Destiny Turn

Chapter 1: Shadows of Childhood

Night in New York, icy winds sneaked through the narrow alleys of the Bronx. Cross, a skinny boy with cold eyes, huddled in a dark corner after escaping from the orphanage. He didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was certain: survival was an endless battle.

Cross blended into the darkness, observing the passersby. A suspicious-looking young man exchanged a small package with another man. “Be careful, kid,” a voice came from behind. Cross turned around and saw a boy about his age, messy-haired, with a sly grin.

“Hai,” the boy introduced himself. “Just escaped, huh? Don’t let them catch you again.”

Cross only nodded, saying nothing, but Hai quickly started chatting as if they were old friends. Hai explained that he ran “errands” for a small gang in the area, from delivering messages to petty theft. “You better learn how to survive here. The Bronx isn’t for the weak.”

The first tense encounter:

The next day, Hai led Cross to an abandoned warehouse where a small criminal gang gathered. Cross met the gang’s leader, Tony “Black Hat,” a middle-aged man with dagger-sharp eyes. Tony scanned Cross and Hai. “What use is this kid?” he asked, his voice full of doubt.

Cross replied firmly, “I’m quick, I know how to keep secrets, and I don’t get caught easily.”

Tony chuckled. “Then prove it.” He assigned Cross his first task: deliver a small package to another district without getting caught by the police or rival gangs.

Cross knew this wasn’t just a task—it was a test to see if he was worth anything in this underworld. As he moved through an alley, a group of young men blocked his way. One of them, Max, looked particularly aggressive. “You working for Tony? Hand that over before I take it myself.”

Cross responded with intelligence: “If you want to mess with Tony, go ahead. But I’m sure he won’t let it slide.” His confident words made Max hesitate, but the thug warned, “Next time, you won’t get off so easily.”

Encounters and friendships:

When Cross returned to the warehouse with the task completed, he started earning respect from Tony and the others. Hai became a trusted companion, but Cross also realized Hai could be a double-edged sword—both helpful and trouble-prone.

Tense dialogue:

One night, Hai asked Cross, “Do you ever think about family?”

Cross sighed, “If they really cared, I wouldn’t be living this life.”

Hai was silent for a moment before saying, “Maybe. But if you get strong enough, you’ll make them regret it.”

Cross kept those words in mind as he continued navigating the streets. The shadows of his childhood were not just about survival but also a source of strength—the foundation for a turbulent future.

Chapter 2: The Streets of Survival

New York was never easy, but Cross had begun adapting to its harsh rhythm. The small tasks Tony “Black Hat” assigned gradually became his means of survival. Alongside Hai, Cross found himself sinking deeper into the underworld, where rules were written in blood and loyalty.

A brutal initiation test:

One rainy evening, Tony summoned Cross and Hai. They were assigned a dangerous mission: transport an “important” package through a rival gang’s territory. “This time, there can be no mistakes,” Tony warned, his voice sharp. “If you fail, consider yourselves forgotten.”

Hai smirked, but Cross could feel the tension in the air. On their way, as they passed a narrow alley, they were ambushed by Max and his crew. Cross immediately recognized the thug’s menacing glare.

Max stepped forward, sneering, “Tony really thinks two kids like you can outsmart us? Hand it over, or I’ll take it myself.”

Cross gripped the bag tightly while Hai glanced at him, waiting for his reaction. “If you want to rob us, go ahead and try,” Cross said, his voice calm but firm. He swiftly pulled a metal rod from his pocket, its glint flashing in the dim light. Max hesitated but kept pressing forward.

A tense street fight:

With no other choice, Cross and Hai fought back. Cross used his agility to dodge attacks, while Hai proved to be a formidable fighter. After several intense minutes, Cross spotted an opening and struck Max’s hand with the metal rod, causing him to drop his weapon. “Remember me—you won’t be so lucky next time,” Max growled before retreating with his gang.

Cross and Hai pressed on, both relieved when they finally delivered the package. But deep down, Cross knew the dangers would only escalate. Tony, after receiving the delivery, simply nodded. “Good job. But this is just the beginning.”

A new friend and wavering trust:

A few days later, Cross met Mia, a sharp-witted girl around his age with a mysterious gaze. Mia worked at a small diner near Tony’s territory and often provided Cross and Hai with information about rival gang activities.

“Cross, you need to be more careful,” Mia warned. “Max isn’t the kind to let things go.”

“And you? What are you doing here?” Cross asked. Mia only smirked, “Everyone has their reasons.”

As their bond grew, Hai remained skeptical. “Something’s off about that girl,” Hai muttered one night in a dark alley. But Cross dismissed his concerns, “Don’t doubt everyone. I’ve lost enough already.”