Time. Always ticking, tick, tock, tick. Of course, we all know that there’s only so much. What if you could find a way to slow it down? Is that even possible, or is it some illusion of grandeur to slow down time? Well, if you can’t slow time down, why not speed other things up? That, was the dream of many a madman; but one of those madman actually found a way…found something to help speed things up.

His name was Jack, and he, like many others, was searching for speed. He did find it yes, but at what price did he pay to achieve it? Let me start from the beginning, mind you though, this story is long. If you want to take a break, please stop reading and do so, I would rather you enjoy reading this and not force yourself to.

It all started when Jack arrived in town a few months ago…he entered a tavern and sat down. Jack asked the bartender if he knew of a place that could grant speed. The bartender told him there was indeed a place, and that if he wanted to find what he was looking for, he would have to be there at a certain time. The place: An Alley northwest of town on Wyndmoor Street. The time: Midnight.

If he went there around that time, he should be able to find someone that could help him achieve his dream.

Smiling at his great fortune, Jack decided to take a stroll around town to see if there was anything of interest before he left for his new destination. After a few hours he came back and took a room up for a nap before he went to this alley.

Jack woke from what was a rather great nap, but it was a good half-hour till midnight; he should be leaving now. After gathering his things, Jack left. In his haste he arrived a little early, 20 minutes to be exact. Jack found a crate to sit on, and sat there thinking of what it could be, what he had found in this town that could help him with his goal; to speed things up.

Ah, it’s been about 20 minutes; He looked around but didn’t see anything different. It wasn’t completely dark, no. The street lamps shined his way, it wasn’t much, but it was enough to illuminate part of the alley. As soon as Jack started to admire the glow of the lamps, they all suddenly snuffed out at once; the alley went dark. A chill, no, chills went down Jack's spine, he had never felt that cold before; he started to shake a little. The shadows started to swirl into each other; a form appeared…a wraith…

A green glow emitted from the newly appeared wraith…the only light that glowed in the alley...

“What may I do for you?” the wraith asked Jack.

This was one of the first times Jack was actually scared, even so he managed to speak his desire.

“I’ve come looking for a way to speed things up; a way to maximize time and make better use of it...”
“Well, I possess exactly that, among other things. Of course you'll have to pay for it.”
Jack nodded; words escaped him for a moment; what if he could not pay the price? He would have to start from square one all over again, but this was his only desire right now. He couldn't go back. He finally found what he was looking for; no price would be too great. He was ready for this.

The figure pulled out a vial from one of his pockets and held it in front of him.

“This vial here, it will increase your adrenaline, giving you great speed. Of course, there are….side effects to using it…” the wraith paused.

“What side effects?” asked Jack.

“Each time you use it, you’ll become faster, but…your body will fatigued by all the stress. Just to make it, I need a few ingredients. You’ll have to find me two souls. Come back to me in this very place at midnight with the two souls and I will make you a vial like this one. Now, it’s time for me to go, until we meet again.” The wraith dispersed into shadows which evaporated into thin air, the street lamps lit up again, and then, everything went black.

Jack awoke from his slumber; what was that? Where was he? He was back in the tavern, in one of the rooms. Was that a- no, that was no dream. It did happen, and he had to find himself two souls. Where does one go to get a soul? It’s not like there’s a market-stand somewhere with some man yelling out, “Get your souls here! Fresh souls, get em’ here!”

Jack had to get going, if he was to find two souls and be back again tonight he would have to hurry.

He left his room, and walked down the stairs. Jack was making his way out the door. Get a quick breakfast and start looking for souls. That was his plan, a simple plan but it would do. Just as he went to open the door, it swung open and sent Jack flying into a table. Whoever did that would be on Jack’s bad side. The man that threw the door open took a seat up front and ordered a drink. He wasn’t a small man, no; he was huge! Jack wasn’t afraid of him though, he’s been through a lot over the last few years, and this man didn't scare him. He went up and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Excuse me.” The man turned and looked at Jack like he was some puny insect.

“I believe you bumped into me at the door, I think you ought to apologize.”

The man clearly wasn’t going to apologize to someone who looked so much weaker than himself. He just went back to eating.

“I don’t need to apologize to you. If you get in my way, you’ll be knocked aside.”

That didn't faze Jack, he just stood there. He was stubborn, and he would surely teach this man to show respect. He tapped him on the shoulder again.

“I don’t think that was the answer I was looking for.”

Jack then threw a left-hook into the man’s face, knocking him to the ground, spilling the man’s drink all over him. The man was not angry, he was infuriated!

“I’ll break your neck you little insect!” The giant man swung at Jack who ducked instinctively. This was not Jack’s first fight with a giant man.

“Is that the best you’ve got?” Jack sneered.

The man tried to grab Jack, but he jumped up and kicked the man in the face; which I’m sure wasn’t very pleasant. By this time everyone in the tavern had taken cover, this was a tavern after all, fights were expected. The man got back up, he may have been kicked in the face but that wouldn’t stop him. The man took out his axe and swung at Jack. He missed and struck the floor where Jack’s feet were. Jack jumped up the large axe, took out his knife, and slit the man’s eyes, his throat and jumped off.
Seconds later the man fell, dead. Jack realized he wasted a good deal of time with this man, it was time to go. Just then, a thought crossed his mind. He was looking for two souls; why not use this man’s soul? He needs it not anymore, and after showing such disrespect it he deserved it. He wasn’t sure how to take his soul out, and even if he could take it out; where would he store it? Jack now realized there was something else in one of his pockets; he pulled out…a vial. It looks exactly like the one that the wraith showed him, but it was empty…this must be what he was to put the souls in. Jack took out the vial and put it next to the dead man. A mist swirled from the body, the soul wasn’t in one particular spot. It was everywhere. It swirled around the room and entered the vial; Jack closed the vial and quickly left the tavern.

One down, one to go.

Jack made his way to pick up some breakfast; he bought some bread, an apple, and some cider to wash it down. He always preferred a simple breakfast.

It was mid-day; Jack still had to find one more soul, but where to look; and who’s to take? He walked down the street, looking at the people; looking for a soul. The wraith didn’t specify what kind of souls he had to take, so it didn’t matter whose he took. He hadn’t run into anymore thugs, and he was starting to get the feeling he would have to kill someone more…innocent.

Would he be able to take an innocents life just to achieve his goal? It’s not like he’d slay a child for their soul, there were plenty of adults to take instead; I guess he wasn’t worried. Jack decided to take a short-cut through another alley and see if he could find anyone on the other side. It was dusty and quiet, this alley felt…familiar. Which was odd; he has never traveled in this area before…but no matter, he would continue. His goal was almost complete.

Jack was in a different part of town, just walking the streets. He heard a commotion over in the distance, and rushed over to see what it was; maybe another thug he could take down…

He got there, and was dismayed; it was just an old man being harassed by a few older kids…he would take care of them swiftly.

Jack grabbed one of the kids and threw him to the ground; he then took the other two and threw them on top of the first one. They got up and ran away. Perhaps this man would know of someone whose life should be taken…along with their soul. Just as the kids went out of sight, the old man thanked him.

“Those youngins don’t know their place, never respecting their elders, good thing you taught them a lesson.”

“It was nothing, now I’m wondering if you can help me. Do you know of any other trouble around here, trouble worse then the kind they caused you?”

“Eh, yes there’s trouble around here, I’m afraid it’s everywhere really. All I can suggest to you is to leave the girl alone, you’ll thank yourself later...”

Leave the girl alone? Jack was confused by the old man’s words, what girl? By the time Jack had looked back up at the old man, he was gone. Nothing was there….was this a dream? What’s going on? Oh well, he would continue looking.

Jack went to buy himself some more cider, all that walking had made him rather thirsty. Just as he went to take a drink, a girl came out of no-where, grabbed his purse and ran off. Jack took off after her, and left the cider for someone else, his purse was more important then a cheap drink. He followed her through alleys and she climbed up a latter. Now he was chasing her across roof-tops, and she went behind few corners. Where did she go?! Jack knew she couldn’t have gotten far, and he listened for anything. Faint breathing; she was close, hiding somewhere. A look around, he saw her hiding behind some curtain slightly swaying in the wind. He slowly walked by her, pretending he didn’t see her, and as soon as he was close enough, he grabbed her and pulled her out.

Jack saw she was scared, but then he remembered the old man’s words again, “Leave the girl alone, you’ll thank yourself later...” Was this the girl he spoke of? He hadn’t run into any other girl, and he was in a position to do something to her, she did steal from him. It wasn’t often you had someone foresee your future, so he would take a chance; he was soon going to achieve his speed so he didn’t mind this “incident” anymore. He looked at her, and said, “You can keep it, next time don’t get caught.” He let go of her arm and climbed down, the girl staring, smiled a little and went on her way...

Now that he let that girl off, he needed another soul. He started looking again, this time with more fortune. There were mischievous kids here, thieves, thugs, the like of them; but which one to pick? Jack knew it was getting late again; almost anyone would do. Jack walked up and saw a guy stealing from a vendor, only Jack saw him steal. He followed him into an alley quietly and when he wasn’t looking he grabbed him.

“Why did you steal from that vendor?”

The thief was startled, you could tell it was one of his first times stealing, he was a mere amateur. Jack continued talking.

“Who do you answer to?"

“Uh…no, no one at all.” You could tell he was lying. Jack took out his knife and put it near his neck and asked again but a little differently...

“Oh, I’m sorry I guess I have no need for you then…”
The thief quickly decided that life was rather valuable and answered.

“His…his name i- is Al….Al Mualim” Jack didn’t feel the need to take such a pathetic man’s life but he was running out of time, it was a few hours till midnight. He would need another soul now; this man had no future, so he would be set free.

“I’m sorry for your life; your misery will end soon.”

With that, Jack took out his knife out and stabbed him in the chest. He laid the body down and closed his eyes. He took out the vial and the same mist came from the body and entered the vial. Jack closed it and made his way for Wyndmoor Street. It was time to get what he’s been searching for, all this time.

Jack sat on the same crate, and watched the street lamps, knowing they’d snuff out soon enough. Ah, there they go! The darkness consumed the alley again. Yes, yes, it was time. The shadows began their ritualistic forming….the wraith was back, green glow and all.

“I see you’ve returned…”

“Yes, I’ve brought the two souls as you’ve requested.” With that Jack handed the vial over to the wraith, and the wraith took it from him; his hands were misty, cold, and touching them made Jack shiver.

The wraith took the vial and it floated before him, he moved his hands around it, and put some other things in the vial. Some lights went off, lighting up the alley with bright colors; a few shrieks were heard, probably the souls, but Jack wasn’t concerned about them anymore. The wraith finished, and closed the vial; it looked exactly the same as the vial the wraith showed him before. The wraith handed it to Jack.

“You know the warnings, but I will tell you once more. The first time you use it, you’ll gain great speed, adrenaline will rush through your body; you’ll seemingly come out of no-where. You’ll have a hard time stopping once you get going, so don’t overdo it. The second time you use it, you’ll go so fast, it would appear that there are multiple copies of you running around, and in-fact they may just be copies. You’ll start to feel light-headed, and your vision will blur. The third time, well by that time the vial will be empty and your body will move so fast, time will be distorted, you’ll be able to be anywhere at almost anytime, but you will lose control and won’t be able to help yourself.

For every action there is a consequence, keep that in mind, now I shall go; heed my warnings and be on your way.” The wraith disappeared again, that would be the last time Jack saw him. He left the alley with his new vial, the answer to his problems. Jack was rather happy, exuberant, words couldn’t describe his emotions. He went to another tavern closer to this street and rented a room, he would have great sleep before testing out his new weapon.

Jack woke up from an odd dream, or was it one? He walked from the alley, it didn’t go black; but after he got to his room…something happened. It was that old man again, he appeared to him smiling, and started talking, “I see you didn’t kill the girl, good good; you’ll be most happy I promise you. Well, have fun and try not to over-do it when you fight him, you won’t realize how much faster you’ve gotten, well time to go; until we meet again.”

Jack woke up…"Don’t over-do it"? What was he talking about this time? Well he knew it would come true again, he was sure of that. With that, he left the tavern, got an apple, some cider and started walking down the street.

Sometime later as Jack was walking down the street, someone came up to him; would he get to test out his weapon now? Jack smiled at the thought.

“Excuse me, Al muallim would like to see you. Please go east from here until you see a vendor selling bananas and oranges it will be the building on your right, I do mean to go now. Good-bye.” With his message sent, the man walked off west somewhere, but that wasn’t relevant anymore. Jack was eager to see what this person wanted with him. A friend of that giant man he killed a few days ago maybe? He would find out.

After walking for a half an hour he finally came up to a vendor selling bananas and oranges. Jack went right and saw the building; he entered what appeared to be a warehouse. A voice spoke as soon as he entered; the door was shut behind him. He was trapped, not that it bothered him.

The voice started, “Do you know why I summoned you here?”

Jack with a slight laugh, “I have no idea actually.”

The voice irritated a little tried to maintain composure, “You are here because you killed my younger brother!”

Jack was right then, it was because of that giant man he killed in the tavern, I guess this is the man’s father and now he wants revenge…

“He was rather big; I do wonder what you fed him.” Jack was laughing a little more now.
The voice went on, angrier then before, “Big? He was not big, he was scrawny, small, and weak; and you killed him!”

Jack was surprised, it wasn’t the giant man he killed, but that amateur thief he caught. How interesting.

“I caught him stealing, so I made him pay the price.”

“You took his life, and for that you will pay! Now, GET HIM!” The voice boomed around the warehouse. Shadows danced and a bunch of guys with swords jumped down. He was in for a hard fight, but he was waiting for such an opportunity. Now he could try out his new weapon.

“I hope you know what you’re getting into.”

The voice echoed again, “YOU INSOLENT MAGGOT! DIE!” The men ran towards Jack and were just about to strike. Jack drew his sword, he preferred the subtlety of the knife, but this would have to do. He blocked the first few hits, but he knew he’d be overwhelmed soon enough, there were far too many to fight by himself. He had to use it now…he quickly took out the vial, opened it and took the first drink.

The Energy, it coursed through his veins, his skin turned red, his muscles, everything felt lighter…he took his sword and started spinning; he ran around the room and took out all of them in a few fell swoops.

The voice was surprised, scared, angry, “No! What happened! What did you do?!”

Jack only smiled at him, but he didn’t want to stop, the speed, he was finally going to conquer time’s hold on him! He followed the voice, and jumped up to a higher level and found the man there, before he could say anything Jack took his sword and gutted him. Bodies lay across the warehouse, it was time to go. After leaving, he realized that it was such a small gang, maybe it was just a small part of a much larger gang. The only reason he sought me was because I killed his relative, but no matter, that was finished.

A few days later, Jack was looking at other aspects, this town wasn’t so bad after all, shame he never traveled here earlier, and it was a nice place. A man came up to him; Jack thought to himself, “No, don’t tell me the man I recently killed has relatives too. At least I’ll be able to do some more testing…”
The man approached him, but he was dressed a lot nicer than the previous messenger, you instantly knew he was of the same gang, and higher up.

“You know why I’m here, so I won’t bother with that; you’re too go south-east of here for two hours, you’ll know where to go from there. Good-bye.” With that, he left same as the other in a different direction, I guess he had more than one errand to run today.

Without wasting time, as Jack didn’t waste time anymore, he used his new speed to sprint there, he wasn’t sure how long it took him; certainly not two hours. It was another warehouse, but larger, he entered and the door closed, these people were definitely higher up in this gang. A man stepped out from behind some hay on the higher level.

“You killed him, my youngest brother, and my younger brother….they were both so weak, and hadn’t gotten anywhere yet, and you killed them, you’ll pay for this!”

Jack laughed, “That’s what your younger brother said, but he’s dead now, are you sure you’re up to the task that he could not complete?”

When he fought the men from before, there were roughly six people, this time there were 20, no 30 people. This was certainly the higher-part of the gang, the elite. The man did not hesitate to give Jack time to think, he quickly waved his hand and all 30 men charged at Jack. His new speed helped him drop five or so, but after that, side-effects wore in. He couldn’t stop, and he tripped on one of the bodies and ran into a wall. One of the men came at him and slashed his shoulder. Jack would quickly be killed if he didn’t do something, the vial, yes!

He would use it a second-time.

Jack took out the vial and took the second sip, one sip remained in the vial; he closed and put it away. Wow, it hit him fast, blue! He felt relaxed, his muscles felt less stressful, it felt amazing! He got up instantly, and charged, as the wraith said, multiple copies of him seem to appear from no-where; and he charged, not one of him, many, too many to count! The men were scared, it was crazy, chaotic; for each man that ran, there was at least two of Jack that followed him and killed him..

Before the older brother knew it, his entire gang was slaughtered. He was alone, the extra Jacks disappeared. He was the smartest of the brothers, he knew he would not escape, he embraced his death, but he spoke before Jack could end his life.

“You can’t blame me for trying, I knew this would happen, the old man warned me, but I told him I would not stop, and even if I died I would go after you. I embrace death, and wish you luck on with your own life.” With that Jack struck his chest, and closed his eyes.

Jack smiled. He was great, no one could beat him! He was fast, no one could keep up. What was this feeling, it whoa…the side-effect carried into Jack; he was feeling the second side-effect….he felt light-headed and he couldn’t see straight. Jack didn’t want to go unconscious, what if he missed someone? They would surely seek revenge while he lay defenseless. He had to finish drinking the vial, it was his last hope.

With that, Jack took out the vial, drank the last bit and he felt odd, the vial dropped, and broke into pieces. Jack felt green, no yellow, orange, it wasn’t color, it was grey, it was neutral, nothing...

He felt okay again, what happened? He wasn’t sure. Jack’s body was shifting, moving; where was he going? Just as he blacked out, he saw a girl out of the corner of his eye; it was the same girl he let go; why was she there? Oh no…can’t…stay…awa-…

Jack woke up to a girl who was putting a wet cloth on him, was he okay? What happened? Oh, I blacked out. I guess this is why the old man said I should save her; I would have the favor returned to me.

“What’s your name?”

The girl looked at him, “Call me Yume…”

“Yume? That’s an odd name.”

Jack wasn’t aware that he was being rude, and Yume hit him in the head. Ow, that probably hurt.

“Sorry…”

“It’s fine; just watch what you say next time.” She was cute, well at least he thought she was.

She made him some breakfast, was it morning? How long was he out? He felt so weird…maybe he shouldn’t have taken the last sip, oh no…the last side-effect….distorting time….but nothings happened yet. I guess I shouldn’t worry.

“Thanks for the food, it was..good.”

“Thanks, but I’m sorry, I’ll see you soon though; don’t worry, and don’t move too fast when you get there, I was told it wouldn’t make you feel good and you’d get sick. Okay, well until we meet again!” She hugged Jack and he was scared, what was she talking about?! What did she know?!

Jack’s body started shifting, moving, everything went blurry, the girl was gone, the room, he was somewhere else, he was in the future? Or was it the past?

Jack was somewhere else, that’s all he knew. She said not to get up, but there was no time for sitting around, he got up and started walking. He felt dizzy and threw up…okay next time she talks he’s going to listen to her…

Jack seemed to fluctuate through time, the old man, he did look familiar, that alley…wait no what was he thinking?

It was some coincidence…before he could get out of this building, things happened again, everything blurred and moved; as the wraith said, he would have no control over time. Would he constantly go between times? No, he would find a way to stop the shifting. As soon as things settled down, he sat down and waited; this time he would listen to her. Ten minutes later, nothing happened, she was right; he had to wait and let his body settle down. With some deep breathing he finally got up. He just noticed he was old, but where was he?

Oh, this place looks familiar, has he been here before? Yes, the streets, the vendors….wait…I feel older….I guess time distorting messes with your age as well. Why did I come here, what am I supposed to do? How do I get back? He saw what looked to be a man walking down the street, that…that was him! What was he doing here?! Oh, wait…that’s when he ran into some old man, that was him. He was the old man! Wait, where were the kids? He wasn’t being harassed, how does he get his other self’s attention now?! With that, he quickly went to a group of kids and kicked one in the shin, the kids started to gang-up on him; perfect he would get his attention.

With that, the events unfolded once more, his younger self ran the kids off, Jack warned him of the girl, and he would keep the cycle going. As the younger Jack looked down he sifted through time again. So that’s how the old man disappeared, or rather how he disappeared…

Where would he end up next? The tavern room? Oh yes, it was time to tell his younger self again of what’s to come. Thanking him for not hurting the girl, yes it was great that he didn’t. Déjà vu set in as he repeated the very words that he told himself when he was young.

After he was done he left, and as the younger Jack saw this, he thought it a dream same as when it happened to him; but he knew better now. What was now anyways?

The next place he goes, he isn’t sure; but he knows one thing; when he tried to conquer time, time fought back. His new goal was to find the girl that helped him, and get an idea of what was to come for him….she was cute and she said they would meet again, he would wait for that day to come. Until then, he would keep trying to get used to this; well, that’s for another day.

But I will find her, just you wait.

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