Chapter 31: Do you want vengeance?

AN: Edgar's past. Long chapter. Hope you like it 😊

"talking"

'thinking'

"Ghost Rider/Trigon voice"

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Santa Fe, New Mexico, September 27, 1934

Santa Fe, the capital of the state that, until a little more than a couple of decades ago, had just been annexed to the United States. And, although it boasted a huge territory, it was just being populated and industrialized, being Latino immigrants, the most numerous in the place. In that city, there was only one high school for all the young people who lived there, called 'South Highschol'.

In the principal's office there was a young man who could only be described as attractive. He had a chiseled face, with a slightly tanned skin tone, slightly curly black hair and beautiful honey eyes. He was Edgar Joseph Bones, who, at 16, was the admiration of many girls at the high school, and the envy of many boys, for his athletic and scholastic abilities.

At this time, however, his handsome face wore an expression of defeat. Also adorning his features was a large swollen black eye and a slight cut on his lip, indicating that he had recently been in a fight. Edgar, at this moment, was sitting up, holding a bag of ice to bring down the swelling in his eye.

Sitting next to him was a woman who could only be described with the word 'beautiful'. She had brown skin, brown hair, full lips adorned with a red lipstick and beautiful honey eyes like Edgar's. She wore an elegant flowered dress of the time, which highlighted her beauty, giving an elegant and fine appearance. She was Edgar's mother, Carolina Guzman. However, her beautiful face had a murderous look, full of rage, which was directed precisely at her son.

Across from them was the school principal, Michael Fischer, an older-looking man of German descent. He had crescent glasses, and his eyes, wrinkled with the passage of time, looked sympathetically at the scene in front of him. Giving a heavy sigh, he began his speech.

"Mrs. Guzman, I respect your husband for all he has accomplished in this town. Needless to say, without his support, this town, would still be underdeveloped as it was a couple of decades ago. However, your son...is a separate issue"

Michael took off his glasses, and exhaling his breath on them, grabbed a small rag and began to gently wipe them. 

"Edgar has had problems, for a long time now. Complaints from his teachers that he doesn't pay attention. Fights with his classmates... ufff, it's a lot of bad history. And added to today's fight... I'm afraid this is his last chance"

"Mr. Fischer, my son is-" however, Carolina was unable to continue when the principal interrupted her.

"Let me finish, ma'am. Today's fight was special because it was just with the sheriff's son. They didn't just fight. Edgar practically sent him to the hospital with a broken nose. His father, asked (demanded) that we expel Edgar for his violent behavior. Which I managed to avoid for one simple reason..."

The principal put on his glasses, and pulled out a file from his desk with Edgar's name on it. There you could see his grades, which could only be described with the word 'outstanding'. Edgar, despite all the problems, was one of the top 5 students in the school. Not only that. In science subjects, he was practically the best. Especially chemistry and biology.

"His grades, as you can see, are impeccable. The best I've ever seen, and I initially taught in the capital. I even had the opportunity to attend one of the great Oppenheimer's lectures, and my colleagues, who taught that genius, told me that he did not even perform as well as Edgar. What I want to say, madam, is that your son has the potential to be someone great. The country is becoming more and more interested in science, and the brilliant minds behind it. If it weren't for all his problems, Edgar would already be starting to get interviews from prestigious universities"

"I... I don't know what to say. Thank you for the compliments to my son, sir. And I promise you, there will be no repeat of this" Carolina didn't know what to say. She knew that her son had very good grades, but not that they were that good. She felt very proud of her beloved son. But that didn't eliminate the anger she felt for the actions of her son. In the house he would deal with her. That much was certain.

"You must, madam. This is the last chance. I'm afraid the next one... the military academy will take action. More and more, the military is looking for troubled youngsters to start enlisting in their academies. Training soldiers from a very young age. This started because of the Nazi movement, and all that it implies. We are in a troubled time. You must understand that if they come to recruit your son... I won't be able to avoid it"

"I .... I understand, sir. Thank you for the warning. We will take our leave. Have a good day" Principal Fischer just nodded with a slight smile, and let son and mother leave.

All the while, Edgar never deigned to see his mother. He knew he had messed up, and that when they got home, he would be so screwed up.

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"Mother, I-"

"SLAP" Edgar and his mother had arrived home. The first thing Edgar wanted to do was to explain everything to his mother, but he couldn't even begin to speak when his cheek registered a great burning. There was a mark of a hand left by his mother.

"Are you an idiot, because I know I didn't raise an idiot. It's bad enough to fight with someone...but with the sheriff's son, I can only describe such an action as idiotic"

Edgar's eyes were downcast. At this moment he felt too ashamed to look at his mother. He knew he had been wrong. He had been impulsive, and now he had to refrain from the consequences. He wanted to speak and defend himself, but the words seemed stuck in his throat.

However, he couldn't even say anything when he was surprised by a tight hug from his mother. Tears streamed from her eyes.

"You can't go on like this, son. The principal himself said so. One more and you'll be forced to join the army. Every day, there is more and more news of conflict in Europe. It is clear to see that, if a war breaks out, the United States will not stand idly by. If they enlist you in the army, it is very obvious that they are going to send you to fight... I don't want to lose you"

Carolina's family came from Mexico. Due to the internal conflict in the country, her father, Edgar's grandfather, decided to gamble and leave everything and go with the whole family in search of a better life. When they arrived, this city was practically a village. But little by little, they were struggling to survive, and to get to where they were in the best way.

(AN: at that time, the Mexican Revolution was over. A civil war where workers took up arms in search of better working conditions. Back then, there were 14+ hour days, and you didn't get paid with money, but rather with food vouchers, which you could redeem in stores for cheap meals or other items like soap. Needless to say, these were absolutely horrible conditions. Many, to avoid armed conflict or to seek better opportunities, decided to leave by train across the border to the United States, initiating the first great movement of Mexican immigrants)

His mother, after a few minutes of tears, managed to calm down. Seeing the wounds on her son's face, she reached for an ointment and began to help apply the cream to his wounded face.

Edgar had sat down, so that his mother could help him, since he was almost a head bigger than she was. At this moment, Edgar felt like when he was 6 years old, and he would get hurt, and his mother would come to his rescue. However, this feeling did not bother him one bit. 

"Now, tell me straight what happened, and what the sheriff's son did to upset you" Edgar had a look of surprise on his face. He thought his mother would blame it all on him. In this town he was labeled a troublemaker. He didn't think his mother would take his side.

His mother smiled mischievously, guessing his thoughts, and continued. "I'm your mother, Edgar. I know you better than anyone, and I know my son is not a bad boy. Now tell me, what happened?"

"Peter Thompson (the sheriff's son), is a bully. Just because his father is the sheriff, all the teachers, including the principal, turn a blind eye, but in reality, he always hits on the way out and steals money from many students. I got angry when I found out that he had attacked Tommy. From there, I just exploded"

Tom 'Tommy' Hatch was Edgar's best friend. Unlike Edgar, Tommy was a nerd. He was bad at sports, average looking and short for his age. But contrary to all that, he and Edgar became best friends from the first day they met.

When Edgar had found out that Peter had beaten Tommy badly, he simply exploded and beat him into oblivion.

"That's very noble of you, mijo. At least I know I raised a son with values. But, be smarter. There are better ways to solve this. Now, I don't want any more problems, or any more complaints. I don't care if your classes bore you, or if someone bothers you. You will be an exemplary student, understood?"

Edgar could only nod at his mother's tone that allowed no refusals.

"Good, now I will prepare the food-"

However, his mother did not finish the sentence when they registered that the door to their house had been opened. Entering, a handsome man could be seen, with features much like Edgar's, only with whiter skin and green eyes. He was William Bones, Edgar's father.

"Love, you're early" there was a tone of surprise in Carolina's voice. It was midday, and her husband always arrived late at night.

William, owned one of the few large factories in this town, which manufactured furniture. His family was from England, but he decided to look for a new route, and start his way from scratch and traveled to the United States. He came to this city because of the great opportunities for growth. And he was thankful a thousand times that he did, because here he had met the love of his life, his wife, and mother of his son.

This factory had full working days, and he, as the owner, did not leave until all his employees had left. That's why it was rare for him to be home at lunchtime during the week. 

"I asked for permission when I heard about Edgar. Phil is going to take care of business today, don't worry" William gave his wife a kiss. He had a loving look on his face, as he looked at the woman he loved.

However, that feeling died when he turned to look at his son. His face had changed to one of coldness and seriousness. Edgar straightened up when he felt his father's gaze. Their eyes met.

"I heard you sent a boy to the hospital"

"Mmm, that's right"

"Who was it?"

"Peter Thompson"

"Sheriff Thompson's son?"

"Mmm" Edgar nodded

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"Well done" there was a look of pride on William's face at his son's words, however, his face changed to one of pain when he registered that his right arm was being pinched intensely. The culprit for this was none other than his wife. 

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, that hurts, love" William rubbed his arm. He wondered if his wife had super strength. At that moment, he felt as if his skin had been ripped off.

"Idiota, instead of reprimanding him, you encourage him"

"Love, surely, and from what I see from the mark of your hand on his face, he was already severely reprimanded by you. Besides, you know that the sheriff uses his authority to do evil and corrupt things. Clearly, his son is no better" said William, totally unconcerned.

This was William's true personality. Someone totally carefree and smiling. Someone you could easily make friends with. And this was no lie, as everyone in town respected and liked him very much. It was rare for him to get angry, unlike his wife. What can I say. Opposites attract.

He firmly believed that the best lessons his son could learn were from his own mistakes, which is why he never scolded him severely. He had to learn what was best for him.

"But this time it's different, William. It's his last chance now. If he gets in trouble again, he might get drafted for military school" however, William just smiled while his wife was talking, which made Carolina start to get exasperated.

"Stop grinning like a tonto, this is serious, William"

"No, it isn't. Don't worry. Actually, that threat, will be baseless now" William pulled out of his suit pocket, a letter. It was from a prestigious science university. "Actually, not only did I ask for permission because of Edgar's problem. But I received a letter, to my work. It's from Princeton. Apparently, they are impressed by Edgar's grades, and are extending an invitation to the summer science program. We're talking about a possible future scholarship"

"Dad, are you serious?" Edgar had a look of disbelief, as he read the contents of the letter. They wanted him to be part of a summer program for gifted young people. It was practically an early program to begin studying for a science degree, taught by the best minds in the country.

"Oh, my love, that's great...but wait, how did they find out about Edgar's grades?" Carolina, asked. Even she didn't know about his good grades. She didn't know how such a prestigious university had found out.

"The principal contacted me some time ago. He asked me for permission to send qualifications to that university to apply for a slot in that program. I didn't say anything because it wasn't a sure thing... but here it is. The other thing the country respects most, at this time, besides the military, is just the scientists" William's cheerful demeanor stopped and again he looked seriously at his son "but that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want, Edgar. Another such behavior, and you won't be going to that program"

"I understand, father, thank you" Edgar hugged his father tightly. He was grateful for the family he had. At this moment, he was promising himself that he would do his best for them.

"You're welcome, son. You deserve it. Now, go to your room and write a letter in reply. I'll go to the post office early tomorrow morning to send it"

"I will" Edgar quickly ran upstairs to his room. His excitement was visible on his face as he left.

However, William and Carolina who had stayed downstairs, toned down as much as they could, and became serious.

"Will it be expensive?" Carolina asked. William could only nod at the question. As much as he wanted to deny it, he would never lie to his wife. That was the secret to a good relationship.

"Right now, the factory is not doing well, William. You told me yourself that you could barely keep it afloat. At this rate, you'll have no choice but to sell the factory or start laying off employees"

"NO, NOT THAT" William raised his voice. He rarely did, but this issue had him very stressed. The company was doing badly. The country in general was going through a crisis. Furniture production was down severely, and they were in the red right now.

There was a large conglomerate that wanted to buy the factory to tear it down and open a technology company, but William didn't want to sell it because almost 1/3 of the men in this town depended on his factory. If he sold it, they would be out of a job, and that was something he didn't even like to think about. He had very good friendly ties with the people here.

"Trust me. I'll find a way to work this out. We'll get through this. I promise" William kissed his wife's forehead. His wife just laid her head on his chest. She trusted him unconditionally. William had already more than proved to her that he wasn't all talk. If anyone could get out of this bad situation, it was him.

What they didn't realize, was that Edgar had heard much of the conversation. And that their whispering voice, in reality, was not as quiet as they thought.

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"Father, Mother, I'm leaving" Edgar had woken up early over the weekend. He had asked Tommy's father, who owned the only library in town, for a job. And he had accepted easily.

Edgar, since finding out that his father was having a hard time financially, had decided to help him out with a part-time job. Besides, reading was a great hobby of his. Needless to say, it was a win-win for him.

"Don't be late for dinner. And thank Mr. Hatch for giving you the opportunity to help him" His father, who was at the table looking over some papers, told him.

"I will. I love you"

"And we love you" His mother shouted from the kitchen.

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"Love, he's gone..."

"Finally" they both stopped what they were doing and headed to their room. Needless to say, they both had a great morning that day.

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Edgar left his house. However, he stopped when he watched a middle-aged man, who was arranging the flowers in his garden. The man was tall and a bit overweight, his hair was also starting to fall out. However, he had a rather friendly countenance, and a rather social smile.

He was Phil Banks, his father's partner and owner of the factory. But to Edgar, he was his uncle in everything but blood.

His wife had come down with a pretty bad flu. Phil had tried to find ways to save her, but, unfortunately, her heart couldn't take it, and one day, she woke up dead. They had been unable to have children, which is why Phil treated Edgar like the son he never had. He was so fond of him, he called him Eddie.

"Uncle Phil, Good morning"

"Oh, Eddie. It's good to see you. And congratulations too. Your father talked about the other day about your invitation to that science course. It's excellent. I'm very proud of you"

"Thank you uncle. I'm glad to hear that. I'll try my best to make it excellent"

"I'm glad to hear it. But tell me, Eddie, where you're going so early. Don't tell me you're going to get in trouble again... or maybe, you're going to see a girl" the last was said with a suggestive tone, which made Edgar blush slightly. In the end he could only smile at his 'uncle's' playful words.

"Come on, uncle, don't joke with me. I'll go work with Mr. Hatch, in the library. I want to save money to help my dad with course fees"

"Oh, that's great. And very responsible of you. But, if you have any difficulties, don't hesitate to come to me, Eddie. Don't tell anyone, but I've got a little money put away. You're like a son to me. I'll help you if you have difficulties"

"Thanks uncle, I really appreciate the gesture. But, still, I'd like to work to earn the money. It makes me feel good to do it"

"I understand, Eddie. Go on then, there are only a few minutes left until the library opens"

"I will Uncle, thank you" with that said, Edgar shot off heading for the library.

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Walking for about 10 minutes, he finally arrived at the center of town where the library was located. It was a small library. Although Tommy said that his father was planning to start expanding the place. The city was growing more and more. Soon, they would need a bigger place when the population density increased over time.

"Mr. Hatch, I'm here" Edgar made his way to the main desk of the place.

Sitting at said desk was a gentleman with black hair and a stubble. He had circular glasses, and already slight gray hair was peeking through his hair. He was Tommy's father, Mr. Hatch. He and his wife had conceived Tommy quite a bit older, which is why Tommy didn't like to worry them, and he never told them about the problems he was having with school.

"Oh, Edgar, good to have you here. You're going to run errands, mostly newspaper. Then you're going to help me sort through these files. I need to look at the inventory and plan accordingly. There's a bicycle in the back. It's old, but it's functional"

"Sure, sir" Edgar started picking up the newspapers he was going to take.

Newspapers sent the counted copies to bookstores, and bookstores was responsible for distributing to people who subscribed or pre-ordered said newspaper in town.

It used to be a privilege to read the newspaper or get 'current' news from the radio. However, little by little, more and more people were starting to get information through these media. It was all because of the government, which had made sure that people were fully informed, in case an armed conflict or some other relevant event broke out.

"Oh, and Edgar... do you know what Tommy has?"

"What Tommy has…?" Edgar asked hesitantly, but in reality, he already knew where the question was going.

"Yes, he helps me too these days. But he said he was feeling bad and preferred to stay home. Did something happen that I should be worried about?"

Edgar knew Tommy was sore from the beating Peter had given him. Peter had been smart and had only managed to wound him on his body, leaving his face mostly intact, so he wouldn't arouse suspicion.

However, Edgar knew that Tommy would hate him if he said anything to his father. He had heart problems, and the last thing Tommy wanted was to worry him.

"No sir, I don't know anything" in the end he opted to lie to him. Besides, Tommy was already recovering. Soon he would be back to normal.

"All right, then start the deliveries. If you hurry, you'll be done in less than a couple of hours"

"Sure sir"

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"Thanks for the help, Edgar. You are very efficient. With you here, I was able to finish all of today's tasks sooner"

By this time, they had finished sorting through the numerous files that needed to be sorted. Edgar was tired. But when he looked at the wall clock, he was surprised that there were still a couple of hours before the library closed. They had been very fast at their tasks.

"Thank you, sir. You're helping me a lot by giving me this opportunity"

"Speaking of..." Mr. Hatch pulled out a bag. Inside were numerous coins.

"Here, you earned it. I even put in extra. Today, you can leave early"

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate everything" as Mr. Hatch had mentioned, Edgar could see that there were, at least a couple of extra dollars, in coins. Doing the math, he could save up to ¼ of the course, by the time he started. Which was a great relief to his father, financially.

Edgar was walking home. He was about to go inside, but stopped when he began to hear screams outside his window. Peeking out, he could see that the screams were coming from his father and 'Uncle' Phil. At this moment, 'Uncle' Phil's friendly face was not visible. A face of anger, with a slight hatred could be seen.

"William, damn it, don't be stubborn and listen to me. This is a great opportunity for both of us. We can't turn it down so easily"

"For the last time, I told you NO. If Kord Industries buys the place, it will practically put dozens of people out of work, do you want that?"

"Think of yourself first, William. Think of your family... of Edgar. You can easily pay for his course and even college with the money they're offering us. Get out of this place and even buy a mansion somewhere nice. Los Angeles is starting to grow quite a bit these days. It is said that in the future it will be the home of the stars. With the money they offer us, we can have a mansion there and more"

"It's because of THAT, that I don't do it. What kind of lesson would I teach my son, if I made him see that his father sold his life's work and put half the city out of work. He would be disappointed. Stop talking, Phil, I'm not going to change my mind. I have a bigger percentage in the company than you do, so I'm the senior partner. As long as I'm alive, I won't sell the company"

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"I was afraid you were going to say that..."

"BANG" a gunshot sound was heard, which totally numbed Edgar's mind.

"WILLIAM!" Carolina who also heard the shot, and had left the two alone to argue, ran to her husband's aid. Blood was pouring from his chest, and he was coughing violently.

Edgar, who had seen this whole scene through the window, rushed in through the door, which made Phil startled by the noise. He quickly aimed the gun at Edgar coming in, but, Carolina who saw this, stepped forward and covered Edgar with her body.

"BANG" Edgar only felt his mother's body fall into his arms. He could not understand what was happening. His father, had stopped moving, his open eyes were without a spark of life.

His mother, who had protected him, was beginning to bleed. The bullet had grazed her throat and she was beginning to choke on her blood.

"Mom, mom, wait, I'll call 911"

"You won't do anything...BANG" Phil fired his last bullet into Edgar's chest. Edgar began to feel cold. The energy in his body was beginning to wane. Finally, he could no longer stand and dropped to his knees. His mother, who had already stopped breathing a few seconds ago, was still in his arms.

Edgar could not understand why his beloved uncle had done such a thing. He could not understand why the person who had cared for him and always treated him like a son had just shot him in cold blood.

"Sigh, Edgar, why did you come so early. I didn't want it to happen like this... I was even totally willing to adopt you when you found out your parents were dead"

"... Why?" the light was beginning to fade for Edgar, he was gradually feeling weaker. In the end, he just had the energy to ask that.

"We were running out of money. The factory would go bankrupt eventually. Your father, if he had been smart, would have taken the juicy offer they made us and this wouldn't have happened" Phil didn't stand idle, and grabbed a lighter. This was Edgar's father's favorite lighter.

"I told your father to stop smoking, it would hurt him" he quickly tossed the lighter onto the living room couch. Within seconds, said couch began to light up like a bonfire.

"You see Edgar. Recently, we learned that the materials we used to make our furniture were highly flammable. Your father, being the good man that he is, spared no expense and replaced every flammable compound with a more expensive but safe one. This caused our factory, which was already in financial trouble, to decline. What your stupid father didn't know is that the extra money he spent on that, I kept, and the materials of the armchairs were never changed"

(AN: In fact, this is a real problem and is the cause of hundreds of unintentional fires even today)

The fire started to set the curtains on fire, and began to spread throughout the place. The place was slowly starting to catch fire. The scene was starting to become chaotic.

"Your father, he was an idealistic fool. I wanted to adopt you so that you would learn the real important lessons of life. That, in this world, the only thing that matters is power and money. You know, maybe it's because this will be the last time we talk, but I'll tell you a secret. Actually, my wife didn't die of a heart attack, I killed her by smothering her with a pillow because her medical treatments were costing me a fortune"

"...you're a monster"

"What you never understood, Edgar. And that your parents didn't either. Is that, to survive in this world, you must become one... well, see you in the next life, son, ciao" with that said, Phil left the house. The fire was slowly starting to spread to the kitchen. Black smoke was beginning to make it difficult for Edgar to breathe.

Phil made his way home, quietly. He climbed the stairs and looked out the window. As heavy smoke began to pour out the windows and larger dancing flames began to show, he finally picked up his landline phone and dialed the emergency number.

"Emergency, what is your problem?"

"Help, my friend's house is on fire. There is a lot of smoke, call the fire department!" Phil at this point was acting as if he was truly frightened by the events that had transpired.

Quickly, after about 10 minutes the firefighters arrived along with the police. They started to put out the fire, but it was too late. They could not arrive in time to save any of the people in the house. In the end, they found only charred bodies.

Phil, who was watching the whole spectacle through the window, never realized that the officers had not actually found three bodies, as it originally had. There were only two bodies when they arrived.

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Edgar felt cold. A strange feeling, due to the intense heat, which was produced by the fire next to him. The flames had already set part of his feet on fire. Why he was still alive, even he could not answer.

His father's body was already a grotesque sight to see, as his flesh was melting due to the high flames dancing next to him. His mother, who was in his arms, was no better. For the fire was also beginning to reach her. However, Edgar was unwilling to let her go.

Edgar had many regrets in life. For the city he had been a troublesome person. Someone whose image was that of a brawler and troublemaker.

He had not achieved any dream he had. No goal. He had failed to find love, true love. That love that he saw daily every time he looked at his parents.

If there was reincarnation or another life, he could only wish that he would be reincarnated as the son of his parents. And he promised himself that, if he remembered this, he would be better. A better son. A better person. A source of pride. And that he would achieve his dreams.

However, the long-awaited end never came. For a strange event began to happen around Edgar.

The dancing flames began to stop. The colorful world began to turn dull gray. Slowly, as if by magic, time stopped completely. 

'Is this the end?' Edgar wondered. However, his thoughts were interrupted by a loud, crisp tapping sound produced by the sole of shoes walking towards him.

"tap, tap, tap"

Edgar, could see a man walking while everything was stopped. He was a man in his 50's, dressed in a smart trench coat. However, his features Edgar could not make out well, since everything, including the man was a dull gray.

The only thing of color at that moment was the man's eyes. Big, menacing, blood-colored eyes. Finally, he stopped, right in front of Edgar and, with a slight smile, spoke.

"Edgar, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've been watching you, and I like what I see. You have a lot of potential. It would pain me to see such potential go to waste, with these little flames"

"cough, cough, who are you?" that time has stopped is not to say that Edgar was well

"That's not important. What is important, is what I can offer you"

"...and that is?"

"Vengeance. Vengeance for this event. I ask you seriously, Edgar, do you want Vengeance?"

"I-" Edgar debated what to do. But the man didn't let his doubts come to the surface.

"Don't hesitate, Edgar. This offer is for a limited time. Your life is slipping away. Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, the clock is ticking"

Edgar, he only saw the charred body of his beloved father. He looked at the charred body of his beloved mother in his arms. He no longer hesitated.

"I want it. I want vengeance"

The man smiled and pulled a parchment from his trench coat.

"Perfect, sign here"

Edgar tried to reach over to read the contract, but when he touched it, the paper produced a cut on his finger. A drop of blood fell on the contract which illuminated the letters on it.

"That's enough... I hope to see you again, Edgar"

The man snapped his fingers, and time, which had been standing still, returned to normal. The man had disappeared as if he had never been there. The fire continued to dance, severely burning Edgar and his surroundings.

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In the evening, Phil was pouring himself a large glass of wine. He knew it was going to be a busy next few weeks. But he was almost ready to quickly take over his partner's shares and have the opportunity to sell the factory land. He could already see the near future being extremely wealthy, and having numerous women at his feet.

The only thing he regretted was Edgar. The boy was talented. He would have made a great successor and heir. The son he never had...

"Sigh... Edgar, why did you make me kill you?" this was Phil's only regret of this whole situation. Unfortunately, he couldn't leave any loose ends in this event. With no witnesses, it was for the best.

However, Phil's thoughts were interrupted when he heard a strange noise in his living room. He rushed downstairs with his loaded gun, but when he got there, there was nothing.

"Mmm, strange"

However, when he turned around he saw something that made him pee with fear. Behind him was something that could only come out of the worst nightmares. A skull with flaming fire was right behind him, waiting for him.

Phil reacted and fired his gun.

"BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG" however, the skull took the shots and never moved.

"Sinner" a voice, totally out of the worst terrors, came from the being's throat. It quickly grabbed Phil by the neck and lifted him right up to the level of the sockets where his eyes should be.

"Please let me go. I'll give you anything you want. Money, whores, whatever" Phil begged. He had already shit his pants from fear. He had tried to break free, but the skull's gripping strength was like an immovable wall.

The being, simply said to him.

"LOOK AT ME" 

Phil, as if it were a movie, saw all his failures, mistakes and sins. All the evil he had committed throughout his disgusting life. In a few seconds he had succumbed to the gaze of penance. The 'uncle' Phil was dead. His eyes looked like burnt charcoal.

The Ghost Rider, however, did not stand still. Generating a flame, he threw it at the furniture. Quickly, with Ghost Rider's fire, the place began to burn, like a big bonfire, just as fast or faster than the fire Phil had started.

When the authorities arrived, they found Phil's charred body. It was strange that in the early morning of the day following the first fire, another fire of a similar nature had occurred just across the street.

However, the authorities, when they analyzed all the bodies, were able to find that the one missing from the bodies was that of the Bones' son, Edgar, and, knowing his troubled background, they listed him as the prime suspect, and a likely an arsonist.

However, he was never seen again, so the case ended inconclusively. Until years later, a freak fire burned all evidence of it... except for a newspaper clipping, which remained for posterity.

(AN: that newspaper was not in the police station. It is from what is kept as the city's historical archive. With that, Batman was able to discover Edgar's information)

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In the early morning of the next day, a young man was sleeping on the grass on top of a small hill. There was no one around, but if anyone saw him they could see that he was naked as the day he was born. This person was Edgar, who, to the authorities, was missing.

!!!!!!!!!!

Suddenly he woke up with a start. However, due to that sudden movement he could register that his whole body was sore, as if he had done the most exhaustive sport. A slight groan came out of his mouth due to this pain.

'Where am I?' he asked himself.

Looking around, he could see that he was in the cemetery on the outskirts of the city, because of the numerous tombstones that stood here. It was just dawn, and the morning light, along with the numerous flowers that adorned the place, gave Edgar a beautiful view. However, he couldn't appreciate them for long when, out of nowhere, a totally unbearable pain came to his head

"AAAGGGGGGGHHH" Edgar dropped to his knees clutching his head. At this moment he felt as if thousands of needles were piercing his brain. Like a movie, numerous memories began to rain down into his head.

The death of his parents. His near death in the fire. The mysterious man and his contract. And, most of all, the memories of the grave sins committed by 'Uncle' Phil, someone who on the surface showed a friendly side, but who, in reality, had done horrible things throughout his life. EVERYTHING.

Tears began to run down Edgar's eyes as the realization that it wasn't a dream hit him. In a single night, his life had completely turned around. He, at this moment, was alone, and worse, he didn't know what monster he had become. 

A single thought was coming into his head at this moment.

'What the hell have I done?'

------------

A man with blond hair, about 50 years old, dressed in a black trench coat, with blood-colored eyes, was standing in a forest. If Edgar saw him, he would recognize him as the man who had made him sign the contract the day of the fire.

The man was quite happy about what had happened. His plan had been a success. A well thought out and, above all, well executed plan.

"Zarathos... I finally found a way to get rid of you, you damn annoying thing. Now, nothing will prevent my triumphant return. Nothing will prevent, MY CONQUEST!"

However, he was unable to continue his villain speech as his body began to fade.

"Mmm, I guess time ran out. I was afraid Edgar wouldn't accept the proposal in time. It would have been bad, both for him, and for me" At last the figure of the man no longer saw. At this moment, there was only a demon of more than 3 meters, with a large and muscular body. He had white hair, two pairs of yellow eyes and large horns protruding from his head.

"Edgar, I hope fate will bring us together again. I hope you break your cursed destiny, and can overcome all your limiters and become strong enough to stand against me. That way it will be more fun when I kill you hahahaha" 

With that said, Trigon vanished as if he had never been.