Recess was finally set upon the kids at the elementary school. There was a large playground with 2 separate slides, monkey bars and tunnels. Esai with his two new friends Emma and Daniel were approaching the playground, with the intent to play with one another.

Esai: So uh, what do you two want to do right now?

Daniel brought up with a smile.

Daniel: Well, we can uh…

He then pointed towards the playground.

Daniel: We can play in the monkey bars. See how far we can go ahead of one another?

Esai and Emma looked on and saw the monkey swings. They gave a smile as they agreed Daniel's suggestion, before they rushed over to the monkey bars. They spend some time trying their best to try and climb to the top. Emma was hanging on some of the bars below while Esai was climbing upwards to reach the top. He looked down at Emma, and smiled.

Esai: Hi, Emma.

Emma smiled.

Emma: Hi, Esai.

The two children giggled as they continued climbing towards the other end of the bars set. Esai was of course, careful not to crush Emma's hands as they did so. Daniel was not far behind Esai, he was not having an easy time keeping calm. Esai then began to ask Emma,

Esai: So, what do you wanna do when you grow up?

Emma shrugged.

Emma: Well, I want to be a police officer, just like my daddy.

Esai grew an upset face.

Esai: Why? You could get hurt, Emma.

Emma shrugged and rolled her eyes with a smug.

Emma: Esai, you sound like my mom. Stop it.

Esai looked at her, and then giggled in embarrassment.

Esai: Sorry, hehehe…

Emma shook her head. Daniel then shouted from behind,

Daniel: Hey, can you hurry up over there? I'm too scared.

Esai looked at him, and gave a smug.

Esai: Why? Are you scared, Daniel? It's not that far down.

Daniel looked at him like he was insane.

Daniel: You're crazy, Esai! Besides, what if some other kids want to climb ahead? We're essentially hogging the bars.

Esai looked back from Daniel, and saw several kids grumbling. He widened his eyes in shock.

Esai: Oh…right.

Then they heard Emma giggling.

Emma: See you on the other side.

Esai turned and saw Emma climbing ahead.

Esai: Hey! Come back here!

He followed after her, and the two children soon reached the end, with Emma winning the race. She lets go and looks up at Esai.

Emma: Hi! I win!

Esai grumbled and soon climbed to the other side, then climbed down. Daniel was lagging behind, but he climbed ahead anyways. But it wasn't fast enough, as another boy, a 5th Grader looked frustrated at him.

5th Grader: Hey! Get a move on, punk!

Daniel flinched a bit, before he quickly sped up. The 5th Grader shook his head.

5th: Freaking 1st Graders. Always slowing us down.

Esai widened his eyes, and furrowed his brows, not liking how this boy is treating him.

Esai: Hey! You leave him alone! He's just scared.

The 5th Grader looked down at him, with another frustrated look.

5th Grader: Shut up, brat!

Esai glared at him.

Esai: You shut up!

The 5th Grader growled as Daniel reached to the other side, climbed down and approached him calmly.

Daniel: Okay, Esai. That's enough. Please…

But Esai glared at the 5th Grader, not taking note of Daniel's words. The 5th grader just shook his head, and climbed backwards.

5th Grader: Whatever. Just get lost and tell your slowpoke of a friend here to never slow down in front of me again.

Esai growled at him, and clenched his fist.

Esai: Say that again, you skinny Chihuahua.

THAT, made the 5th Grader look down at him in shock. All the other kids nearby looked on, and were growing excited; a fight would be breaking out soon. The 5th grader climbed down and marched towards them with an angry look. Daniel was the first to step in front of Esai, while Emma stood beside the two boys.

Daniel: Alright now, uh…what's your name?

The 5th grader shook his head.

5th Grader: I don't care.

Daniel then gave a nod, and then tried to joke around to lighten up the mood.

Daniel: Okay there, "I don't care." Uh, we're sorry about my friend here, he's just a bit protecti-

The 5th Grader just suddenly shoved him out of the way, leaving Esai and Emma stunned.

5th Grader: That's not my name, you doofus!

Emma gasped, and went over to tend to him.

Emma: Daniel!

Esai looked at them in shock, before he looked back at the 5th Grader with anger in his eyes.

Esai: That was uncalled for, moron!

The 5th Grader just laughed it up, before giving off a smug.

5th Grader: So what? I'm the son of the principal of the school! She knows I'm a good kid, and because of that, I can get away with anything!

Esai growled at him, fiery anger in his eyes.

Esai: Are you trying to pick a fight?

The 5th Grader just laughed again, while the others clapped on and chanted "Fight. Fight. Fight." The 5th Grader just chuckled and grabbed Esai, while the kid starts kicking his chest.

5th Grader: Look at yourself; you're weak. Unable to back down when needed, not knowing your place, unable to listen to your friends, it's a wonder why you even have a family, or friends in the first place.

Some of the kids gasped in shock, while Esai looked on in horror.

Esai: That's not true!

The 5th Grader tightened his grip.

5th Grader: Yes it is!

Esai then snapped.

Esai: And YOU'RE any better?!

The 5th Grader was shocked at hearing his outburst. Esai continued,

Esai: You must be really proud looking down at other 5th kids below your grade like they're pieces of trash, especially since you were in their position at one point!

The 5th Grader shook his head, a look of frustration on his face.

5th Grader: That's not true, runt!

Esai nodded.

Esai: IT IS! You act tough, when you're really the weakest of all the students in this school! I know this sounds cliché, but that's exactly what's happening!

The 5th Grader shouted at him.

5th Grader: SHUT UP!

Esai got tired of the boy's crap, but then he saw the 5th Grader raising a fist.

5th Grader: This will show you your place here, you worthless scumbag!

Esai was prepared to fight back, but just as the 5th Grader was about to hit Esai, Esai saw something gray leaning over quickly from the right side, before it grabbed the 5th Grader's wrist tightly. The 5th Grader flinched as he was forced to drop Esai while he was lifted upwards. Esai fell down to the ground, and was immediately tended to by Daniel and Emma.

Emma: Esai, are you okay?

Esai nodded as he fixed his shirt collar. Then the 3 children looked up, and saw a strange looking girl lifting up the 5th Grader. The girl appears to be 16 years old, with a tall, but well-built body, around 6 feet tall, her hair was bright red (one could be forgiven for thinking it's orange) was curly, tied up to a large, puffy ponytail, her eyes a beautiful bright green. The strangest part was that the girl has a metal arm in where her left arm was supposed to be. Esai looked on at her, in confusion. "Why does this girl look familiar?" he thought to himself.

The girl looked at the 5th grader, a look of anger in her face.

Girl: Touch him, or these two other children,

She pointed her regular hand towards Esai, Emma and Daniel, who were stunned, and intimidated by the tone of her voice. The 5th Grader flinched at her tone, before she pulled him closer.

Girl: And the only thing I'm gonna show you, is a red ass…

All of the kids flinched at her swearing, not to mention with her venomous tone. She lowered him down, but didn't let go of him.

5th Grader: W-What are you gonna do with me?

The girl looked on at him.

Girl: I've heard everything of what you said; about how your mother's a principal of this school, and how you're implying that you've done heinous acts before and have never gotten caught.

She gave a smirk, showing her teeth.

Girl: Well, how about I take you to her and tell her what you've done?

The 5th Grader looked on in horror and shock, then he shook his head.

5th Grader: N-No! Please, I-I promise I won't do this again! I'm sorry! I won't tell anyone about this!

The other kids, including the three friends looked on in shame and pity for the boy; especially since the girl didn't seemed fazed by his attempt.

Girl: Sorry, but you're bullying these children, especially one whose too scared of being able to cross the other side of the monkey bars, fearing he'll fall and hurt himself.

The 5th Grader tried to justify his actions, but he kept on stuttering, feeling lost and powerless because of this woman. Meanwhile, Esai, Emma and Daniel were stunned, but also pleased that this girl was helping them. Emma then leaned into the boys' ears and whispered,

Emma: Wow, this girl is amazing.

Daniel nodded in agreement. But Esai, simply sat there in confusion, with a sense of Deja-Vu creeping across his body. "This girl…w-who is she? A-And…why does she look familiar?" he thought to himself.

Soon, he was snapped out of his thoughts, when he felt Daniel's hand on his shoulder.

Daniel: Esai, look.

Esai looked confused a bit at first, but then he looked up, and saw the girl looking down at them, with a warm, caring smile.

Girl: Hey, are you three okay?

The three kids nodded, though they are still tense of this girl for her actions earlier. The girl then leaned down, and got on one knee to make them comfortable.

Girl: It's okay. I'm making sure this boy is gonna get some punishment right now. But, I'm afraid I need you three to come with me too.

Now the three children looked at her, a bit tense, fearing her for a bit. The girl gave another warm smile, before she extended her regular arm.

Girl: Don't worry. I'll vouch for you three. That's a promise.

The girl looked at them assumingly, and that made the three children slowly get up. Esai was the first to approach her; it was a slow approach, like if she were some scary animal. But the combination of the Deja-Vu-ness, and the friendly aura she emitted made him feel a bit comfortable.

Esai, and the other three soon approached her, and Esai took her hand. The girl gave a nod, before she then turned around to approach the building, gently taking Esai, while roughly taking the 5th Grader bully with her metal arm. Emma and Daniel looked at each other, then at Esai, who was looking back at them, with a soft smile on his face.

Esai: Do you see this?

Emma and Daniel nodded.

Daniel: Indeed. She's helping us out.

Emma asked, with a raised eyebrow.

Emma: But, why?

Esai shrugged.

Esai: I don't know. But…she's pretty…

The girl heard what they were saying, and gave a smile; she's gonna make good friends with these three, and eventually, she could eventually be a babysitter for the child she wants to protect.


Later, all of them soon arrived at the principal's office. All of the children were intimidated by the principal; a middle aged, stern looking woman with blond hair, and wrinkles on parts of her face. The stranger, on the other hand, was giving a bright, cheery smile. The principal gave a sigh, before giving the 5th Grader, who was named Jean, a lecture.

Principal: Jean Martez! What you've done, was completely unacceptable! You do not shove others just because they were scared!

Jean quickly tried to defend himself.

Jean: B-But mother, Esai was shouting at me for something personal, and the other runt w-was taking,

The principal slammed her hand on the desk, making Jean flinch back.

Principal: I don't want to hear any more!

The principal then sighed, placing her hands on her face, before she looked at the three strangers and the girl.

Principal: You four, you can leave now…

The 3 children nodded, and the girl escorted them out before she closed the doorway. Silence was all that was heard for a while, as recess was still going on, but it will soon be over.


As the four soon approached the door leading to the playground, Esai stopped, and looked at the girl.

Esai: Um…excuse me, misses…uh,

The girl looked down and gave him a smile.

Girl: My name is Suritu Sawyer.

Esai looked at her, giving her an 'oh' expression, which made her giggle, before he then replied,

Esai: Oh, okay. Well, thank you, Miss Suritu. My name's Esai Flores.

Suritu gave a smile as she kneeled down to their height.

Suritu: That's a lovely name. It's nice to meet you, Esai.

Suritu spoke to him in a warm, caring tone. Esai was flustered by this, and he gave a blush as she ruffled his hair. Then he looked at Daniel, who was still giving a guilty expression.

Esai: What's wrong, Daniel?

Daniel looked at him, and sighed.

Daniel: It's Jean…he got in trouble because of me…

Emma and Esai were surprised.

Esai: Why would you think that?

Daniel looked at them.

Daniel: Think of it, I was too scared to go across the bars, thinking of hurting myself if I mess up. Jean just wanted to have fun. *sigh*

Emma and Esai shook their head in worrisome; their friend was feeling responsible for Jean's trouble. But before either of them could reply, Suritu turned towards him.

Suritu: Daniel, look at me.

Daniel did so, and looked at her with guilt still in his eyes. Suritu placed her regular arm on his left cheek.

Suritu: Listen; I agree that maybe you shouldn't've climbed on the monkey bars if you're too scared. BUT, that still doesn't give that boy the right to lay a finger on you like that.

Daniel was a bit stunned at what she's saying.

Daniel: Do you mean that?

Suritu gave a nod, and another smile.

Suritu: Of course, little guy. Um…what's your name again?

Daniel gave a smile.

Daniel: I'm Daniel Tanner.

Emma then stepped forward.

Emma: And I'm Emma Tomago.

Suritu turned towards Emma, and smiled with a nod.

Suritu: Nice to meet all 3 of you.

She then turned back at Daniel.

Suritu: Anyways, so my point is, no matter the reason, no matter the event…NOTHING justifies hitting other people. Am I understood?

Daniel smiled at her, and nodded.

Daniel: Yes, Suritu.

Esai smiled as he saw Daniel hugging her. Suritu did not hesitate in giving her hug in return. She didn't look uncomfortable at all, if anything, she enjoyed the hugging. She then pulled back, and then looked at the other two, more specifically towards Esai.

Suritu: Okay, now you three can go back outside and have fun, okay? But, you Esai.

She pointed towards him, a voice turned stern now (but not as stern as with Jean), making Esai straightens up instinctively.

Suritu: Please don't let your anger get the better of you.

Esai looked at her confused, so she clarified.

Suritu: I'm not blaming you for what happened, but…you did kind of get too mad, and that made things worse. So…please, keep it in check, okay?

Esai sighed, but then nodded, feeling that there was no point to argue. Suritu then leaned towards him, and Esai looked up, and felt something nice on her forehead. Suritu just gave him a kiss, and she smiled upon seeing his reaction.

Esai: Uh…you kissed me…

Suritu nodded. Then, Esai just remembered something that he had to ask her.

Esai: Hey, Suritu?

Suritu tilted her head in confusion.

Suritu: What?

Esai pointed at her.

Esai: Um…you look very familiar. Could…could I've seen you before?

Suritu giggled while shrugging.

Suritu: Maybe…honestly,

She pointed at him with her metal arm.

Suritu: I think I may've seen you before too.

Esai nodded in understanding, though a small tang of disappointment twanged in his body. Emma than asked,

Emma: Wait…before you go, I need to ask…

Suritu then looked at her, with confused look on his face.

Suritu: What is it?

Emma asked, a look of confusion, and a bit of suspicion on her face.

Emma: Why did you help us?

Suritu's smile then brightened with a shrug.

Suritu: I don't see a reason to. I want to make friends.

Emma was now confused; why would she want to make friends with her and her other two friends? They're just regular kids, and that's not really something that would warrant a teenage girl's attention. She was concerned, but decided to keep that in the back of her mind for now. Suritu saw her suspicion and ruffled her hair,

Suritu: I promise, it's nothing bad. I just…after my years of being bullied, being lied to… I...

Her smile then grew to one of sadness, and even anguish, remembering her years of the Grotanga.

Suritu: I don't want this happening to anyone else…

She then smiled.

Suritu: That's why…

Emma and the boys then nodded. Esai particularly was worried for her, and he hugged her again. Suritu smiled and hugged him back, not realizing soon after, that tears were streaming down from her eyes. Daniel noticed, however, and pointed it out,

Daniel: Suritu, you're crying…

Suritu gasped, and briefly pulled back, before quickly wiping away her tears with her metal arm.

Suritu: Sorry, sorry…it's just….*sigh* I need to go, now.

She was about to walk out the building, but then Esai grabbed her hand.

Esai: Wait!

Suritu turned back and saw Esai, with a worried expression.

Esai: Will we see you again?

He spoke, with a concerned tone in his voice. Suritu smiled, and gave a hair ruffling.

Suritu: Of course I will, little guy. I will see your girlfriend,

Esai and Emma widened their eyes and stuttered for a bit, making Suritu giggle.

Suritu: And I'll see you, Daniel,

Daniel gave a smile and a giggle. Suritu then looked down at Esai, and cupped his cheeks.

Suritu: And I'll especially see you soon, Esai. THAT, is a promise.

Esai gave a smile as Suritu gave him another kiss, before she then walked away with a smile, before turning to the right, out of sight. The three children were left standing there, face adorned with amazement. Daniel was the first to break the silence.

Daniel: Wow…she's amazing. Isn't she guys?

Emma looked at him with a smile.

Emma: Yeah…what about you, Esai?

Esai didn't respond; he was still too stunned to listen to them. Emma grew concerned, and walked over to him.

Emma: Esai? Are you okay?

She went to look at his face, and boy was she shocked. Esai's face…it was a look of hope…a look of admiration.

Esai: She's…so beautiful…so kind…

Emma gave a giggle at her new friend's antics. Then, Esai looked at them, with a determined look on his face.

Esai: I want to marry her!

The two children giggled at his goal, and even Daniel admitted, that he too, was in love with her.

The rest of school day went on as normal, and boy did Esai and the two other kids have a nice story to tell to their families…