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  In mid-June, an unusual series of thunderstorms swept through the city, a phenomenon that was not typical for this region. Marcus Smith observed the heavy rain cascading around him, contemplating the veracity of the tales he had heard regarding individuals who had mysteriously vanished. He remained there, immersed in the downpour, lost in thought about his existence. To an onlooker from afar, he appeared to be an ordinary man; however, to those who had approached him closely, his demeanor revealed a more complex reality.

  Marcus was born with a unique condition that defied conventional norms; it could even be described as extraordinary. He possessed a feminine appearance while exhibiting a combination of both male and female physical traits. As he turned and shook his head, he commenced his walk towards his apartment, feeling a sense of trepidation about the possibility of encountering his father there. Their relationship was strained, and the thought of returning home and potentially engaging in a confrontation filled him with apprehension.

  He commenced his lengthy journey back to his apartment, each step accompanied by thoughts of his father and their last conversation. "You are no son of mine; you are some kind of monster. You are not even a man; you are some sort of girl. Leave." His father's harsh words echoed in his mind as he made his way home, tears streaming down his face as memories overwhelmed him. Reluctant to confront his father again, he shook his head resolutely and pressed on toward his apartment.

  

  Marcus tightened his coat around himself as he made his way home, tears streaming down his face, overwhelmed by a sense of unworthiness. He had never known his mother, and his father was nothing short of a disgrace. With each step he took, he felt a growing dread about returning home, haunted by memories of his father's last words. As he continued down the road, he reflected on the events of that fateful night two years prior.

  He halted and gazed at his apartment, contemplating whether his father might be inside. Although Marcus was aware that he no longer possessed a key, a sense of dread lingered within him. As the rain cascaded down, he remained rooted in place, fixated on his residence.

  Deep in thought, Marcus did not perceive a man seizing him from behind. "Hey, good-looking, how about a date?" Marcus blinked, turned to the man, and said, "You do know I’m a man, don’t you?" The man, clearly startled, fled as fast as he could. Marcus sighed and shook his head, glancing up at his apartment while he started to search his pockets for his key.

  Again, troubling thoughts surfaced in his mind, envisioning his father waiting on the other side, ready to pounce the instant he entered the apartment. Burdened by a sense of dread, he slowly made his way to the door, taking his time to unlock it before finally crossing the threshold into his home.

  

  After inserting his key into the doorknob and unlocking the door, he stepped into his home, feeling a wave of relief upon realizing that his father was absent. He walked to the bathroom, took a towel, and dried his hair. Recently returned from college, he headed to his room, conscious of the limited time he had before needing to go to his best friend’s house to finalize the paperwork related to bar taxes.

  

  Several hours later, he was seated at his desk, diligently working on his computer to complete the paperwork related to bar taxes and other matters. Just then, his cell phone started ringing, indicating a call from his closest friend. He set his pen aside, picked up his phone, and pressed the answer button to engage in conversation with his friend.

  Lyssa reached out, saying, "Hi, it's Lyssa. I could really use your assistance at the bar. I'm currently working solo and could use an extra set of hands with food and drinks. Could you come by and put on the uniform to help me out?" As Marcus listened to his friend's request, a wave of apprehension washed over him. He let out a deep sigh before responding.

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  "I will be there momentarily; let’s avoid any distractions," he declared, eliciting laughter from his friend Lyssa on the phone. "No promises, but please make your way here and help me with our paying customers," he replied with a sigh. "Of course, I will be there shortly," she confirmed. He turned his gaze to the window, observing that the rain had finally stopped, and a smile appeared as he rose and moved to his closet to grab his jacket.

  

  He opened the door to his apartment and began his walk to the bar, feeling a sense of dread with each step. He was acutely aware of how his friend would behave, and a troubling thought lingered in his mind: she would undoubtedly insist that he dress as a waitress once more.

  Unbeknownst to Marcus, the rain had begun to fall again. He felt a sense of dread regarding his friend's potential demands; would she compel him to wear a waitress outfit once more, or would he be tasked with bar duties? In a bid to expedite his arrival and lend a hand to his friend, he increased his speed, reaching the bar shortly thereafter.

  

  The rain had ceased once more, and with a sigh, he approached the bar door, stepping inside. Upon his entrance, he was welcomed by his closest friend, Lyssa, who was attending to the patrons. She smiled and gestured for Marcus to come over while taking orders from the customers at the bar.

  "Marcus, make your way to the back room; I will be there shortly to help you with your change," she said while taking the customers' orders. Marcus nodded and responded, "Okay, I will head to the back room and see you soon." He walked away from Lyssa and entered the back room of the bar, where he noticed the collection of female uniforms and other items. He let out a sigh, fully aware of his friend's intentions.

  The situation was decidedly unfavorable when Lyssa entered the room shortly after. “We are pressed for time, so strip down; I need you dressed for our paying customers who are waiting for their meals,” Marcus sighed as he commenced removing his clothing. Lyssa walked over to a box and pulled out some undergarments. “Here, put these on; you will be dressing as a girl, not as a boy.”

  "I am not going to do that. I am a boy, and you cannot make me dress as a girl. I refuse to wear that," Lyssa said with a smirk. "Oh, yes, you will wear it. I know how people view you, and I realize you might feel like a monster, but you are not. You were born with a particular body and shape, so put everything on and get to work." With a sigh, Marcus started to change into the uniform that Lyssa had provided.

  

  Marcus emerged from the backroom dressed as a waitress and commenced her duties by delivering food to customers and taking their orders. Lyssa observed her friend as she skillfully managed the tables, taking orders and serving meals, and a smile of joy spread across her face.

  The night unfolded rapidly as Marcus and Lyssa catered to their clientele and took their orders. On this occasion, Marcus was behind the bar, providing drinks to all the patrons who visited. Customers viewed Marcus as a waitress, never suspecting his true gender. Marcus was born with a dual physique, featuring a female upper body and a male lower body. When he donned women's clothing, he easily misled those who encountered him.

  Although Marcus despised the concept of misleading customers, the need to make ends meet led him to heed his friend's counsel. She had his best interests at heart and was the sole person who recognized the depth of his life and the challenges he had endured.

  The work shift had concluded, and it was time to close the bar. Marcus assisted his friend in cleaning the tables and organizing the space. Afterward, he retreated to the back room to change into his regular attire. After exchanging a hug with his friend, he exited the bar, intending to head home. However, as he began his journey, he spotted a stunning glowing blue star in the sky. Yet, he wondered if it was truly a blue star or something more ominous.

  

  Marcus gazed at the star, captivated by its enchanting beauty. He felt compelled to follow it, walking tirelessly in its direction. As he continued on his path, he paid no mind to where the star might be leading him. He passed by numerous individuals, and as he walked, the winds began to intensify. The night sky transformed, with beams of light twisting before him, and the star itself began to alter its shape.

  

  As the sky fractures, the star begins to spin, prompting Marcus's heart to quicken. He realizes that the star is more than it seems, standing in its presence as it continues to enlarge, looming ominously as if it might engulf him.

  

  He gulped with difficulty while gazing at the vortex, realizing in that moment that his time on this earth had come to an end. As the vortex expanded, it began to draw him in, his life flashing before his eyes as he was extracted from this universe.

  

  As he journeyed to an alternate realm, his lingering thoughts revolved around the uncertainties of his fate and the impact on his friends, who would surely miss him. Moments later, he emerged from the vortex, finding himself in a new world and embarking on a fresh chapter of his life.

  

  In this bewildering world he had entered, he was beset by numerous questions. Would he be secure? Could he establish new friendships, or would his existence be altered forever? While he wrestled with these thoughts, he spotted an individual walking nearby. She had striking purple hair and yellow eyes, dressed in an unusual fashion. Compelled by curiosity, he chose to follow her and seek answers to his inquiries.