Blood clinged to his shirt as it trickled down his jaw rolling beneath his neck. Coughing a couple more times, letting the red liquid pour from both his nostrils and lips. The young man laid in the pile of garbage staring at the gray sky, the putrid fumes stinging his eyes forcing him to close them. Holding in pounding pain, the young man tried to stay so to not let the pain take his attention. Slowly and calmly he would wheeze through the thicket of frigid air. Clouds climbed the fake trees as his breath gently steamed.
After a couple more groans and possibly hours he knew of not how many. He started to get up walking out the trash corridor. The streets were vacant as he traversed, dragging his foot and hopping every few steps. He trucked along till he reached the Wall of Man as some called it. It was to most who have lived inside bizarrely closer than one would think from the central city. The young man then stepped down one or two steps. Down a cobbled passage were small cracks and wet crevices. He then went to a corner that was hidden well by a decent sized tree. Pulling up some rocks seeing some light towards the other side. He then pushed himself through the tight opening. Outside the walls was an almost endless field of green, to the naked eye it could truly feel infinite.
The man continued his stride, walking for minutes till he reached a cottage that overlooked a small lake. Could be argued to look more like a pond, but it was sizable enough to go both ways. He then flicked the handle to the front door, cranking it and giving it a slight smack. He then pushed repeatedly till the door flung back and his body dropped into the foyer.
"Ugh."
He tried holding his body up off his arms, but gave in the end flopping back into the wooden floor. His eyelids shut as his body completely relaxed.
Six hours later and the soreness was emanating, he groaned some more as he finally got up. Stepping in the washroom, looking at the mirror with his face black and blue, marked with blood and tiny scars.
"Haah, they seriously done a number on it this time."
Touching his face lightly made him flinch as sharp pain played at his skin. Sighing once more he splashed some cold water on his face. Walking out the washroom he went up the staircase to the second floor where three rooms were arranged down the hall. Going into the very first one he saw a simple white bed with a cherry wood frame propping it. To the left was a small white dresser sitting below the window. Standing off by the corner of the sill was a relatively large lamp. The night was waning in and the shadows outside were free guests that the man felt were unwanted, so he quickly pulled the dangling chain clicking on the light.
Right behind the door's back was a closet with average clothes. The young man grabbed what he needed, slapping them onto the bed as he turned to walk back out the room. Down the hall was a cabinet with many towels, he grabbed two and continued on until he identified the bathroom. The room was spacious with a large pearlescent tub next to a towering glass shower frame. He then took off his clothes soaked in plum and trash juice, chucking them into a straw weaved basket. Pressing the button inside the clear box let hot water shoot out from above as in a minute the room fogged leaving a warm clouding mist in the air.
Fifty minutes later, drying himself and then once he felt water was completely removed he then started to pat himself with the second towel, fully absorbing any excess oozing blood.
Splashing some more cold water onto his face he stepped out walking back to his room as he jumped straight to the bed, his pain mellowing out as a warm but somewhat chilly buzz came over. By the time he knew it, morning had arrived.
Rolling out of the bed, he slipped on the clothes he tossed last night. Sprinting out the cottage to the secret passage on the wall. Quickly getting back twenty minutes faster than usual he entered back into the city as he continued to run to a tall white building. A large clock rounded at the top with a field, a track, and large fencing surrounding the entire land the building occupied. With a front gate that would give even Hell a fright.
"Haah, haah, seems I made it."
The young man showed a white plastic rectangle to another older gentleman in complete black garments. Small red ropes with golden tassels stretched from his right shoulder to his belt, with a glimmering black cap that covered the eyes.
"You're good to go," he said in a deep voice as he handed back the card.
The lad nodded as he walked through the gate. Going to the central entrance with many others similar in age.
"Hey, hey, hey, if it ain't box shit!" a passionate youth exclaimed.
He wore regular business casual as he stared down at the lad. Two other seemingly larger figures stood near him. One of them slipped their arm around the lad pulling him to the side.
"C-can't…We d-do this later?" he voiced quietly whilst staring timidly at the dirt.
"Hmm, yes we could, but you see, you disappeared yesterday, and that ain't very nice. Now isn't it?"
"A-ah…"
"It's alright we'll come see you later…" speaking softly into the lad's ear.
"See ya later, eh Emmory!"
The lad began to shiver, gripping himself as he stood silently. Those around quietly watched as they walked around him and passed into the entryway of the school.
After a few more minutes he composed himself and took strides into the building. The halls were clean and white with natural light spread throughout, anywhere one would walk, the sun's rays graced them. Quietly tiptoeing into his classroom taking up a seat in the back next to a girl who sat on his left and the right was empty whilst the one in front was a meek looking girl.
Sigh. Barely made it.
"Ah Harry good morning," said the girl to his left casually.
"Eh, y-ya good morning," he said as he looked down only at his desk.
She simply turned her head back as she refocused her gaze to the front of the class.
Ameretat Coy, also goes by Coi with most who know her. She wore her dirty blonde long down her to her mid back with a colorful teal bandana wrapped around her upper right arm. Doing this was because it was against school dress code to wear any head accessories; so in turn she would wear it around her arm and anywhere else would put it around her head. With light blue eyes that respectfully complemented the school uniform. Which was for females different lengthened blue to green shade skirts. With either a traditional button up and vest or blazer, they can choose to wear both at once, but that would be really hot. Coi was slightly averse to most footwear choices, so she just ignored them and instead put on mid high black boots with long white socks.
An older gentleman was standing at a desk towards a large black board, he then began to call out names slowly reaching Harry.
" …Emmory Vytautas… Haah, seriously Emmory, how many times must I say it. I'm all fine about expression, but you still need to at least try when it comes to the dress code. I won't send you out because you've missed a few days already, but any work for this week and past will be given a deduction of five points. Understood?" He ended sternly.
"Y-yes."
"And learn to grow a spine, no one will take you seriously with all the squabble mumbling." He then continued down the last few names.
Most felt quite comfortable with this type of event, months prior they would either pity or laugh, now they've just come to accept it as a thing that happens anytime he's here.
The rest of class went accordingly, Harry looked up every now and then to see if he could possibly grasp even a sliver of what was being discussed, but as usual. He couldn't, he gave up once twenty minutes before class was out. A couple classes went by and lunch had rolled around, as soon as that bell rang Harry had disappeared. As usual it was a spot not many knew about, a small back square with enough room for ten or so people with decent shade from a large tree. Harry would sit there for forty minutes every time.
"Not eating anything today?" said a young man similar in physical stature to Harry. It was an odd encounter for these two, for it was just a year ago that neither knew of the other. Gaining a comfortable acquaintanceship, the two weirdly understood the other. Generally the two would stay quiet and do nothing, waiting forty minutes then leaving. That was the routine.
The young man has black hair, cut enough to not get in the way. He is roughly four inches (10 cm) taller than Harry, his dark blue eyes contrasting nicely with the smoke that he carefully released from his mouth. He wears a makeshift clothing apparel, a semi-turtle neck, black leather sleeveless shirt, open enough to show his ribs. With tight white skinny jeans and black leather gloves that are mark proof.
"Don't you ever get cold?"
"Ha! With a pack a day even the northern tundras could freeze!" he said with a smile.
"I suppose."
"Want one?"
"I'm alright."
"Harry ya should really work this out already, how long ya gonna stay like this?" he questioned with a pitying look as he covered the flame around his light bringing it close to his face.
"Haaah, feeew," a stream of smoke followed.
"I don't know w-hat y-yo… mean."
"Haah, man ya really gotta get a grip, nothin gonna be happenin if ya just gonna let it slide. Escaping these walls is impossible. You hafta to learn to handle the thing called human."
"It's not that easy."
"It's cuz ya ain't tryin," he snapped back slightly agitated.
"What should I do then?" Burrowing his hands back into his knees gripping them tightly with his arms.
"I don't know man, just do it."
"That isn't very helpful," he said with a slight crack in his voice.
"Looky here, neither of us are all that old. Right now is the perfect time for practice. Once you an adult, all you're gonna get is stones."
"I guess."
"Fine. I didn't want to have to do this, but it seems yellin at ya ain't gonna work. So I'll give ya the light little push ya need."
"Huh…?"
"Let's go, class is about to start."
"AH…"
Harry got up slowly as he followed behind the confident black wearing young man. His steps moved with precision and intent, his shoulders were back and his chin raised, making his already quite tall figure even that much more intimidating.
The two made it to the front door of the classroom, both five minutes late. With gusto he swung the door open, its hinges almost letting go.
"I'm here."
The teacher was stunned, before she could even push her glasses up she was gasping as he rode in like it was something that should be allowed.
"A-Amit S-s-Seth…" she finally said in a stunned expression.
I thought he no longer went here. No one has seen him for forty straight days. And that powerful smoke smell, ugh, this damn delinquent.
"Third, it's the Third."
"Huh?"
"It's Amit Seth III, get it right next time."
Yanking his chair he sat down in a controlled aggression. He then under waved to Harry, telling him to come on.
"…"
Harry then nervously walked to his desk.
I think I'm going to drown with how much sweat I'm protruding.
"Relax champ, I'm here."
"Yes you are indeed," said the girl to Harry's left.
"Hmm, Coi, lookin good as always."
"Stick your flattery elsewhere, and you're gonna later today explain where you've been."
"Sure, ya ya, all for the princess."
"Urgh, don't call me that."
With her face wrinkled slightly, the two ignored as everyone stared at their banter.
"Alrighty. Well teach, gonna just stand there for eternity or what?!"
"A-ah yes, I mean NO."
"Hmm, well continue."
Haha, this brat. I'm going to have to report this to the head later. Let's finish this lecture and head straight to the faculty office.
"…" he grinned whilst leaning back his chair as he crossed his arms, gave a quick glance to Harry, then shut his eyes for the next fifty-five minutes.
"Hey, hey. Wake up dumbass."
"Uh, ha, what the. Ah ya. Is this shit over?"
"It is. Now start answering my questions, with…"
Putting a finger up to her mouth, he physically silenced her as he gazed around.
"Where's Harry?"
"He was taken by the usual. Why do you care?"
"Hmm, worry for yourself. Also for someone who is all about the righteous, you sure as hell don't give a fuck about others."
"Don't start berating me on the value of morals and ethics. WHat things could I have done? All I can give is pity." She concluded solemnly.
"Hehe. Truly pitiful. Yes I too give pity, but not for him, but for all the sick bugs that live in these treacherous walls we call humanity."
"…"
"I'll be back. Stay, we'll catch up later."
He swiftly walked out of there as Coi watched him disappear with confliction on her face.
A small back alley next to the sports shack stood three older young men as they repeatedly kicked down on a dark brown haired boy. In an instant of their continued kicking, a fist was sent as it pummeled the heavier set individual.
"Huh…"
"Who the…ARGH!"
The other two then went flying, once landing they turned with them holding their red faces, clenching tightly onto their noses.
"Haah, haah, haah. Shit, I really need to start doing cardio."
"Y-you, came…" Harry said with water in his eyes, purple marks painted poorly all over his face.
"Man they really did it to ya this time. Though the other times were pretty bad as well."
"Holy shit! I thought they expelled you!" The heavy set one exclaimed.
"Haaa, ya think shits like ya can exist and somehow assume I'm expelled. I know I've been gone for a minute, but ain't like I can escape these walls. A sixteen year old who can't escape, what type of logic truly goes through your brains. They can't expel anyone! This shitty place is the only place where garbage like us can even get an education and be monitored!"
He then rushed forward with his fist cocked back as he slung it. BAshing the face of the other guy, his head gushing more than simple red liquids.
"D-did you just kill him?" The one in the middle said with teary eyes as he began to quiver.
"Nah, wish I did, but then I'd actually get in troubles. Well whatev's."
"Amit, you really are him huh?"
"Well damn, I don't know what else I would be. Though my friends do call me Sonny. Quite stupid don't ya think?"
"Ha ha ha, hahahaha! Yes truly fucking stupid! Before ya bash me brains out, let me say this, go fu…"
"Nah I'm good bro."
Sonny's fist then sunk back into the middle teen's face, changing his looks for the rest of his life. If he survives.
"Let's go, Harry. I'm hungrier than a hawk."
Sonny then swung his arm around Harry's shoulder as he swayed with him back and forth. His grin seemingly sprouted one on Harry's without him realizing it. With one more glance to Harry's face Sonny grinned even wider as he started cackling.
"This is life."
"Is it?"
"Ya."
"Pft! Alright then, haha."
Ya, this is life, truly life. Let's work hard.
Forgetting somewhat, but they walked out the gate in sweat and covered in blood, the officers just staring.
What the hell really is their job.
The two hustled to a local diner. Thirty minutes later an angry girl barged in as she glared at the one in black.
"You left me."
"Eh, well ya found us. Sit if ya want."
"No!" She slammed the table, shaking a portion of the diner.
"Well I said if ya want."
"That's not the point and ya know it."
"Hmm, do I? Hey…" He then finished talking to her as he gave a quick eyeshot to Harry.
Huh, what's that supposed to mean, 'Hey,' code name. Got it.
"U-uh, C-coi, why not sit down. Um we got plenty of room, so why not talk whilst you calm down."
"…Harry."
"EEK!"
"Haah, nothing to be scared of. Didn't think you would initiate something so sensible. I must give you my apologies." She explained with a soft smile.
"N-no need to apologize, you did nothing."
"Wrong. I simply gave looks and gestures of my self satisfying pity, even though I know you've had a hard time. I would like to sincerely apologize for not even trying something. Also if you can get the help of a guy like him, then you can't be that weak can you."
As she bowed lightly, she scooted into the booth next to Harry with a casual smile. Sonny was looking with grinning amusement.
"Do you need to stare like that?"
"Hmm, I'm just enjoying the scenery, you don't see such lively fish in diners all that often."
"Ugh! You seriously had to ruin it, they aren't even spelled the same dipshit!"
"Pft! Gah, Harry look at her stupid face, Ha! Really graceful little fairy."
"Seriously just shut up!"
"But I thought you wanted to know what was going on with me for the last month and a half?"
"Hmph. I'm tired. So now I just don't even want to bother. Your antics are something I don't want to deal with."
"Hmm, I see. Very mature of you Ameretat."
She scowled at him as the waiter started strolling by.
"Ah, do we have a new guest?"
"Yes, mind if she can get a menu?"
"Well of course not, here ya go Coi."
"Huh?"
"Ah, I thought you were more up to date on things, even Harry knows that I'm your upperclassmen."
"Oh, I see, but…hmm, holy! Your Mu."
"Haha, seems you finally remembered."
"Sorry you just look so different in uniform."
"Really now, people say I have quite the exotic looks, so I couldn't imagine I would simply be unrecognized with a uniform."
"He he, ah well ya know," she delivered stiffly.
"Well nothing to harm, now that you have that, call me up whenever you guys need. Coi I'll be back to get your order. Harry, try to order something more, you're thin, and don't worry about the bill. I can cover that." He said with a delightful smile as he stepped away.
Mu Zhēn, an upperclassman that is well known for his powerful looks and respectable personality. He is quite well liked by almost everyone, never would one here gossip that poorly describes Mu. He is a pillar the school puts quite high, giving him some leverage in certain things. He's only one of five who have these privileges, yet he rarely abuses or even uses such leways. Six feet tall and four inches (193 cm), which is quite above the average male height in the walls. As well as his tan skin, a complexion rarely seen in these parts, with his grayish blue hair and golden glitter silver eyes. His lashes are long and curled which makes it difficult to see his single eyelids. At the age of seventeen he supported many activist programs through the school and human federation army.
"Haah, man that guy."
"So wait, that really was Mu?"
"How come you've lost all your brain cells the minute I have to interact with you."
"Fuck you! I'm eating and then I'm gonna leave."
"Well that's what most do."
"You really have to run that tar pit mouth, don't ya?"
"You seem to like this little tar mouth of mine, so why not abuse it a little."
"When have I ever said something remotely close to anything about that?"
"Oh my, was I wrong? You keep running this treadmill of words, so you must like it enough to keep on responding back."
"…"
A few seconds walked by, then Sonny started with a light chuckle and then burst out laughing.
"Harry, ha shit, seriously. She's easy, way too easy."
"I think w-we're bothering others, so uh, c-could ya keep the teasing and volume to a minor key."
"Oh, is my Harry requesting something? Good. Let's eat then, Coi ya know what ya want?"
"Ya, are you guys gonna order more?"
"I-I suppose I should huh?"
"Well it's free for you, so why not splurge a bit. Harry, today's a good day so enjoy it with a little frivolity."
"Pft! When were you so wise, miss."
"How can you not hold your tongue for more than ten seconds?"
"I'm specially made."
"Truly you are."
In the next few minutes they ordered, bantered, and then in fifteen more did they all eat. Another hour went by and it began to get dark.
"Hey Harry, ya got a place to stay?"
"Hmm, do you need a place to sleep?"
"Ha what? No, I'm askin if ya got a place to sleep."
"U-uh well…"
"Alright let's forget that. You're just gonna sleep over at my place, like it or not."
"HUH?!"