows and sending them crashing into the walls with effortless skill. Ath watches in awe, but doesn't stay on the sidelines for long. Ath jumps in, fighting alongside Jax, ath movements raw but powerful.

Within minutes, the thugs are down, groaning in pain. Jax looks at Ath, impressed by fighter determination but noting the rough edges in fighter fighting style.

Jax (grinning):

"You're strong, but you could use a little finesse."

Ath narrows eyes, sizing him up in return.

Ath (defensively):

"I didn't ask for your help."

Jax chuckles and wipes a smudge of dirt from his jacket.

Jax:

"Maybe not. But you're welcome anyway."

Action:

They walk in silence for a while, the tension slowly fading. Ath is used to being on ath own, and the idea of someone stepping in to help feels foreign. But there's something about Jax—his calm presence, his quiet strength—that makes ath feel like maybe, just maybe, ath doesn't have to face the world alone.

Jax (softly):

"I've been where you are. Alone. Fighting for every scrap of peace you can find. But it doesn't have to be that way."

Ath doesn't respond, but his words linger in ath mind.

Transition:

Days Turn into Weeks

Over the next few weeks, Jax and Ath cross paths more frequently. He teaches fighter how to fight with precision, how to stay calm in a brawl, and how to navigate the underworld without losing herself to it. Slowly, a bond forms between them—not just of teacher and student, but of something deeper. It's not romantic; it's familial, like a brother and sister looking out for each other in a world that wants to tear them down.

One evening, they sit on a rooftop, the city lights twinkling below. Ath, for the first time in life, feels like ath is not alone. Jax leans back, staring at the stars.

Jax (smiling):

"See? It's not so bad having someone to watch your back."

Ath hesitates before responding.

Ath (quietly):

"I've never had that. Not once. Everyone always leaves."

Jax (gently):

"Not everyone. You don't have to stay in the dark, Ath."

For the first time, ath's feels a crack in the walls, built around ownself. Jax has become more than just a mentor—he's family.

Action:

The Fight that Changes Everything

One night, Jax and Ath find themselves in the middle of a gang war. Jax takes a hit meant for Ath, shielding ath with his own body. It happens so fast—one moment they're fighting side by side, the next, Jax is on the ground, blood pooling beneath him.

Ath (panicked, kneeling beside him):

"Jax, no! Stay with me!"

Jax coughs, his breath labored, but he manages a small smile.

Jax (weakly):

"Guess... this is where I check out."

Ath shakes head, tears stinging towards eyes.

Ath:

"No. You're not leaving me. You promised."

Jax (softly):

"Not alone... anymore. You've got this, Ath."

With those final words, Jax slips away. Ath screams in rage and sorrow, the pain of losing the one person who made ath feel like fighter belonged cutting deeper than any wound.

Action:

Ath's Resolve

In the days following Jax's death, something shifts in Ath. The grief is overwhelming, but so is the anger. Ath vows to never be powerless again. Jax's death lights a fire in her—a determination to take control of her life and seek justice for him.

This is when ath decides to become a gangster, not just for survival, but for revenge and control.

Meeting Carson Stone:

The Beginning of a New Path

A few months later, Ath crosses paths with Carson Stone, a street-smart, same-age kid with dreams of becoming a detective. He's a little rough around the edges but sharp as a tack. Carson's curious about Jax's death, and when he learns about Ath's mission for justice, he offers to help ath.

Carson (smirking):

"Guess you could say I have a knack for uncovering secrets. I want in."

At first, Ath is reluctant. But Carson's persistence—and his genuine desire for justice—eventually wins her over. Together, they form an unlikely partnership, with Ath bringing the muscle and Carson the brains.

Ath (smirking):

"Fine. But just so you know, I'm not the hero type."

Carson (grinning):

"Good. Neither am I."

Transition to New Beginnings:

With Carson by ath side, Ath's journey shifts from revenge to something more—finding justice for Jax while navigating the dangerous underworld that took him from fighter. The bond between Ath and Carson grows, with their dynamic providing both tension and moments of humor, as they work together to uncover the truth and bring down those responsible.