Chapter: The Identity

"Never forget what you are, for

surely the world will not. Make it

your strength. Then it can never

be your weakness. Armour

yourself in it, and it will never be

used to hurt you."

---------George R.R. Martin.

****************

E.H.

What's an identity?

The one with which you get recognized. The name with which we get referred to.

All people have it but I wasn't furnished with a name to begin with. Such a poor fate.Terrible.

Yes it had been unfortunate but it provided me an opportunity to create my own name and fame.

Mockingly though, unbeknownst to my true identity I presented myself a name that quite coincides with a family heritage that was mystery to me.

I gave myself the name of Edward Hart and established a business corporation called The Empire.It was my league where I reigned as an emperor. Sacrifices and compromises had marred the Empire, with scars of struggle and exertion blemishing me.

The die hard strategy worked out most of the time with the afflictions hardening me and maturing me in no time. I had suffered and watched things beyond my years and time.

Hence all the expectations dried off just by facing the cruel reality,selfishness,and greed of people.

The task of establishing a company on my own was a next to impossible but the courage to face the Evil again moved me forth.I wanted a showdown with him later.

Never would I be able to get over the heinous acts I carried out on his orders.Leaving the camaraderie wasn't an option so I quitted the Evil's shadow with my brothers and friends.

And thus begun my journey to success and glory. My friends slash brothers always had my back and in return they became the associates of the Empire.

Then came Angus,this fellow had known me for all my damn life, sometimes sneaking food or first aid to me.A prisoner as well.He was an ex- Navy SEAL who tripped into this illicit world by mistake.He needed money for treatment.His wife had been suffering from cancer for a long time and thus he got trapped here.He borrowed money from a wrong man.

In his case his identity got changed, from a respectable man to a criminal. And even after that he couldn't save his wife.

Angus had been one of my best support system.Guiding me when needed, strict and stubborn with a warm fluffy heart inside. Not so much lovey- dovey though.

Last but not the least was our Raph or Raphael.He had been the tech-savvy genius with whom I used to practice my boxing and martial arts during my years with the Evil.He was an gym instructor and a secret spy/hacker.And yes,he is one heck of a friend and confidant.

Thus in their ways all these people helped and contributed to build The Empire group from mere debris.

And perhaps from no one to one of the richest man on earth, I progressed. The Edward Hart became my identity. A king on his own accord.