-The School-
The School of Tricks, is the one that pop up on Jef's mind the moment he entered the school. Why you may ask? Simply because of the first sight he got upon entering the lounge was a card and coin trick by a student, simply put when the student was making a show, he firstly showed the ones paying attention to him a king of hearts, then after showing it around he decided to ask them to look closely as he will make the coin pass through the center of the card. After a brief staring, he then suddenly made a flick of his wrist and the coin ''magically'' passed through the center without making a hole at the card. Everyone was gaping in surprise for the trick, Jef was astonished not by the trick but on how fast the trick was done by a simple flick, such accurate hand coordination was impressive, obviously the crowd wasn't able to follow such movement and therefore dismisses it as ''magic'' laughingly.
But the tricks was not only that, as Jef move through the corridor and made his way to the teacher's office he was greeted by the sight of a teacher folding a piece of cloth in 4 single moves by throwing the cloth in the air, then grabbing the center of the cloth while it stay still in the air and after grabbing the cloth he then perfectly fold the cloth like magic. The young man known as Jef obviously know that such a trick can be done by him if he knew the trick to the movement. But nonetheless that is something that can wait for a while as he approach the young adult that he will soon call as ''Homeroom teacher'', because Jef is someone who is bad at remembering names and he can probably just call the teacher as ''Teacher'' for he have only few motivation to remember the guys name, it may sound like an edgy thing to do ,but Jef's jaded personality goes against anything these days which he even sadly thought to himself.
As the brief show of countless papers and shower of words, Jef has finally been release by his homeroom teacher. The talk lasted for a good 15 minutes and to summarize it all ,Jef was given a pocket book of school rules and then he was then instructed by a lot of things regarding the school and what he will do during his days of studying in this school, the teacher then talked about the illness Jef suffered for a 2 years and half and how the young man should not place any worries on his condition in this school. Jef was relieved a bit, it seems that he won't be treated like a disabled person in this school that much.
It was a long talk indeed Jef thought, but since the farce was over he quickly stride his way into the classroom as he slowly walk through the school corridors, today was the first day of the semester and there was no reason to be worried about being late in class for now, since mostly this time it would all be just introductions and greetings from new students. And as Jef arrived at the door of his soon to be classroom, he took a deep breath and walk forward to the classroom and open the door with his left hand and made a gesture on his hand that he would like to go inside.
As someone who preferred silence and personal space, Jef quickly made a silent move and casually walk through his designated chair and sit still with a nonchalant attitude and made a face of relief. The classmates of the young man was not interested at the slightest at the slightly stout young man which is nicknamed Jef. After all there were many new faces among the room and some of them like Jef astoundingly blended in the background like a bunch of cardboard cut characters on a play.
Jef, was not bothered by the lack of attention given to him after all, with his lack of presence and figure it is surprisingly easy to be ignored and Jef isn't really such a social person,mainly because of the lack of people to talk to during the 2 year and half of isolation that he grown accustomed to being alone, but even if he is accustomed to it Jef would sometimes grumble and engage into a conversation to a few adults he knows. Jef strangely gets along more with older people rather than the guys around his age for some reason, i mean even before his illness ,besides his closest friends he would rather hang out with mysterious old man with the dog.
When Jef was lost in thought, there was person who have come barging in, obviously with the outfit his wearing and the lecture book his carrying, it was easy to identify the man as a ''teacher''. The teacher walk calmly into the front of the classroom and spoke with a dignified voice and started introducing himself and didn't waste any time to call the students one by one to introduce themselves since he have already know them since like Jef, intrude upon him in the teacher's office and name themselves. As the teacher smiled, he then turn to his students and started explaining his lecture plan.
Jef was paying attention since there was nothing to do and and he rather not start doodling or dooze off at the first day of the school, he previously thought it would be all introductions but seems he was wrong and the teacher was rather a smart one for deliberating his lecture plans ahead rather than slowly telling them which means that the students can study ahead if they want to. Then 3 hours have gone by and it was time for lunch break.
Lunch break, something that Jef really needed right now for reasons that he can't take his medicines when he have an empty stomach, mainly because of the chance that the pain reliever might suppress even his hunger and numb his stomach. Jef would rather play it safe rather than take the chances and since its just simply just taking medicines anyway. As he was doing his thing, there is commotion in the cafeteria, and as Jef walk through the rabble, he then instantly recognize the same guy he met at the lounge doing his tricks again.
And it seems like his gonna make something appear in the flick of his hand again ,Jef had nothing to anyway so he stood there and watch the performance. The guy was really a good trickster, with a flick of his hand he manage to make a white bird appear at the palm of his hand and then followed it with a rose and gave it to a young lady smoothly and anyone instantly know that the girl felt her heart beat by judging the reddish cheeks that appeared on her face. Some guys were whistling on how smooth of an operator the guy is.
After that, a student noticed that a prefect is making his way to the cafeteria and the students quickly strode off and behave themselves. Jef too decided to take a seat somewhere on the cafeteria and quickly decided to named the guy who made a show as ''Tricks''. Sitting quietly on the cafeteria, he then notice a guy walking with a tray and sat in front of him. The guy is the man he nicknamed as ''Tricks'', Jef has no plans on talking to anyone if they don't talk to him on the first place so he focus on the patty in front of him.
As Jef was eating in silence the newly named guy which shall be only known as Tricks spoke to the young man in front of him.
''Hey Dude, you seem liking that patty''
''Is that so?'' replied Jef
''Yeah, you seem like your enjoying to the fullest....is it really that tasty?''
''Yep, the sauce on the patty is quite delicious and not to mention the fried potato that comes with it'' replied Jef as he slowly faces the Trickster in front of him''
''Hmm maybe i should order that next when i have the time.'' said the Trickster
''Is that so?'' said Jef blankly.
He have no idea why the trickster is engaging a discussion in front of him, simply it was the thought that such guy should be out there with the table filled with sociable people. And so Jef rudely asked the trickster.
''So what do you want from me though?''
At the question that thrown at him, the trickster grin a little and said.
''Nothing much really, just want to eat my meal without anyone bugging me for a trick, after all there is a time for magic and food''
''Is that the case?'' as Jef looked at the trickster with a weirder ed out expression.
''Hey come on now, don't look at me like that, what i sad is the truth, magic is magic and food is food!'' as the Trickster said cheerily.
Jef look at him and made a big sigh and decide might as well join the bandwagon of random sentences that is thrown at him. After a bit of time, the guy introduce his named, and as usual Jef didn't want to remember his name and just persistently said that he will call the trickster as ''Tricks'' from now on. When the trickster heard Jef's persistence at the matter he laughed heartily and said it's fine and he would allow it.
Nonetheless to say, the Trickster has been pique by the nonchalant eccentricity of Jef and have been calling him ''comrade'' for a while now. Jef was confused for the ''comrade'' nicknamed by then just go with it since he started calling him a nickname first anyway.
As the bell rang and afternoon classes started, the trickster parted with JeF and made his way back to his classroom. Jef was nonetheless think of this scene as a weird encounter but quickly threw away the thought at seconds notice and decided to head back at his pace towards his classroom
-And Trickery-
The school bell rang, it signified the end of the classes for the day. A young man with a strong presence walk through the corridors, he was someone who possesses many tricks on his sleeve. This man has received a nickname during lunch break by a certain young man who has beady eyes and is slightly stout. The Nickname he received was 'Tricks'', it was a nickname that came out of nowhere and something the young man with tricks quite liked and adore. He like people that piques his interest, the young man he met today was someone who have low to zero presence, he is someone who even with his slightly stout figure that manages to move quietly and blend in the background.
Tricks is quite proud of his observation skills, and with a bit of a trick he manage to gather information from the guy who name himself as Jef from his own homeroom teacher's records. Within the records the guy he met today was someone who just got freed from his 2 year and half isolation due to illness and it is written on the personal info that the young man was suffering quite a terrible disease. Tricks deduced that the temperament of the young man was something built from the experience within those years, it was not surprising that the young man would grow jaded by the time spent he spent on the hospital .
Tricks didn't dig any deeper and decided to return the documents to the homeroom teacher's desk. Tricks was always a guy who would do unusual things on a whim. He would befriend people that interest's him or people with a sense of mystery for fun. He have the time anyway and he can proudly say that he has the brains to do anything he puts his mind on. So Tricks walked on with a grin as he imagine what tricks would he play to his new acquaintance.
As Tricks stride off to the rooftop to attend some business , he spotted a lone figure on the hall walking slowly and quietly, Like a ghost the figure move through the crowd without anyone batting an eye to him. It was easy to recognize that the young man was Jef. Tricks observed the young man until he disappeared within his sight, then Tricks continued walking off to the direction that leads to the rooftop. On the rooftop he saw three figures and known that these were the ones who called him to the rooftop.
Tricks observed the three and deduce their intentions,. Either they were here to extort him some money or beat him up for being a show off which is sadly a habit of Tricks. Looking at the three, he can guess that the one behind them was someone who knows how to fight. The Posture, build and the way he carries himself and the rough look of his knuckles screams of someone who does boxing. The two seems people who relies on the guy behind him. As they walk their way to tricks the man with the expensive bracelet talk to Tricks in a rude manner.
''Hey Bro, can i ask you to not to do that to my girl again or approach her?'' the man said bluntly to Tricks
Tricks was confused then as he laugh in his thoughts and push a button on his pocket ''(So this what its all about huh)''
''Oh i see , did i get in the way between you two? If so, then pardon my negligence ''
''No, she is not mine yet, but i would like you to never talk to her if possible'' said the main as he touch his bracelet like some sort of mannerism.
Tricks then understood that the man in front of him was quite an easily jealous type person, he would rather avoid the situation but he was kinda puzzled why such behavior''
''Not talk to her? But that is quite impossible, after all she and I belongs to the same class and suddenly seizing my interactions with her is quite rude you know?''
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''Dude, i advise you to fuck off'' said the second man with no features to distinguish other than his mouth.
''Mr Magician wannabe, im asking nicely that you lay off and stay far way from my girl, and if you don't comply and promise to comply then i will have my friend here teach you a lesson'' as the bracelet man threaten tricks.
Tricks laugh at the threat inside his head and with a radiant smile spoke.
''Im afraid i can't comply with your reasoning, it is simply nonsensical and also the fact that your not even his lover is quite retarded.'' speak Tricks with a calm voice.
When the three heard Trick's words, they falter a bit from the shock and was filled with anger as they swallow his tricks.
''You fuck!'' as the man with no distinguishable features , suddenly throws a punch at Tricks.
Tricks quickly then tilted his head in a right angle and back step away from the man. Then as he saw the the guy with a bracelet rush at him, Tricks decided to perform a low kick on the man's back knees and slowly, the man trip over and landed on the floor using his face. Then as Tricks felt a feeling behind his back and saw the boxer guy taking on a stance like its natural and rush at him while launching a Right Jab headed intoTrick's face. As Tricks desperately tried to dodge the attack, he got grazed by the punch and felt a hot sensation on his face, which is something that made Tricks more serious about the matter.
The opponent was a boxer, and by looking at the actions of the guy, Tricks guessed that his enemy is no beginner and someone that has probably have his fair share of fights already. Feeling a bit of nervousness, Tricks decided that not fighting back would lead to a bad outcome and a very swollen face. As Tricks decided to made a move, he then was taken a back by a sudden punch on his back. Tricks looks back and see that the man with no distinguishable features made a strike at him. Tricks then lamented his negligence and made an action.
Firstly he approach the man with a clench fist and then flick his wrist and hit his sides with a quick blow and then proceed to knee the man and grab his throat and push him down to floor. He then look back and dodge the incoming attack from the boxer guy, and took a stance and steeling his self for the fight..
He look at the his opponent with a cold demeanor and as stared at the man as if he was gauging and dismembering the man for weakness. As Tricks plan his attacks, the man rolled and made a straight punch, then followed it with a uppercut. Tricks manages to dodge the attack but was not able to avoid the uppercut and grazed his chin. Feeling pissed by the events, Tricks have finally reach his patience and made an action..
Firstly , Tricks made a punch through the opponents guts, then quickly used his left hand to slap the enemies left ear, then grabbed his head and made a strike to his gut and then used a trick from a book he read awhile ago and made two consecutive punches to the man's glabella and did a heavy kick to his stomach.
The actions of the young made the boxer feel a lack of breath and he felt the drain of strength on his body and the intense pain that comes from his head. The Boxer has one his share of battles in the ring and took a deep breath and relaxed his mind and focused on the trickster in front of him.
Such movements was something the boxer guy didn't expect, usually he was made to come by the bracelet guy to strong arm his preys. But looks like today it won't be simple. The Boxer then took a stance and readied himself for the incoming fight.
Tricks was surprise how tough the guy in front of him and sigh deeply, and said in his mind that being able to keep moving after that beating is expected from a non amateur boxer. Usually if this was outside school, tricks would do some punches and retreat. But considering that this was a rooftop he would have no choice but to knockout his opponent. Why does he have no choice? Simply the fact that the guy in front of him has been angered.,Not to mention that if he doesn't knock him out quick, his other two companions might quietly stand and do Tricks in.
With that decided, Tricks isn't gonna take this long, and he need to pull a trick up his sleeve. Because if somehow he manage to break a bone from his opponent or do some fatal injuries then it would be worrying and the chance of being expelled might happen. So as Tricks move he pulled an object stealthily on his left pocket, the object was a handmade firecracker that tricks do for his shows, simply it was something that would produce a smoke that would distract the watchers of his tricks. Tricks then made a jump and pulled his leg up front and then while he was in air, he pulled a match head and struck it on his ring finger and lighted up the firecracker he made and counted to 4 seconds before flicking in on front of the boxer guy.
As the boxer was surprise of the sudden noise and appearance of some smoke he tried to avoid it, but was already covered by the smoke and powder it emitted and started coughing. Then as he started rubbing his eyes an intense pain was crawling up his stomach, the pain had come from a three consecutive strikes that Tricks made, then as the boxer knelled on the floor and manage to slightly open his eye and saw a hand coming for him.
''SLAPPPPPPPPPPPPPP''
Tricks have slapped the boxer's neck from the side, the slapped made the boxer felt lack of breath and started seeing stars as his consciousness started being blurry, then as Tricks pulled back his right hand and then knock hardly on the man's glabella using the knuckles of his fist.
The Boxer was done in by the last attack, and he was finally knocked down and fell to the floor and spasm a bit before finally he stop moving. As Tricks checked the boxer guy and making sure he didn't accidentally made him sleep forever and checked his pulse. He wrote a few notes on a paper and left it at the man with the bracelet's hand.
Tricks finally walk away from the rooftop, the event just right now was something quite interesting. The grazes and slight bruise on his back was nothing compared to the beating he did to the three man group just now. A thing that happen on the first day of the semester was not something ordinary, Tricks was a tricky man so the note he left on the man was simply ''I have taken a picture of your beaten up group, if you don't want any shame then pretend this never happen. Also don't try to complain in the prefect's office since i have recorded our conversation and hearing it would be something bad for you isn't it?''.
Tricks was always a slightly paranoid man, he would always have his phone on ''record'' that in any case something like this happens he would be able to take hold on any advantage that it might give. Tricks has been always in love with these sort of tricks. He was eager to learn as many tricks he can because of his strange love for trickery. He as a boy was entranced with shows which heroes would unleash their magic on their foes and made finishing moves from just making a movement in their hands. As he grew up, tricks was shown the hard truth. Magic doesn't exist. It was something shocking for the young tricks. He have believed that one day he would also have powers like that. But in the end it seems that day will never happen. Tricks grimaced, but then decided that if magic doesn't exist then he should learn all the tricks in the world so that he could do something far similar to magic. The thought he made up was ''In a magician's magic, there will always be a trick''.
It doesn't matter now if Magic doesn't exist as long as he have tricks that is close to magic. As Tricks thought to himself. After washing a bit, he decided it was late and headed back home. He walked out of the school's gate and head to the road where his home is located.
As Tricks stride, he saw a familiar figure on the nearby hill. It was the figure of the beady eyes young man called Jef. The slightly stout young man was sitting in daze at the hill. His nonchalant figure was basking in the sun. Tricks stared at the young man's back. The guy was emitting auras of mystery every time Tricks would see him. Such jaded man was someone who was used to suffering and isolation. Tricks thought for awhile and decided to leave quietly with the bag of in his hand and grinned for the days that will surely entertain him.
-.........................-
On a hill that was basked by the light of the descending sun. There was a lone figure who was sitting on the hill. He is a man with a stout figure and beady eyes. He was none other than the young man nicknamed Jef.
Jef was in the mood to watch the sunset. After the end of the day, he decided to sit on this hill to digest and reflect on the day. Other than the efficiency of the homeroom teacher and the guy he named ''Tricks'', it was pretty normal. It's normal. The class was the expected typical linear lecture. Well though ,even with all the complains of the class being ''normal'', Jef has no issue with it. Jef had fear that his complains would once again make living hell out of his life. Jef was afraid, simply because once he ''wished'' and that wish turn into something hellish, it was a scenario of ''Be careful what you wish for''. type. He doesn't want anything like that to happen. He stopped wishing for things. He simply wants the normality of life. Yes, Jef might be sometimes be called eccentric because of his jaded nature but what can he do about his personality? It is simply what was he made into after walking through hell. People can't change that easily, if they do then Jef would immediately turn his personality into something brighter and less jaded.
But for now Jef was okay with this life. He just wants to be at peace and go through life normally.As Jef decided to stop and look for wristwatch, his expression turned a bit after watching the time, simply because it was time to go back home and rest. He isn't after all a healthy young man, he was still suffering from his illness and just because he was able to go through the day doesn't mean that his back to being healthy. The walks he does is just for exercise and to make his brittle bones much sturdier. He had always made it as a goal to sneer at the mocking relatives who taught he would never stand and walk again.
Jef stride along to the narrow path which leads to his neighborhood , before passing on the bridge, he notice a figure of two walking into him, Jef obviously recognize the two as the old man and his god. Jef made a quick greeting and politely walk off.
The young man has no business with old man, it wasn't that his getting cold towards the old man, it was simply because he understands that the old man too only wants peace for his days and would rather indulge himself with nostalgia and alcohol. It was something also convenient to the closed off young man named Jef.
He also prefers silence and personal space more than anything, it might sound too dramatic and edgy but he doesn't want anything to with love or having kids in the future. It was simply because he knew that the illness he got was hereditary and he has no plans on giving any pain through his sons or daughters if he gets one. It is a lonely path to take, But is is better than passing the hateful blood he possesses. He might get any crushes in the future but he would probably and will sadly just look at the gal and move on. Jef knew that he is being harsh to himself but he have already decided and set his heart in stone for the route he will take. He might die lonely but after he dies why would he care about that? Death after all is just becoming empty and having your world vanish.
If people would have heard his reasoning, Jef would probably be laughed at and be scolded for his pessimistic views in life. So Jef brushed off his thoughts and look at his house and walked inside and into his room. He then turn on his laptop like its natural and sat on his arm chair and browse the internet. Looking at the local news there were unusual things like sudden disappearances and strange sightings of unrecognizable figures . People have been discussing the strange events as something unnatural and have been a buzz and recent talk. Speculations like espers and aliens was something that has been common to see on these type of speculations. Jef had nothing better to do so he participated for a while and manage to have gain some fun things to think about on the topic.
After having enough of the farce, Jef decided to turn in for the night after taking his medicines and fell into a deep slumber.
-Entry End-