//------------------------------//
// Anthology Chapter: School Days 
// Story: Shy and Aggressive 
// by Johng117 
//------------------------------//

The hour was early morning. Junior was lying on his bed. His eyes were staring at the ceiling, gazing above at the white surface. His expression was neutral as he continued to stare up.

"Junior! I'm off to the store! Do you need anything?" called Miwa, his dear mother, from the living room.

"I'm good," answered Junior. He softly sighed as he rolled onto his belly and laid his head on its side against the pillow. Some days, he just wanted to lie in his bed and sleep time away. He just sometimes felt that there was nothing to really do on a weekend and just wanted to make up the most of his resting period. He could hang out with his friends, or at least the ones he had left, but he felt like keeping to himself today. The Transmutant sat himself up and made his way to his closet.

"Might as well start looking to toss some old stuff out. It at least gives me something to do," said Junior aloud. He began to search through shirts and pants that were in the closet. He began to try some of the clothes on, checking to see whether they still fit or not. Ever since he got into his early teens, Junior had grown significantly compared to his peers. This led to a lot of his clothes no longer fitting him. Since then, Junior had grown worried about one day finding himself growing again and not fitting his clothes. After all, his father was nearly seven feet.

Fortunately, there were just a few clothes that no longer fit. Mainly since they were older and had been missed, or weren't able to compensate for Junior's growing muscle to remain comfortable. However, the Transmutant had a suspicion about a pair of jeans. They were much too tight around the groin area. These were his size as well! They weren't even skinny jeans!!!

"I swear. It's like they made this shit for effeminate guys. I need to put this brand on my shit list," said Junior as he placed the jeans in a plastic bag along with the other clothes that no longer fit him. But as Junior was about to shut the closet, he noticed a yearbook spine to be stuck in between boxes. Junior reached inside and drew it out. A scowl formed on his face.

"Agh. Junior High. The days where I was filled with so much angst that it makes me cringe today," said Junior as he opened the book. He found the faces of the staff and of students inside of the yearbook, along with pictures of parts of the campus and the most 'popular' students.

"Hm. Some of these assholes even go to Ponyville High today," said Junior as he flipped through the book. He then noticed a picture of himself in the book. His hair much shorter than today but still spiky. His face wasn't stuck in a scowl like it is today. Junior recalled this look as one of a kid ready to start anew. He sighed at his past self and his naïveté. He then noticed Rodan's picture, the kid with a big stupid grin on his face.

"Yo! Goji, what's up?" Rodan's younger self echoed in Junior's memory.






3 years ago...


"Huh?" A 14 year old Gojira Takeshi Jr. looked over his shoulder. He found a boy his age with red hair.

"I said, 'What's up'." The boy said with a chuckle. Junior cleared his throat.

"Oh. Hey, Rodan," said Junior. The two were outside of the cafeteria, where students walked into.

"You been good? I heard that some Purists had hit up on a house recently," said Rodan.

"I've been fine. Besides, that happened far from my neighborhood," said Junior.

"That's cool. You wanna sit and have lunch with our classmates?" asked Rodan. Junior shook his head.

"I'll pass," said Junior as he walked off.

"Oh. Sure, man. It's cool," said Rodan as Junior walked off. Junior made his way through the quad in silence as he carried his bag over his shoulder. A few students cleared away from his path, as though he carried the plague. Junior sighed to himself. Even among his own race, he was feared. Junior currently attended a junior high school, segregated for Transmutants. However, the segregation was about to end by the next school year when the country passes Act: Matthew 22. The law would ensure that Transmutants would be on equal standing ground as human citizens in the country, which included the integration of Transmutants into schools. Junior's mother had already begun to make plans to enroll him into Ponyville High.

"That's right," said Junior to himself.

"It's my last year," said Junior. The day where he would say goodbye to this school was just a few weeks away. Right now, the students were taking exams. Junior looked around, finding students to be hanging around each other, chatting, goofing off, everything you'd expect a kid to do. But Junior, he was the odd one out. It was as though a field of solitude was around him, keeping everyone else away. To the other kids, he was like a ferocious bear. Intimidating, tall, and strong, the other students dared not to approach him, lest he attack.

"Hey asshole!" Shouted a voice.

"Damn it," said Junior in dismay. He turned and saw a boy approaching. He wore a jersey uniform, common for the basketball team to wear.

"What?" Deadpanned Junior.

"I still have a score to settle with you!" said the boy.

"Look, I'm not feeling up to it. I just want to finish off the year with no issues," said Junior.

"Oh, we got an issue! You think you're so bad?! Just cause these pussies back off when you stroll by!" shouted the boy.

"No. I'm just walking," deadpanned Junior.

"Look, we've been at this since the beginning. You get in my face and I kick your ass. Can’t we for once just let bygones be bygones?" Asked Junior.

"Nah fuck that! I'm gonna show everyone that you aren't shit!" said the boy as he lunged for Junior.






Later...


Junior sat on a chair. His face was bruised up. But the boy sitting across from him and looked worse. Junior smirked in response as he leaned in his chair as a staff member passed by the two in the office. He then heard footsteps approaching. He turned and noticed his mother approaching. Her eyes widened at the sight of him. Junior avoided eye contact with her, with shame welling up in him.

Later, he found himself seated next to his mother. Miwa bore an incredulous look as she stared at the principal.

"Wh-What do you mean he can't walk the stage?" demanded Miwa.

"His reoccurring fights have caused a lot of complaints among parents. Today was the last straw," said the principal. "Students and campus staff saw you wailing on the other."

"But I didn't even start the fight! He threw the first punch and I reacted! Why am I the bad guy for being a better fighter?" asked Junior incredulously.

"Gojira, you've been given several chances. But we've yet to see any change," said the principal.

"Well it's kinda hard when some of the students here are belligerent assholes!" Said Junior.

"Junior!" Said Miwa.

"No, I'm sick of this! You have actual thugs attending your school! Kids who I bet are affiliated with gangs. Yet I'm the one that's the problem?!" demanded Junior.

"Except you at least may have a better chance than they do to make it out in the world. But you have to work on yourself," said the principal. Junior scoffed.

"What's that? Some backhanded compliment? Sure," said Junior. He shook his head. The nerve of this guy was grinding his gears.

"Junior, head to your next class. I need to have a word with your principal," said Miwa. Her tone stern.

"Mom, I-"

"Now." Miwa spoke more sternly. Junior sighed heavily.

"Yes, ma'am," said Junior in a small tone. He began to walk out of the office but stood next to the door. He leaned close to it as he heard his mother speak on the other side.

"Please, reconsider. He's not a bad kid. He worked hard to pass his classes," said Miwa.

"Unfortunately, it’s out of my hands now. He'll still be graduating, but he won't be allowed to walk the stage," said the principal. Junior heard Miwa sniffle.

"Damn it. Do you know how long I've waited? To see my little boy take his steps to growing up? He's moving to high school for God's sake! And you're going to deny him that recognition?!" demanded Miwa. Junior felt his heart sink and his stomach ache. He walked away from the door as he clenched his fists.

It was the end of the day. Junior was sitting alone by a tree. He broke sticks in half and pinned them into the dirt. The other students were already walking home or being picked up by their parents via car. The Transmutant sighed to himself solemnly as he tossed a stick away and leaned back against the tree. His mother was very upset at the fact that he wouldn't be allowed to walk the stage for his graduation from junior high. He hated himself for letting her down. How he wanted to make her proud, and not be known as some violent kid.

"Hey, G," greeted a familiar voice. Junior looked behind himself and saw Rodan approaching.

"Oh. Hey, Rodan," responded Junior as he returned his eyes to the street.

"What are you doing? I thought you'd be home by now," said Rodan.

"Just stalling," said Junior. Truthfully, he didn't want to come home right now. Not after how he screwed up the chance for a good memory for his mother.

"Ah," said Rodan. He noticed the bruises on Junior's face, but merely looked to the street.

"Last year. A few weeks left. Then we'll be moving onto high school," said Rodan.

"Yeah," responded Junior. Rodan chuckled.

"I'm planning to look good on graduation day. The ladies will be begging to go to the same high school with me," said Rodan with a grin.

"Sure," replied Junior flatly.

"Hey, I'll share some girls with you. You just gotta get them to look at you twice," said Rodan in a suave tone.

"Doesn't matter. I'm not attending the ceremony," said Junior. Rodan bore an incredulous look.

"Why? I mean, I know you aren't very social but this is your graduation!" Said Rodan.

"I was banned. For the fight today," said Junior with a scoff.

"Seriously?! That's bullshit!" said Rodan, looking enraged. "I saw what happened. That guy started it!"

"It doesn't matter. Nothing I can do to change it," said Junior as he stood up.

"This school was filled with a bunch of thugs anyway. I'm just glad to be moving on. Maybe high school is what I need. A fresh start," said Junior as he stretched. Rodan smiled in response.

"Heh. I never took you for an optimist," said Rodan.

"I guess it's the fact that Transmutants are becoming more equal. Just think, when Matthew 22 passes, things are gonna change," said Junior.

"You know, Matthew 22 got its name from a bible verse? Verse 39, 'thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self.' Fitting if ya ask me," said Rodan.

"Is the state requiring that I go to church now?" asked Junior sarcastically.

"It's the 21st century in the western world, dude. You're thinking about something else," chuckled Rodan as he shook his head.

"Anyway, I should get going. See you around," said Junior as he walked off.

"See ya!" Said Rodan. Junior stopped and looked back.

"Hey," called Junior. Rodan looked at him curiously. Junior nodded to him.

"We're gonna end up among humans often. But we're Transmutants. Me and you, Rodan. We gotta stick together," said Junior. Rodan smiled.

"Amen to that," said Rodan.

"I mean we have to. We both may end up in the same school and you always flirt with the wrong girl," said Junior teasingly. Rodan scoffed.

"Damn, you're a dick!" said Rodan with a chuckle.

It was graduation day. Junior was sitting in the car with his mother just off of school grounds. The sound of someone speaking through a microphone could be heard from outside. Junior glanced at his mother, who solemnly looked out the window.

"Let's go, ma," said Junior.

"Yeah," said Miwa as she drove away from the school. The two were silent on their drive. Junior could feel his mother's sadness. It was ripping him apart inside.

"I'm sorry, sweety. I did everything I could," said Miwa with regret in her tone.

"I'm the one who screwed up. I should be sorry," said Junior. Miwa glanced at Junior as he leaned against the door as he stared out the window. Miwa shook her head.

"Ugh. Enough of this mopping. You graduated and that's what matters," said Miwa, carrying a more upbeat tone.

"Instead, let's celebrate! I say we get some food and rent a movie," said Miwa. Junior softly smiled in response.

"Sure. That sounds good," said Junior. Later, Junior found himself sitting on a coach with a plate of pizza in hand, watching a movie with his mother. During this, Junior was lost in his thoughts. He was going to be in high school, and Act: Matthew 22 was gaining traction. He may have screwed up, but Junior felt a new opportunity was on the horizon. A chance to start fresh. Maybe... He might actually gain friends. And when he graduates high school, he vowed to walk the stage. He was going to make his mother proud.





Junior sighed as he adjusted his sweater. A grimace was on his face.

"Damn. I grew a bit more," said Junior as the sweater clung to him a bit too tight. He would have to go to the store and get a sweater in a larger size. He heard knocking at his door.

"Sweetie, you better get moving! You don't want to be late on your first day!" called Miwa from behind the door.

"OK!" said Junior as he unzipped his sweater. He began to quickly gather his back pack and snagged his house key off of his dresser. The Transmutant rushed out of his bedroom and passed Miwa.

"You want me to give you a ride?" asked Miwa.

"No, I'm good!" said Junior. He then quickly stopped and came rushing back to his mother. He planted a quick kiss on her cheek, much to her surprise.

"Love you, ma!" said Junior as he rushed out of the house. Miwa placed a hand on her cheek. An amused smile was on her face.

"He's in a good mood," said Miwa.

Junior was quickly walking through his neighborhood. His face was softer compared to usual, which was normally stuck in a scowl. He's been looking forward to this day all summer. His patience had finally paid off, for today would be the day he starts something fresh. Hell, he never liked going to school, but he was excited to go!

Junior began to pick up the pace, not wanting to delay the new beginning. The Transmutant soon found himself standing before the school grounds. A statue of a horse stood in the center, greeting him to the large high school building ahead. Junior felt his stomach tighten, feeling a bit nervous. He noticed some teens were passing by him, snapping him out of his thoughts. Now wasn't the time to get cold feet. So, Junior made his way up the steps and entered the school. He found several students conversing in the main foyer. He took a breath and proceeded to walk through.

"OK. It's only your first day, Junior. Just find your locker and find out where your first class is ahead of time. I can do this," said Junior under his breath. He casually walked passed other students, who didn't so much as flinch in his presence. This was going well so far.

"Oh! Pardon me," said a blonde girl that bumped shoulders with him. She carried a southern accent.

"No worries," said Junior. The freckled girl smiled as she waved to him and walked off, as Junior did the same. His brows rose as he watched the girl leave and saw her legs exposed by her denim shorts.

'Wow, those legs are great. Her accent's kinda cute too,' thought Junior. He then quickly looked away with his cheeks flushing.

'Shouldn't be staring. Last thing I need is to be seen as a creep that stares at girls,' thought Junior as he moved on.

"Now where's my- ah! Here it is," said Junior as he made his way over to a locker. He drew out a note and began to turn the combination on the lock.

"Hey, fucker!" Shouted a familiar voice. Junior's eyes widened.

"Oh no. No. Nooo," said Junior as he turned. He found a familiar teen to be standing just several feet away. A smirk was on his face. Students that were nearby bore confused looks.

"Oh no fucking way!" said Junior in dismay. The teen began to approach.

"Hey asshole. I wasn't expecting to be at the same school with you," said the boy.

"Shocker. I know," said Junior with a sigh.

"Look man, I'm really trying to start over with a clean rep here. Let's just put aside that stuff from junior high and move on," said Junior. He was really hoping to avoid this type of confrontation, especially on the first day.

"Oh no, bro. You cost me the walk on the stage. I had to deal with my folks' shit because of you," said the boy.

"I couldn't walk the stage either. Neither of us can change that. Let's drop it," said Junior as a couple of nosy students looked over. Junior opened his locker and placed a book inside but the other boy forced the door shut. Junior deeply inhaled through his nostrils, his patience wearing thin.

"I want a rematch," said the boy. Junior then looked at the boy with a glare.

"Listen here, motherfucker," said junior in a harsh whisper.

"I'm sick and tired of putting up with your shit! I've done it through all middle school, I'm not doing it here. Now go away," said Junior with a growl. He turned back to his locker and proceeded to unlock it. Hopefully that kid got the message. But, he felt the kid yank him on his shoulder. With cat-like reflexes, Junior grabbed the teen and slammed him face first into his locker. The sound of his face impacting the locker drew attention from nearby students. The boy stumbled away with a bruised face as Junior walked after him, his anger boiling.

"I told you that I wasn't gonna put up with your shit this year!" yelled the Junior. His amber eyes were locked in a scowl. A couple of students were present, hooting for a fight or just shouting for it to be broken up.

"Come on! It's the first day!" shouted a girl from the crowd.

"Come at me then, tough guy! I've been waiting all summer to mop the floor with you in front of-" the boy was silenced as Junior immediately slugged him in the face. Junior then grabbed the other boy by the jacket and tossed him to the ground. The boy got up and retaliated with a couple of punches, but Junior raised his arms and blocked the punches like a boxer before jabbing his opponent in the jaw, causing him to stumble. He then shoved the boy to the ground and kicked him in the side. Before he could kick him again, a girl with white hair suddenly got in between them.

"Stop!" shouted the girl. Junior merely narrowed his eyes at her, prompting the girl to nervously gulp.

'Ugh. Out of the way!' thought Junior. It was here he noticed how nervous the girl was in his presence. She looked like she was bracing to be hit. Junior then saw that students looked on in shock and worry. A few looked like they were ready to jump in to take him on.

"It's the first day. There's no need for this," said girl as she stood her ground. The Transmutant scoffed as he looked to the other that was standing up, wiping his bloody nose.

"Whatever," said the Junior as he walked off with his hands in his pockets.

"This isn't over, Gojira! I'll kick your ass!" shouted the beaten boy, while girl held a hand in front of him as he attempted to follow the other teen.

"Fuck off, asshole!" shouted Junior as he walked off. Soon, he burst through an empty bathroom.

"Ughhhh..." Junior held his head as he stood over one of the bathroom sinks. He began to bang his head on the sink.

"Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!" Said Junior. He couldn't believe that he got into a fight immediately on the first day just after walking into school. It hadn't even been an hour! Now he just showed his ugly side to the school and scared a girl. This was not how he planned his first day. He sighed heavily as he stood up right and looked at himself in the mirror.

"Maybe I can salvage my rep. Yeah. I just need relax," said Junior as he took calming breaths. "I'll be damned if I go back to what I was."

"I won't," said Junior as he narrowed his eyes.





It was lunch time. Junior was walking down the hallway in silence. He noticed a couple of students to be skittishly moving away from him. Junior had a brief moment of discouragement.

'It's alright. Not everyone is freaking out. Besides, lunch is an opportunity to be seen as civil. I just need to find a spot to casually sit among others.' Junior entered the lunch room and waited in line. After the long wait, Junior finally had a tray filled with food. He began to scowl as he walked, unable to find any clear seats.

"Hey!" A feminine voice called. Junior turned to the source. He saw three girls at a table, but his focus was on the one that waved to him with a friendly smile. His heart skipped a beat as he saw her. The light glared on her short, red hair. It was like fire, given the yellow highlights. Her skin was pale with a peach tone. Her teal eyes glimmered like the lagoon surrounding an island in the pacific. She was beautiful and her smile made his heart race.

He was sure that she wasn't calling to him, but her eyes were locked with his own, no mistake about it. She was definitely greeting him! Junior felt compelled to wave back and even thought of just sitting with her, but he was too embarrassed. Instead, he stiffened. His lips sealed tightly as his face turned into a scowl. He then briskly walked off, not noticing the offended look on the girl's face.

'Agh!! What the fuck was that?!' Junior mentally screamed. Whatever his face did must have not looked good. He chided himself at blowing the chance he had to possibly talking with a nice girl. That was the first girl who greeted him in years, and he ignored her!

"Fuuuuck," groaned Junior.

"Hey! Goji!" called a familiar voice. Junior noticed that Rodan was sitting at a table among other students in the back.

"Well, at least there's a familiar face I can tolerate," said Junior with a sigh. He made his way over to the table. Rodan scooted over and allowed Junior to sit in a free space.

"Sup, dude! I thought you chickened out on the first day," said Rodan.

"Almost wish I had," muttered Junior.

"What?” Asked Rodan.

"I said I'm glad I hadn't," lied Junior. He just wanted to forget what his day had been like so far.

"Oh, dude! Fellow freshmen," said Rodan as he gestured to the other teens.

"Oh. Hey," greeted Junior as began to eat.

"Rodan, you ought to hang out with us more. You're pretty funny," said a boy with a chuckle.

“Oh, we should go to the arcade after school! You can even bring your friend," said another boy.

"We aren't technically friends. We just went to middle school together," said Junior.

"Wow. Sounds kinda harsh," said a girl with a forced chuckle.

"Ah it doesn't bother me. Goji's always like that. I rather him be straight with me," said Rodan as he nudged Junior's shoulder.

"What school did you two go to?" asked another teen.

"We went to Golden Oaks Junior High," answered Rodan. A brief silence was at the table.

"That school for Transmutants?" asked a girl.

"Yeah, that one," said Rodan as he took a bite out of his lunch. Junior noticed the looks of discomfort, disgust, and awkwardness from the teens. He even caught one staring at his wrist as his sweater’s sleeve rolled up.

"I uh... I got somewhere to be," said a boy as he left the table.

"Same! Gotta study!" said a girl as she took off. The Transmutants noticed all of the teens to be getting up and leaving.

"Hey! Where's everyone going?" asked Rodan. Junior merely hardened his expression. He then looked to the I.D. tattoo on his skin. He shook his head and went back to eating.

"Anti-mutants. That didn't take long," said Junior. Rodan sighed in disappointment.





Junior sighed heavily as he entered his home. His day was not as he hoped it was. He passed his mother as she sat on the couch, watching TV. She turned as she heard him walk it.

"Hey, sweetie! Hey was your first day?" asked Miwa. Junior shrugged.

"Meh. Nothing special," said Junior as he plopped himself on the sofa.

"Really? You seemed to be in a good mood this morning," said Miwa. Junior was about to respond but thought against it. He couldn't tell his mother that he fought on the first day of school.

"Just... It was just long. Plus, I got my first anti-mutant encounter at lunch in high school," said Junior. Miwa bore wide eyes. She cleared her throat.

"Was there any problem?" asked Miwa, calmly.

"Not really. Just looks of discomfort and disgust," said Junior. He then noticed his mother looking at him firmly.

"Son, if there's any trouble, you come to me. I'll be down there to say something," said Miwa. Junior looked away.

"Ugh. Mom, that's embarrassing! I'm not in elementary school!" said Junior.

"Hey, this isn't about looking cool! You tell me if you’re being actively discriminated against by students or teachers, understood?" asked Miwa. Her tone was strict. Junior had slightly flinched at his mother's tone and the angry look she was giving him.

"Yes, ma'am," said Junior. Miwa sighed as she ran a hand over her own face.

"I didn't mean to yell at you. Just... Tell me if something happens," said Miwa. Junior nodded.

"Yeah," replied Junior.

Later that evening, Junior yawned as he climbed into his bed. He stared up at the ceiling. Despite the 'lackluster' day, Junior had his mind on the girl at lunch. That girl, aside from the crap he pulled that might have made him look like a jackass, was what stuck with him today. He wanted to know more about her. He wanted to talk to her. Junior felt himself blushing as he recalled how she waved at him.

"Does she like me? Nah, can't be. But what if..." Junior mentally groaned as he closed his eyes. What happened today was unacceptable of him. He was supposed to be turning a new leaf! And that's what Junior intended to do. Today was but a minor setback. Besides, how was he gonna expect that red headed girl to talk to him if he had the same reputation as a constant brawler back in middle school? No, he would just scare her off if he returned to that. He was gonna have to play it clean. And that was his intention from the get go. Interacting with the girl would be a bonus.






The next day...


Junior was making his way down the hall of in school, passing students. As expected, a few of them began to move out of his way. Junior ignored this, not letting this bring his mood down. He'd make their attitudes towards him change. As Junior made his way to his locker and proceeded to unlock it, he noticed Sunset Shimmer to be walking by. She made her way to a locker that was behind him, causing Junior's heart to leap in his chest.

"Oh crap, her locker is behind me!" whispered Junior to himself. He briefly looked over his shoulder as the girl unlocked her locker. Her short hair was so bright that it was the first thing that attracted Junior. His heart beat in his chest, as she began to place in books in her locker. Junior couldn't take his eyes off the girl. She was a beauty. As Sunset closed her locker, she turned. Their eyes briefly met. Junior quickly looked forward at his locker and proceeded to unlock it. His heart was racing in his chest as his cheeks flushed. The girl raised a brow at him as he ignored her. She began to make her way over to him. She was about to speak but was interrupted.

"Sunset!" called a green haired girl as she wrapped her in a hug.

"Oof! Morning, Erika," said Sunset with a chuckle.

"Hey, I was thinking of planting something in the garden in my yard," said Erika as she drew out her phone and began to scroll through the screen. Sunset's attention was on the girl's phone. But her eyes wandered to Junior's back.

"Uh actually, I-"

"Hold on, I just want you opinion," said Erika. Junior took the opportunity to quickly gather his things from his locker and closed his locker.

"Yeah, I think that'll look great," said Sunset.

"Thanks!" said Erika. Sunset turned to Junior's locker but found that that the boy was already moving into the crowd of students. Sunset sighed as she slumped her shoulders. She began to walk with Erika through the hall, passing a corner. Junior was glancing from his sanctuary of the crowd, watching as the girl left. He mentally cursed himself. That was his chance to talk to her again. He even heard her approaching him when she caught him looking at her. She may have been trying to talk to him, but instead he ducked out of there like a coward.

'Least I got her name. I guess...' thought Junior.

Later, Junior was sitting at the lunch table. He was sitting far at the back of the cafeteria, where a few students sat with him, including Rodan. He was staring just several tables down. He found Sunset to be sitting next to Erika and the white haired girl that stood up to him on the first day. The two were conversing. Junior thought he should just go down and maybe talk to her. But that'd be weird. In fact, it might seem like a desperate move to get a girl's number, and Junior felt he was above desperation like that. The Transmutant mentally cursed himself for all of the hesitation that he had.

"What's your deal?" asked Rodan.

"A lot," said Junior in a flat tone.





It was after school. Junior was peaking over the corner of the hall. His eyes were focused on Sunset as she dug through her locker. After she was done, she briefly turned to where Junior's locker was. She then began to walk off. Junior sighed.

"What am I doing? I'm just avoiding her," said Junior as he smacked his forehead. He then began to sneak to his locker. He began to quickly unlock his locker and switched out his books. Once he was through, he made his way outside of the school. He then sneaked passed the Wonder colt statue, where Sunset and Erika were standing. He successfully evaded them, having not drawn their attention as he got to the sidewalk. He began to power-walk away from school grounds. As he grew further away, Junior groaned out loud.

"Cowardice! What would dad say if he knew I was avoiding a girl?!" asked Junior in exasperation. He sighed heavily as he shook his head.

"Maybe it's a good idea. After all, I mucked up the first day. Maybe just a few days of decent behavior will be enough. Then I'll talk to her," said Junior. He then suddenly stopped as he noticed a group of boys to be standing in his path. Their expressions were that of disgust. Junior recognized one of them. He was one of the students that moved away from the table when Rodan revealed that they were Transmutants. Junior slightly narrowed his eyes, having a lot of familiarity with this scenario.

"Heading home, Mutie?"asked the ring leader. Junior scoffed.

"Mutie? What is this? The 1950s?" asked Junior.

"We don't like your kind around here, freak," said a student with a glare. Junior was in awkward silence as he noticed the brown skin tone on the student.

"Do none of you see the irony of a black guy saying that?" asked Junior with a snort.

"Think you're funny, huh?" asked a student as he approached. Junior began to tense as he hardened his expression.

"Easy. I'm just trying to get home," said Junior.

"Ah yeah. Home sounds nice. But when I get home, I always think about how you and your kind are now allowed to go to the same school as us. Makes me sick!" said the student with a glare.

"That's your problem, not mine," said Junior as he turned to walk the other way. He then noticed a couple of other male students to be standing in his path, with their arms crossed. Junior looked back and noticed he was getting surrounded.

"You ARE the problem," said the student. Junior hardened his expression. The student suddenly sent a punch towards Junior, caught the blow and staggered back. He crinkled his brows and flared his nostrils and blew air. His face stung. He then turned to the student.

"That all you got?" asked Junior. He suddenly found himself swarmed by the human students. They began to punch and kick him, while grabbing his hair. With them all surrounding him, Junior stomped on the foot of one of the students, causing him to cry out in pain as he released his hair. Junior then punched another student in the gut on his right, and delivered a punch towards the face of a student on his left. He began to thrash his body about while swinging his arms. His strength caused the students to release him. Junior shouted as he punched another student in the gut, knocking the air out of him. He then kicked a student that attempted to lunge for him from behind, knocking him to the ground. The Trasmutant was about to strike another student but saw him draw out a switchblade.

"Come at me, fucker!" said the student. Junior noticed a skull tattoo on his hand. He hardened his eyes. The teen lunged at Junior with the blade, only for Junior to catch his wrist and twist it. The teen cried out in agony as he dropped the knife. Junior then swung him against the concrete wall, causing him to drop on the ground in pain. Junior turned and found the teens to be painfully getting up and fleeing. Junior smirked as they ran off.






A couple of days later...


Junior was standing in the hallway after school. He was staring at note with a hard expression. The note read 'Mutie, go home!' with a Purist skull drawn at the bottom. Junior crumbled the paper into his hand and slammed his locker shut. He bore a scowl as he walked off.

"Goddamn assholes. They're always trying to pick a fight," said Junior. He began to make his way through the hall until he came across a classroom. He stopped and retreated as he saw Sunset in a classroom with a student. The two were looking through a math book.

"And that's how you end up with the answer," said Sunset. The student smiled in response.

"Thanks, Sunset," said the student as she began to write on her sheet of paper.

"No problem. If you have any more trouble with the work, just come see me. We'll figure it out together," said Sunset. Junior was about to walk off as the girls began to pack, but stopped as he noticed a couple of girls passing him.

"Why are you standing here? Creep," spat one of the girls. Junior quickly backed away with an embarrassed look. He really shouldn't have been standing here and staring. The girls entered the classroom.

"Ugh! You're seriously hanging out with this freak?" questioned the girl, drawing Sunset's and the other student's attention. Junior hardened his expression.

"Excuse me?" Asked Sunset.

"You're that smart girl in our class. Why are you wasting time with this mutie? Why not ditch the freak and rock with us?" asked the girl as she looked to the student next to Sunset in disgust. The Transmutant girl slightly shrunk back with a look of shame. Junior clenched his fist. The nerve of this bitch boiled his blood. The girl looked too timid to stand up for herself. Junior was about to step in and tell the bully off but heard Sunset scoff.

"Why would I want to hang out with bitches like you?" spat Sunset with a glare. Junior's brows rose up at her response. The bully was offended.

"The hell you just say to me?!" demanded the girl. Sunset suddenly got in her face.

"You heard me! I'd never hang out with nasty bigots like you! If you have a problem with her, you have a problem with me!" said Sunset, causing the girl to back off. Junior was enjoying this. And seeing Sunset firey response was nothing short of desirable. Her tone, her undeterred response, and her sticking up for a member of his race made his heart pound in his chest.

"Damn, that's hot," said Junior to himself.

"Yeah? W-Well.... whatever! Freaking Mutie lover!" Spat the girl as she and her friend walked off out of the class. Sunset huffed in response.

"Thanks, Sunset," said the Transmutant girl with a smile.

"No problem. Hey, don't take that kind of lip from people. You give them an inch, they take a mile. Trust me," said Sunset with a soft expression. Junior retreated from the door as the girls left the classroom.

"I won't. Thanks again!" said the girl as she left. Sunset waved to her and turned to walk. But she noticed Junior sneaking away from the area.

"Hey!" called Sunset. Junior stiffened and slowly looked back at her.

"W-What?" stuttered Junior. He found Sunset looking at him with a deadpanned stare.

"Are you stalking me or something?" asked Sunset.

"No, of course not!" said Junior frantically. Sunset chuckled.

"I'm just kidding," said Sunset. Junior gave an embarrassed and relieved chuckle. Sunset looked away as played with her hair.

"So uh... I guess you might have heard me in there," said Sunset awkwardly.

"Yeah," said Junior, unable to maintain eye contact with those shimmering teal eyes. Sunset groaned to herself.

"Sorry. It's just that bullies and people who hold prejudice get my goat. Especially the bullies," said Sunset.

"I didn't have a problem with it," said Junior. Sunset looked at him in surprise.

"The way you told her off without even flinching... it was awesome," said Junior with an embarrassed look. He never had the experience of complementing girls. Doing it now was embarrassing as hell. Sunset blushed in flattery, bearing a pleased smile.

"Heh. You could've helped ya know," said Sunset as she crossed her arms.

"Hm? Oh, right. Hehe... you looked like you had it under control. Maybe next time," said Junior as he pointed his fingers at the girl with a forced smile, imitating a 'cool guy’ point. Sunset chuckled in amusement at the action, much to Junior's embarrassment.

'Great! You just made yourself look like a douchebag," thought Junior in dismay.

"Well, hopefully there won't be a need. Less trouble the better, right?" asked Sunset. She then waved to Junior as she walked off.

"See ya around, Gojira!" Said Sunset as she left. Junior blushed as he waved back.

"Ya. See ya," said Junior with a smile.

'She said my name. She's gonna see me around!' thought Junior with a grin. His plan to talk to Sunset didn't go as he planned, but he still managed to talk to her. The Transmutant began to make his way out of school, making his way to his home. A pleasant mood had overcome him. Perhaps he could salvage his image here at this school after all.





Junior panted as he rolled his neck. The tension was relived, but his nose was bleeding. He shoved a male student that was bruised up back to the ground. The Transmutant wiped his nose as he glared at the student.

"I catch any of you fucking with me again, I'll hit you harder," growled Junior. The student painfully got up and began to walk away.

"Damn freak. This school used to be a lot better before you showed up," spat the student as he left. Junior crossed his arms as he narrowed his eyes. His words bounced off of him like a ball against a stone wall. The Transmutant then walked away from the basketball court at the back of the school and made his way back inside. He entered the hall with an annoyed look, while students stepped out of his path. Junior hadn't noticed it before, but more and more students were beginning to back away. The coming couple of months had proved to be fruitless in his attempt to 'start fresh'. Day by day, students with bad attitudes and a need to compensate for their short comings began to get in his face, even going far to start fights with him. This had dampened Junior's mood as of late. He was beginning to realize that staying out of trouble was harder than he had originally anticipated.

He sighed heavily as he continued to walk through the hall. He stopped as he found Sunset to be talking to a girl by her locker. He found himself staring from across hall. His heart raced in his chest. The girl always caught his eye, with her hair that was like the phoenix's fiery feathers, her beautiful eyes, and her laugh. But, what chance did someone like him had? He had a poor reputation and the blood of a Transmutant coursing through his veins.

He then noticed Sunset and her green haired friend to be walking in his direction. Erika was talking Sunset's ear off as they approached. Junior quickly stood by the wall as he looked away, hoping to appear casual. As the girls passed by, Junior noticed Sunset to be waving at him with a smile. Junior returned a small wave with a shy smile. As the girls left, Junior sighed to himself. He hadn't made a move to talk to Sunset since the last couple of months. It's mainly been waves and 'hey' with her. But despite the minimal interaction since, it has certainly been a whole lot better than with the rest of his peers. Perhaps he still had a chance.

Junior had begun to make his way down the hall but noticed Rodan stumbling. He began to make his way over to him and noticed that Rodan was covered in bruises and bore a bloody nose.

"Rodan?" asked Junior incredulously. Rodan winced as he rubbed his face.

"Hey, Goji..." greeted Rodan.

"What the hell happened to you?" asked Junior.

"Agh. You know. Guys just being guys," chuckled Rodan.

"I uh... I was flirting with this girl. Turned out she had a boyfriend and he didn't like that," said Rodan. Junior sighed. He then began to walk ahead of Rodan.

"Come on, dumbass. Let's get you to the nurse's office," said Junior. Rodan scoffed as he walked after Junior in annoyance.

"You're a dick, you know that?" Asked Rodan.





The next day had arrived. Junior bore a hard expression as he began to move through the hall. Students immediately began to part from his way as they saw his approach, like the Red Sea to Moses. Junior's eyes searched through the students in his wake, causing those who met his eyes to tense. But none of these students were on the Transmutant's mind. From behind, Rodan came rushing.

"Goji, come on man. It's not a big deal," said Rodan with a nervous chuckle.

"No, to hell with that. He's gonna learn a thing or two about handling things like a man. Not jump someone with his friends like a coward," said Junior. Rodan groaned.

"Dude, just let it slide," said Rodan. Junior ignored him. Rodan had told him more of the story the previous day. Apparently it was more than just a one on one incident. The guy that Rodan apparently pissed off had gotten his friends to jump Rodan and the Transmutant didn't bother hitting back.

"I can't believe you didn't hit them back!" said Junior. Rodan shrugged.

"I thought if I was beat up, some girl might show me some sympathy," said Rodan. Junior scoffed.

"God, you're pathetic. You've reduced to taking the sympathy route for girls? Have some pride," said Junior in annoyance. Rodan scratched the back of his head.

"Well, when you put it that way..."

"Hold on. There's that fucker," said Junior as he picked up the pace.

"Goji, wait!" called Rodan. Junior began to approach a small group of boys with a hard expression. They group slightly backed away when they saw Junior approach.

"Hey!" called Junior.

"Yeah?" asked one of the boys. Junior then pointed to the boy in the middle.

"You. Are you the one who got pissed off at Rodan for flirting with your girlfriend?" questioned Junior as he pointed a thumb to Rodan. The student being confronted gave Rodan a glare.

"Hey, I told him it was not a problem!" said Rodan in a defensive manner.

"Shut up!" snapped Junior as he glared at Rodan, who immediately sealed his lips.

"Yeah. He shouldn't have done that," said the student flatly. Junior sent him a glare.

"The hell is your deal? Not man enough to talk? You gotta have your boyfriends jump him like a bunch of cunts? Fucking coward!" said Junior as he got in the boy’s face. The boy shoved him back.

"What are ya gonna do? Huh tough guy?!" The confrontation between the two drew the attention of other students in the hall.

"Oh, you're about to find out in a few seconds unless you apologize to Rodan," said Junior.

"I already said I don't care! Just leave it be!" Said Rodan.

"Why are you letting him-" Junior glared at Rodan but was met with the human student's fist. Junior quickly retaliated and began to beat the student senseless. Soon, he found himself brawling with all of the boys at once. While he caught some punches, he delivered more painful strikes. Junior could have let things go, but he couldn’t. The moment you allow yourself to be beaten down shows weakness. And that weakness will be exploited by assholes. Junior couldn't allow Rodan to go through that. Not when wannabe Purist thugs were watching. Soon, Junior found himself pulled away by campus security. He was panting as he was hauled away by campus security.





Junior was sitting in the cafeteria in silence. He was in detention, along with several other students that sat at separate tables. A heavy sigh escaped his mouth. It seemed that turning over a new leaf was far more difficult after all. Whether it was someone wanting to start a fight with him, or Junior not controlling his emotions. These factors had him enslaved. How did he expect start anew if he couldn't even change himself? This fact drove Junior mad with frustration. Junior peeked at his journal hidden by his textbook. He began to write in it as he thought back to Sunset Shimmer. She was the reason why he was making an effort to change. He wanted to impress her. To be worthy of her affection. So long as he kept that in mind, Junior believed that he could succeed. The Transmutant began to write.

'I hope she'll be my light.' thought Junior.





It was the next day. Junior was walking down the hall of school in silence. He bore a determined look as he passed through the sea of students. This time for sure, he was going to stop dicking around. He vowed to have make the change he said he would. The payoff would be worth it. If he could just get the approval of Sunset, then that's all that mattered. The Transmutant withdrew a folded piece of paper. The top half of the paper bore a little drawing of a phoenix. It wasn't necessarily a masterpiece, but Junior thought it looked nice enough to be put on a note. But that may just be a small little pat on the back for himself to remain secure about his drawing skills. As Junior made his way down by to where his and Sunset's lockers were, he stopped. His eyes were wide and his breathing short. He saw Sunset to be standing by her locker. A blush was on her face as a boy with blue hair and a jacket stood before her. He was rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

"I really like you. Like, a lot," the boy said awkwardly. He then cleared his throat as he faced the girl fully.

"I wanted to know if you... You wanna go out?" asked the boy. Junior tensed as he watched the scene. Sunset chuckled as she brushed a strand of hair from her face.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'd like that," said Sunset, a bit shyly. Junior's stomach dropped and his heart felt as though it was crushed into dust. He began to back away. Unable to take the sight, Junior quickly turned and began to walk off. A hard expression was on his face as he stormed off, while Sunset and Flash walked off together. Junior found himself out in the quad, with a look of anger and hurt on his face. He grabbed the note he had in his pocket and tore it to pieces. The pieces were then thrown into the trash, out of his sight. Junior clenched his teeth as he sat on a table as he buried his face into his hand and shook his head.

"Fucking idiot," Junior cursed himself. He should've known. What gave him the idea that he even had a chance with a girl like Sunset? He was nothing more than a delinquent. He was a brute. He even sucked academically. He berated himself for having a delusion that a fool like him would be with a girl like Sunset. She was never interested in him to begin with! But that wasn't the worse part. Maybe he could have been able to get with the girl. If he wasn't always fighting, he would have had a chance and maybe she'd show interest in him. No, the core reason why he failed was deeper on a genetic level. Because he was a Transmutant, he was always a target for assholes. There's no denying that. Because he was cursed to be a part of the 'filthy race', he was doomed from the beginning. Junior didn't want to believe it at first, he didn't want to accept it, let alone acknowledge it. But he knew better now. He had no place among humans. He would never be their equal. And it didn't matter what Junior did. He was still going to be treated the same.

"Goji?" called Rodan. Junior turned and found Rodan to be looking at him a bit worriedly.

"Hey, you good?" asked Rodan. Junior sighed heavily.

"No," said Junior as he looked to the ground with furrowed brows.

"I was an idiot," said Junior.

"Ah. Heartbroken, eh?" asked Rodan. Junior scoffed.

"How do you figure?" asked Junior.

"Cause I had the same look as you do when I was turned down by a girl," said Rodan. Junior glanced at him as Rodan smiled in reassurance.

"Hey, I get it. We all end up liking someone sometime. And it doesn't always work out as we hope," said Rodan as he crossed his arms. Junior looked down at the ground.

"You just gotta hold your chin up and move on. There's a saying. 'There's plenty of fish in the sea'," said Rodan. Junior scoffed as he stood up.

"Yeah, well people who say that usually have something going for them!" said Junior with a glare. Rodan recoiled in response.

"Me? I've got nothing! No one would stand by me longer than two seconds! I met someone who's first reaction wasn't to look at me like I'm a fucking barbarian, but she was never interested!" said Junior angrily.

"But I guess that's how it is. Some people just aren't meant to be with someone," said Junior as he walked off with his hands in his pockets.

"Gojira, come on. You don't actually believe that, do you?" asked Rodan.

"I don't know what I believe in anymore. But I'll be damned before I let this delusion blind me again," said Junior as he stormed off. Rodan sighed heavily.






Present...


It was the present day. Junior was staring at a yearbook from his freshmen year. He didn't care to get these, but his mother wanted to see them herself. A 'collage of memories' as she put it. Junior found Sunset's picture. She was smiling with her bright short hair being the first to draw his attention.

"I forgot how cute she looked with short hair," said Junior as he closed his yearbook. He never forgot how dedicated he was on changing all those years ago. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. And he just gave up trying when Sunset and Flash got into a relationship. Junior had always been bitter about relationships since then. His heart had hardened and he put up a wall around himself. That's why he was always suspicious of girls like Fluttershy and Mosura when they were nice to him. He feared overthinking their kindness with romantic affection. Even Adagio's flirting didn't help. At one point, he was interested in companionship. But because Sunset's lack of interest and other circumstances, Junior thought that it was better being off alone. He thought it was easier this way rather than risk experiencing the pain again.