A Short Story

Written by: Max Wayne

Photographed by: Nichole Clark (Me)

When most people think of good and evil, they distinguish the two with such a fine line that there is no room for a middle ground. If at some point one begins to think differently, and question what exactly the terms “good and evil” mean, the rigid, black and white lines begin to gray, and as young Leo will soon find out this can change an individual’s perception of reality and reshape their thoughts and actions.

Leo and his right-hand man Michael crouched behind the biggest boulder in the courtyard, breathing heavily after just barely evading Andre, their once-friend but now enemy who had betrayed them to serve the evil Dr. Mongrel. They had been trying to break into enemy territory and reclaim some of their men that Dr. Mongrel had taken captive with Andre’s help.

Leo looked down at his wounded side and remembered how not too long ago he had almost been killed by Dr. Mongrel and his wayward followers because he wouldn’t release information to them about the whereabouts of Andre, Michael and the other vigilantes of the area. His selfless act was not appreciated by all though and after he escaped Dr. Mongrel and returned, he was soon betrayed by Andre and a few other close friends. 

He wasn’t sure he could trust any of his partners any longer; that is except for Michael. Michael had been there since they were both children and Leo knew that of everyone, Michael could be trusted.

After both young men had caught their breath, they continued on making their careful way back to their secret base and home. Leo was lost in thought about Andre and the betrayal he and Michael had suffered and left the looking out up to his partner. It was sunset and they were near home when suddenly a loud kaboom of clanging noise and yelling voices penetrated Leo’s thoughts. There was a rush of other men around him and in the dwindling light he was captured and separated from his weapons and from Michael it seemed in a matter of seconds.

With a struggle, he was able to break free of his captors, rush to Michael, and pull him away from the group.

“C’mon Michael, we haven’t got much time. With the darkness and the confusion we can get away, follow me!” Leo frantically whispered as he grabbed Michael’s arm and tried to pull him

along.

    “I’m sorry Leo, I really am..” Michael responded as he pulled out his sword and lifted it to Leos neck, in obvious betrayal. Leo couldn’t believe it was happening, after Andre and the others he’d expected betrayal from a few more but never from Michael. With the anger and hurt building up inside him he thrusted Michael away with all his might and ran in the other direction looking for cover.

Leo went into hiding and spent a great deal of time after this event contemplating what had occurred. Alone and full of anguish and contempt he plotted his revenge for the betrayal he had suffered and began to believe the idea that some “evil” actions were necessary and were exempt from judgement. He would do what he had to do.