Childhood friends

Preschool was not mandatory, nor necessary. Only for those who wanted early education and gained a slight edge on the competition. They were free and probably always would be. The corporation established the institution not out of charity. It was a long-term investment to gain a better workforce as a cheap cost labour. You could start as early as 8 or 9. It only takes two years to learn about the basic knowledge before you graduate. I enrolled too. Just like most of the kids inside the walls.

I came into the city knowing no one. The other kids spoke in an unfamiliar accent from the common English. Actually, various jibber-jabber kinds of language. It was hard to make friends. Such differences and various kids with their mutations. One had an eye like a lizard, another with horns, skins like snakes, claws protruding from their fingertips, and many more. Not all of them have mutations on the outside, some look clean like the humans from the post-war era. It wasn’t like they didn't have any mutations. You couldn’t see it since their mutations were happening inside their body. Invisible at a glance. Within the chaotic atmosphere, one girl appeared like angels surrounded by demons. She had a cat like mutations, but only the best part of it. Her ear, wide and covered in fur. She had a short tail, brown and white, a sleeve like-hole accommodating it in her shorts. Eyes, blue with big black dots, shimmered with lights reflected like a deep lake on a full moon. Often she was often crowded by admirers. Like a witch casting a charm, both boys and girls thirst for her attention. Most of the kids did, especially that blond, spiky haired kid. Stupidly trying to show off his water gun toy. She’s not interested, dummy.

Just like the light, comes the shadow. Another girl, who sat in the opposite corner of the class, stared at her with jealousy. Blond and pink highlighted-haired girl, eyes like a tiger, gold and menacing. Body built slim like a junior athlete. Probably the second beauty of the class. Outshined by the first on a large margin, though. Unhappy at the status quo, the tension rose. Like a cold war, slowly she built her own faction. Stupid, I thought. Kids fighting over such nonsense. Until it escalated into one sided conflict. Started with a simple missing a pair of shoes, graffiti on the table, and worse, physical abuse. It was an unfavorable situation, tiger versus the cat. With the tigress on the winning side.

Human mind always looks for the safest route, the one that guarantees a comfortable life. So, they stood by the new queen. Oppressing the weak and the lost. I didn’t pick a side. I gave no freaking care. Though, the choices were scarce. Either join the new empire or stand aside in neutrality. Everyone gave up on the little cat, except this spiky boy. He stayed by her side. He shared a part of their harsh treatment, so the little cat only took another half of it. Brave, yet stupid. That boy reminded me about something. About someone who was raised and grew up with me at the cold laboratory. Just as brave and stupid. I thought I could remain calm to keep my quiet and simple life. Until one prank was worse than the other before. A spark ignited inside of me. I grew tired of their shenanigans. This had to stop.

The tigress brought a hair clipper, took the poor cat into the park one day. It was empty. Simple playground with a sandbox, a few swings, a funny climbable penguin statue with a water fountain and some closed food shops. She thought it would be funny to shave entire fur off a cat’s tail. Might look like a reversed penis, she said. Everybody laughed, except the spiky-haired kid. One little dude, however, wasn’t enough to stop a half dozens of bullies. Two strong armed girls holding the cat by her arm. The tigress held the tail by her hand and started the clipper with horrifying buzz. They amused, chuckled, guffawed, while the kitty pleaded for help. The spiky boy couldn’t do much since a few beatings to his stomach bruised him badly. Also, his arms were being handcuffed by the big kid. Nobody could stop her. However, the tigress wasn’t a pro hairdresser. So she made a clumsy cut. The clip bit into the skin instead, leaving a small yet bloody cut. A few drops of blood fell into the cold park ground. “Whoops” and a giggle was her only reaction. That was it, I’ve seen enough.

A handful pile of sand went flying and smacked the tigress in the face, hurting her eyes. Two of the other bullies holding the cat surprised with her scream of shock and pain. Then, some cloud of dust flew into their faces. As if being controlled by someone, those mixes of dirt and grains focused on their breath. Suffocating them. Forced them to release their grip and kneel. “Run,” I said. The cat, however, just glanced with teary eyes and red. She wouldn’t be moving for a while. With both of my hands raised, there was nothing much that I could use with my level of telekinetic. The big boy, holding the spiky kid, shouting. Asking my identity. I didn’t care. I threw a half worth glass of water from the fountain straight into his open mouth. Choking him. With his energy dispersed, the spiky boy elbowed into the big boy ribs. His body curved in pain and coughed. He immediately ran into the frozen kitty. Evacuated her into safety. He glanced from his shoulders to me, saying “thanks!” They escaped.

Two more bullies left standing, shouting and coming for me. One boy sent a clumsy fist and missed. The other boy charged and hit my stomach with his one and a half bigger body than me. I flew a few steps, landed on my back. Painful. I exhaled my breath automatically to gravity. He then jumped, ready to mount me. I felt a crunchy sensation. It was a dry leaf. So, I crunched it and sent it flying to his eyes. Bullseye. I rolled to the left and stood. Only to be grabbed by the big boy. He regained his breath. One two punches flying from his friends. I lose all my strength.

“Hold it” said the tigress. She walked closer, all while cleaning her face from the sand. Then kicked me on my stomach. More energy withdrew out of my body as I had my knees touch the cold dirt. She then said various curses and mockery. Rather Intelligible with a mouth full of sand. So, I just laughed. Now her female buddies grabbed my hair and slapped me like a bitch. There was the moment that I thought I would die. In the hands of these stupid kids. Until someone shouted “hey!” behind their back. The spiky kid carrying a water jet gun toy he always brought to class. On top of the penguin statue he intimidated them. Only replied by laughter from the bullies. A spray of red water then flew into the tigress face. Her laugh turned into a shriek as she felt a blazing sensation in her eyes. I saw one of the food stalls had one door opened. A bottle of a spicy sauce on the table, empty. Dude mixed water with it, used them as ammo. Horrible.

The rest of the gang then went into a rampage. Running to attack that boy with whatever they got. Only to get countered by that lethal weapon. All of them right into their face until it was empty. The melee was unavoidable. The two of us versus 6 bullies. Punches, kicks, hair pulling, throwing. Me and the spiky kid back to back against the odds. Several minutes later, our childish rumble enveloped the park with flying dusts. The fight was quite balanced. With them having their eyes blinded as a handicap. But it wasn’t enough. We started to lose while they slowly regained their sight. Kids might be energetic, but at some point will run out of gas. We fought like a drunk sailor on a weekend.

In that losing stalemate, they surrounded us. Probably dead this time, I thought. Definitely dead, until the men in black carrying sticks and batons arrived. Drove the catfight into an end. The bullies were running, spreading everywhere. Every kid for themselves. They went after them while a couple stayed. Me and the spiky kid dropped on our knees. There was our last remaining energy. Bruised and damaged. Sighed in relief. In a distance we saw the cat girl running to us. She brought the security, clever girl. She was closing on us, jumped, and gave a hug. A tight one and it hurts. She cried and thanked us for everything. I was amazed that there were still some people like them. Willing to risk themselves for others. Thus I questioned myself why I did what I did. Perhaps they moved me? Did they light a spark of hope inside of me?

These are the people I could trust my back with. The spiky-haired blond kid and the cute little cat girl. “We have a name you know!” Said the spiky kid. Ah yes, I knew their name. In fact, I memorized all the kid’s names. I just didn’t recognize them as important. “Thank you. Err, Armen” said the girl and the boy. I paused at the moment to see their sincere eyes “Your welcome, Sarah, Kevin.”

Since that day at the park, Sarah hid her mutations. Prosthetic ears on top of the cat’s, contact lenses for her eyes, and have her tail circling on her hip hidden inside her dress. It was better to keep a low profile, she said. It was also impossible to return into that preschool, not with the wretched bullies still there. So, I invited them to have a homeschool session with Aunt Penny with me. They were not sure at first, but agreed immediately after just one impressive session from her. They become not just my friends, but also my family. We pledged to do “success is the best revenge” as our next goal. Kevin and Sarah successfully got a scholarship contract for elementary, academy, and internship programs. I didn’t do as well as they did, but I managed to enroll through a normal entrance test.

This happened 6 years ago and was the start of a unique friendship. They might think that I saved them, but the same thing can also be said to me. I found my faith in humanity once more, I found friends that I could trust. And I would be alone in this cold damned city if I were never to meet Kevin and Sarah. I couldn’t imagine the future without them. My life would never be complete.

I would love to close my eyes and continue reminiscing about our past together. Unfortunately, that would be for another time. Right at this moment, the path of destiny drew near. The raging spiral horn bull was there, stampeding into my only friends. I wouldn’t let that happen!

* * *

With my adrenaline kicked in, the whole situation flew in slow motion. I had to think quickly, the bull was only around 20 meters away from Kevin and Sarah. If my calculation was right, It was just around 5 seconds before the collision.

I need to find a way to save them. Anything! That was the only thing I could think about as I looked into my surroundings.

The students were running away all over the place trying to find the exit. Some of the lucky kids were far from the center. They started to grab their tabs to record the scene. Meanwhile, the instructors were all busy tending to the wounded students. Those who were adept in telekinetic skill were trying to keep the rubble away from harming the students. Even one of the walls was in such bad shape that a few instructors were needed to keep it from crumbling any further. Clearly the building was not designed to take such random attacks from a wild beast. A few milliseconds had passed, the glass and various building materials were falling. Those may come into harm if it weren’t for the instructors telekinetic ability. They push and pull them away to safety.

Damn! There’s got to be a way! Yet, there was nothing but rubble and broken glass around me! My mind racked, trying so hard to solve the problem. But the brain that had been boiling inside my head ended up producing nothing but just empty steam. If only there were something that I could use to save them! I don’t have any strong physical ability to win or to do anything that would matter against such a huge creature. How about my telekinetic ability? I can only lift up and manipulate small objects, not heavier than a kitchen utensils. If there was something. . . . . Wait, glass shards! That’s it!

I found myself an idea. The frozen leg of my body started to be filled with energy. I gritted my teeth and used both of my hands as imaginary tools, grabbing a few glass shards with my telekinetic ability. I could feel some of them, I could move them as I wanted. They’re about 10-15 centimeters in length and 5-7 centimeters width. It didn’t matter if they were just some small shards. It was my only chance.

Unfortunately there was no time to think about it any further, it’s only 2 seconds left before the bull hit them! Anything will do! With all my brain power capability I threw 5-6 small shards into the bull’s eyes and front legs. I could only masterfully lift 3 small individual objects, but I was afraid it won’t be enough to even scratch those thick hides. These should do! I just had to do it like this morning practice!

6 pieces of shards were thrown into the bull. With 3 pieces of the glass into the eyes and 3 others into the left front legs. The projectile moves as fast as an arrow into the target. The silenced piercing sound muffled by the chaotic atmosphere was felt as those glasses hit. Not the eye, it hit just above them. And the front legs, just one shard managed to hit the bull. Despite the fact of some small amount of blood drop squirts, the bull persisted. It didn’t stop. My mouth gaped, sweat flooded cold through my neck. The gravity of the situation stopped me from breathing.

As I despaired at my failed attempt, I noticed the bull center of gravity shifted and started to wobble. Those shards might not stop him. But they definitely managed to put the beast out of focus for a few moments. Still running wildly, but out of balance. Then, one of his legs got stuck into the chair. It was made of stainless steel, tough enough to tangle the muscular leg. The bull started to slip. It fell off. My attack wasn't futile. Might be too soon to celebrate. He still had the momentum to ram into both of my friends. Please do your worst falling off!

The moment of reveal drew near. Kevin and Sarah just stood there, stiffing as rock. While the bull fell in front of them. Barely missing his target. If only a few centimeters closer, then one of his horns would hit Kevin in the head. The sound of a huge pile of meat slammed into the floor. Loud clanking, breaking, bent chairs echoed inside the building. A lot of people who were watching in horror, holding their breath. Thus only then finally releasing a sigh of relief. I instinctively ran as fast as I could into them.

“ Are you okay?” I asked them worriedly.

”I. . . I don’t know! What just happened?” Kevin, as he held Sarah in his arms, replying with a mildly shaken voice.

Sarah just dropped there as her legs gave her final strength. Her eyes were still in shock yet I caught a glimpse of her brain working out some reason. Asking for the origin of their close to death situation.

”Hey Sarah, you ok?” I asked her again. Obviously I could see that her physical being was fine, but definitely her mental state was in a mess. Full of mysteries. We got another shock unfortunately. Before she managed to answer me, that damned bull was back in a standby position, standing tall. Glaring furiously.

Despair came back as the creature was back on his feet. The students dropped their jaws in disbelief. And me as well. I could see that some blood was slowly dripping on his head. However, the creature showed no sign of giving up. I would be a goner, I thought. But a few seconds passed and he just stood there. Looking at us.

Did something happen? The bull was sniffing right and left and started to glance around the hall. Was it looking for something? After affirming the situation the bull was just run. Surprisingly not into us. Instead, he rammed the exit door and escaped outside. What? What was going on?

”He’s.... that bull was aiming for me.” Suddenly Sarah said that to us in the middle of our fear and confusion.

”What? What are you talking about, Sarah?” Kevin was looking into Sarah in confusion.

Why would that thing after you?” Kevin asked.

”The bunny, the smell must have gotten into me!” She opened both of her eyes wide in realization.

”Oh no, Biely! We have to save him!” She tried to stand with her wobbly feet.

”Hold on, Sarah!” I confronted, as we helped her stand on her own.

You’re not making any sense! Did the bull hit your head or something?” I felt her shaking arms, my concern grew more serious.

”No time to explain!” She grabbed both our shoulders hard until she finally made her stand. Then started to walk on her own.

”The bull is an omnivore, and his favorite food is eating grass with a rabbit nest. . .and, and the rabbits in it! He must have smelled the rabbit through me.” She added while looking into me and Kevin deep into our eyes.

”What? So, The bull was looking for some rabbit sandwich?” My imagination went wild.

”When that bull charged into me, I could see some sign of extreme hunger in his eyes even though he didn’t appear to have malnutrition. As if something pushed it into that raging, hungry state!” As she finished her brief explanation, she started to walk further. No, she wanted to run.

”You lost me there, Sarah. Wait. . . where are you going?” Kevin grabbed her hand tightly. Sarah could only stare back as her effort of escaping was halted.

”You want to save the bunny? It’s suicide! You won’t make it in time.” Kevin said as he slowly released her hand.

”He’s right! Let the teachers and security handle it!” I said that as I hoped to convince her to stop. Finally, I sensed calm in her eyes, the shake on her body started to fade away. Reason and logic were flowing back into her mind as she prepared a strong retort to our cause.

”No! Look around you! They don’t have time. . . they don’t care about one little bunny.” She blatantly refused and pointed her hand out.

”I’m going to save him!” She had fiery eyes.

True enough. I looked into the surroundings. Everything was utterly in chaos. The teachers and the security officers in the building were busy tending to the students that were injured. While the other was busy tending to the building, they were making sure that the auditorium was safe from collapsing.

”Attention students of the academy, please stay calm. For those of you who are fine and uninjured please leave the auditorium immediately and go. . .” One female teacher went into the mic and announced the instructions from the stage. Within the chaos and in the middle of the announcement, Sarah took a bold step and faced us with an expression of a conqueror.

”I’ll go!” Sarah was determined. We know nothing will stop her. She would do it even if it’s going to kill her in the process.

”whether you guys will come or not, I’ll still go.” She added.

Kevin and I were just looking at each other in disbelief. He then sighed, shaking his head and thinking. Rubbing his shaggy spiky hair.

”Alright then, I’ll help you.” Kevin then took a step forward, offering his hand.

What the heck, Kevin? You’re supposed to stop her. At that moment my fate was sealed. I already knew what was going to happen next.

”Will you help us, again, Armen?” Kevin then faced me with his serious face. When he called me by my name, he meant business. I know nothing else could be done about it.

”Damn it! Okay. But we still won’t make it in time! The bull is probably already there by now.” I made a lame excuse, not that I didn’t want to help. I just wanted them to face the unavoidable reality.

”We still can make it! I’ll explain as we go.” Sarah was surprisingly decisive, unlike her usual self, full of sweetness and grace. "Besides, there's a chance that I'm wrong. I just want to make sure that Biely is safe. Come on!" At that moment when she ran into the light, she was a warrior princess.

Without a further second delay we marched to the rescue.