Junior was silently sitting in the classroom during lunch; his eyes were glued to a notebook. He was analyzing the notes that he had taken with Sunset Shimmer from the previous day. As he read through the notes, he heard the door opening and the sound of heels clacking against the floor as the door closed. The Transmutant tore his eyes from his notes and found Vice Principal Luna standing by the desk at the front of the room.
"Vice Principal Luna?" asked Junior in confusion.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Takeshi," greeted Luna. "Studying diligently, I see,"
"Yeah. I'm trying to prepare for my retake test," replied Junior as he looked back to his notes.
"Would you like some help?" asked Luna. Junior looked at her in surprise, finding a smile to be on the woman's face.
"Uh... Is that alright?" asked Junior.
"I'm your Vice Principal. It's my job to help students," said Luna as she made her way at Junior's side. She leaned next to him as she placed her hand on the desk, looking at the notebook. Junior's heart jumped in his chest as he caught a whiff of the woman's scent. It was pleasant smell and more potent on her long hair.
"Now, what seems to be the problem?" asked Luna. Junior cleared his throat as he came out of his dazed state.
"Well, I'm just trying to get a rounded..." Junior's voice trailed off as his nose continued to pick up Luna's lovely scent. He gulped as heart raced and he felt like he was going to pass out.
"Is something wrong, Mr. Takeshi?" asked Luna.
"Huh? No, nothing is wrong!" said Junior with a nervous laugh. Luna looked at him inquisitively.
"Are you sure? You look kind of hot," said Luna. Junior's face flushed furiously.
"I'm...I'm sorry?" asked Junior with his voice increasing a bit higher in pitch. Luna brought her hand over his forehead and felt heat coming off of it.
"Oh my. You're burning up!" said Luna in surprise. Junior slightly pulled away as he avoided eye contact with the woman.
"No. I'm not sick. I just build more heat compared to normal humans," said Junior. He was thrown into a state of anxiety by the beautiful woman's close presence. His blushing was so bad he felt others would assume he was ill.
"Oh. Is that so?" asked Luna in curiosity.
"Yes, ma'am," muttered Junior. He then gasped as Luna brought his head close and pressed her forehead against his own. Junior trembled as his eyes widened while Luna gave a soft happy hum as she felt his warmth
"It's just like having your personal heater. Lately these halls and classrooms have been getting cold because of the broken heaters. I hope you don't mind, Mr. Takeshi," said Luna.
"Oh. No, not at all Vice Principal-" Junior was interrupted as Luna opened her eyes half way and gave him a seductive look.
"Please, just call me Luna," said Luna as she ran a finger along Junior's cheek. Junior felt his heart skip a beat at the action. Luna removed herself from Junior and sighed as she removed her button up long sleeved shirt.
"I hope you don't mind. I'm getting a little warm now," said Luna as she revealed a blouse under her coat. Junior gulped as Luna sighed and adjusted her seating next to him.
"Now, let's move on," said Luna. Junior nodded frantically as he went back to studying. Luna smirked as she brought her legs on the desk next to him. Junior couldn't help but glance at her shapely legs and notice smooth they looked, how elegant they looked with her black tights, and how shiny they were as the light caught them.
"Like what you see?" asked Luna. Junior gasped as he tore his eyes away and went back to working. Luna smirked at the boy's flushing state. She brought her legs down and removed one heel, slowly bringing her foot against Junior's and rubbing against it. The Transmutant went stiff as he felt the nylon foot graze beneath his jeans and against his bare shin. Luna merely smiled as she watched his reactions.
"Gojira, would you mind taking a minute to give me a massage?" asked Luna.
"Wha...?" Junior glanced at her in confusion. He gasped as he found her bringing her left foot up to his face, where he was able to catch the smell of her sweaty foot.
"I've been in these heels all day. I must be able to get through the rest of the day. I'd appreciate your service~," sang Luna as she brought her foot against Junior's lap. As she rubbed her soles against his upper thigh, Junior's heart pumped harder. He shakily grabbed her foot and felt the soft material of her nylons against his skin. The feeling was sensational, causing him to grow hotter. As he worked the knots in Luna's soles, she released soft moans.
"Oh. Gojira, you have such divine hands," moaned Luna. Junior shook as he released Luna.
"I'm sorry, we shouldn't do this!" said Junior. Luna looked on at disappointment. She sighed as she brought Junior's head to closer to hers.
"Don't fight it. Just kiss me," whispered Luna as she leaned closer to Junior as she parted her lips. The Transmutant felt himself moving without thinking of it. He grew closer as well until he was just inches from her.
"Gojira," called a feminine echo. Junior's eyes shot wide open. He raised his head up with a sheet of paper stuck to his cheek.
"Huh? What?" asked Junior in a drowsy tone as he frantically looked around. He found himself in the club room right next to Sunset Shimmer, who looked as though she was holding in her laughs.
"Had a nice nap?" snickered Sunset. Junior shook his head as he pulled the paper from his cheek and found the notes that he was taking earlier. He found that these were the same ones in his dream, matching perfectly. He realized that his study sessions were paying off.
"Wha... What happened?" asked Junior.
"Well, you fell asleep after our session," said Sunset as she took a tissue and dabbed it against Junior's cheek, wiping off the small amount of drool he had on his cheek.
"Oh. Sorry," said Junior.
"It's alright. We finished anyway," said Sunset. Junior looked around the room and noticed that both of them were alone.
"Hey. Where is everybody?" asked Junior.
"Home. It's just you and me," said Sunset as she tossed the tissue into the trash.
"Oh," said Junior as he looked at his cell phone's clock, finding it to be 4:40 in the evening.
"Hey, are you getting enough sleep? You seem to nap every now and then," said Sunset with a hint of concern. Junior sniffled as he rubbed his nose of stuffiness.
"I get tired a lot during Fall and Winter," said Junior. "It's like a weird hibernation thing going on with me,"
"Ah. That explains it," said Sunset as she packed her bag. Junior did the same. Soon, the two left the club room and locked up.
"Um... Hey," called Sunset. Junior glanced at her.
"Yes?" asked Junior.
"Would you mind walking me home?" asked Sunset. Junior raised a brow.
"Shouldn't Flash be doing that?" asked Junior.
"Normally. But I told him to go on ahead home earlier since I planned on walking today," said Sunset. Junior sighed.
"If you say so. Lead the way," said Junior. Sunset smiled in response as she led Junior outside of the school. The two traveled down the street as the twilight was over the land.
"So, what did you have a dream about?" asked Sunset. Junior went stiff as the girl brought up the subject.
"Nothing. Just kicking ass," said Junior.
"Really? I'm not surprised," said Sunset. Junior scowled.
"I'm just going to ignore that," deadpanned Junior. As the two continued down the road, Sunset glanced at him.
"Gojira, why do you act like that?" asked Sunset.
"Like what?" asked Junior.
"You know. You act so negative all of the time. You antagonize pretty much everyone you speak to, you have a clear disdain for the school, and you're rude to me and the others," said Sunset. Junior looked at her in annoyance.
"So, what's your issue?" asked Junior. Sunset inhaled through her nostrils as she tried to ignore Junior's intentional dense response.
"My issue? The real question is what is your issue? I try to help you but you get all defensive and aggressive towards me and the others," said Sunset. Junior narrowed his eyes at her as he stopped walking.
"Maybe it's because I don't want your help nor do I need it," said Junior.
"But why not?" asked Sunset.
"Because that's pathetic. I hate relying on other people. I hate receiving help from them. It's weak," said Junior. Sunset smacked her lips.
"Do you have an ego from you being able to do all of the stuff that you can do? Do you think you're better than everyone else?" asked Sunset in annoyance.
"Oh gee, I don't know Sunset. Do you feel better than me? Do you see yourself becoming successful in the next five to ten years from now?" asked Junior in a mocking tone. He turned away from Sunset and walked off.
"Give me a fucking break. I don't have that much pride," said Junior. Sunset furrowed her brows as she walked after Junior.
"What's wrong with relying on other people?" demanded Sunset.
"Why rely on someone who'll turn against you in the future or is just using you for their own benefit? Why give them the chance?" asked Junior.
"Not everybody is like that, Gojira!" responded Sunset with a glare.
"Wrong. That's how everyone is. Some do it for power, wealth, and appearances. They all have a different goal, but they have the same method," said Junior. He even glanced at Sunset.
"Just like you and the rest of the club," said Junior. Sunset's eyes widened in response.
"Wait. You think we're just using you?" asked Sunset in disbelief. Junior stopped walking and turned to face her.
"No one in their right mind would accept a Transmutant and a delinquent into their club, Sunset Shimmer. You obviously must all be having some plans that involves me to make yourselves look like true saints in the school," said Junior. Sunset glared at him as she stepped closer to the Transmutant.
"You cannot be... How dare you!" said Sunset. Junior sent her a harsher glare.
"How dare I? No, how dare you! You expect me to believe that all of you genuinely made me a member to be your friend? After how you and every single one of those bastards at school looks at me?!" demanded Junior. Sunset slightly flinched at his tone and his glare, but she stood her ground.
"Every day, I hear people call me a freak, a bad influence, a monster! I've been called an accident by scientists. Transmutants think I'm bending over for humans. My human mother is scorned because she gave birth to me!" yelled Junior as he pointed to himself. Sunset's expression softened. Junior panted as he let some of his bottled up anger out.
"Sunset, do you know what the first question that doctors ask a woman that's pregnant with a Transmutant?" asked Junior.
"What?" asked Sunset. Finally speaking after a minute of listening, Junior inhaled deeply as he held his stern gaze.
"They ask, 'Would you like the option for an abortion?'," said Junior in a low tone. Sunset's eyes widened in response.
"You know I imagine how my dear mother felt when they asked her to choose between a lifetime of scorn for having a freak of a child, or just preventing that child from ever experiencing life?" asked Junior. Sunset remained silent.
"You know, some parents do it too. They do it for common reasons, others to avoid the stigma, a few do it out of mercy for their child to never live in a world where they have no acceptance, and a tiny group does it because they are disgusted that the one who got them pregnant had a curse in his genes," said Junior. Sunset felt a knot in her stomach as the Transmutant spoke to her with such anger and hate in his tone.
"So I'm sorry if I don't take your word for why you all accepted me into the club. You try having the world against you and see things from my perspective, but I guess there’s no chance with you being a human safe in your bubble," said Junior as he turned and walked away. Sunset stood and watched Junior leave with a deep frown as she tried to walk after the Transmutant.
"Gojira... I-"
"Save it. Let's just get you home," said Junior. Sunset sighed as she lowered her eyes to the ground and continued to lead the Transmutant through this neighborhood. Along the way, Junior felt a little better about getting some stuff off of his chest. Though he realized that it might not have been appropriate to tell his club member about them, it was a habit he had to call people on their bullshit.
As he escorted Sunset home, he left the property before she could say good bye. He held his hands in his pockets as he left the neighborhood.
"I am a man of strength. Yet I go to a great length for something I seek. What I search for may make me weak," said Junior as walked down the road, a strange thought coming into his head.
"My endurance makes me strong. Fear is something that I have not held onto for long. I am a fighter. In the dark, I don't need a lighter. All who approach me, quake by my shadow. In my wake, may I find a land that I can call home. For one day, it shall be my own. One day I shall be free to live alone. Like the bear, I prefer to live in solitude. Like the dragon, I have a bad attitude," said Junior as turned the corner.
"Gotta remember that. Makes a good poem," said Junior to himself.
Junior was sitting in the kitchen at the table in silence as he ate his dinner. His mother sat near him as she ate her dinner as well. The two had not said a word to each other since they had sat down. This began to concern Miwa.
"So... How was school today?" asked Miwa.
"Eh. It was fine," said Junior with a shrug.
"Well, that's good to hear," said Miwa with an unsure expression. Her son's voice carried a solemn tone to it. She had to prod him more to learn his trouble.
"How was your club?" asked Miwa. Junior remained silent as he pondered how to answer.
"I just studied. We talked about helping with setting stuff up for the Fall formal," said Junior.
"That's cool. You going?" asked Miwa. Junior snorted in response.
"Like hell I am," said Junior. Miwa sighed in response.
"It wouldn't hurt," said Miwa. Junior shrugged.
"I just don't care for these events that the school puts on. It's bad enough we're forced to be at these pep rallies. Bleh," said Junior with a scowl. Having to listen to crap music while everyone screamed in the gymnasium was not Junior’s idea of fun.
As the two continued to eat in silence, Junior felt a nagging thought in the back of his mind. His verbal outburst with Sunset stuck with him. He wondered if he should actually show up to the club room after what had happened earlier. It would be pretty awkward if he did come back, not to mention that Sunset was telling everyone else what happened right now. But what really stuck to him was a question that he had for his mother. He never asked her before because he couldn't bring himself to put her in an uncomfortable spot, but he had to know the answer.
"Mom, why didn't you abort me?" asked Junior. Miwa's eyes slightly widened as she became still as stone. Her heart nearly stopped beating. She slowly brought her eyes to meet her child's.
"What?" asked Miwa.
"Every human woman that was impregnated by the seed of a Transmutant is automatically eligible for an abortion that's covered by medical insurance. You had the choice to not have me, but you did anyway," said Junior.
"Son. Wh-Why are you- what's brought this on?" asked Miwa in disbelief. Junior was able to tell that she was getting uncomfortable. Junior sighed.
"I just... I want to know why. Why did you have me, knowing that most people would scorn you?" asked Junior. He looked down at his hands solemnly.
"I'm pretty much just a burden for you," said Junior.
"No, don't say that," said Miwa as she took her son's hand. She held it tightly as she looked at him firmly.
"Junior... I did think long and hard before making my decision. But I didn't fear what would become of me, it was you that I was afraid for," said Miwa as she held her son's hand.
"I was afraid for how my child would survive in this world. There were so many things that could happen as you grew up that I had nightmares about it," said Miwa. Junior glanced at his mother and found her soft expression.
"But I couldn't bring myself to abort you. I didn't feel right about it, and you were the result of my love for your father. So, I swore that I was going to raise you to the best of my ability and keep you safe from anyone that would hurt you," said Miwa as brought a hand on her son's cheek with a light smile. Junior felt himself tearing up, but immediately blinked and turned away.
"I just wish I could've been better for you. If only I blended in more. Instead I get into fights, and worry you to death," said Junior with a sniffle. Miwa wrapped her arms around him and rested her chin on his shoulder.
"Better? I couldn't possibly ask for better when I have what I wanted," said Miwa.
"What's that?" asked Junior.
"A child who tries his best and who loves me," said Miwa as she planted a kiss on the Transmutant's cheek. Junior smiled to himself as he returned his mother's hug. She was always there for him, even after his father had disappeared. He thought himself lucky to have been the child of this loving woman.
Sunset sighed as she brushed her crimson hair. She was showered and dressed in her pajama shirt and pants, her teeth brushed with a minty freshness. It always felt great after taking care of one's own hygiene. After she finished brushing her hair, Sunset's mind wandered back to a couple of hours earlier. She sighed heavily as she lowered her head with a deep frown. Her walk with Junior didn't go as she thought it would. She thought that she could have taken the moment to get to know him a bit more. Instead, she ended up on his bad side by opening up old wounds. If there was one problem that she had, Sunset was a bit more verbal with all of her thoughts, which may have started this issue to begin with Junior.
"Ugh. I feel so lousy," said Sunset. She moved away from her mirror and made her way onto her bed. Sunset lied down on her bed as she took out her cellphone and stared at her screen. She brought up her contacts and looked through them before coming across Junior's name, which she selected and brought up the text message board. She stared at the typing cursor as she held her phone, not moving a muscle, before she typed the word, "Hey". As Sunset was about to send the message, she stopped. Her finger shakily remained in place as she pondered her move. The girl sighed as she canceled the message and brought her phone's main screen back on. She plugged her phone into the charger and turned off her lamp.
"Please don't let tomorrow be awkward with him," said Sunset as she brought her blanket over her shoulders and lied on her side.
It was morning. Miwa shivered in place as she drove in her car. The cold air in the morning was always unkind to early risers. She knew well that her son was likely griping more about the morning rather than the cold itself on his way to school. Miwa steered her way over to a cafe in town and parked her vehicle. She shut off her car's engine and proceeded to exit it.
Miwa entered the cafe and scanned the inside of the establishment. The aroma of coffee and eggs entered her nostrils, causing her to give a sigh. Breakfast was always her favorite meal of the day. Miwa eyes continued to scan the tables and booths, finding Blaire to be dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a coat. The woman waved to her from one of the booths, prompting Miwa to approach her. She took a seat across from Blaire.
"Hey Miwa. Glad you could make it over for breakfast," said Blaire with a smile.
"Hi, Blaire. Thanks for inviting me. It's been awhile since we've been able to hangout like this," said Miwa. Blaire chuckled.
"Yeah. Work's been murder. You know, they found that Night Angel vigilante striking again?" asked Blaire.
"Oh, really?" asked Miwa.
"Yeah. This time they found his symbol next to an entire Transmutant street gang. Shoot, I'm almost tempted to find him to get him on the force," said Blaire. Miwa smiled.
"That would be nice, considering how much of those hard to find criminals are found by him," said Miwa.
"Yeah, but the chief doesn't like that there's some guy out there taking the law into his own hands. It's bad enough that a lot of Anti-Mutates are getting their jimmies rustled after rumors about him possibly being a Transmutant," said Blaire as she took a sip of her coffee. "So, the guy is to be taken into custody if found."
"Oh. Well, that's a shame," said Miwa as rubbed her cold hands together. She suddenly heard a couple of whispers from behind her. Curious, Miwa glanced behind herself and found a few people from their respective tables murmuring among each other as their eyes focused on her. Miwa grimaced as she turned forward.
"So, what do you feel like having for breakfast?" asked Blaire as she held up a menu.
"Huh? Oh! Well, I think I'll..." Miwa picked up her own menu and looked through it. Before she could finish analyzing the menu, she felt a nagging feeling that someone was approaching her.
"Hey," called a woman's voice. Miwa jumped at the voice, which sounded confrontational. She turned and found a woman with orange hair glaring at her as she held her hands on her hips.
"Um... Yes?" answered Miwa in reluctance.
"Aren't you that woman that had a kid with a Transmutant?" questioned the woman. Blaire furrowed her brows at the woman's rude question. She always hated when people thought that they could nosy their way into other people's business.
"Um... Well I'm certainly not the only woman who had a child with a Transmutant," answered Miwa with a shrug. The woman's face took on a look of disgust.
"Yeah, I told you that she was the mutate lover in the neighborhood," said the woman as she looked back to a couple of her friends that were approaching from the booth at the far end of the room.
"Excuse me?" asked Miwa with wide eyes.
"Disgusting. Who would wanna have those things growing inside them?" asked one of the other women. Blaire hardened her eyes while Miwa shrunk back. The orange haired woman slammed her hand on the table as she glared at Miwa.
"So what's your secret? You moved into the neighborhood to let your devil-spawn terrorize the neighborhood?" demanded the woman.
"My son does no such thing, Citrus!" retorted Miwa.
"He will. He's gonna take after his terrorist of a father. They always do!" said Citrus. Miwa gritted her teeth as she furrowed her brows. Her heart raced as her frustration started to grow against the xenophobic woman.
"You should've done the responsible thing and aborted that monster while you still had the chance," said another woman. Miwa looked away as her eyes watered while the woman with orange hair shoved her shoulder. Blaire stood up over the woman with a harsh glare.
"Hey, you don't know a damn thing about her or her son. You keep harassing her, I'm gonna have to set you all straight," said Blaire. The woman smirked.
"What are you gonna do about it, blondie?" mocked Citrus. As she was about to shove Blaire, she grabbed her by her arm and forced her down on the table. Miwa jumped while everyone in the establishment turned their attention towards the confrontation. Before the other women could react against Blaire, she turned herself with her badge drawn out.
"You assault me, I will not be kind," warned Blaire with a stern expression. The women backed down with nervous expressions. Blaire leaned over Citrus as she winced on the table.
"I may be a cop, but I will make your life a living hell if I hear any of you harassing this woman or her son ever again. Do I make myself clear?" asked Blaire in a low tone.
"Crystal," growled Citrus. Blaire brought Citrus up and forced her away from the booth.
"Good. Now beat it before I arrest you for attempted assault on an officer," said Blaire with a glare. Citrus scowled as she and her friends went back to their booth. Everyone inside of the establishment awkwardly went about their conversations and breakfast. Blaire sat back down and found Miwa to be looking down at the table with teary eyes. The constant demonizing of her son and husband always broke her heart. She didn't care what they said about her, but she couldn't stand the ridicule that her son likely suffered. Sometimes she wondered how she was able to keep a smile on her face for her son. It was a mystery to even herself. The blonde patted her friend on the shoulder.
"Hey, come on. No need to shed any tears," said Blaire with a soft smile. Miwa sniffled as she wiped her eyes.
"I'm sorry. Thanks for sticking up for me," said Miwa with a small smile. Blaire nodded to her.
"What are friends for?"
Junior sat down in his Algebra class in silence. He held his head up with his hand as he leaned on his desk, listening to his teacher explain the formula to a math problem. His eyes were deadpanned as he kept them on the board, doing his best to remain focused. Still, he couldn't help but glance at his side and find Sunset sitting in her usual spot just three seats away on his right. The girl appeared to be fidgeting in her seat as she tried to keep herself focused on the teacher. Junior found himself staring for a second, but then snapped out of his stare as he noticed Sunset beginning to look his way. Junior kept his eyes forward as he mentally sighed.
'Today we're supposed to help set up the gymnasium for the formal,' thought Junior. There would be no avoiding confronting Sunset again. The club room would force them to come together. He considered making up a story to avoid coming to the club to help and just go home, but he thought that the long term effect would be annoying. He didn't even know what sort of story that he could make up.
'Why the hell am I even worried about this? It's not like any of them are my friends,' thought Junior with a scowl. He shook his head as he took his notes as the teacher went into detail about an equation. He was just going to pretend that what happened the previous night with Sunset did not happen. It was best to leave such a thing buried in the past. He only hoped Sunset was wise enough to do so as well.
Later...
Lunch time. Students gathered in their usual spots with their usual meals served throughout the week. Junior, as always, was sitting at the segregated table reserved for Transmutants. Just to avoid an awkward conversation with Sunset Shimmer a bit longer, he had decided to eat lunch at the table. Fortunately, he had decent company with him.
"So, yeah I got three tickets. I was going to ask AJ to the formal, but she turned me down when I asked her out," said Rodan in disappointment as he held the tickets. Angirasu sipped his small carton of milk as he glued his eyes on the tickets.
"That's a shame. Especially with how these things aren't cheap," said Angirasu.
"Yep. Now the Formal is coming up tomorrow night, and I don't even have someone to go with. All I got are three tickets!" said Rodan in frustration. Junior glanced at him.
"Why would you buy three tickets? The hell is wrong with you?" asked Junior.
"I thought I could've give one to a girl for a date and have a wing man with me! Don't judge me!" said Rodan as he looked away.
"Yeah, it's a little late for that," deadpanned Junior. He then sighed. "You can always just give them away.
"To whom?" asked Rodan.
"The hell if I know. Ask one of your friends or something," said Junior in annoyance.
"I would, but you guys pretty much count as being my only friends," said Rodan in a small tone with a look of shame. Junior rolled his eyes.
"I don't know where you got that idea about me and you being friends," said Junior. Rodan shot him a glare in response.
"For what it's worth, I'm flattered that you think of me as a friend," said Angirasu with a smile. Rodan grinned as he held up one of his tickets.
"In that case, you want one of these babies? I'll give it to you for free," said Rodan. Junior looked at him incredulously.
"You were going to charge- Oh, wait you know what. Never mind, I think I would have done the same thing if I gave enough of a shit about proms," said Junior as he went back to eating.
"You know, you should hang out with us at the formal. I'll even give you the other ticket!" said Rodan.
"No," said Junior as he sipped his water.
"Come on! You gotta be my wingman there, man!" said Rodan.
"I thought Angirasu was going to be your wingman," said Junior with a raised brow.
"Well, he is. But since I can't get a girl to come with me, I might as well have two wingmen! More chances of getting cuties, am I right?" asked Rodan as he bounced his brows.
"What?" asked Junior in disbelief. He sighed in annoyance.
"Rodan, we're Transmutants. The majority of the students at this school are humans, and I've hardly seen female Transmutants. Also, I'm feared by a lot of other students, including the girls. With me, I'd be getting the girls to stay even further away from you," said Junior.
"Ah. You're just not confident enough! Besides, you're in a club room with a bunch of cute girls! You're living every man's dream!" said Rodan with a thumbs up.
"So, every man's dream is to be stuck in a club room with a majority of girls that likely hates you because you're a delinquent and a freak to humans? Gee, you sure know how to make a guy feel good about his situation," deadpanned Junior.
"No, dick. You look too much into people to find some kind of sinister motive. I swear, you're paranoid as hell," said Rodan. Angirasu nodded in agreement.
"They can't be that bad," said Angirasu.
"It's all an act. I'm just a means to an end for them. Nothing more," said Junior as he gulped down his water. Rodan shook his head at Junior's pessimistic thoughts. Then, an idea popped into his mind. Rodan smirked.
"You know, I think I'll have to investigate this myself," said Rodan.
"How do you mean?" asked Junior with a raised brow. Rodan chuckled as he drew out two application forms. Junior's eyes widened as he found Rodan's and Angirasu's signatures on them.
"What are these?" asked Junior in a worried tone.
"Heh. Aang and I have been talking and we thought, 'a club would be cool to attend with our buddy Gojira!' So we signed these sheets to join you in the Friendship Club," answered Rodan.
"Technically, he was the one that thought that, but he was mostly motivated by seeing the girls. I came along for the ride since Rodan invited me," interjected Angirasu as he wiped his lips with a napkin. Junior sighed in exasperation as he slumped his head.
"God, why are you doing this to me?" asked Junior.
"Lighten up man. This could be fun," said Rodan with a smirk. Junior shook his head.
"Rodan, please don't say anything stupid that may make me look worse than I already do," said Junior.
"Oh! I'm hurt to hear you say that!" said Rodan with a mocked offended tone.
"Shut up. You know damn well that you have a big mouth," said Junior with a deadpanned stare. Angirasu smiled.
"Well, I'm looking forward to this. When do we apply?" asked Angirasu.
Twilight stared at the two application sheets that were in her hands. She looked up from the papers and found Rodan and Angirasu to be smiling at her. She then glanced to the side and found Junior scowling as he held his arms crossed in his seat. Twilight smiled as she placed the sheets down and extended her hand to them.
"Welcome aboard the Friendship Club. I hope we can all become great friends!" said Twilight as she shook the hands of the two Transmutants.
'She's sweet. What was Gojira talking about,' thought Angirasu with a smile as he shook Twilight's hand. Fluttershy glanced at Junior, who remained in his seat.
"You look upset," said Fluttershy.
"I'm just annoyed. I rather not talk about it," said Junior as he looked away. Fluttershy shrugged in response. As Junior remained in his seat, he noticed Sunset staring at him. Junior kept his eyes looking away from her, hoping that she will do the same. The girl had a light frown on her face as she had stared at him, much to Junior's annoyance. He stood up from his seat as Twilight gave a quick orientation to the new club members.
"Our schedule- Gojira, where are you going?" asked Twilight in confusion.
"I'm just going to get a drink of water," said Junior as he headed for the door.
"Oh. Well, meet us in the gymnasium. Today we have to help set things up before tomorrow," said Twilight. Junior lamely waved his hand as he left the club room. He sighed in relief as he managed to get away from Sunset. As Junior spent the next minute drinking from the water fountain, he took the moment to stall for time. He hung out in the hall, fiddling with his phone just to pass the time to avoid making contact with Sunset again. As he played a mobile game, it was interrupted by a text message.
"Hey, where are you? We need your help!" Mosura's voice echoed in his mind as read her message. The Transmutant sighed heavily as he replied to her. He turned off the game app and headed down the hall. He soon came across the gymnasium and found several other students scattered around, setting up tables and decorations. Junior scanned the area and found Mosura waving to him from the far end of the gym. He inhaled deeply through his nostrils and began treading passed the other students. A couple of them sent him wary glances and glares, which he ignored. The Transmutant came across his club members where they were being briefed by a student in charge of the whole project.
"So I want you guys to make sure that the decorations are placed correctly around the gymnasium. Try not to damage them because we spent forever just making the damn things," said the girl in a bored tone. She patted a large box that was stacked on top of the other. She then pointed to the male Transmutants.
"You boys are expected to lug the heavy stuff around," said the girl.
"Heh. Sounds easy enough," said Rodan in a confident tone. The girl rolled her eyes.
"Whatever. Just do what you have to and then help the girls with anything else," said the girl as she left the club members. Twilight turned to face the group.
"Alright everybody, let's get to work!" said Twilight.
"Yeah!" said the girls and Rodan in unison with spirit in them. Junior lamely raised his hand.
"Yeaaah," said Junior with a half-hearted tone, not enthusiastic about setting up the gymnasium for the Fall Formal.
The group did their part to set up the gymnasium. Erika knelt down as she helped assemble some decorations while Mosura and Twilight helped clean the floors. Fluttershy and Sunset were moving boxes filled with drinks, along with the male Transmutants. Junior however, was lugging around a cannon.
"A little more to the left, Goji!" said Pinkie as she stood near the stage. Junior moved the cannon just as she said, but Pinkie bore a displeased expression.
"Nah. The position isn't right. Try moving it to the south," said Pinkie.
"Wait, which way is south?" asked Junior as he looked around in confusion.
"Just step back a couple feet," said Pinkie. Junior sighed as he moved back.
"Good! Now inch it a bit to the left. Now just move a few centimeters forward. No, wait! Try-" as Pinkie directed the Transmutant where to place this cannon, his brow twitched.
"Pinkie, I would appreciate it if you made up your mind!" said Junior in annoyance. Pinkie gave him an embarrassed titter.
"There is good," said Pinkie as she rushed to the cannon. She smiled as she rubbed her hands.
"Are you really allowed to bring cannons to school? That doesn't seem wise for the school to allow," said Junior as he looked at the cannon.
"Don't question it! This is going to be cool!" said Pinkie with a giddy smile. She slapped her hands together and rubbed them as she stood by the cord for the cannon.
"Time to make the cherry-flippin'-changas!" said Pinkie as she grabbed the cord. She then smirked.
"See what I did there?" asked Pinkie. Junior raised a brow at her.
"No not really," said Junior. Pinkie giggled.
"I wasn't asking you, silly!" said Pinkie.
"Huh?" Junior tilted his head in confusion at who Pinkie may be speaking to if not him. He shrugged off the scene as one of Pinkie's odd antics and watched as she pulled the cord. The cannon fired confetti and streamers into the air. Cloths soared from the muzzle of the cannon and planted themselves on tables. Streamers hung themselves along the ceiling. Pinkie smiled as she faced Junior.
"OK. That was actually pretty neat," said Junior as he crossed his arms.
"This baby is going to help me spread parties all over the school!" said Pinkie as she gently rubbed the cannon. Junior stood by in an awkward silence as Pinkie tenderly rubbed the side of the party cannon.
"Riiiight. I'm just gonna go now and help finish setting everything up," said Junior as he walked away. He held his hands in his pockets as he searched the gym. He wondered what other kind of work that he could do that wouldn't force him to be helping those giving him the evil eye. He then noticed that Fluttershy was struggling to carry a large box. As she stumbled, Junior power walked to her position. Before Fluttershy could drop the box, Junior caught it and held it up.
"Need a hand?" asked Junior. Fluttershy looked at him in surprise and lightly smiled.
"Oh you don't have to help me," said Fluttershy. Junior shrugged.
"I rather not help anyone else in here. They'd only distract me," said Junior. As the two went to the side of the gym, the box was placed down on the ground. Fluttershy got on her knees and proceeded to open the box while Junior stared off into space. Fluttershy noticed his lack of attention to his job as a club member.
"Are you alright?" asked Fluttershy.
"Hmm? Yeah why?" asked Junior.
"I notice you seem to be tense with the club room today. Did we do something wrong?" asked Fluttershy in a worried tone. Junior sighed as he shook his head.
"No, you're fine. Sunset and I just had an argument yesterday, is all," said Junior.
"About what?" asked Fluttershy.
"Well... Stuff," said Junior with a shrug. He then noticed that Fluttershy was giving him a deadpanned stare, much to his surprise.
'Not so dismissive, huh?' thought Junior.
"We got into an argument about my attitude. I called her out on why she is helping me since it makes her look good in front of everyone else," said Junior. Fluttershy looked at him in surprise at his answer.
"You think she's doing it for her own image?" asked Fluttershy.
"I have no other reason not to. Anyway, I got pretty pissed with her pretty much spilled some personal beans. That got her shut up," said Junior. Fluttershy raised a brow at him.
"Wait, 'personal beans,?"
"I mean that I told her some personal things about myself to support my reasoning about why I think it's bullshit that the club is genuinely accepting me," said Junior. He then sighed as he leaned against the bleachers.
"Now she keeps sending me these sympathetic looks. It's bugging me," said Junior.
"But... Why?" asked Fluttershy.
"I don't want sympathy. If I did, I'd go on the internet and make a long blog sounding like a whiny teen that doesn't know how to accept life the way it is. Sunset pretty much forced me to come out and rant about it once she caught me frustrated," answered Junior as he crossed his arms over his chest. He noticed Sunset glancing his way at the far end of the gymnasium.
"It's not wrong to express how you feel," said Fluttershy. Junior glanced at her and found the girl giving him a light frown. Junior sighed in annoyance.
"Don't you start too," said Junior. The last thing he needed was the one he tolerated the most to give him the pity party.
"No one has the right to fault you for feeling upset because of Transmutant segregation. Maybe Sunset looks at you that way because she feels bad. She always thought you were just trying to act the way you do to look tough, but once she found out why you are the way you are, she felt bad for jumping to conclusions. That's my theory anyway," said Fluttershy as she approached Junior. The Transmutant sighed heavily. He turned and found Sunset setting up a board that was to act as a background for pictures to be taken. Sunset brought a few paint bottles at her side as she inked in the line art of pumpkins that were drawn into the board.
"Do you still need help?" asked Junior. Fluttershy shook her head.
"No, I got it. Go on ahead and talk to her," said Fluttershy as she opened the box that she had. Junior scowled.
"Th-That's not why I asked," muttered Junior as he left Fluttershy alone. The girl glanced at him and smiled to herself.
The Transmutant walked towards the other end of the gymnasium. He mentally cursed at himself for just approaching Sunset just out of the blue, but if he wanted to end this tension, which was actually him getting antsy, he had to end it himself. Junior passed through other students, even shoving past one or two. A couple students watched as the Transmutant approached Sunset, unaware of his pursuit. Junior bore hard eyes as he steeled himself to confront this girl. As he made his way closer, Sunset caught the sound of his footsteps. She turned away from the board and her eyes widened as she noticed the intense look that he held as he approached her. Junior stopped just a couple feet away from her, keeping a hard stare. Sunset grew nervous, sure that she was in deep trouble with the Transmutant. She slightly shrunk away.
"Um... Yes?" asked Sunset in a timid tone. Junior was about to retort, but then noticed her expression. He then noticed stares of worry for Sunset's wellbeing were directed at her from the other students. Some looked like they were ready to intervene. Junior turned back to Sunset, realizing that one wrong move would mean that he fucked up. Junior lost his intense look and bore a sheepish smile.
"Eh... Do you need any help?" asked Junior with a bead of sweat dripping from the side of his head. Sunset looked at him in confusion at his sudden change in attitude. The two were locked in an awkward silence. Junior mentally cursed at himself for being so extreme with facing Sunset. He made himself look like a fool.
"Sure. You can help me paint," answered Sunset. Junior sighed in relief as Sunset broke the long silence. He knelt down beside her and took a paint brush. The rest of the students warily went back to their business. Meanwhile, Fluttershy bore a conflicted smile.
"Gojira, maybe next time you can try to be a bit more casual about your approach," said Fluttershy to herself. Pinkie strolled passed her with her party cannon.
"I personally think it was flawless," said Pinkie with a shrug as she walked passed Fluttershy. Rodan snorted as he stood by Twilight, who oversaw the entire operation to set up the Gymnasium.
"Not even close," said Rodan. Meanwhile, Junior scowled as his hearing picked up the conversations from his other club members.
'I can hear everything, you know?' thought Junior. He then shook his head and began to dip his brush into the orange paint and made nice and easy strokes along the illustration of the pumpkin with Sunset imitating him. The two were silent, working to bring this illustration to life with bright colors to give the autumn feel to it. Junior glanced at Sunset, who glanced back at him. The Transmutant immediately brought his eyes forward.
"Um... Hey, Sunset," said Junior.
"Yeah?"
"About last night... I..." Junior sighed as he struggled to get his words out.
"Forget about what I said last night. About you and the rest of the group only bringing me in to look like saints that lets in the lowest of society into their clique," said Junior as he scratched his head. Sunset glanced at him with a light frown. Junior sighed as he saw her expression.
"It's just... I'm not used to this. People inviting me into their social circle is bizarre for me because they never do it," said Junior. He then shrugged. "I mean, if you were despised by most people, would you believe it that someone would want to invite you to hang with them?"
"No I... I guess not," said Sunset as she continued to stroke her brush against the board.
"But you know, it's OK to trust someone else once in a while. Not everyone is as cruel as you think they are," said Sunset.
"How can you be sure of that?" asked Junior.
"Well... What about Fluttershy?" asked Sunset. Junior shook his head.
"She's only kind to me because I saved her life," said Junior.
"No. She was kind to you before that. Did that accident with the car give you amnesia or something? She was the one who helped you get home, despite your protests. If I recall, that was before you saved her life," said Sunset with a smile. Junior looked down in thought as he analyzed Sunset's argument. He was completely blinded by his own experience with people that he chose to overlook the one form of genuine kindness that was shown to him outside of his family. Junior glanced to his side and found Fluttershy brushing confetti out of her long hair as she and Pinkie shared a laugh. Junior turned back and gazed at the board that he was painting on.
"Who would've guessed?" asked Junior with a small chuckle.
"Hey, Gojira?" called Sunset.
"What's up?" asked Junior.
"I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have acted like I knew what was going on and what you've been through with your personal life. That was insensitive of me," said Sunset.
"Nah. Don't worry about it. I've been a dick about the help thing. So, I guess I'm sorry too," said Junior. Another thing he wasn't use to was apologizing. It was mostly his mother that he was able to apologize to when he was in the wrong. Sunset smiled in response and wrapped her arms around him. The Transmutant's eyes widened as his face broke into a blush. This close of contact allowed him to catch a whiff of her scent, which drove his heart to race from the pleasant smell.
"I... I don't know how to respond to this. It's sudden," said Junior. Sunset laughed in response as she released the Transmutant.
"Just consider it my way of showing you that there's no hard feelings," said Sunset. Junior turned away as he cleared his throat. His cheeks burned hot.
"S-Sure," muttered Junior as he went back to painting. Sunset smiled to herself as she went back to painting, glad to have the weight lifted off of her shoulders.
Later...
Junior was standing outside of the gymnasium on the side of the school building with the rest of the club members. The rest of the Main Six stood by them as well. The girl that had requested their help thanked them as she left with her friends. Twilight stretched herself as she sighed.
"I'm exhausted," said Twilight.
"I'm super excited for the formal tomorrow!" cried Pinkie in delight as she shook with glee.
"Agreed! I can't wait to see how the dresses that I made for you all will look tomorrow night!" said Rarity as she envisioned the Fall Formal. Sunset looked towards Erika and Mosura.
"You two going?" asked Sunset.
"Yep. I don't have a date, but I thought it'd be nice to hang out with some friends," said Mosura with a nod.
"Same here," said Erika as she raised her hand. Rodan looked to Angirasu and then glanced at Junior, who was fiddling with his cell phone.
"What about you? Are you boys coming?" asked Applejack. Rodan smirked as he turned his attention to AJ.
"Oh? Will you miss me if I'm not there?" asked Rodan in suave tone. Applejack gave him a deadpanned stare.
"That ain't what I meant," said Applejack. Rodan shrugged as he pulled out three tickets.
"Yes, I'm going. I do plan to give this ticket to Aang. You still down, bro?" asked Rodan. Angirasu shrugged as he nodded.
"If the rest of the club is going, sure," said Angirasu with a smile. The group all turned their attention towards Junior, who continued to look at the screen on his phone. He felt the stares on him, prompting him to look their way.
"Why is everybody staring?" asked Junior with a shrug. Rodan grabbed his hand and placed the remaining ticket in his palm. Junior looked at the ticket and then glared at Rodan.
"No. No, absolutely not!" said Junior as he gave Rodan the ticket back.
"Take it!" said Rodan as he handed it back to him.
"I don't want it!" said Junior in annoyance as he handed the ticket back to Rodan.
"Hang out with us at the formal! For the club!" said Rodan as he handed the ticket back.
"I don't want to!" said Junior as he narrowed his eyes. The two spent several seconds handing the ticket back and forth to each other. Mosura grew annoyed and snatched the ticket out of Rodan's hand to press it against Junior's chest.
"You're going," said Mosura with a firm tone. Junior was about to protest but stopped as the female Transmutant sent him a glare. Junior sighed in defeat as he found the rest of the club members giving him eager looks.
"Alright, alright. I'll go," said Junior as he took the ticket.
"Yay!" cried Pinkie with joy. Junior sighed heavily. Once again he was suckered into another activity that he wished to not have any part of.