A blonde girl shuffled down the hallway, keeping her eyes downcast as she clutched her backpack to her chest. She could feel their glares burning into her, hear their snickering whispers.

"Hey, Wide Load!" The jeering voice of Brad rang out. The girl picked up her pace, her cheeks flaming.

"Yeah, I'm talking to you, Lardbutt!" Brad's sneakers squeaked on the linoleum as he jogged to catch up with her, flanked by his cronies Tim and Jerry. "Where ya waddling off so fast?"

The girl mumbled something, her eyes filling with humiliated tears.

"What's that? Speak up!" Brad crowed as Tim and Jerry guffawed. "Oh wait, I forgot hippos can't talk!"

The three boys cackled as her face burned hotter. She quickened her steps once more, but Brad easily kept pace.

"Aww, is the hippo gonna cry?" he taunted. "Gonna run home and eat a whole cake to make yourself feel better?"

Her eyes squeezed shut, willing herself not to cry. Suddenly, her foot caught on something and she went sprawling. The lunch box fell to the floor and jumped open, scattering the contents all around.

The boys howled with laughter.

"Have a nice trip?" Brad sneered down at her. The girl scrambled to gather her things, tears now flowing freely down her cheeks.

"Why don't you leave her alone?" a new voice asked. Looking up in surprise she saw a skinny boy with unruly orange hair glaring at the bullies with heated orange eyes. He couldn't have been more than twelve.

Brad looked momentarily nonplussed before his mocking grin returned. "What's it to you, runt?"

The boy stood his ground. "Picking on someone just because they look different is messed up. Just get out of here and leave her alone."

Tim and Jerry exchanged amused glances. "Oooh, look who wants to play hero," Tim snickered.

"Trying to score some points with the hippo, huh?" Jerry chimed in. "Want us to give you some privacy?"

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The girl cringed at their words, but the boy didn't back down. "She has a name," he said heatedly. "And she doesn't deserve to be treated this way by a bunch of jerks like you."

Brad's eyes narrowed. He strode over until he was standing over the boy, glaring down menacingly. "Looks like this little loser wants to be next on the list," he growled. Tim and Jerry cracked their knuckles, leering.

The girls heart pounded. This was about to get really bad. But before anyone could throw a punch, a dark blur suddenly shot from around the corner. A well-placed kick between Brad's legs had him doubled over with a wheeze. Tim and Jerry yelped as they received swift kicks to their butts, sending them flying.

"Get outta here, or I'll make sure your bloodline ends here and now." growled a gravelly voice. The girl gaped at the shadowy figure that had materialized from the hallway.

The bullies scrambled to their feet, eyes wide with terror. "Fucking freak!" Brad spat as he clutched his stomach. The trio beat a hasty retreat down the corridor.

The creature watched them flee before turning to the boy. "Are you alright, Akira?" it rumbled with concern.

The boy nodded, looking more awed than scared. "That was amazing!"

The creature inclined its head toward the girl, who was still sitting frozen on the floor. "Why did you put yourself in danger for her?! You've gotta be careful!" it said angrily.

At this, the boy looked upset. "Why wouldn't I?" he asked. "She needed someone to stand up for her! I can't just walk by and let her get tormented." He shook his head in disgust. "If I did that, I'd be no better than those bullies."

The creature was silent for a moment before nodding slowly, as the boy extended a wispy hand and helped her to her feet. "I'm Akira, what's your name?" asked the boy curiously, making her startle from his happy demeanor.

"Um, I'm Laureen," she mumbled, staring at his hand.

The creature let its view glide over the scene, seeing all the spilled food on the ground. "Alright, let's grab a snack," it said gently. "Wanna join us?" Now it looked at the girl.

She blinked in surprise but managed a small nod.

*

The three of them headed out of the school and down the block to Slamburger's, a funky burger joint. Soon they were seated in a corner booth with milkshakes and burgers.

"So why do those jerks keep targeting you?" asked the creature around a mouthful of fries.

Laureen shifted uncomfortably. "I guess because I'm... bigger than the other girls. And I'm kinda shy and don't have many friends." She flushed, knowing how pathetic that sounded.

But Akira just nodded sympathetically. "Well, I'll be your friend," he said, smiling at her. "Anyone who makes fun of you will have to deal with me!"

Finally the girl smiled a little, but still sounded unsure. "Really?"

"Absolutely!" he gave her a thumbs up, then looked at this brother. "Right?"

The creature sighed. "I guess I've got no choice, or you'll get beaten up by them too."

Akira narrowed his eyes, nudging his side under the table.

"Ouch!" It looked at Akira in confusion for a moment, until realizing what he wanted. "Fine…"

The creature turned to Laureen, forcing a smile. "I'll protect you from any danger, you don't have to worry no more…"