Title: Intoxication

Fandom: 20th Century Boys

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: No big spoilers but you'd enjoy it more if you knew Friend's identity; Drabble #3 is set during the first few chapters of Volume 16; Implied one-sided Friend/Kenji for Drabble #4

Summary: Five times Friend tasted power for the first time.

i. the power of wealth – age five

The day of parent-teacher conference brought a mix of apprehension and pride to the class. Amid the crowd and chatter he didn't miss the look on Teacher's face. And while most five year olds couldn't label the evolution of surprise, awe, and respect laced with the barest drop of resentment, he knew it for what it was. From that moment onward Teacher regarded him differently.

This was the power of wealth, of influence.

And it was hard to say what delighted him more, witnessing the shocked realization or the treatment that followed.

He could get used to this.

ii. the power telekinetic – age nine

He always knew he was special. It was obvious from the moment he entered the world. Money, privilege, brains; if he didn't deserve them, well they wouldn't be his now would they?

So this new power, this latent talent, it was only natural he should possess it.

Even better it required nothing. No price, no strings, just the rawness of it ready for him to use at any time he pleased. The first time he bent a spoon, such a little thing and yet it implied so much more, he felt a feverish rush of excitement.

Money, privilege, brains, and this.

The universe was on his side and he was eager for more. Fate had given its benediction, so there was nothing left but to put his gifts to good use.

iii. the power of influence – age ten

They were filthy, dirty boys. Grabby hands that turned pages too quickly and bent precious spines. Graceless feet that stomped with no regard to change in place or circumstance. Flapping mouths that simply spouted every silly thought, not a trace of subtlety. But the fact remained they were in thrall because of something he had done. Even if they were ingrates and never credited him, he had changed them and their world if only for an afternoon, but more likely for a lifetime. The way they thought, their very worldview was altered because of him.

This was influence and he rather liked the taste of it.

iv. the power of seduction – age eighteen

The act was undignified (ungainly, sweaty, primitive, and a host of other such things), he always knew it would be. Everyone else was mistaken, the physical pleasure was not nearly the most important aspect of it, not by a long-shot. The real value was in breaking down someone's world and recreating it, becoming that person's only link to the physical plane as you invaded their emotional and mental ones simultaneously.

It was a useful tool, perhaps one of the most powerful he'd acquired yet. And like the most powerful weapons of the world it was not to be used lightly. No, better to use this power upon only a few select individuals, it remained more potent that way.

There was only one rankling aspect of this new power; the fact that he would give up everything else if he could just use this, share this with that person.

No matter.

The rest of his arsenal would just have to do.

v. the power of friendship – age twenty-five

It was balanced arrangement of give and take. They gave their minds and hearts to be molded, reformed, transmuted. He gave the words they wanted to hear, certainty, and protection.

They took a part of him until he lived perpetually in all their deeds. He took a part of them, every status and personality until he catapulted to the top of the pyramid.

Friendship was indeed a beautiful thing.