The Rise Of A Porter

Love is a drug. To those who never have tasted it, they don't know the strength of it. The overwhelming feeling of ecstasy. And those who have tasted it, want more of it, more than they can handle. More than they can give back. Yet it's the craving to hold someone, the craving to not be alone, that craving gives a man strength. You see, even if a man has nothing, he'll still fight to protect his loved ones. Be that a friend, family, lover or an unborn child.

This love fuels the man to give it all he has to protect the ones important to him. But what if someone takes the love away from him? Does the man stop then? The answer is no. Instead, the man would become unstoppable, unreasonable. The only thing that would matter now would be the head of the one who took his loved one away. 

Love is a two-edged sword, something a human should stay away from. Love is nothing to be meddled with. You either stay away from it, or you let yourself sink in it. But whatever you do, do not disturb the other's peace. If you do, the results would be catastrophic.

To those ignorant of the strength of love, only pain awaits... The pain of the worst kind. Pain that'd make you beg for your death. But death won't come to you so easily. Because death has its own twisted sense of justice. But Andrex didn't know this, but he would soon feel it once his paths cross with the Deathless. Till then... Ignorance is bliss. 

The next morning, it was a normal day for everyone in America. Until they heard the news of the retirement of a certain someone. Someone, they had named Deathless. Until now, the general public thought Arnold had been joking about his early retirement but now, it had turned into reality. It was official. He had become the first SS ranked warrior in history to 'retire' from this business. 

The news hit the world like a storm. Some like Andrex let out a sigh of relief, thinking it made their job easier. While the rest felt like their only source of security had been stripped away from them. There was an outrage. Some people understood his choice, while some didn't think it was necessary to abandon them like this. The only ones who didn't say a word were the members of the Black family. As Arnold had already informed Nathan and the few leading figures about his departure from the life of being a warrior. 

Although it saddened them, it was a personal choice of Arnold. He assured them that if the family required him, he'll be there for them in a heartbeat. He then broke the news to them... To a selected few only. 

"Today, a new phase of life begins for me. A phase no one prepared me for. A phase I never thought I'd have to live through. But I'm excited about it. I'm excited to see what the future holds for me, not as a man, no. But as a father."

Those who heard Arnold stared at him for an uncomfortably long time. This wasn't the reaction he was expecting from them. But he couldn't do anything except scratching the back of his head and smiling like an idiot.

At this moment, Nina hurriedly came to join him, as the room was thrown in an uproar! Everyone rushed in to congratulate the couple. Nathaniel, who had come back to help Nathan learn more about being an adept leader sat in his chair. Smiling. It truly was the happiest moment for the Black family in quite some time. 

People were hugging each other, smiling and laughing. Some were telling Nina stories about their own pregnancy. Some were happily chattering among themselves. Arnold felt like his life was complete. He had everything he ever wanted. A beautiful partner to spend his days with, a baby on the way to help him grow as a father, a loving sister and a caring family to have his back, no matter the situation. 

Yet he knew better than to drop his guard down. He had already learned his lesson... When the man was happiest, that's when the snakes hiding in plain sight strike. He had to make sure to crush every head that rise to take away his happiness and to do that he'd have to head to Brazil. The only place he'd the find answers he wants. 

Arnold pulled Nathan aside to inform him of his decision. Although Nathan, at first tried to dissuade Arnold, after listening to his reasons he finally relented. 

"How many days are you leaving for?" Nathan asked. 

"A week, maybe two." Arnold replied, "But I'll be visiting every night. If I have an ability might as well abuse it." 

"Right. I forgot about your travelling ability. There's no problem then. I'll suggest Nina shift into the family manor while you're gone, that way she'll have better security. I assume there would be no issues regarding that?" Nathan inquired. 

"That's an excellent idea. I was thinking of leaving her with some of my summons to protect her, but that might not be necessary. There's enough security in the manor to rid me of my worries."

"You should inform Nicholas that you're going there. Mind you he's a president now so don't do anything rash." Nathan placed his wrinkling hand on Arnold's shoulder, "Also, let me tell you one thing, Arnold. No matter what, we're a family. And family always has each other's back. Nina is like a cousin to me. So don't worry about her safety. Go with a free mind and do what you have to. But till then, here's a drink and a wish to have a strong and healthy baby. Cheers!"

Arnold just smiled and replied, "Cheers!"

Thus, the day filled with shocks and surprises slowly came to an end. Laughter and happiness drowned all the pain and sorrow. Drinks came flowing in and food worth dying for, made it a night no one would soon forget. Everything was just the way Arnold wanted them to be... Or was it?