EVERY BIRTHDAY SHOULD BE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

What's the point of celebrating it if it isn't, right?

At least, that is what Johann thought as he crossed the street along with his mother. They've been looking for a store they only visit once a year. Yet they always forget where it is. 

Selena Donovan would rarely go out in public. But she would often be excited to buy something for her son during his birthday. Selena often wears branded clothes but she often chooses what brings her comfort. Her hair is neatly tied up. And her makeup is so minimal it was barely there. She is in her fifties but she looked beautiful and healthy. She seemed younger than her age and was giddy as she looked around. 

Selena and Johann are walking on a street with high buildings. There is no traffic. And there’s less people that can be seen along with some parked vehicles. The sun will set soon so Selena wanted to find that special shop she visits yearly. 

“Hmm... Are we lost?” Selena could not help but wonder. Was it on this street or did I miss a corner? It's been a year since I visited that shop. I hope they didn’t relocate.

Her eighteen year old son was following her. His tanned skin, semi-Indian features, black hair and green eyes are noticeable. Johann is obviously not enjoying what they’re doing. 

“Do we really have to go there, Mom?” 

“Of course we do. I always wanted to pick a birthday gift for you.”

Johann sighed. She always acts like this during my birthday. As if every year, on this day, she was reminded of an achievement. But earlier, as I woke up she was tense and worried. 

Also, whenever my mom decides to give me a gift on my birthday it will always be another amulet or lucky charm to protect me.  

“I’m already wearing seven of them, isn’t that enough?”

Johann is wearing a pair of black bracelets on his left arm along with a nice watch, three on the right arm and two necklaces with different lengths. It looks cool on him. He also wears semi-casual clothing.

“Hmm... You’re right. It will not look good once you wear your corporate attire as you work. Let’s look for one but the strongest amulet then.”

A shadow of a demon is lurking at the corners of the building, following the two. But they do not seem to notice. Johann followed his mother as she walked faster. The demon hid in a shadowed corner near them. It was looking at the mother. 

Selena saw he was being left behind as she searched the street, so she became a bit impatient.  

“Hurry up, Johann!”

My mother did not expect to give birth to a child. She was in her late thirties so she knew it could be risky for both me and her. So even if I’m just a “normal” kid I’d understand why she is protective of me. I am the only family that she has. And... 

Johann saw his mother was turning in the corner near the road when the demon grabbed her leg. She was losing her balance when a van was fast approaching. Selena was shocked herself. Johann was surprised at how fast the accident happened. His mother was hit by a van and was now lying on the ground, bleeding. Not conscious. 

Johann looked at his mother. He was not able to move for a second. 

She is the only one I have. 

That was his last thought as he ran towards his mother.

SELENA IS STILL UNCONSCIOUS WHILE IN THE ICU. 

There is a bondage on her head, an oxygen mask on her face, and dextrose on her arm. Johann is looking through the glass division of the room. He stepped back and leaned on a wall while thinking about the accident. Johann slides himself down until he almost sits on the floor.

I was almost declared dead. But my mother saved me by reaching out to a death dealer. It was why she always wanted to keep me safe… But…

“I should be the one unconscious right now.” 

“Aww.... Don't be like that.”

A man walks, or rather, emerges from the dark side of the hallway. It was almost night time but Johann could clearly see the appearance of the stranger approaching him. His formal suit seemed out of place in the hospital they were in. His long hair was combed nicely yet his smile loosens all finesse his overall attire should have brought. Johann instantly thought that the man was dressed to kill. Literally.

He moves his finger as if signaling Johann to come near him.  

Johann was surprised that something made him paralyzed, he suddenly had no control over his body and could only look at it. 

I... I can't move! 

The man lifted Johann in the air and let him float in front of him to look closely at his prey. 

“It won't suit me if I look like a mama’s boy.” 

Johann could not understand what he was saying, but one thing is possible.

"Are you the one who attacked my mom?"

"That is not important right now," the man responded while looking at the amulets that Johann wore. "First, let's get this out of the way."

The amulets were plucked, like the petals of a flower.

Johann stared at his purple hair and red eyes. He could not help but notice that the man wears black clothing with a touch of gold in linear patterns. 

The man on the other hand cannot help but notice the minor effects of the amulets Johann has in him. It protects the boy from losing his consciousness.

With just the control of his mind, the man stared at the amulets and it faded as if an acid was burning each of it. The man could not touch Johann yet with those accessories in him. So he must destroy all of it. 

The man seemed pleased with himself. 

“Now, I think a quick introduction is in order. I am Cassian De Silva. The Death Dealer who will now take your life and your full body.”