"Raze Valderrama, age twenty-six, was never born in a hospital and was left by his parents when he was thirteen"
He licked the tip of his fingers and flipped the page.
"Gang leader of the Killer Mountain Lions. Nicknamed The Sweeping Mountain Lion for wiping out gangs and leaders. Already wiped out eight gangs, even demolished three major gangs in just two days"
The police wheezed out a laugh as he read my file in front of me.
"This is really a badass thing you did here Mr. Raze" he laughed as he waved my file in front of me "Destroyed three major gangs in just two days! You are a total sweeper. It is like an urban legend! And at twenty-six you are a gang leader, so young!"
I remained silent, staring at him as he laugh his faced around.
My silence is louder than his laughter.
"I am not even sure if you are making our job easier or not"
"You are irritating me officer" I said with a low tone cold voice
"Sorry, sorry" he broke his hysterical laughter "Back to the main point"
He dropped the file on the table.
"The reason why you are here is something important to us. Or maybe something you would like"
"You just arrested me like 36 minutes ago"
A hand emerged out of the darkness behind him, handing a letter to the officer.
He took it from the hand and put I on the table right in front of me.
"I don't need money"
"No, it is not money. It is a message left for you"
I tore the envelope open and took out the letter inside.
I started reading the contents. Suddenly, the deeper I got, the more I squint my eyes.
"I forgot I can't read officer" I said flatly and let it drop on the table
The room fell silent. His smile faded.
"Ah, yes. You didn't go to school. Let me explain it to you then"
He leaned closer to me.
"The old man we arrested 4 years ago, Tarone Ywalla, leader of the gang The Serpientos. He said that you will take care of his son and daughter because you were the reason of his arrest, so now no one is keeping an eye on them"
"What about their parents? Or any of his men that will take care of them?" I asked
"Tarone left the mother when they were born. A mother is working herself to the bone just to keep food on the table. And number two, Tarone died just a month ago because of a break out fight. Well, his gang can't continue without a leader and Tarone didn't assigned who will take his place. So, the gang crumbled"
"Then what am I-"
"And that's not all" he cut me off before I finished speaking
"Jaxson Derek, leader of the Carnival Reds. He wants you to take care of his son"
I slapped my head and drag it down my face.
"Prevent him from joining any gang and follow his footsteps until he finish school, make him become a better ma . That's what Jaxson said. Remember, Jaxson was also arrested because of you 5 years ago. Well, he met his fate during a fight in prison"
"Do I look like a babysitter them?" I growled
A hand handed him a box of donuts from the darkness, he took it and put it on the table.
He took one and started eating.
"Well, you don't look like one. But you look like you the only man who can keep their kids breathing"
I breathe out in disbelief, I took a pink donut from the box.
"Just put me behind bars" I threw myself on my chair
"Listen Raze, there is an exchange"
"Why is it those kids important to you anyway" I replied, not answering his question
"Well, they will give us money if this task is completed. We need that money to get more materials for the police station"
"I don't care"
"I am not finished yet, after this is you won't be put behind the bars. We will drop all of your charges, we promise. It is like you are a free man again. Instead facing forty-five years in prison, it will be just two years"
"Wait, you expect me to take care three kids in prison?"
"No no no! We can let you out there. And what mean by two years is spend two years taking care of them until they finish school"
"And if I fail?"
"Then, you will only serve thirty-eight years"
I went silent, thinking, arms crossed. I took a bite on my donut.
"I accept, tell me what to do"
"Yes!" He whispered in victory "Okay, here's what you need to do"
The officer locked in.
"The son and daughter of Tarone, let's call them twins are at the same school of Jaxson's son. So the best plan here to keep in touch with them, is to become their teacher"
I slammed my fist on the table.
"Didn't I tell you I am not a babysitter!" I yelled
He cowardly curled himself on his chair and raised his hand at my face.
"I-I-It's the only way!"
I calm my self and sat back down. Me, turning into a teacher and a babysitter. Tarone and Jaxson might be laughing in their grave now.
"They are in Emperor's University, we will inform the teachers there about your appearance. We won't tell them your background"
"Can I keep in contact with my men?"
"Y-your gang? Well, I did tell you a minute ago that you are a like a free man during this procedure. So you can do anything, but don't do any crimes or we will be forced to lock you up. We will give you three chances"
He leaned near to me again.
"Don't try to think of leaving the place, we will put a tracker on you. If you try to remove it, securities will go for you. We tried to make it an exploding type but we discarded that idea because it is very inhumane.
Well since you go to school, you will do some training on how and what does a teacher like and then you are good to go. So, you're ready Mr. Raze?"
----------------------------------------------------------
I went in, kicking the door. My men went frozen, shocked to see be arrival.
My right hand and left hand men went to me. Hanz Buyen and Lance Garlson.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Raze!" Hanz greeted
"I thought you were caught by the cops
?" Lance asked
"Call my trusted barber, I need to think" I ordered
*Snap snap snap*
The barber trimmed my hair, hairs falling down the cape.
Hanz and Lance squinted their eyes to me, as if like there is something wrong with me..
"Uhhh, that wasn't the same haircut you always wanted" Hanz proclaimed
"I thought you got caught by the police. We are ready to demolish the gang when we heard the news" my barber Herod said
"I just made a deal with officers there and let me go"
"What was it?" Lance asked
"Become a teacher and babysit some teenagers"
"Huh?"
The three was speechless, a question mark popped out if their head.
Barber's scissors stopped. Their reaction as if I am going to quit the gang and join a Strip Club.
Hanz blinked.
"Boss, are you trolling us or something?"
Lance scratched his head.
"No way, you'd rather blow up a school thab to teach one"
"Why would they even want you to become a teacher?" Herod asked, his scissors continued snipping
"You remember Jaxson and Tarone?"
He nodded.
"They gave me a letter to look out for their sons and daughters. If I achieved that, then I don't need to spend time in the jail"
"Are these kids like important to the police or something?"
"Kinda, they will be rewarded by their gang if I did it"
I looked at Hanz and Lance through their reflection in the mirror in front of me.
"When I am gone, the two of you will keep an eye out the gang. Mostly that shop Zuan own and Vicenti. They kept on avoiding their protection money so keep an eye on them. I will be checking when I have free time"
"Yes sir!"
----------------------------------------------------------
*Raze's Training*
"First is to learn how to read. We can't just let students see you struggling to read"
"Thi bard charped-"
"It's the bird chirped, again"
....
"This is a chalkboard"
"You call it a chalkboard? We called this thing a strategy wall"
...
"Of course you also need to learn how to write"
Miss Helena handed me a white chalk.
I looked back at the book and started copying it on the board.
The chalk snapped into half.
"Chalks too weak, just like most of the gangs"
I was about to erase it with my hand.
"Upupupup" Miss Helena stopped me "Use this to erase"
She put a rectangular thing on my hand.
I started swiping it on the board.
"No no no! Not the back, turn it around"
"Ooooohhhh, I thought these hard hair things is to massage my hand"
"Ugh, you are hopeless Mr. Raze"
...
"We called this a computer, you can write works here without writing on a pen and pencil. You can print papers, make photocopies-"
I stared at the blue screen, not knowing what to do.
"Isn't this an equipment only for hackers?"
She slapped her forehead.
"It is wasn't only made for hackers. You can search online, play games or whatever. But we are in school so this is for work, you can play games if you have free times"
...
"Then you add this-"
She added a substance in the bottle.
It burst into flame. I was in amazement.
"What in the sorcery is this magic!? How can a flame live on water!?" I shouted
"It is science"
...
"Please don't break any equipments"
I took a violin.
"My favorite thing"
I sat down and started playing a beautiful soothing lullaby.
The music teacher was speechless to hear my play.
Even the other teachers who was about to pass by stopped to peek.
...
"Why is it this hard to become a teacher!" I shouted in my thoughts
Papers piled up on my desk.
I am not sure if I can survive this.
I can say that being in a gang is much more easier than being a teacher.
----------------------------------------------------------
*1 Month Later*
"So, how was the training Mr. Raze went?"
"It was a disaster" the exhausted teachers groaned
"He really doesn't even know the basics. Even a third-grader is smarter than him"
"But he learned something?"
"Well actually, he is a fast learner. He was serious during the training. He already learned how to write in cursive and read" Miss Jackson replied
"That's all he learned"
"Yes, but I actually noticed a hidden talent in him. So, I assigned him to become a teacher of Creative Writing. I realized he loves writing and creating. I hope that will fit him well"
I walk through the loud echoing hallway, shouting, talking, playing, stomping.
I lifted my glasses up, held my laptop on my chest.
"A brat, a another brat, brat 3.0, brat 4.0, that looked like a turd"
My first class is Class 3-D, I followed the directions on the map.
I found it, I looked inside, there are students talking to each other, sitting on top of the desk, some are writing, some are just sleeping.
Jackasses
I went in and go straight to the teachers table.
I looked at the teachers schedule. Yes, I am in the right class.
In coincidence, the twins and Jaxson's son are at the very same class,. This will make my work easy.
I looked at the time, looks like I am a bit early.
Three... Two... One...
*Riiiinng*
The bell made a long high tone noise, echoing through the hallway.
I breathe out and check my clothes and equipments. All are set for the mission.
Students started swarming inside the class, I waited for them to settle down.
They noticed me on front, their smiles fade, they went straight to their seat, voices fading out.
*Raze didn't tell them to quiet down, but because a predator doesn't need to announce himself in a room full of prey*
I gazed my eyes around the classroom.
They quieted themselves, but I could still hear faint whispers.
Some of the girls are smiling, some even tried to hide their smile and grin with their books.
"Oh my god, I didn't expect that our new teacher is so handsome!"
"Wow, those killer eyes, he looked like a leader of a gang! I really like boys who commit crimes. Does he commit crimes?"
"Musculine-like body, check. Chest showing, check. Fierce eyes with glasses, check. He entered my type-of-guy list!"
I could hear a lot of whispers, but it doesn't bother me that much.
I looked at the names on the table.
Officer:Remember, the twins name are Lara and Mark Ywalla. And Jackson's son is Joker Derek
I found their names on the list and followed their seating arrangement. Lara is sleeping on her desk, sleeping brat.
Mark looked like a silent type person, another brat.
And Joker, sitting on the back corner of the class, his feet on top of his table, he is chewing something. Punk.
I took a chalk and wrote my name in bold letters on the board.
"Good morning students, I and your new teacher for Creative Writing Mr. Raze Valderrama. Remember that name. Recently people forgot, 6 gangs demolished" I said out loud and clear
Faint giggles filled the class.
"Oh my gosh he sounded like the dominant type!"
I looked at Lara, still on her deep slumber.
"Lara Ywalla, the bell has already rung. Sleeping time is over" I shouted
She is still sleeping, not waking up.
"Lara, wake up! Don't make out new teacher angry" a girl sitting in front of Lara whispered, shrugging her head
"Mkay" she grumbled
She raised her head up and looked at me. She suddenly sat straight and grin at me.
Tch, these jackasses are grinning at me and it makes me feel uncomfortable.
*Buzzz, buzzzz*
My phone started ringing in my pocket. I took it out, it was Hanz calling.
What is it Hanz, it's my first day.
I accepted the call.
"Boss, boss!" He shouted through the call "One of our production area on the south is getting raised by the White Bears"
"What!?" I yelled, startling the people in the class "Order our men on the wes-!"
I stopped and looked at the students, they were confused.
I can't blow my cover in my first day!
I ran outside the classroom.
"Order our men on the west to back then up. And didn't I tell you to man the gang while I am gone?" I whispered while turning left and right on the hallway
"Y-yes sir. I'll order them right away"
"And don't call again. I am at the school"
"U-u-understood sir!"
I stopped the call and went back inside the class.
All of them are still remain silent during my calling time.
I went behind the teachers table and sighed.
It was a coincidence that these brats are in the same class, this is going to make my job easier.
----------------------------------------------------------
"Are you okay Mr. Raze?" Professor Tina asked
I was exhausted on my table, my soul leaving through my mouth.
"Pleaaaase, coffeeeeee" I growled like a zombie
"Eeeep! I'll get you one right away!"
Professor Tina blitzed out of the office.
Miss Helena approached me.
"How's first day?" She asked
"Bad. Being in the gang is much more easier than being a teacher" I murmured
"Huh? Isn't in a gang more harder than being a teacher? And please don't say about you being in a gang around. Only I knew about you"
"Here's your coffee!" Professor Tina shouted by the time she entered the office
Professor Tina put the cup of coffed on my table. I took a sip.
"Maaaaaa!"
I awakened, I could feel the energy the coffee is giving me.
"Thank you professor Tina. Without you, I might still be exhausted" I cried
"Ahahaha, pl-please don't cry" she giggled and went away with Miss Helena
I stared at the blank paper. There is something I want to write, but, why?
I am suddenly into writing but why would I want to write something?
It felt like, I have awakened something inside me.
Maybe a cigarette after this coffee might make me feel better.
----------------------------------------------------------
I took my cigarette out of my pocket and look around, making sure there are no witnesses.
I searched my pockets for my lighter.
!?
I patted all my pockets. My lighter isn't there!
Don't tell me I forgot it back in the hideout.
"Ohhh, uhhh, it's you Mr. Raze" a voice behind me
I jumped and turned around, it was Professor Tina.
She is holding a lighted cigarette on her left hand.
She noticed the cigarette on my hand.
"Taking a cigarette break too? It's a coincidence that you found my hiding spot"
"Y-yeah but it seems like I forgot my trusty lighter at my hideou-, I mean, at my house"
"Then let me help you light it up. I don't bring my lighter here so I always use the fire at the kitchen stove and ran out"
I knew what she meant by that. I put my cigarette on mouth and leaned my face closer to her.
She also did the same. Both of our face went closer, she is so small that she started lifting her knees.
I went lower for her until the tip of our cigarette met.
The tip of my cigarette started to burn, we both suck at the same time, boosting the burn.
Our hot breathes warmed each other's faces.
It was finally executed and pull our heads away again.
We smoked quietly, no one's saying a word.
We just stared at the the green plants in front of us.
"What's your job before you become a teacher?" She finally broke the silence
"Why'd you ask?"
"Just curious"
"Well, going around doing some small gigs for money"
Looks like my liar side is kicking in. The side I use to lie to the cops.
"What about you?" I asked
"Well, I tried to become a scientist working under the government. But they rejected me"
She looked down
"Being a scientist is my dream, being a scientist is the job I want in my life. That's how I become a teacher here, they gave me free materials. And some medium wage"
"I see"
She threw the cigarette butt on the nearby trash bin.
"Can we share that cigarette?" She asked
"Huh!? One stick isn't enough for you?"
"Well, not really"
"Hey, you are a scientist, aren't you worried about the effects of a cigarette?"
"Said by the guy who is smoking. Just please can we share it?" She said in pity
"Tch, here" I handed her my cigarette
She sucked it and puff the smoke out.
"Mmm, you're the type of guy who don't put his saliva on the butt. I like that"
"Be quick already, we have a class to teach"
----------------------------------------------------------
I breathed out, walking on the hallway. Brats are going in and out of their classes.
They remind me off my men slacking off.
*Bang*
"Hahahaha! Look at him go!"
I suddenly heard laughters and commotions from the male's restroom.
As a teacher, I should be curious. Now what is the problem here.
I entered and took a peek. There are three brats standing in front of a open stall, laughing.
One of them caught my eye, one of them is Joker.
One of the brats went inside the stall and pulled someone out.
It was Mark, his clothes and hair wet.
"Having fun Mark!?" They shouted at his face and threw him back again at the stall
They took out toilet papers out of their pockets.
Looks like bullying is happening is happening here. I can't believe Joker and Mark know each other this close.
"Fun times over" I went in and clapped my hands "Time to go to the principal's office"
They were shocked to see my arrival. They stopped laughing.
"It's the new teacher Mr. Raze! What are we going to do?"
"Well boys, attack him" Joker replied
....
We waited, neither of them moved. Their legs shaking.
"What!? Are you two wimping in this teacher!? Then let me show you how's it done"
Joker stepped forward and cracked his knuckles and neck.
They way he moved reminds me of his father.
I thought it was going to be a tough fight but only managed beat him in just eight moves.
Like father, like son. I sighed.
"It is more easier to go to the office than to face me-"
Joker suddenly threw a striking jab at me.
*Bang*
With instincts, I kicked his forearm pinning it on the door of a stall.
His arm traced on the door.
Eh? My fighting instincts is kicking in. Well, what happened already happened.
Joker shouted in pain as he held on his forearm.
"Ooooww! You motherfucker!"
"Another rule broke Joker, profanity. And that is not the way to talk to your teacher"
"Are you taking this seriously or not!" He shouted
He started throwing strikes at me. I dodged the incoming attacks in a swift.
I grabbed arm, I pulled him and kicked him from behind.
He stumbled and bumped into wall.
"That's enough, time to go to the office"
I grabbed him on the hair.
"Hey that hurts!"
I looked at the other two.
"Follow me to the principal's office, don't you dare try to escape"
"Y-yes sir!"
*At The Principl's Office*
"Hayayay, it's Joker again" Principal Hayes looked at me "Caught by our new teacher Mr. Raze. So, what is his reason here?"
"Bullying and cursing to a teacher. That's all"
"How many times I told you do not curse to teachers. And who did you bully?"
"His very own classmate Mark" I answered for him
Mark came inside, he dried himself up but his wetness still visible. There are visible red marks on his face.
"Hey, this teacher also hit me!" Joker shouted
"Watch your tone Joker" Principal Hayes silenced him "Was it true Mr. Raze?"
"Well, he tried to land a hit on me so I kicked his arm on time. I dodged his other attacks then landed a kick to silence him"
"Actually, you deserved that Joker. But still, as teachers, we don't stop rule breakers with violence"
"I'll keep that in mind"
She looked back at Joker again with an angry face.
"I can't believe you tried to hit a teacher. Four days detention"
"Huh!? Four days!?"
"What, you want to make it six?"
"No, three" Joker held up three fingers
"No, five"
*Riiiinng*
The school bell rung.
"Mr. Raze and Mark, you can go now. I will still negotiate and talk with Joker and his pawns"
Mark and I went outside at the same time.
Siiiigh, I can't believe I am going to do all of this work in two years.
I hope it will end already.