Transmission 2: Encounters in the Wind
The girl has a dream: She is watching the sunrise from the top of a large tree with four other people. She can't tell who they are, but she feels happy and safe being with them.
However, the dream ends as the sound of the alarm clock wakes her up. "*yawn* Aw…but it was such a good dream…" Kuki Sanban laments as she rolls out of her large bed, takes a fresh set of clothes from her closet and silently wanders into the bathroom. One week has passed the incident at the convenience store and though the bruise in her knee healed days ago, Kuki has been unable to forget the blond-haired boy who beat up the bullies with such ferocity. "Who was he? I swear he looked really familiar…" she mutters but then, her thoughts turn to the present, since it's the first day of her sophomore year in high school. After washing up, she puts on her clothes and pulls down her blouse sleeves as far as possible to cover her wrists, riddled with cut marks. Finally, she places a necklace with a four-leaf clover around her neck, puts on her headband and fixes her long black hair into a ponytail with a purple scrunchie before she smiles at the mirror and runs downstairs, to the kitchen, where her parents are already finishing their breakfast.
"Good morning, Kuki." Her mother, Genki Sanban says calmly without moving her gaze from her laptop.
"Morning, mom!" Kuki replies cheerfully but when she sits down, her father, Kani Sanban looks at her sternly.
"You came home late again." he says with a Japanese accent.
"But Dad, I was just having fun with Abby."
"It's not good for a girl your age to come home after 23:00."
"Kani, don't start this early in the morning. We've talked about this, haven't we? Let her do as she pleases. Kuki is only going to be a teenager once in her life." Genki snaps at her husband, who tries to argue back.
"But…"
"No buts. Now finish your coffee, honey. You're going to be late from work."
"Oh no, you're right!" Kani quickly downs his mug of coffee and runs out of the kitchen, grabs his briefcase and leaves the house while Genki smiles slightly.
"Don't take your father the wrong way. He's simply worried about you."
"I know mom." Kuki nods as she quietly eats her bowl of muesli and drinks a cup of tea. As she places her dishes in the dishwasher, she hears the sound of a car stopping by her house.
"Looks like your ride is here. Have fun at school dear."
"Thanks. Bye-bye!" Kuki gestures to her mother as she happily walks out of the kitchen, picks up her large gym bag and runs out of the front door where a dark-blue 4-seater convertible sportscar is waiting for her. In the driver's seat sits her good friend, Abigail Lincoln. Though they are both sophomores, Abby is 17 while Kuki had just turned 15 earlier in the year. Seeing her friend approaching, Abigail, or Abby between friends, greets Kuki as she hops in the sportscar.
"Mornin' Kuki."
"Hi Abby!" Kuki replies cheerfully while putting on her seatbelt. Then, Abby starts up the car and drives away as the warm morning sun shines down on the girls.
"So, was yo dad mad about you comin' back so late yesterday evenin'?"
"A little, but it's fine. He just worries a lot." Kuki says as her black ponytail flutters in the wind.
"Yeah, I know how ya feel. My dad worries about me too. He's putting all his hopes of getting a Valedictorian daughter on me. Ever since Cree dropped outta University, Mama and Daddy have been going nuts about school…"
"It must be tough."
"Nah girl, Abby enjoys the challenge. Oh, by the way, I heard from Nigel that we're getting a transfer-student to our class this year."
"Oh, really? Is it a boy or girl?" Kuki asks excitedly.
"Dunno and neither did Nigel. Anyway, imma drive a bit faster so we can get past Hoagie's house before he drives out in that ugly van of his." Abby frowns slightly as they pass a playground.
" *giggle"* It's not ugly, I think it's pretty cool. He loves that van."
"Yeah, but if we get stuck behind that thing, we're gonna be late from school." At that very moment, the girls see a light-blue and yellow van driving out of a house's garage and it enters the street right in-front of them. "Aw come on!" Abby shouts while Kuki keeps giggling. Sitting in the van's drivers' seat is the goggle-headed, auburn haired, Hogarth P. Gilligan Jr. or Hoagie for short. He's the same age as Abby and has been friends with her and Kuki for a year now. Bopping his slightly, Hoagie whistles along to the tune of his van's cassette player as he drives right below the speed limit. "This is gonna take forever! Hold on, I'm gonna pass him when the opposite lane is free." Abby leans to the left, trying to see if the coast is clear. Then, she accelerates and drives along-side the van, giving a small wave at Hoagie, who waves back, but then, from his left side mirror he sees an orange motorcycle approaching fast behind him.
"WATCH OUT!" he shouts frantically as the orange bike increases speed and goes around both the sportscar and the van via the left sidewalk, without slowing down. For a split second, Abby almost hits Hoagie's van as the bike goes past them, returns to the normal lane and makes a slight wheelie as it accelerates away.
"AW WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?!" Abby shouts furiously as she goes in-front of the van and shakes her fist at the bike. "THAT GUY ALMOST GOT US ALL KILLED!"
"Calm down Abby…"
"Grr…if that guy was from our school, Abby's gonna find him and give him a smack in the head!"
Meanwhile in the van, the tall boy looks on at the speeding silhouette of the orange bike. "Wow, that was awesome…"
…
Having been woken up by his mother again, Wally drives his orange bike through the suburbs. As the houses whizz past him, he sees a blue sportscar trying to overtake a van, but he is going too fast to slow down behind it. "Aw crud…well, here goes nothin'!" he revs his bike and uses the sidewalk to pass both cars at the same time. As he returns to the same lane, he sees through his side mirror that the sportscar's driver is shaking her fist at him. "Hmph, sorry about that." he thinks as he drives towards a large turnpike which leads to his new school: McClintock Highschool.
The building is situated on a small hill overlooking the town. The hill itself is covered in trees and only the school rooftop is visible from the foot of the hill. As he slows down, Wally turns towards the small two-lane road that snakes around the whole hill, finally arriving at the large parking lot on the left side of the school, where parks his bike near the outer edge of the parking lot, removes his helmet and wipes his forehead. Looking around, he watches as more and more cars and bicycles arrive, but he is the only one with a motorcycle. As he starts walking towards the main entrance, he notices the blue sportscar and the van arriving through the front gate, immediately averting his gaze from them and climbs up the stairs towards the large main doors. As he reaches the final step, the vice-principal, holding a clipboard, stops him.
"Are you Wallabee Beetles?"
"Yeah…" Wally replies silently as the vice-principal takes a closer look at the clipboard and then eyes Wally.
"Ah good. My name is Mrs. Wilson. The principal has instructed me to meet you personally, due to your previous school record."
"Okay…"
"Here is the key to your locker, you can take your belongings there, so they'll be safe. The opening ceremony will be held in the auditorium. It's at the end of the right corridor from the main hall. You'll be placed in class 2-C on the second floor and your Homeroom teacher will be Mrs. Rainey. Also, since you were expelled from your previous school, you'll be kept under special watch, understood?"
"Yeah…"
"Good, just be aware of that, okay? There were some parties who were against letting you enroll here, so I hope you won't waste this chance we've given you."
"Yeah, I understand." Wally replies silently and goes through the large doors as the vice-principal sighs.
"That's one scary looking student…I hope he won't cause trouble…" The vice-principal thinks as she looks back at the blond-haired boy.
…
Down in the parking lot, the van and the sports car drive to different spots. The tall boy parks his van opposite to the orange bike while Abby parks her car next to the van. As she jumps out of her car, she notices the orange motorcycle sitting opposite to the tall boy's van. "That bike IS from this school. Wait till I find whoever's ridin' that hunk a junk, Abby's gonna give 'em a few choice words."
"Well good morning to you too." Hoagie greets the girls as he closes his van's door and locks it.
"Mornin' Hoagie. Tell me you saw that too, right? This bike almost got us killed!"
"Hey, it wasn't that bad. I think it was really cool how he swerved to the sidewalk and passed us both. Man, motorcycles are cool..."
"I thought ya would say that Hoagie. Nuh uh, Abby's not happy about this one bit. Kuki, you agree, don't ya?"
"Uhm…I don't know. I mean…it was dangerous for sure but…still that was so fun!"
"You're both crazy." Abby shakes her head as she takes a bright red shoulder bag from the trunk of her car.
"Hey, that reminds me, doesn't that bike look familiar?" Hoagie gestures at the motorcycle as Abby snaps her fingers.
"So HE was the one drivin' it."
"Wow, he can fight, and he's got a rad bike. He must be a real super delinquent or something." Hoagie eyes the orange Ducati with glee as Kuki puts her hands behind her back.
"He didn't seem like a bad person to me…"
"What, did a fall for him or somethin'?" Abby nudges Kuki, who immediately shrugs off her comment.
"No way! I just think he was really brave for standing up against those bullies."
"Hey, we're gonna miss the opening ceremony if we just stand here." Hoagie starts running towards the main entrance, followed by the girls, who quickly pass him. "*pant*…wait up!"
"Ya gotta work on yer legs Goggleboy!" Abby smirks back at Hoagie, who is already getting tired.
"*gasp*…*pant*…I just ate a light breakfast, that's all!" Hoagie shouts as they race up the stairs and go through doors.
…
As he arrives to the Auditorium, Wally looks around for a free seat and soon, he manages to find one at the very back, in the row furthest away from the stage and speaker's box. Leaning on the left armrest, Wally glances at the other students and quickly notices a hierarchy forming based on their seating.
The honor students, club presidents and popular students sit at the very front. Sports club members form their very own section at the right side of the auditorium. "Normal" students sit near the front and the center while all the others sit wherever they can.
"Ahh man, it's almost full!" Abby laments as she marches through the doors, followed by Kuki and Hoagie. "We could've gotten here earlier if you had kept up, Hoagie!"
"Why do you always have to blame everything on me?!"
"Hey, stop it guys! I see some free seats over there." Kuki snaps at her friends and points at the free seats one row in-front of Wally, but as they pass him, Wally's eyes follow them.
"Weird…have I seen those guys before...?" However, most of his attention is drawn towards Kuki. Her brown eyes sparkle as she excitedly explains something to Abby and Wally is caught in a complete trance as he keeps staring at the Japanese girl. But when she happens to notice, Wally quickly looks down at his feet, keeping his emerald-colored eyes covered by his shaggy, blond hair. Kuki also looks at him for a second, smiles slightly and turns to face her friend again. "What the crud was that all about?!"
Then, the principal and the teaching staff enter the stage, where the teachers stand in a row as the principal gives his welcoming speech. It goes on for 15 minutes, during which time, Wally begins falling asleep. Eventually, the speech ends, and the principal looks at his students while taking the mic one more time. "And now, the welcoming speech from the students, given to you by the newly elected Student Council President, Nigel Uno from Class 2-A and council members Rachel T. McKenzie, also of Class 2-A, Patton Drilovsky of Class 2-B and Francine Fullbright of Class 2-D" The auditorium erupts into applause as a noticeably bald, sunglasses wearing boy stands up. He is wearing a red, buttoned up dress shirt, a black vest and a black tie, brown pants and black shiny shoes. He then leads three other students up to the stage while he himself walks up to the speaker's box. The applause become even louder, while the three students in-front of the boy cheer.
"Go Nigel!" Hoagie shouts while the girls' clap. Again, Wally feels a sense of déjà vu as he looks at the bald boy, who puts a clipboard onto the small table inside the speaker's box and grabs the mic.
"Greetings, my fellow students. On behalf of the Student Council, I would like to welcome you all to another year at McClintock High School." As he speaks, the auditorium falls silent, excluding the American Football teams' group, who completely ignore the speech, laughing and snickering silently. After 10 more minutes, the bald boy ends his speech and bows to the students, who clap and cheer loudly. As he and the other council members returns to their seats, the principal steps up and speaks one more time.
"The Opening Ceremony is now over. You may now go to your assigned homerooms and begin the new school year. Good Luck!"
The huge mass of students begins to slowly move towards the three exits around auditorium. Wally, not in a hurry, stays on his seat and lets those below him go first, including the three students in-front of him. However, as the lines move slowly, they stop right next to him. "Will ya quit pushin', Hoagie?!"
"Hey, that wasn't me!"
As Hoagie and Abby argue, Kuki notices the boy who sat behind her. Now her eyes are caught staring at him which causes Wally to quickly look away, but Kuki keeps staring. She has a puzzled look on her face and is about to say something but then, the line moves, and they leave the auditorium. "Why the crud did she stare at me like that?!" Wally stands up, takes his worn backpack and joins the cue.
As Hoagie, Abby and Kuki climb up the stairs to the second floor, Kuki still has a puzzled look on her face, which Abby quickly notices. "What's up? Ya look like you've seen a ghost."
"Oh…It's nothing." she stutters but continues to look puzzled.
"Heh, Abby knows that look. You saw someone you like, right?"
"Eh?! No, no, no! I think I just…saw someone familiar."
"You talkin' about Nigel?" Hoagie says over his shoulder.
"No, it wasn't him…"
"Ooh, it musta been that punk riding that motorcycle, right?" Abby's sharp look causes Kuki to squirm, which amuses her greatly.
"What?! That has nothing to do with this!" Kuki's face turns bright red.
"You're so easy to read." Abby pats Kuki's head, who looks down to hide her embarrassment and grasps her necklace.
The trio arrive at the homeroom of Class 2-C and take their seats, with Hoagie sitting at the very end of the left-hand row, while Kuki and Abby sit in the middle of the second row to the right. To his horror, Hoagie sees an empty desk in-front of him. "Oh no…"
Then suddenly, Mrs. Rainey marches into the room and greets her students. "Good morning, everyone. Now, before we begin, I would like to introduce our new transfer student. He comes all the way from Australia. Everyone's eyes are glued to the door, waiting anxiously as Hoagie begins to squirm in his seat, knowing that whoever it is, they will sit in-front of him. Mrs. Rainey gestures with her hand at the door, which opens with a creak.
A blond-haired boy enters the classroom, his shoulders slightly hunched down and a frown on his face. He is tall for his age but not as tall as Hoagie. He has worn jeans, dusty sneakers and an orange zipped, sleeveless hoodie, while a small chain hangs on the left side of his belt. As he turns to face the other students, a unified gasp echoes in the classroom. Everyone's attention is drawn to the noticeable scar that runs across the left-side of his face. Hoagie swallows and stares nervously at the empty desk. "Please, introduce yourself to the class."
"Wallabee Beetles." he says with a stoic, Australian accent, causing the other students whisper amongst each other.
"Man, what a weird name."
"I don't know Abby; I think it's pretty cute." Kuki whispers, clearly sensing that the boy is irritated by the attention
"He has lived here before but spent his freshmen year in Australia. Now, due to family circumstances, he's moved back…I believe a week ago?" The blond-haired boy nods. "Okay, why don't you take a seat right there in-front of Hoagie?"
Wally nods again and walks to the empty desk and as he takes his seat, he and Hoagie lock eyes. Hoagie feels intimidated by his angry glare and looks down at his desk, while Hoagie lets out a silent sigh. "Man, I didn't realize how scary he looks…"
Then, Mrs. Rainey begins to explain the upcoming years schedule, though the students are mostly interrested about the sports festival and the Christmas party for sophomore's and juniors.
"Now, since today is the first day, you won't have any lessons but you do have the club orientation after lunch. Its mandatory for all those who quit their old club last year or do not have a club at the moment. Extra-curricular activities are not mandatory but joining a club will show in your graduation papers." She speaks for another hour, handing everyone their students handbooks. Then, at 11:30, she dismisses everyone as the lunch break begins.
Kuki and Abby go to Hoagie, who sits on his chair, stiff as a board. "Boy, you okay?"
"Oh…yeah of course…"
"Did he scare ya or something?"
"No, no…but um…I think he's asleep."
"What?" Both girls look at the blond-haired boy and hear the faint sound of snoring.
"Damn, he's really sleepin'. Good thing Mrs. Rainey didn't see that. She would've flipped."
"That's some jetlag alright." Hoagie says as he grabs his backpack when suddenly, the classroom door swings open and two boys wearing the school's football team's jackets march in. "Oh no…"
"Yo Gilligan!" The shorter boy shouts as they push Kuki and Abby aside.
"Oh…uhm… what do you want?"
"Ya know exactly what we want. It's time for yer weekly toll."
"But I don't have any money on me! I used the last of it on gas for my van! Besides, it's the first day of school for crying out loud!"
"One student in every class must pay tribute to Ernest. Ya know the rules."
"I'm telling you, I'm broke." Hoagie tires to show the bullies his empty pockets, but they are not deterred
"Then you're gonna have to pay in some other way. Like giving us the keys to that van of yours."
"Never! I'm not giving my baby to anyone." Hoagie says defiantly but the taller boy grabs his shirt.
"Don't talk back to us, nerd!" he spits at Hoagie, who notices the bandage on his chin.
"Hey, leave him alone! Just cuz you guys hang around with that jerk, doesn't give ya any right to bully others."
"Stay outta this Lincoln! Or do you and your friend wanna pay the toll instead?" The shorter boy says while eyeing the girls.
"Hmm? Hey, you're that punk we saw last week." Abby glares at the taller bully, who let's go of Hoagie and glares back.
"You got lucky last time Lincoln, cause of that stranger but now, it's different. So, what's it gonna be? You wanna go again?"
"Don't test me boy. You're this close to getting an ass-kicking!"
"Hohoo, well aren't you tough!" Then, Wally straightens himself, stands up and turns around to face the two bullies.
"Oi, move." He says coldly.
"Huh, you talking to us? *gasp*!" the taller boy freezes as he recognizes Wally but then, gathers himself and stares at the newcomer.
"I said, move."
"So, you're the new transfer student? Last time you got me with a cheap shot, but I ain't making the same mistake again!" without warning, the tall bully tries to punch Wally, but simply steps aside and lets the bully swing at thin air.
"Not in the mood to fight you, wimp." Wally snarls and turns his attention to the shorter, buck-toothed bully. "Now out of my way."
"You got some nerve tellin' us what to do. We're friends with Ernest ya hear?"
"I don't give a damn."
"Really? Then howabout we show you what we do to people who talk back to us…" the short bully tries to hit Wally as well, but he grabs him by his collar and lifts him into the air. "Huh?! Hey, put me down! LET GO OF ME!"
Holding the bully up, Wally hangs him from his collar to a stand on the back wall, 1 meter off the ground. His sudden show of force silences everyone presents except the short bully who keeps kicking and screaming as his buddy rushes to his aid. "Gah, I'm too tired to deal with jerks like you…" Wally yawns and leaves the classroom while everyone stares in awed silence.
"Ah…wait!" Hoagie grabs his backpack and runs after him while Abby and Kuki silently stare as the taller bully tries to get his accomplice down from the wall.
"That was weird. Huh, Kuki?" Abby turns towards her friend, who is staring blankly at the blond-haired boys' seat. "Earth to Kuki!"
"Oh…sorry."
"Quit spacing out and let's get a move on. I'm starvin'."
"Okidoki!" As they leave, Kuki looks over her shoulder and then at her necklace.
Hoagie runs through the hallway and down the stairs to the first floor. Then he notices the blond-haired boy standing around in the main hall. "Hey…wait! WAIT!" Wally turns around and sees Hoagie running towards him. Once he catches up, he pants heavily and leans on his knees. "*pant*…*gasp*…Hey…uhm…thanks for saving my butt back there."
"Guys like that piss me off, that's all…"
Hoagie lifts his head and can tell the boy is weary, as if he was constantly on look out. "Uhm…my name is Hoagie P. Gilligan Jr. I'm the guy who sits behind you…"
"Wallabee Beetles. Call me Wally."
"Nice to meet…ya…" Hoagie's panting makes Wally smile slightly. Then, Hoagie extends his hand for a handshake. "I…hope we can get along…" Despite some hesitation, Wally accepts the handshake but quickly let's go and keeps his distance from Hoagie, who is clearly eager to get to know him. "You're new here right? I can show you around."
"Whatever. Where's the cafeteria?"
"At the end of this corridor. Come on, follow me." As the two teens walk through the heavily congested corridor, Hoagie squirms a little and then, looks over his shoulder towards Wally. "Uhm…I don't know if you remember but…we've met before."
"Huh?" Wally's glare intimidates Hoagie, but he tries to keep his cool.
"Y…yeah, a week ago at the convenience store. I was with my two friends."
"…right…"
"You ran into some nasty guys there."
"I can handle myself."
"Yeah, I could tell. Your punch saved Abby."
"She shouldn't have stuck her nose in."
"Huh?! What do you mean by that?"
"I'm saying you three should've ignored the whole thing. Then your friend wouldn't have gotten hurt." Wally replies bluntly and his answer doesn't sit well with Hoagie.
"Hey, what's wrong with trying to help others?!"
"I didn't ask her help and I didn't need it either, end of story." Wally mutters and walks past Hoagie, who is getting frustrated by Wally' attitude.
"Yeesh, what's wrong with guy?" but before he can say anything else, they arrive to the cafeteria. A huge line, full of students carrying treys, snakes around the various stations, leading to a counter with a cash register. "Ah man, I should've left the class earlier. That line's never gonna end. Oh right, I'm broke." Hoagie says dejectedly as his shoulder slump. "I should've eaten a bigger breakfast."
Seeing the goggle-wearing boy holding his growling stomach, Wally's conscience kicks him, and he reaches for his pockets. "What can I get with this?" Wally waives a 5-dollar bill in the air.
"Uhm…two sandwiches I think…"
"Got it." Wally walks up to a lunch vendor before returning with two BLT sandwiches and to Hoagie's surprise, he hands the other one to him.
"Wha…why are you...?"
"Just because. I'm ain't gonna ask ya to pay me back. Come on, let's find a place to sit so we can eat."
"Oh…thanks…" Hoagie is baffled by Wally's behavior. Only a minute ago he was trying to push him away but now, he's willing to buy him lunch. "Okay, now I'm totally lost with him…" But as he notices which table Wally sits down to eat, Hoagie's face turns white from fear. "Dude, we can't sit in this table. This is...!" Hoagie looks around and sees a group of students, all wearing the same football shirt, marching towards them. "Eeek!" Hoagie yelps and moves away from the table. The group stops right next to the table Wally is eating in as the entire cafeteria becomes silent.
"There he is, Boss. That's the guy who snuck up on me a week ago and made Chuck hang on a wall." The tall boy from before points at Wally, who continues to eat.
The brown haired, biggest, tallest and most muscular student with a lollipop in his mouth and a brown Slouch hat on his head steps forward and slams his hand on the table. "Hey blondie! Stand up!" But his command is swiftly ignored.
"Buzz off, I'm trynna eat."
"That table belongs to the football team!" One of the other students in the posse shouts.
"Didn't see a name on it. Go complain to someone else." Wally replies without batting an eye on his harassers.
"You've got no idea who you're messing with! He's the captain and quarterback of the Rockets! Show some respect."
"I hate American Football."
"Why you!" One of the posse members tries to grab Wally but their leader, Ernest stops him.
"So, you must the new transfer student I've heard about. It looks like ya don't know how things work around here. Let me tell ya, I'm the boss of this school and what I say goes. So, when I tell ya to stand up, YOU STAND UP!" the 18-year-old captain slams his hand against the table so hard it shakes but Wally is not fazed.
"Ya don't look like that Student Council President."
"That baldy ain't got nothin on me! I'm the one who runs the show." Ernest declares but when his words go on deaf ears, he huffs and gestures with his left hand. "Fine then." He snaps his fingers and two boys from his posse grab Hoagie and drag him closer to Ernest.
"Hey let me go!"
"Ya think ya did the right thing by protectin' Gilligan? Grab his keys."
"No, give them back!" Hoagie shouts in panic as the bullies swarm him and manage to take the keys, causing Wally's expression to change.
"This is what happens when you defy me." Ernest says as the other bully gives him Hoagie's van keys. "That ugly van of yours ain't worth shit, so I think we're gonna drive it into the river later." Ernest says with an evil grin as he throws the keys up and down on his hand.
Then, Wally finally stands up and stares at Ernest. "Give those keys back, ya sack of garbage."
"Oh, so you did stand up. It wasn't that hard now, was it? HAHAHAH!" Ernest laughs mockingly, along with the rest of his posse as Wally lets out a sigh and stares murderously at the bully.
"Give them back."
"Come and get 'em, TOUGH GUY!" Ernest smirks and pulls back his right fist, aiming it at Wally's face.
Hoagie closes his eyes, ready to hear the sound of Ernest's fist hitting Wally's face, but then he hears a unified gasp and squints. Ernest's fist did connect, but not with his face. Instead, Wally is holding back the quarterback's punch with his left hand, wrapping his fingers around it.
"Hah, so you can fight back…huh? Huh…ahh…argh…!" Ernest starts to feel something crushing his right hand and starts to squirm as Wally's grip tightens. "You…what the…argh!" his screams echo in the otherwise silent cafeteria as everyone is dumbfounded: The transfer student is actually standing up against the quarterback. "Let go dammit…RARGH!" Ernest's legs begin to give away and he starts to panic as Wally glares at the bully from under his blond bangs.
"Cough up those keys, or do ya want all of yer fingers in tiny pieces?"
"Gargh! DAMN YOU!" Ernest drops Hoagie's keys; which Wally takes hold of them with right his hand and let's go of the bully; who's fingers have turned blue. As he holds his right hand, Ernest's face becomes filled with rage. "This ain't over. GET 'IM" But before anyone can do anything, the cafeteria's doors open with a bang.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" The bald Student Council President shouts with an English accent. He leads a group of students to the cafeteria, consisting of a blond-haired girl, a freckled red-haired girl and a black-haired boy with a strong physique. Behind them are Kuki and Abby.
"Nigel?!" Hoagie shouts as Abby sees him being held by the bullies and runs past the others. Her furious glare is enough for the bullies to let go and join their leader, who is still holding his right hand.
"Hoagie! They didn't hurt ya, right?"
"Aw no…I'm fine really." Hoagie smiles lazily.
"Good." Abby turns her gaze on the others as the President walks past them and stops in-front of Wally and Ernest.
"You never learn, do you Ernest?"
"Grr…hey, I'm the victim here. That punk tried to break my fingers!"
"You threw the first punch, genius."
"You little!" Wally however reveals the keys Ernest took from Hoagie and gives them to the President, who slowly lowers his sunglasses and glares at the quarterback.
"Ernest, you do realize everyone here saw what happened? We can also consult the CCTV cameras if you want to. Stealing someone else's property is against the law."
"Geh…" seeing the student body staring at him and his followers, Ernest straightens his back and collects himself as the President, soon-to-be 16-year-old Nigel Uno looks directly at the bully without fear.
"Now why don't you be a good little boy and go find somewhere else to eat. You're disturbing everyone's lunchbreak."
"Grrr…This ain't over blondie! You're gonna regret ever stepping foot into this school!"
"Tell that to yer fingers, Ernie." Wally's jab causes some students, including Hoagie and Abby, to chuckle.
"IT'S ERNEST!" The bully shouts as he and his posse quickly leave the cafeteria. The other students begin cheering for the President for defusing the situation as Wally picks up his sandwich from the table while Nigel hands the keys back to Hoagie.
"Thanks for that. You showed up at the right time."
"Lucky for them, otherwise they'd be in hospital." Wally says nonchalantly as Nigel offers to shake his hand.
"Heh, then perhaps they were lucky. I believe we haven't been introduced properly. My name is Nigel Uno of Class 2-A."
"Wallabee Beetles. Just Wally is fine." Nigel nods and let's go of the Australians hand, but before he can say anything else, Wally turns his back on him and Hoagie.
"H…hey! Where are ya going?!"
"This whole mess was my fault, so stay away from me." Wally says over his shoulder and quickly leaves, puzzling Hoagie and Nigel.
"What's his problem?" Abby asks as Nigel crosses his arms.
"He's the new transfer student?"
"Yeah, he's the guy I told you about. He beat up Ernest's goons at the convenience store last week and stopped them again when they tried to take my keys before lunch." Hoagie explains as the blond-haired girl and the black-haired boy exchange looks with each other.
"Let's leave him be. I think he's just not used to this school yet, that's all." Nigel says as Abby puts her hands on her hips.
"Well, now that he's made Ernest angry, he's made himself lotsa enemies here." Abby says and then gestures to Kuki to follow her, but the Japanese girl is spacing out again. "Kuki? Hey girl, what the heck's wrong with ya today?"
"Huh? Oh sorry, I was just…thinking…"
"Thinking about that transfer student?"
"Wha…well yeah, but not like that! I just think it's sad he wants to be alone…"
"Well, ya can always try talkin' to him yoself. Now come on, let's get some chow already." Abby says as she grabs Kuki's arm and drags her to the line, followed by Nigel and the other members of the council while Hoagie sits back down and eat his sandwich, unable to understand why Wally left in such a hurry.
Meanwhile, Wally has gone to the men's bathroom and angrily punches the wall. "You cruddy idiot! You wanna get expelled again?!" he shouts and looks at his reflection. "I don't wanna put mom and dad through that again…Okay Wallabee Bettles, from now on, you keep yer cool, no matter what. Just focus on school or something…"
…
With the first day over, everyone goes home and the parking lot empties in a manner of minutes, except for a single SUV parked in the far corner. Then, the black-haired boy and the blond-haired girl exit the school's main building and head towards the parking lot. "Well, that went pretty much as expected."
"I was hoping Numbuh 4 wouldn't end up facing Ernest again, but I guess it's impossible with those two." the blond-haired girl replies and adjusts her yellow shoulder bag.
"Should we stick to the plan and just keep observing them?"
"Yes, Numbuh Zeta. Until the Science Section finds a cure for Erasure, we can't reveal our identities to them."
"Okay, let's stick to it then, Numbuh Epsilon." Patton Drilovsky replies as he removes his large orange and green headphones from his neck. At school, he doesn't wear his TND outfit but instead has a dark green T-shirt, brown sneakers, orange gloves and olive-green pants. The girl walking with him is the 17-year-old Rachel T. McKenzie, former Supreme Leader of the KND and current Commander of the Cleve Sector, having inherited the position from Eliza. She still has Eliza's old aqua-blue hairpin and she's wearing a long orange sweater, jeans and light brown boots.
"I read the reports about the raid last week. Eliza is really overworking herself…"
"You're not kidding. She's trying to micromanage everything herself and isn't listening to the TND Global Command at all. I'm starting to think being Supreme Commander is wearing her down…"
"She still hasn't gotten over the time she was Delightfulized. Eliza's not showing it, but I can tell."
"Good thing The Kid was with her at least." Patton says as they hop into the dark green SUV. "So, we going to the Switchboard?"
"Yeah and make it quick. I need to visit the Deciphering Room."
"Alrighty, hold on to your butt." Patton presses a button the dashboard and the SUV's wheels transform into VTO/L engines and the car takes off, flying over downtown Cleve and dives into the large lake in the north-west. Then, out of the murky waters, a large hangar door appears before them. "Flight control, this is Numbuh Zeta and Numbuh Epsilon. Requesting permission to land."
"This is Flight Control, IFF recognized, you're cleared to land." A female voice replies as the hangar door slides open and Patton steers the SUV inside, entering an airlock, which is immediately drained, and the SUV transforms back into car mode. After driving down a short tunnel, Patton and Rachel arrive at a large hangar, buzzing with activity.
"Looks like it's another busy day here." Patton remarks as he parks the car, and they hop out.
"There's been so much Ninja activity lately we've had people on constant patrols. I'm glad the Treaty let us deal with the Ninjas while the KND can focus on fighting evil adults. Otherwise, they'd would be overstretched." As they walk past idling 2x4 ships, the agents around them salute their superiors.
"Welcome back, Commander Epsilon, Commander Zeta!"
"At ease, you can carry on." Rachel and Patton salute back at a group of mechanics and leave the hangar. Their destination is the TND Switchboard. Formerly it served as the eyes and ears of the organization but now, thanks to a massive extension built into the Moonbase, the Switchboard's role has been reduced but also made easier.
"Commander on the bridge!" an agent shouts as Rachel and Patton enter the large auditorium shaped communications center, filled with screens and computer terminals. Overlooking everything is a raised walkway and observation deck, at the very tip of which is a large easy chair and a computer terminal. Sitting in the chair is a 14-year-old, African American girl wearing a set of light purple TND lite B.R.A. what only covers her arms from the elbow down, upper torso, waist and legs from the knee down. Under her armor she is wearing a purple jumpsuit and her hair is tied into two pigtails and a pair of large purple lensed goggles cover her eyes. Upon hearing the agent notifying everyone of Rachel and Patton's arrival, the girl also stands up.
"Good afternoon, Commander!"
"At ease, Numbuh Psi. Anything to report?" Rachel says as she and Patton join the girl on the observation deck.
"Oh where to start…the Ninjas started recruiting more members again and their numbers are going up…" Numbuh Psi replies and adjusts her goggles. She is Angeline Ewing, formerly Numbuh 78, the previous Supreme Leader of the KND. A survivor of the war one year ago, she gave up her position and handed it over to her liaison officer, the French-Canadian Numbuh 81, who has led the KND ever since. Angeline herself was given the choice of joining the TND or Decommissioning and she chose the former. Now, she is the Cleve Sector's Vice-Commander and in-charge of the Switchboard, having succeeded Herbie, who became Global Communications Chief in-turn.
"Must be because of S.I.N. They entice teenagers with it, get them addicted and force them to join so they can get more…" Rachel laments as Patton crosses his arms and looks at the massive screen showing the world map.
"And we still don't know where it's made and how. Father was really thorough about covering his tracks…"
"Also, we've intercepted a transmission from a Ninja Hideout in Lower Sprekenheim that mentioned Cleve. The Intelligence Section is still in the middle of deciphering the rest of the message, but I figured I should tell you that." Angeline says over her shoulder as Patton and Rachel exchange looks again.
"Lower Sprekenheim? That's a name I haven't heard in years…didn't Father used to own a castle there?" Patton asks, prompting Rachel to nod.
"Yes, but the Splinter Cell destroyed it with orbital weapons a year ago. Now it's just a hollow ruin. Hmm…send a request to TND Global Command to increase reconnaissance in Sprekenheim. I don't like fact the message came from there and mentioned Cleve."
"Roger that, Ma'am. I'll get right to it." Angeline replies as Rachel gestures Patton to follow him.
"Okay, let's head to the Deciphering Room next. I need to look into something."
"Fine by me." But then, Patton's cellphone starts ringing. "Ah, sorry, I gotta answer this…Hey, what's up?...Argh, quit yelling will ya?! Yeah, yeah, I'll be right there…" Patton frowns and hangs up while Rachel starts chuckling.
"Was it you-know-who?"
"Yeah…she wants to get out of the house cause her dad is being a pain again. Sorry, I gotta jet." Patton replies and quickly runs out of the Switchboard as a smile appears on Rachel's face.
"Now you're overworking yourself, Patton."
"Was that…?"
"Yup. Even though he still teases her like he used to, he's been on her beck and call since she lost her memories. You're gonna spoil her rotten at this rate…"
"As if she wasn't rotten already." Angeline's comment causes Rachel let out a hearty laugh, but she quickly regains her composure.
"Don't say that! Fanny's our friend…and Patton said he owes it to her. After all, she did save him from Erasure." Rachel replies and then leaves as well. While walking through the hallways, she bumps into another familiar face.
"Uh…hi Commander!" A 14-year-old, short, stocky brown-haired teenager replies. He's wearing large 2x4 goggles over his head and a white lab coat on top of his yellow buttoned up shirt and he has brown pants and white sneakers.
"Hi Numbuh Eta-4. Are you heading to the lab?"
"You bet! We just got a fresh batch of junk from the Adult Artifact Reclamation and Recycling Center and we need to through them with Numbuh Pi-2's team you see." the boy replies. Formerly, he was known as Numbuh 42 of Sector X, same sector as Angeline used to serve, before her promotion to Supreme Leader. His real name is Ted O'Brien, and he has been given the position of Cleve Sector Science Chief, which was vacated after Numbuh Omicron became Global Science Chief.
"Well, keep up the good work." Rachel replies and keeps going while Ted salutes her.
"Tha…thank you Commander!"
Then, Rachel boards a special elevator lined with stainless steel and presses her hand against a biometric scanner, causing the elevator to take her to secret floor between floors 37 and 38. As the door open, Rachel walks through a laser grid and walks through another door, beyond which lies the Deciphering Room. Like the Switchboard, it used to play a much bigger role for the organization but now, each TND Sector has its own Deciphering Room, which still serves the same basic purpose: Decipher, sort, archive and pass on all information from the Switchboard. Thus, its security is highest among TND facilities. As Rachel enters the intelligence hub, she is immediately greeted by a 17-year-old, fair-skinned, dark-haired French operative, who is the Sector's Intelligence Chief and a former member of Sector F in France. She is wearing a dark red beret, stylish red glasses, a gray and dark, striped long sleeved shirt, red shorts and white shoes.
"Bonjour, Commander. We've been expecting you."
"I'm glad you got my message beforehand, Numbuh Nu-5. Show me everything you've gathered so far."
"Yes Commander, follow me." The French girl replies and leads Rachel into a side room, where a single computer terminal is waiting for her. "Feel free to stay as long as you like. We've filed everything into that computer."
"Thank you, Nu-5. You can go back to your duties. I need to be alone."
"Understood." as the Intelligence Chief leaves, Rachel sits down and opens a file titled: "Numbuh Gamma and the GKND."
"It's been a year and you haven't contacted us…I guess you're really not coming back…"
…
The first school week goes by without any similar incidents like on Monday, but true to Abby's prediction, the Football Team have begun targeting Wally, though not directly. Wally meanwhile refuses to react violently despite wishing he could. As this is happening, Hoagie, Abby, Kuki and Nigel observe it from a distance, unsure if they should do anything about it.
The girl has a dream: She is on her knees in-front of a ruined building with someone. The person's head is resting on her lap and she can't tell who they are as a wave of immense sadness and despair grips her body. The other person begins to fade away and she screams but nothing comes out.
It's now Thursday as Kuki wakes up abruptly and notices that her pillow is slightly wet, and her eyes feel odd. It's only when she goes to the bathroom and sees her reflection that she realizes she has been crying in her sleep. Kuki wonders why but brushes it off as a nightmare and takes a shower as usual. She then goes downstairs but only her younger sister is there. "Mushi, did mom and dad leave already?"
"Yeah." The 11-year-old girl responds, her face glued to her smartphone. She is wearing an oversized purple hoodie and her black hair is in two short pigtails. Kuki makes tea and sits down opposite to her sister as an awkward silence falls to the large kitchen and only the sound of fingers tapping on a screen can be heard. Kuki eats her muesli silently but then; her sister opens her mouth. "What were you doing up there?"
"What do you mean, Mushi?"
"You were making weird sounds in your room. Dad was this close to waking you up, but mom stopped him."
"Oh that…I don't know really. Just a bad dream probably."
"Hmph…whatever." Mushi turns her attention back to her smartphone and the silence returns as Kuki finishes her breakfast and begins to leave. "Oh yeah, mom said she wants to go shopping with you today. She said something about picking you up from school and getting new tennis shoes for you." Mushi says nonchalantly.
"Okidoki." Kuki replies and happily goes upstairs to pick her bag and a holdall, which has her tennis gear. Like always, Abby is waiting for her on the driveway but before she sits down, Kuki sees Wally's orange Ducati pass by them at high speed.
"Yeesh, that boy's gonna crash if he keeps that up." Abby shakes her head as Kuki sits and look on silently at the disappearing motorcycle.
"He must be really lonely…"
"No doubt about that. Abby's not likin' it all. He's basically the Football Teams only target now."
"I wish we could help him somehow…"
"Yeah, we're gonna have to do somethin' about this. He's gonna have a long year at this rate." Abby nods as she drives off. Upon arriving to the school parking lot, they notice Hoagie trying to talk to Wally but he gestures him to leave him alone and walks off, leaving a frustrated Hoagie kicking the ground.
"Argh, is he just doing that to be cool?!" he shouts as Abby parks her car behind him and the girls come to his side.
"No luck again huh?"
"No. Says he can handle it. This is Ernest we're talking about! It's only gonna get worse."
"Then let's talk to him during lunch. And if he tries to run, we'll corner him."
"Are you sure? Don't you remember what he did to those bullies? I don't wanna end up like them…ow!" Hoagie shrieks as Abby gives him a dead elbow.
"Ah quit bein' a scaredy cat. Now come on." Abby gestures her friends to follow her but then, they run into Nigel at the foot of the entrance stairs. "Yo, Nigel."
"*pant*…urgh…Ah…good morning." A visible exhausted Nigel replies as he removes his bicycle helmet.
"Boy, how long are ya gonna keep ridin' that bike up here?"
"Until I get my license in October. But this is good exercise…*gasp*."
"You know I could give you ride on my van."
"Thanks for the offer Hoagie, but I need to stay fit and cycling is the best way to do it…anyway, have you seen the transfer student yet?"
"Oh we sure did. Brushed Hoagie off at the parkin' lot just a few minutes ago." Abby explains as Nigel adjusts his black sunglasses and frowns.
"Hmm…is that so…I'll be honest, I don't like how things are going for him. Yes, he just transferred here and we have to respect his privacy but the way the Football Team are harassing him doesn't sit right with me. It also goes against my election promise of culling bullying."
"Heh, you got us figured out then, Nigel, cuz we were thinkin' the same thing. Abby saw what he did to them a week ago and she's gotta feelin' if that guy snaps, people are gonna end up in hospital."
"That's right! We need to get to know him and become friends with him! Then he won't have to deal with Ernest alone!" Kuki exclaims and her enthusiasm surprises her friends.
"Wow girl, you're really pumped up about this, aren't ya." Under her friends gaze, Kuki lowers her head slightly and then speaks up again.
"The teacher said he used to live here. Maybe he went to the same school as we did…"
"Why do you think that? I don't remember ever seeing him before." Hoagie says as they start walk up the stairs towards the school entrance.
"Well I…I just…"
"Is it cuz you like him?" Abby nudges Kuki, who immediately shakes her head.
"NO! Guys, I'm being serious! Listen, I'm certain I've seen him before…I don't really remember when or where but I recognize his face!" Kuki's words cause her friends to exchange looks and Nigel crosses his arms.
"Now that you mention it, there is something familiar about him…regardless, we need to stop him from becoming isolated. It's the least we can do for helping us with Ernest's goons." Nigel says as they stop by their lockers, which are right next to each other, except for the one locker between Kuki's Abby's lockers. "Let's meet up again during lunch and talk to him together."
"That's only if he doesn't punch us first…"
"Quit complainin' Hoagie! He saved yo butt twice on Monday, don't forget that."
"But…he's scary…I mean have you seen that scar? No doubt he got it in a fight or something."
"Who cares about that?! Just because he has a scar on his face doesn't make him a bad person!" Kuki snaps at Hoagie, startling him.
"Eek!"
"Calm down Kuki, he didn't mean it like that." Abby says but Kuki huffs and walks away, leaving her friends puzzled.
"What did I say?" Hoagie asks and Abby frowns slightly but then pats him on his left shoulder.
"It's nothin', don't worry about it. But, he ain't the only one with a scar, you know?" she says while pressing against Hoagie's shoulder blade, causing him to wince.
"Ow! Hey, you know that's still sore!"
"Exactly." Abby replies and also heads to class while Hoagie realizes what she meant and lowers his head.
"Aw man…"
"She said not to worry about it, Hoagie. Come on, let's go before Mr. Burton starts his history class." Nigel says and the boys head towards the concrete stairs in the main hall.
However, when lunch time arrives, the four teenagers can't find Wally anywhere.
…
After the final period is over at 14:00, everyone begins to leave. As they walk to the lockers, Kuki is noticeably down because they couldn't find Wally. "Hey, don't worry about it too much, Kuki. We'll catch him tomorrow." Abby says as they meet the boys in-front of their lockers, which are located right opposite to the main entrance.
"I know…" Kuki mutters as Nigel closes his locker and looks at his friends.
"It's really strange, I had the same biology class as him but he didn't show up."
"But he was in the economy class an hour ago. You think he just left early?" Hoagie asks as Nigel closes his backpack and puts it over his left shoulder.
"Possibly…well anyway, I have a council meeting, so let's talk to Wally tomorrow. Bye."
"Don't drive Rachel and the others crazy in there."
"I would never do that, Abby." a smirking Nigel replies to Abby's quip while Hoagie takes his lab coat and also starts walking away.
"Sorry girls, but the Science Club beacons me. See ya tomorrow." As the boys leave, Kuki turns towards Abby.
"Abby, you don't have karate practice today, right?"
"Nope, but I can wait for ya."
"Mom said she'll pick me up."
"Gotcha baby. Have fun at tennis practice." The girls separate, Abby going to the parking lot while Kuki heads to the tennis field.
2 hours later, Kuki goes out to the almost empty parking lot. Almost, as in only Wally's bike is there. "Hmm…I thought he left already…" Kuki says to herself and looks around.
The wind blows over the high school as her ebony hair begins to waver. Taking out her phone, Kuki sends a message to her mother but gets no reply. She tries to call but neither of her parents answer the phone. The sun has already started to go down and the sky turns orange as Kuki keeps waiting. Minutes go by but she can't see her mother's car anywhere. She calls and again, no answer. The wind becomes chilly, and she starts feeling sad. Her parents were always very serious about work, to the point that they sometimes seemed very distant. Perhaps it's the wind or something else but tears begin to form in her brown eyes as she stares dejectedly at the pavement while grasping her necklace, its green surface reflecting the rays of the setting sun.
Suddenly, the school's main doors slam open and Wally and his backpack flie comically in the air, landing on his behind on the hard concrete. "WHOAH! Gh...ow..."
"That's what you get for breaking the bathroom door!" The furious janitor shouts.
"Oi, the cruddy thing was locked from the outside.
"Grrr…you'll be hearing from the principal about this, ya damn brat!"
"Screw you!" Both student and janitor flip each other off and Wally starts walking towards the parking lot, motorcycle helmet in hand. "Stupid janitor, it wasn't my fault the cruddy door was locked…stupid adults…" he grumbles until he notices Kuki standing alone. "Huh?" The startled girl quickly wipes her tears into her sleeve as Wally walks up to her. "You're…one of that goggle-eyed guy's friends…" he says as he stops a few meters away, keeping his distance.
"Uh…it's…it's Kuki! I'm Kuki Sanban!" she blurts out her name and somehow, Wally finds it familiar.
"Oh…uh…right…I uh…I'm Wallabee Beetles…or I guess ya can call me Wally…"
"Okay…then…Wally." An awkward silence falls between the teenagers and neither can find anything to say.
"What the crud is up with me? She's just a stranger…but I know her voice…" Wally thinks as Kuki takes a deep breath and speaks up.
"Whe…where were you? You missed the last period, and we thought you went home already."
"Argh, Ernie's cruddy goons locked me in a toilet, and I was stuck there for an hour. I had to tear the whole door down to get out. The janitor was super pissed about that." Kuki smiles and begins to giggle. "Hey, what's so funny?!"
"Ah sorry, it's nothing…"
Then, Wally notices her reddened eyes. "Were ya crying?"
"Ha…NO, of course not! It's just windy, that's all" Kuki shouts, feeling embarrassed that the transfer student saw her like this.
"Ya sure? Yer eyes are red."
"I wasn't crying!"
"Whatever." Wally walks past her and heads to his bike while Kuki stay where she is, looking towards the horizon. Wally looks back at her as his conscience begins to get the better of him. "Oh, for the love of…Hey! You need a ride home?"
"Eh?" Kuki turns around and looks at him in surprise. Somehow, his question makes her feel odd and she starts to fidget. "Oh…uhm…well…"
"You don't wanna stand here all day? Come on, just tell me where ya live and I'll take ya there." Wally offers her his helmet. "Ya can have this. If the cops pull us over I'll say it's an emergency or something…"
Kuki stares at Wally in awe, then shakes her head and a wide smile appears on her face. "Okay! Thanks Wally!" she runs up to him and he hands her the helmet.
"Put all yer stuff into your bag. You don't want them to fly out."
"Okidoki!" As Kuki puts her smartphone into her bag, Wally puts his backpack over his chest after removing his motorcycle jacket, which he offers to her as well.
"Take this too…you'll freeze with those clothes on…"
"Thank you!" Kuki's smile turns Wally's face red, and he looks away to hide his embarrassment but she immediately notices it. "Aww you're blushing!"
"Am not!"
"Yes, you are!"
"NO, I'M NOT! Just get on already!" Wally huffs and hops on the bike and tells her to hold on to the handles on either side of the rear seat but as Kuki jumps on, she instead wraps her arms around his abdomen.
Wally then senses something odd pressing against his back. "Wha…what the crud are you doing?!"
"Sorry. I feel safer this way." Kuki replies hesitantly and Wally is unable to talk back, as her cautious expression is too much for him to handle.
"Grr…fine, just don't let go."
"I won't."
Wally then starts up the bike's engine and begins to speed down the hill as the street lights light up. Watching the scenery flash by in an instant, Kuki holds on even tighter. Somehow, she feels warm and fuzzy inside. This nostalgic feeling, something she hasn't felt before overwhelms her. She looks at the boy in-front of her and leans her head against his back. The feeling inside her begins to grow stronger and she can tell this isn't the first time it's happened. Then, Kuki closes her eyes and begins smiling warmly.
End of Transmission 2