Echoes of Another Life (Modern Family)

[General POV]

Jack wiped the sweat from his brow as he trudged out of gym class. The basketball game had turned into a battlefield, with Riley making sure to elbow him every chance he got.

"You alright, Jack?" a random chubby kid called from across the gym, his voice tinged with concern. Jack nodded but didn't answer, his mind swirling.

Riley wasn't just being an average school bully—Jack had seen the way he glanced around before delivering a sharp shove or a whispered taunt. His every move felt deliberate.

Jack sighed, making his way to his locker. He needed time to think, but Riley, as always, seemed to sense it.

"Hey, Jack," Riley called, his voice dripping with faux friendliness. He sauntered over, casually leaning against the lockers like he owned the place. The hallway was thinning out, leaving them mostly alone.

Jack didn't reply. He kept his gaze fixed on his locker, pretending to sort through his books.

"Don't ignore me, man," Riley said, his tone shifting to something darker. "You wouldn't want people thinking you're too good for a friendly chat, would you?"

Jack turned to face him, his jaw clenched. "What do you want, Riley?"

Riley smirked, leaning in closer his voice barely a whisper "Just making sure you know your place. You think you're some kind of big shot, strutting in here, making deals, cozying up to people." He paused grinning "But you're nothing. And trust me, I'll make sure of that."

Jack's heart pounded, but he forced himself to stay calm. He was not a helpless kid—he was a former soldier, a survivor. 'Should I just...' he looked at Riley and the people around us 'not yet', something about this kid felt... calculated. His insults weren't random; they were precise, like he'd rehearsed them.

Before I could respond, Riley stepped back, raising his voice. "Hey, man, no need to get so aggressive! I was just trying to help!"

A few students turned to look, their expressions ranging from curious to judgmental. my hands unintentionally balled into fists at my sides.

"You're unbelievable," he muttered. Riley then grinned, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "See you around."

As Riley walked away, Jack's thoughts raced. Why was Riley so determined to make him look bad?

Jack sat at his desk, staring at the crumpled sheet of notes Alex had given him. He wasn't in the mood to study. His mind kept circling back to Riley.

There was a pattern to his behavior, Jack realized. Riley never acted out in public unless there were enough witnesses to spin the story in his favor. Alone, he was a predator, his true intentions unmasked.

Jack's instincts screamed that Riley wasn't acting on his own. He'd seen this kind of manipulation before—in the handlers and middlemen who pulled strings from behind the scenes.

And then there was Riley's family. The name Shepherd Industries had been buried in Jack's subconscious since he'd arrived in this strange world. The connection hit him like a lightning bolt.

Vought Industries. The company responsible for the experiment that caused his parents to disappear. Now this new industry what's the connection?

Jack's chest tightened as the pieces fell into place. Riley wasn't just a bully—he was a pawn, following orders.

The next day, Jack wasn't surprised when Riley cornered him in the hallway after first period. This time, Jack was ready.

"Hey, Jack," Riley sneered. "Looking a little tense. Trouble sleeping?"

Jack leaned against the lockers, feigning indifference. "You know, Riley, for someone who acts like a big shot, you sure spend a lot of time in my shadow."

Riley's smirk faltered for a split second before returning. "Cute. But you're the one who—"

Jack cut him off. "Who put you up to this?"

Riley's expression darkened, his confidence replaced by a flicker of panic.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Riley said, his voice low.

Jack stepped closer, his voice steady. "Shepherd Industries."

For a moment, Riley froze. Then, with a quick shove, he pushed Jack back. "Weirdo."

Jack stumbled but caught himself. The shove was weak, but it was enough to set something off inside him.

"Leave me alone, Riley," Jack said, his voice calm but laced with warning.

But Riley wasn't backing down. "Or what?" He stepped forward, grabbing Jack by the collar.

Jack reacted instantly, his training kicking in. He twisted out of Riley's grip and shoved him backward, hard enough to send him stumbling. Riley growled, his face red with anger, and swung a wild punch.

Jack dodged effortlessly. "You're embarrassing yourself," he said, his voice low.

The hallway began to clear as more students noticed the confrontation. Riley lunged again, this time aiming a kick. Jack sidestepped and grabbed Riley's arm, twisting it behind his back and pinning him against the lockers.

"Get off me!" Riley hissed, struggling.

"Listen to me," Jack said, his voice cold and steady. "You're playing a dangerous game."

Riley's struggles slowed, but his voice remained defiant. "You think you're better than me? You think you're so smart? You don't know anything."

Jack released him and stepped back. Riley turned to face him, his expression turning from a mix of fury and fear to a sly grin.

"This isn't over, and Thanks" Riley Smiled before storming off.

Jack stood there for a moment, his fists still clenched. He hated losing control.

The whispers started almost immediately. By the time Jack reached the library, he knew the rumors would be flying. But he didn't care.

Riley wasn't just a schoolyard bully—he is a link. And he can't let him off the hook.