"Come on Hark! You just gotta come! Everyone wants you to!" Whines a masculine voice.
Hark, hard at work reading a book about components on electronic appliances, places the book down and looks at his friend, James. He has a short afro with a white t-shirt and long basketball shorts. He sports a frown on his face but is quite determined to get through to him.
Hark merely sighs and shakes his head no before turning back to his studies.
James doesn't like that answer. "Aww come on man! You've been cooped up studying for this whole week! You deserve a break!"
Hark merely continues to read his book, a specific section catching his interest and he delves more into it.
James groans loudly. "Ugh fine! But seriously man, you need to lay off the studying sometime. Get out and do more things like party and meet girls.... shoot maybe even watch TV! I haven't seen you do that in years!"
Hark turned and looked at James with a bemused look. He then pointed at the tv nearby. James looked at it for a moment before remembering something.
"Oh, right, broken..... well get another one! I know you got the money. You've been saving for forever."
Hark merely shook his head no before continuing his reading.
He sighed. "Whatever. If you change your mind, you know where to find me." James said before heading out the room.
As soon as the door closed, Hark put the book down and looked towards the door and frowned. In all honesty, he did think of maybe going out and mingling a bit but that thought was shut down almost immediately for obvious reasons. He sighed before tagging his book and closing it. He decided maybe it would be best to take a break once in a while. He opened the door to his room and went out. There was a long hallway that led to multiple rooms. He took the second door to the left that went to the bathroom. He turned the water on and splashed it on his face getting him more alert than usual. He then looked at himself.
His outfit comprised of a simple black t-shirt and some dark grey jeans. He was a lighter skin tone than his friend, but not much, and had curls in his hair with no facial hair, unfortunately. Most mistake him as younger than he really is and it annoys him. He thought he was average in the looks department, however it wasn't that hard for him to earn attention if he wanted to. He ignored that thought and looked at the time. 11:42. An hour and some change before work starts.
Hark sighed before drying his face and then heading to the living room. It had two comfy couches with an entertainment center and a pretty large flat screen. He sat on the couch comfortably and saw the tv controller. He merely stared at the key to the world of television from a distance. Maybe James was right; It wouldn't hurt to see how the world is progressing on his big shiny box. He slammed his foot on the table, sending the remote up and he easily reached his hand out, grabbing it. He then pressed the power button.
The tv made a blue background and said 'King' in bold and fancy wording, before producing an image. It was ch 11 news. It talked about how a woman that had a drug problem was about to jump off a bridge but was saved by an eleven year old telling her not to do it.
"I just thought that if she was sad, then I should help her out. And now we are great friends." The little girl said with a smile on the tv.
Hark smiled at that. He enjoyed helping others and he surmised he would have probably done the same thing if he could. He changed the channel and it showed some foreign channel. He didn't understand a word that they were saying but they were fighting and it seemed interesting. However after a short while, he opened the guide and looked at all the shows available. He scrolled absent mindedly and saw something of interest when he was younger: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He smiled at that show but before he clicked it, he saw another show. It was under a network called the Hub: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Now Hark had a few thoughts about seeing this. The first one was wondering why in the world someone would write or illustrate a show about ponies. Another is the second part of the title: Friendship is Magic. That sounded so corny that he cringed slightly upon reading it. His last and most confusing thought though was actually considering watching to see what this show is about. Without completely thinking about it, he clicked the remote, turning it to that show. As soon as it showed the channel, he was greeted by an pink horse bouncing around with a rainbow umbrella on its head talking to other technicolor horses.
There was one with a horn and there seemed to be an aura around it that made things float... like magic.
Then the weirdest thing he ever saw happened.... there was a horse, but it wasn't a normal horse, no far from it. No this horse had wings! Hark couldn't do anything but stare dumbfounded at the screen. There was this blue coated pony (that's what these colorful horses call themselves) with a mane that had every color in the rainbow in it. She also seemed to have a tattoo near her butt or flank for horses.... well, ponies.
Hark clicked the remote, turning the tv off. He merely sat and pondered about what he saw. It sure was unexpected, especially the flying ones, but there was one feeling that he would dare not admit to anyone.
It was rather intriguing...
Hark quickly shook his head, thinking that was plenty enough of a break, before heading to his room to study some more.
Hark yawned as he turned to head for his bed for the night. He learned quite a bit more after work and figured it was time to rest. He closed his book, got up and crawled into bed. He was too lazy to undress so he slept in his clothes. As he lay there, getting pretty close to sleep, his right ear registers something. Now Hark's hearing is very good and he has even found himself hearing the bugs crawling in the walls before, so hearing a bush rustle outside was quite easy for him to detect. However, this wasn't the sound of the wind pushing against it; it was more of something disturbing it.
Hark groaned internally knowing exactly who it was. He turned and opened his window and looked straight at his visitor; the same as earlier.
"Oh hey Hark, didn't wake ya did I? I see your hearing is still as good as ever. I barely touched the bush before you opened the window."
Hark merely stared at him with a 'what are you doing here?' look.
James caught it. "Just wanna see if you might have changed your mind about the party going on right now."
Hark shook his head no.
"Aww come on.... Lyra will be there."
Hark froze at the name he just heard. That name, that wonderful angelic name that makes him smile whenever he hears it. That name that belonged to the woman that really stood out the most for Hark. He's known this girl for most his life and has loved her just as long.
James noticed the goofy smile on Hark's face. "She would really like it if you came. She said she hasn't hung out with you much lately and I tried to tell her I would bring you."
Hark thought about it a moment. He did notice that he hasn't seen her in a week or two, so it would be really great to see her again. Plus, he didn't have work tomorrow so he could sleep in a little later. Plus, this could be an opportunity to do something or experience something new, which Hark was all about.
After a moment, Hark looked at his friend and nodded with a smile. James smiled wide at this. "You'll come? Awesome! I swear man, you will have a great time. I'll let ya get dressed. I'll be out here waiting."
Hark nodded before going to his closet. He picked out a decent outfit: Dark blue jeans with a white t-shirt underneath a button up, unbuttoned. He then took the clothes, along with a towel and washcloth to the bathroom to take a shower.
After cleaning himself off and getting dressed, he grabbed his keys, went to the front door and opened it. He saw James smiling at him.
"This is gonna be so awesome! They are gonna have drinks there man! I'm gonna get wasted!"
Hark frowned at him and James noticed that look. "Aww come on man, 21 is still a year away and I don't wanna wait. You shouldn't either. Just relax and have some fun."
Hark sighed before turning around and locking the door. Once done, him and James walked to his car and got inside.
"Man you need to get a fast car like a Mustang instead of this Camaro. You'll get plenty of females that way."
Hark ignored that statement and started his car. He pulled out and headed where James told him the party was. It wasn't too far it seemed; just a few miles away.
When they got there, They parked a bit away and walked over. It was an indoor and outdoor house party. There were people spread out on the front lawn, as well as lots inside once they entered. It reeked of perfume, cigarettes, alcohol, and stupidity.
Hark was having second thoughts about coming here and was thinking of leaving before its too late. However, once he turned to the right and saw three women, he already knew it was too late.
"James! Hark! Glad you two could make it!" One of the women said as she rushed over.
Carrie was the most upbeat of the three. She was 5'7 with long hair that was a mix of curly and poofy brown hair. She also had pretty large C-cup breasts, but very little going for her in the rear section. She was wearing a white low cut shirt to expose her gifts and black jeans. She wasn't shy about anything at all, She enjoyed joking around and being loud. James has a crush on her but he is too shy or chicken to admit it to her, and since she is quite dense in the matters of love, she doesn't notice any subtle hints he gives her.
"H-Hey Carrie! Told you three I'd bring him!" James said proudly.
"Hey Hark! I've missed you. I'm glad you came. Now get drunk so I can have my way with you." The shortest girl said. Her name is Taylor. Her height is 5'5 and she is close to the same skin color but is mixed with other races. However, they rarely show in Hark's opinion. She has semi-long straight dark brown and with a small tint of red hair. Plus, the whole package when it came to her body. She was wearing a nice long black dress that hugged her C-cup breasts and fit her curves perfectly with black heels to make her match Carrie's height. She is a major flirt and guys, as well as a few girls, want to get with her but she pays no attention to them. However, she seems to have some sort of attraction to Hark, but she mostly just talks about going to bed with him and such even though she's a virgin.
Hark rolled his eyes at her comment but still gave her a hug. However, he didn't expect her to start feeling him up, making him jump away quickly.
"Aww, no need to be shy Hark, I don't bite... much." Taylor teased.
James cut in at that point. "Sorry Taylor but you know he belongs to Lyra."
Hark coughed loudly before smacking James lightly on the head. "Ow! It's true!"
Hark shook his head before turning and seeing the last woman of the group.
Lyra, the cutest girl of the three by far in Hark's opinion. She stood at 5'6 and a half (don't forget it) and was a tinge darker than Carrie, also being mixed. She was also the thinnest but still had some weight on her and her body was nothing to downplay either. She may have had small B-cups, but her behind definitely made up for it. She had curly brown hair and was wearing tight black booty shorts, showing off her nice legs and a tight white t-shirt under a small jacket.
She walked over to him with a small smile and immediately pulled him into a hug. "It's nice to see you Hark. Haven't seen you in a while. What's up with that?"
Hark rubbed his face in her hair for a moment as a reply. Lyra giggled. "Hey you, stop that! You'll mess up my hair."
Hark pulled away with a smile on his face and turned to the other three. James had a look that said 'get that already!', while Carrie was sitting there obliviously looking around for others or to plan where to go for the party. Taylor was staring intently at Hark, not even caring if anyone noticed.
"So, now that everyone is here, lets party!" Carrie cheered and everyone left to party, Hark getting pushed towards the table with the snacks and drinks. Lyra followed while Carrie and Taylor went off somewhere quick. James set him right by the drinks.
"Aww sweet! Peach Ciroc! Time to get wasted buddy! You with me?" James said as he grabbed the bottle and poured him some.
Hark wasn't having it though. He knew there would need to be at least one sober person in the group to take the drunkies home.
Lyra pulled a cup over to herself as well. She was a year older so it was okay for her. She downed the first one like a pro and poured another. She turned and pushed it towards Hark. "Live a little Hark. I know you've been stuffed inside studying all the time so take a break every once in a while, please?"
Hark hesitated over that please at the end. She was acting too cute and made that look that always got him. He sighed and took the drink. He looked at it for a moment and then her.
"Oh and don't worry, Carrie said she wouldn't drink and be our dd. So go all out." Lyra said happily.
Somehow Hark doubted that would be true but decided to go against that doubt for once, hoping not to regret it later. He took a large swig and immediately felt the burn of alcohol mixed with cranberry and peach. Pretty good in his opinion. He looked over in time to see James downing his greedily.
"Woo, my third one! I'm feeling it already!" James said looking totally inebriated so fast for no reason.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After 3 or so more cups, they went dancing and met other friends like Marcus, this gay guy that's pretty chill and can make outfits with ease. Only annoying thing is at times he would say "darling" when making jokes. Another was a good friend of Hark's: Serah. She was a timid girl that had caramel skin. She was quite smart and they became friends after meeting in the library. She seemed quite interested in him knowing his condition.
When Hark and the others saw Carrie again, her and Taylor were dancing on some guys, James not liking it so much. Hark could tell they both were drunk and that made him frown. He guessed if he stopped drinking now that he'd be tolerant enough to drive safely.
He then noticed Taylor whisper something into Carrie's ear. She smiled wide before looking at the three; mostly Hark. Before he knew it, he was pulled to the dance floor by her and Taylor before they sandwiched him and started to grind on him.
Taylor was grinding on his back and whispered in his ear. "I've wanted to do this for a while, especially with no clothes on."
Hark shivered slightly at her tone and how her breath tickled his ear. With that, compiled with the alcohol in his system and Carrie rubbing her small ass on him, Hark merely gave in to the moment and danced as well, making both girls smile wide and continue more forcefully.
Then everyone separated: Carrie got pulled off by James saying they need to talk. Hark guessed he was finally gonna tell her outright. Must have been jealous of what he was doing and decided to speak his feelings. About time.
Two guys came over and chatted with Taylor trying to flirt with her and from how she is, she happily indulged in the game. She did however, give Hark a small wink before she went off with them. That just left him and Lyra. Hark noticed while he was dancing with them, she was frowning at it, like she didn't like it. However, once they left, she seemed more upbeat.
"So, now that we are alone, we can catch up on the time we lost. I know I cant ask ya to tell me how you've been, so I'll tell you how things have been going for me. You up to listen cause its alot."
Hark smiled and nodded while pulling her to a more spacial and quiet area which was the front yard, a small ways away from the house. The yard was large by the way. They sat in the grass and Hark merely waited for her to start.
She then began to talk about how she was doing good in school but some classes like Calculus were annoying and hard. He always knew she hated math. He would always try to help her with it, but ended up doing it for her. She returned the favor of course, because he sucked bad at cooking. He got better over time, but she never got much smarter in math.
"Oh, me and Brock broke up. For good this time."
Hark's eyes grew wide at that and he was genuinely surprised. However, the more he thought on it, the more he suspected it would happen. No woman wants to be treated less than some friends.
"I was tired of his bull. I don't want to be treated second to some friends you have. I want a guy that will treat me right and above others, as I would do for him. Someone that would care about me and show it at least daily. Someone eager to spend time with me ya know?"
She then turned and looked Hark in his eyes. "Someone like you."
She closed in immediately after that and kissed him hard. It surprised Hark but that surprise melted into pure joy as he happily returned the kiss. This was the first time this has happened with her and he had to admit, it was better than he had hoped. Her lips were soft and her kissing smooth. She soon parted her lips to tease his with her tongue and he responded briskly by extending his to meet hers, before moving into her mouth as she moaned lightly. The kiss ended and they looked at each other.
"I've been wanting to do that for a while." Lyra said half dazed.
"What the fuck!?"
Hark and Lyra were surprised at that shout and turned to see where it came from. They then saw Brock In some jeans and a wife beater standing there seething in anger.
"The hell are you doing touching my girl!?"
"I'm not your girl! I ended that crappy relationship." Lyra shouted back.
"It's over when I say its over!" Brock yelled as he stomped over. He then tried to grab Hark's shirt and pull Hark towards him, but Hark merely slapped his hand away.
Brock got angrier at this. "You think you can just kiss my girl and have nothing happen to you? Well think again disabled fucker!"
He then without hesitation, swung at Harks face. However, Hark knew it was coming and dodged it easily before getting up and putting his hands up, meaning no harm. He didn't want to fight anyone.
Brock wasn't having it though. He stepped forward but was blocked by Lyra.
"Stop it now Brock! I left you and I'm not coming back. I like Hark and we're dating now, so leave us alone."
Hearing that surprised both Brock and Hark. Hark was overjoyed, finally able to be with her after all this time. Brock however, didn't like what she said and got even angrier. Out of anger, he backhanded Lyra hard, sending her to the ground and began yelling. "That's how it is then?! You're gonna leave me for this damn loser?! Alright! But don't think I'll let you off that easily."
Brock then lifted his hand, ready to deliver another blow, however, he didn't get a chance before he got punched clean in his face, knocking him back.
Hark, after seeing him hit Lyra, got enraged. He didn't care about not fighting, now that his new girlfriend just got hit. He helped her up and she smiled at him. He smiled back but moved her behind him as he heard a loud yell.
"I'll fuckin kill you!" Brock yelled as he rushed at Hark.
Now Hark wasn't a pushover by anyone's standards. He's taken classes in self defense at a younger age for.... reasons and could handle himself easily in a fight. So when Brock came close and tried to swing at him, Hark merely evaded it with ease.
Most of Hark's anger was vented after that first punch so he figured it was pointless to fight now. So, instead of fighting him, he evaded all his attacks, which were sloppy and uncoordinated. While the fight was going on, many came out to see what's up, hearing Brock scream and all. James, Carrie, Serah, and Taylor came out too. Carrie and Taylor were cheering him on while James adorned a serious expression and looked around. He knew that Brock had lots of friends and they love to work together in fights.
Then, right on cue, James saw a guy closing in behind Hark. James cracked his knuckles and smiled deviously. "Was hoping one of you idiots might jump in. Now its my turn."
Meanwhile, Hark was still dodging his attacks until his ears picked up on a noise coming towards him from behind. He turned just in time to swivel to the right of that swing that came his way from another guy.
Hark then realized that not fighting was no longer an option and prepared to hit this new guy. However, someone beat him to it.
Before the new guy could even catch himself after his failed attack, he was hit hard in the face by James, knocking him down.
"I got your back bud." James said with a nod before facing the guy getting up. Another two guys walked forward as well, making it four on two.
"I wish you could talk right now man, I'd know you would have something to say to this." James said, making Hark make a quiet chuckle.
"Hey! That's not fair! Isn't someone gonna help them out?" Carrie complained.
James smirked. "Don't worry about us babe. We got this."
Hark took notice of him calling her babe and the shy way she reacted. He figured they probably finally go out. He'll have to congratulate him later. For now though, he has to tag team four guys. They've been in worse.
One guy immediately rushed at James and swung at him. James dodged it with ease and swung low at him, hitting him in the gut. The guy grabbed his stomach in pain, leaving him open for two quick hard hits to the face before he went face first into the ground. The other guy was surprised but he stood his ground and came after James too, however he kept his guard up.
Meanwhile, Brock and one guy rushed Hark from both sides. Hark calmed himself and studied them both and determined which would reach him first with the help of his hearing. He noticed that Brock was much faster and was coming way faster so he focused on him as he got close. When Brock came close, he swung at Hark's face, but Hark dodged it again and grabbed his extended left hand with his right and pulled, sending Brock forward while Hark spun to the left of his arm and connected a solid elbow to the side of Brock's face hard. Brock was sent to the ground holding his face in pain.
Hark then noticed the other guy's slight hesitation and took the opportunity to rush him. He bashed the guy with his shoulder, but then grabbed one of the guy's hands so he won't go anywhere and moved swiftly behind him with the arm. He then shoved him forward onto the ground, still holding his hand in an uncomfortable and painful position.
At about the same time, James tripped the guy trying to fight him by sliding his foot fast, taking one of the guys legs. While out of balance, he delivered a solid blow to his face, knocking him to the floor and upon impact, the guy held his head in pain and merely laid there.
"Try to jump my friend again and I'll end ya punk." James said at him but then something happened.
BANG! BANG!
James immediately, along with everyone else, dropped to the floor or scattered at that sound. It was gunfire. After James dropped low, he heard a voice.
"Hark!!"
James turned and looked where Hark was last at and he froze. Hark was on the ground not moving, while Lyra ran to him.
"Hark! Hark! Please open your eyes!"
At that moment, James fumed and saw who did this to him. Brock was standing there with a gun pointed right where Hark was standing before he fell. He was also facing away from James. James wasted no time and rushed him. Before Brock knew it, James knocked the gun out of his hand before smashing his fist as hard as he could right into the bridge of his nose, shattering it and getting a loud yell from Brock as he dropped on the ground and writhed in pain.
James then ran straight over to his friend. He took in his condition and felt his heart stop for a moment. Hark was laying there with his eyes clenched shut from pain and he had a hole right near his stomach and one on his right arm.. He couldn't tell if it hit vital spots or not, but it was too close to matter. He knew his friend is in great danger right now. He turned and saw Carrie already on the phone calling the ambulance while Taylor came out with some towels. Her and James quickly got to work trying to keep their friend alive until the medics came, while Lyra was sitting there trying to get him to respond. Taylor covered the wound on his stomach with a towel to prevent him from bleeding out, while James tied a towel tight to make a makeshift tourniquet for him.
He then saw Hark cough out blood and open his eyes slightly.
"Hark! Stay with us man! We'll get you some help!" He said with panic in his voice.
Hark could feel himself getting close to passing out. He was in more pain than he could describe and every movement made it worse. He was slightly surprised he didn't go into shock after getting shot twice. He checked it off as perhaps the adrenaline he had during the fight. He then turned and saw the others looking at him.
Carrie was looking down at him with a sad expression, occasionally taking a glimpse at his wounds and cringing. Taylor was trying to keep pressure on his stomach. Serah was nearby too, watching and trying to see if she could help in some way. Lyra was right next to him, tears streaming down her face as she cried. Hark felt his eyelids get heavier and James noticed it.
"Don't you close your eyes man! We need you awake til the meds come!"
Hark merely shook his head weakly, surprising them. Hark then moved his uninjured hand from the ground and pointed near where James was kneeling beside him.
"Huh? what's.... No...."
James merely looked in horror at where he was pointing. It was the ground, but it was covered in blood and still getting slightly bigger even though both wounds were covered. Then James realized it. He had an exit wound.
"Quick! Lift him so we can get the exit wound!" James said as he started to lift him but Hark stopped him, surprising him again.
"Dude I gotta stop the bleeding! There's still time!" James said almost pleadingly.
Hark frowned and slowly shook his head, letting them know that it was too late. Hark knew for some reason that he isn't going to make it out of this. He was already seeing black spots in his vision and his eyes getting heavier. He chanced another look and lifted both of his hands; the injured one more slowly. He then locked eyes with Carrie and started making gestures with his hands.
Carrie immediately noticed what he was doing; Sign language. She learned it a long time ago and could tell what he was saying, but what he said make her eyes water even more.
"W-What did he just say?" Taylor asked, seeing it as well.
She looked at Hark again and he gave her a small nod. She sniffed lightly and spoke. "He says that he is sorry and that he will miss us all."
Hark then continued and Carrie started to interpret. "He said that he's glad to have had friends like us. Even when he's gone, he wants us to stay strong... And he doesn't blame anyone for this so don't think that at all. Also... he... he said..." Carrie stopped there as she started sobbing. "Come on Hark, please don't make me continue... I can't bear it..."
Hark stopped and laid his hands down. This was one instance in a long time that he wished he could speak, if only for a short while. He merely tried to put on a smile regardless of the pain.
James spoke as tears were in his eyes too. "Man Hark, I can't believe this is happening right now. I've know you since kindergarten man! We became good friends immediately after we teamed up on dodgeball. We've been inseparable since. We had each others back for years man. I can't believe its about to come to an end....." He said as he looked to the ground.
"Hark, I know I've teased you a lot and stuff...but I just wanted to let you know that I've cared for you...and loved you, for a long time. I wanted to be with you too, but I knew how you felt. I just tried to stay as close to you as I can since then. I just wanted you to know that." Taylor said with her head down and tears running down her face.
Hark wasn't completely surprised at the information, more surprised she said it. He always wondered why he never actually gave her a chance. She was far from unattractive and she didn't do anything really all that bad. He actually secretly enjoyed her teasing sometimes. He figured its because of his feelings for someone else.
There are siren sounds in the distance.
"Pace.... You can't be dying on us... please...." Carrie said, now down close and holding one of his hands. Hers were trembling. "You can't die... not yet... There are still things we have to do....Things I need to tell you... Please, don't leave me..."
Hark was crushed seeing her like that. Hark knew it would be tough on her. Out of all his friends, he was the closest with her and knew her the longest. He really wished he could get up and assure her, but every movement brought too much pain. He also wondered what all she wanted to do and what she wanted to say.
The sirens grew louder.
"Hark no.... I... this cant be happening! I finally made things right! I.. we just got together.... I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you...."
Hark turned to see Lyra breaking down as much, if not more than Carrie. He was feeling mad that he got shot because now he cant experience a life with her. He lifted his injured hand and placed it softly on her hand. She looked at him and he gave her a small smile trying to stop her crying. It seemed to work as the tears stopped and she tried to return it, albeit shakily.
Hark's eyes started to slowly close. This is one crazy way to go. I tried something new and this is how it ends. I do wonder what would have happened if I stayed home and maybe watched TV...like that pony show. What was its name...Friendship is Magic. Bad...name.....
Then Hark stopped moving and the last thing he heard was a siren and Lyra yelling his name.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"So who shall we test the spell out on then sister?"
"Hmmm, I'm thinking. It has to be someone that won't be missed and no one would really notice that one is gone. Also it has to be smart. That way it can help us."
"There are so many of them to choose from. How art thou going to choose?"
"I'll just pick randomly hehe."
"Sister! Tis not a laughing matter! This is merely our first time with this spell and it's not even foalproof!"
"I know, I was just kidding... Oh! How about that one?"
"Him? Why him?"
"Well, he won't have any strings attached if he were to leave now seeing how he is... well, incapacitated at the moment. He would be the perfect test subject. And as for the colors... mmm lets go with a dark purple, cream and yellow."
"Very well, the spell seems to be working fine since it got us thus far. Let us hope it stays that way."
"You worry too much. What's the worse that could happen?"