The morning sun stretched its golden fingers across the urban jungle, casting long shadows between the towering buildings. Axka, following his usual path to school, caught up with Takoda. Their conversation flowed easily, drifting from the latest video game releases to the upcoming battle of the bands, each topic a welcome distraction from the day ahead.

As they rounded a corner past a row of graffiti-covered buildings, the atmosphere shifted, turning tense. A group of men—unmistakably the local street gang—emerged, blocking their path. They were from the nearby neighborhood, mostly Ivanovian, an ethnic group from Stenakraj.

The leader towered over them, a sneer curling from deep within his bones. His cold, predatory eyes locked onto Axka and Takoda. He stood rigid and unyielding, like a wolf asserting its dominance.

“You’re the one who messed up our boys, aren’t you?” His voice, thick with menace, sliced through the otherwise serene morning.

Takoda tensed beside Axka, his body language screaming caution. But Axka kept his expression carefully neutral, masking the rapid calculations flickering through his mind. Three of them, two of us. Maybe more in hiding...

Axka tilted his head, a slow, defiant grin spreading across his face. He weighed his options, but defiance felt too good to resist.

“Which boys, fuck boy?” he retorted, his tone sharp with mockery and his eyes scanning for any sudden movement. Takoda’s lips twitched, a reluctant smirk pulling at his face as he watched Axka’s defiance.

The leader’s expression wavered between anger and annoyance. “I’m certain you’re the one who beat him and left him on the street,” he shot back, his voice rising. It became clear to Axka that he was referring to the guy he had knocked out a few days earlier.

“Ohhhhh, Maybe I did,” Axka drawled, his tone dripping with mock realization. “What’s it with you?”

The gang members shifted, the tension palpable. “You think you’re something, don’t you?” The leader’s voice was a low rumble, his eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. He wasn’t questioning, he was waiting for what was to come.

Takoda’s hand landed on Axka’s shoulder, his grip firm but calm—a practical reminder rather than a plea. “Come on, Axka,” he said, his voice steady and clear. “We’ve got better things to do than waste time with these clowns. We’ll be late for school.”

Takoda remembered the countless hours lost in detention, the lectures, the way his grades had slipped because of stupid fights like this one.

Not again. Takoda sighed, raising his brows and curling his lips as he closed his eyes for a moment. We’ve got exams coming up, and I’m not falling behind because of these idiots.

Takoda eyes remained on the gang, not out of fear but with the cool detachment of someone who had been through enough pointless brawls to know they weren’t worth the trouble.

Axka nodded, sensing Takoda’s concern but feeling that familiar, intoxicating thrill of danger bubbling up inside him. He knew the smart thing was to walk away, but the rush of adrenaline and the burning pride in his chest urged him to stay, to prove something—perhaps letting the burdens in his thought expressed with his fists of what his words couldn’t.

“Look,” Axka started, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he glanced at the gang, “I CAN beat you all right now, but I’d rather not get in trouble for being late. I’ll deal with you guys later, alright?” He took a deliberate step forward, his stares boring into the gang leader’s eyes, his stance firm, shoulders squared.

The air was tense, charged with the unspoken challenge that hung between them. The leader’s fingers twitched, a flicker of movement that didn’t go unnoticed. Axka’s muscles tightened, prepared for any sudden attack. The silence stretched, every breath drawn seemed louder than the last.

As Axka and Takoda turned to leave, a sharp voice cut through the air behind them—cold and dripping with contempt:

“Pussy”

It stopped Axka in his tracks. A familiar, burning rage ignited within him, like a firecracker going off in his chest. His pride bristled—an instinctive reaction, a reminder of every time he had been underestimated, belittled. Memories of past fights, of bruises earned and given, flashed through his mind, blending with the raw defiance that was now coursing through his veins. He could feel the tension in his muscles, a coiling spring ready to snap.

No one calls me that. He turned back to the gang, the fury rising like a wave.

Takoda shot him a look, a mix of exasperation and resigned amusement flashing across his face, his mind racing.

Here we go again. Takoda clenched his jaw, already knowing what was coming next. Part of him wanted to drag his friend away, avoid another senseless fight. But he knew better.

Instead of stepping in, he let Axka handle it. He'd learned a long time ago that once Axka's mind was set, there was no changing it. Axka was like an unstoppable force, a determination that no one could break—unless it’s his own will.

“How about this? Meet me here after school,” he growled, each word deliberate and venomous. “Okay, faggots?” His voice was low, but the threat was clear, hanging in the stillness of the morning.

The gang leader scoffed; a harsh, mocking sound that cut through the air. “We’ll be right here, waiting,” he sneered, his voice dripping with taunting confidence. “Show up, or we’ll come find you,” he added, the challenge heavy in the air, like a storm waiting to break.

A brief flash of memory crossed Axka’s mind—of the last fight, the Anomaly, and its consequences. He shoved those memories to the side, forcing himself to focus on the immediate confrontation. Now was not the time to get distracted by what had been; now was the time to handle what was right in front of him.

“I’ll be here. Can’t wait to see if you’re as tough as you bark,” he replied with a smirk. He turned to leave but paused, adding, “Oh, and if I don’t show up, find me on the passage I always use to go home.”

Without another word, Takoda and Axka turned their backs to the gang and continued down the street. Takoda threw a sideways glance at Axka, searching for any flicker of anxiety or doubt, but his friend’s face remained impassive, his steps steady, almost too calm. It was as if the encounter with the gang had already faded into a distant memory, a fleeting moment in a day filled with many. But Takoda knew better; he could feel the tension still simmering just below the surface, like a coiled snake waiting for its moment to strike.

Takoda let out a long sigh, his breath heavy with exasperation. “Usual drama, right?” he muttered, a chuckle escaping despite himself as he shook his head. “Bet he called his friends for backup over that cafeteria fight.” He was oblivious to the deeper implications of the encounter.

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Axka grinned and replied, "Monkey always brings his troops, right?" They both laughed, the tension dissipating as the school building came into view, a familiar and reassuring sight.

***

Soft morning light streamed through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over the desks. Axka and Takoda slid into their seats as the hum of pre-class chatter buzzed around them.

Axka leaned towards Takoda, his voice low. “What’s up first today?”

“Science, with Ms. Lyra,” Takoda replied, rummaging through his bag. Ms. Lyra, their homeroom and science teacher, was known for her strict yet gentle approach.

As Ms. Lyra entered the room, the noise level dipped. She placed her books on the desk, her eyes sweeping across the students before finally settling on Axka and Takoda.

“How’s the homework coming along?” Ms. Lyra’s tone was expectant, her eyes fixed on them.

“Homework?” Axka blurted out, his expression blank. A ripple of chuckles spread through some of the class, while others, mostly girls, rolled their eyes in annoyance.

As Ms. Lyra’s question hung in the air, Takoda shot a sideways glance at Axka, who was grinning like he hadn’t a care in the world. Always looking for trouble, even in the middle of a damn class, Takoda shook his head. He couldn’t help but chuckle, despite himself.

“It’s the extra class’ homework,” came a whisper from a neighboring table, clarifying the source of confusion.

“Oohhhh,” Axka drawled, pretending to suddenly understand, his grin widening.

Ms. Lyra’s stare remained unwavering. “I don’t recall seeing you absent from the morning class, Axka. Where were you yesterday?”

Axka exaggerated a look of cluelessness, while Takoda fumbled for an excuse. Before he could speak, a girl from the middle row blurted, “They skipped class, Ms. Lyra. They went outside without permission!” A few students snickered, and Axka shot them a playful glare.

Ms. Lyra sighed, disappointment etched across her features. “You're all in your final year, and we're already four months in. Only six months left before finals and graduation.” The weight of her words settled over them, a stark reminder of time slipping away.

Takoda and Axka exchanged glances. They felt months seemed to be a longer time with them, perhaps they really enjoying the moment of their life despite the challenges. “Sorry, miss…” they muttered in apology. Despite their mischief, a deep respect for their teachers was evident.

Ms. Lyra continued, “I must punish you both after class. And it won’t be the usual punishment, but a special one.”

As a sly grin spread across Axka's face, his thoughts wandered briefly down a less-than-innocent path involving Ms. Lyra. Takoda, noticing the shift, nudged him back to reality with a sharp elbow.

“Not that one, man,” Takoda hissed.

“Oh, shit. Yeah, right,” Axka mumbled, snapping back to reality.

When the class bell rang, Ms. Lyra called them both over. Their punishment, as creative as it was harmless, required them to hop like toads through the classroom halls.

Their initial jumps were awkward, their legs stiff and uncooperative, making them look more like malfunctioning robots than frogs. As they continued, the absurd spectacle drew more attention—students peeked out from classrooms, amused grins spreading as laughter bounced off the walls.

Axka shouted in mock annoyance, “Don’t you guys have better things to do!?”

Mid-hop, Aime and Smitty joined them, having been called from their class to share in the same punishment.

“Hey man, you were caught too?” Aime remarked, slightly out of breath.

“The same as you both, I guess,” Takoda replied, his breath heavy as they continued their absurd jumps.

“I feel the burn in my legs,” Aime groaned.

From a distance, the principal observed with a small smile on his face. It was a light-hearted form of discipline for a pair known for their mischief—a reminder that school was as much about growing up as it was about learning. It was a moment of harmless discipline in a year full of challenges and laughter.

As Axka and Takoda continued their toad-like punishment, they shared a look of resignation mixed with amusement, while Aime and Smitty groaned and struggled to keep up. This was just another story to add to their mischievous high school memories.

***

As Axka and his friends left Ms. Lyra's office, the lingering ache from their 'toad-like' punishment was still evident in their muscles. The usual hustle of the school corridor greeted them— a familiar mix of mischief and the punishments that followed. Smitty, Aime, Takoda, and Axka had grown accustomed to such moments.

Just as they were about to head to their next class, a sharp, authoritative voice sliced through them. Mr. Lawson stood at the end of the corridor, his expression a storm cloud ready to burst. “Axka, office, now.”

Axka let out a groan, frustration bubbling to the surface. 'Seriously, what now?' he muttered, feeling that all-too-familiar knot of irritation tighten in his chest. Another day, another issue to tackle—one more thing to worry about in an already complicated life.

He turned to his friends, Smitty and Aime, who, still sore from the punishment, were already thinking about the upcoming break. “You boys go ahead,” he instructed. Takoda, however, stayed behind, a frown furrowing his brow.

“Isn’t this already settled? Why’s he calling you again?” Takoda’s voice carried a note of concern.

Axka shook his head, sensing it was something beyond the cafeteria fight. “It’s not about that. It’s something outside of school.” The realization of the situation seemed to cloud Takoda’s features with worry.

“What happened?” Takoda’s tone was edged with anxiety.

Axka hesitated before admitting, “I used my Anomalies when I fought them outside of school.” The confession made the situation feel even more real and unavoidable.

Takoda’s eyes widened in shock. “What’s gonna happen now? They won’t take you away, right? I can back you up, say it was something else.”

Axka appreciated Takoda’s loyalty but knew this was his consequence to face alone. “I’ve got to do this by myself, Takoda. I’m ready to face whatever comes with my Anomalies.”

“But what if The Federal’s officer takes you in for evaluation?” Takoda’s voice was a mix of fear and determination.

“If that happens, make sure you take Mika home,” Axka instructed, trying to sound more confident than he felt. “And tell him not to worry about me.”

Takoda nodded, his expression taut with worry, every line on his face drawn tight. “Just... don’t say anything stupid, Axka. If they find out about your Anomalies, they could take you in.” His voice dropped to a whisper, the weight of his fear pressing down on each word.

“I’ll be careful,” Axka reassured him, though he wondered how much control he truly had.

With a final nod, Takoda watched as Axka made his way to Mr. Lawson’s office, his face a mixture of worry and resolve. As Takoda turned to head back to class, he caught sight of the principal also heading toward the disciplinary office.

With a final nod, Takoda watched Axka walk toward Mr. Lawson’s office, his sworn brother’s face set with determination yet shadowed by uncertainty.

As Takoda turned back to join the other students, he noticed the principal heading in the same direction, his expression serious and focused. A sense of unease settled over Takoda. The principal’s presence meant this wasn’t just another reprimand—something more was at stake. Each step Takoda took felt heavier, his mind racing with thoughts of what Axka might face next.