Dranexx sighed deeply.
"Man, I hate Mondays…"
He always hated Mondays the endless routine, the boring lessons, the painfully slow start to the week. Little did he know, his life and the lives of his classmates were about to change in ways no human imagination could comprehend.
A familiar voice called from down the street.
"Hey!"
It was Akube, Dranexx's best friend, sprinting toward him.
"Man, you really gonna leave me behind?" Akube gasped between breaths.
"You're always late, bud," Dranexx muttered, rolling his eyes. "And somehow I always get dragged along with you."
"Come on, what are buddies for? We stick together!" Akube laughed loudly.
Dranexx groaned. "Ahh… I so much dislike you."
"Hah! Nah, you don't," Akube shot back, grinning.
"I would argue with you, but I don't have time. We need to hurry," Dranexx said, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Right back at you! Last one there is a rotten egg!" Akube shouted, taking off.
Dranexx's smile widened. "You know I'll always be first. I'm faster than you, punk."
And with that, he bolted.
⸻
Dranexx ran at an almost inhuman speed, leaving Akube struggling behind. There was something strange about him… even he felt it. His body, his reflexes… they weren't entirely normal.
Dong Dong Dong Dong! The school bell rang.
"Gate's closing!" a security guard shouted.
"Hey! Don't close it yet!" both boys yelled.
Dranexx zipped past the guard with ease. Akube tried, but was caught by the security guard's firm grip.
"I seriously don't know what to do with you two," the guard muttered, shaking his head.
"We're sorry, Mister Caina!" the boys chorused.
"Dumb Akube," Dranexx muttered under his breath. "You're the reason we're late."
"Snitch," Akube shot back, smirking.
Mr. Caina waved them off. "Go on, before class starts."
Dranexx and Akube nodded and rushed inside.
⸻
As soon as they entered the classroom, Dranexx's aunt who doubled as their teacher glared at him.
"You and I will have a talk later, young man," she said coldly.
Dranexx shivered. Honestly… my aunt is terrifying when she's angry.
Few minutes later in class…
Akube: Ptsssssh, ptsssssh, ptssssh… hey man, stop ignoring me!
Dranexx: What do you want now, Aku? I've already been in enough trouble today because of you. Dranexx clenched his teeth.
Akube: Look, isn't the new transfer student…? She's so pretty! Do you think I'd even have a chance with her?
Dranexx: Not in a million years. She's way out of your league.
Teacher: Boys, looks like you have something to say to the class. Ain't that right, Dranexx? Her voice was cold, eyes sharp , and the air around her seemed to make Dranexx shrink slightly.
Dranexx: So sorry, ma'am… Honestly, I wish my aunt would go to some other school. He muttered under his breath. Yeah, that's my aunt Kaori, my mom's younger sister. They say having family as a teacher… it's trouble. Real trouble.
Ring…
Teacher: Alright class, first period is over. Wait for your next teacher to come in. Now, Dranexx, Aku, would you two mind following me to my office? Her expression was serious no one would dare disobey her.
Both: Ahh, no, we don't mind at all… they whispered, clearly terrified.
Dranexx: We both followed her to her office. She sat down, scolding us. Man… what a pain.
Teacher: Honestly, Dranexx, I expect more from you. First, you were late. Then you start disturbing my class while I was teaching. Now, tell me… what punishment is suitable for both of you, boys?
Dranexx: Thanks a lot… now we're stuck cleaning your office.
Akube: Oh come on… at least we got her off our backs. laughs
Dranexx: That said, I don't want us to be late again. Let's finish up quickly and eat before the break is over.
As soon as they finished, they went up to the roof to eat their lunch.
Akube: Man… nothing beats a cold, refreshing cola!
Dranexx: Yeah… I feel you.
A calm voice interrupted them.
Lisa: Thought I'd find you two here. A tall girl stood at the entrance, black hair flowing, crimson sharp eyes dimmed, wearing the school uniform.
Akube: Tsssh… what do you want? Don't you have someone else to bother?
Lisa: Oh hush… I was just coming up here to have lunch. Don't get too worked up.
Akube: Yeah, like I care.
Lisa: Well, I have nothing to say to half-assed dull brains like you. Let me put it this way… you're nothing but fodder in my eyes, little twerk.
Akube: What!!!
Dranexx: I see you two hate each other as usual… Lisa, it's unexpected to see you here. What do we owe this "honorable greeting"? He muttered in his head. That's Lisa school's top queen. The best, the hottest. But to me… she's just… bothersome. I'm just a guy with zero motive, living my life normally… and yet she keeps pestering me.
Lisa: See? That's why I feel comfortable talking to you… unlike this little twerk.
Akube: Huh!?
Lisa: So, Dranexx… have you considered my offer? Surely you can't be thinking it through for over a month now.
Dranexx: Ahh… here we go again. By "offer," she means joining the school council. He thought carefully. Well… I'm still thinking about it. You know, school council stuff is all work, no entertainment and anything that doesn't entertain me… doesn't interest me.
Lisa: I had a feeling you'd say that. She sighs calmly . Well, if you need more time… fine. But the deadline is the end of this month, got it?
Dranexx: Got it, ma'am. Looks like I'm joining the council whether I like it or not… meh. Buzz kill.
Bell rings…
Lisa: Looks like break time's over. See you later, boys.
Akube: Yeah right… get lost!
Lisa: Little twerk.
Dranexx: Enough… you guys are acting like children.
Later that day, the whole school gathered on the field for the annual match a game competition to see which school is better.
Dranexx: Damn… not this again. Aren't they tired? This is always a buzzkill… everyone already knows the outcome. I guess I'll just stay home tomorrow.
Teacher: Oh, you dare not, my dear nephew. Her aura was frightening, even from afar.
Teacher: You're going… whether you like it or not, mister. Oh, and you'll need to pass a message to your mom for me.
Dranexx: A message? What message?
Teacher: Oh, nothing important… just hand over a couple of things I bought for her. And remind her not to forget what she promised me.
Dranexx: Yeah… I don't wanna know, but knowing her, I have to run this errand. Whether I like it or not. sigh Why does everyone act against my will? Hahaha… funny. I don't really care about anything anymore. I've grown bored… I don't even know what I want. Maybe, in time, I'll figure it out.
Akube: Don't worry, man… we'll have fun in this competition tomorrow. Just wait.
Dranexx: Yeah… I'm sure. Aku always tries to cheer me up… he's something else. Honestly, all the more reason why he's my friend.
Lisa: I do hope to see you in the competition tomorrow, Dranexx. She smiled softly.
Akube: Oh, Mrs. Council Priest here … woohoo!
Dranexx: Don't start now, you guys… tomorrow's the big game.
Both: Did he just… smile?
Akube (thinking): Whoa… never saw him smile before. Maybe it's fake… just to cool the tension between Lisa and me. I see now.
Lisa: Alright then… see ya.
Dranexx: See ya.
Akube: Man… what a long day. Wow… I'm tired Aren't you, Dranexx?
Dranexx: You bet… Awaken! A voice whispered to Dranexx as he was about to speak.
Dranexx (thinking): What… was that?
Akube: Nah… you paused for a moment. Everything good?
Dranexx: Oh yeah… everything's fine. But still… what was that voice just now? Hmmm… maybe it's nothing to worry about.
Little did they know… what was coming for them.
Their fate had yet to be decided. 🔜
Dranexx: I'm home
Mina: Big brother! You're here—I've missed you!
Dranexx: I missed you too. How was your day? Hope it was good
Mina: Yes! Mommy and I spent a lot of time together shopping
Dranexx: Oh, is that so? I'm glad you had fun.
Mother: Alright now, Mina, let your brother change. He just got back. He needs to freshen up, eat, and rest. Tomorrow is competition day at school . So go on, my big boy—get ready.
Dranexx: I will, Mom. Oh—I almost forgot. Aunt Kaori said I should give you this. And she told me not to let you forget what you promised her.
Mother: Oh, that's right! Tomorrow I'll deliver it to her when I come for your competition, okay?
Dranexx: No problem, Mom.
(Now that's out of the way… time to freshen up. Still… that voice I heard today—it felt strange. I'll check the library after the competition tomorrow. Maybe I'll find something there… I hope so.)
Later that evening…
Mina: Big brother! Dinner's ready!
Dranexx: I'll be right there, Mina.
Mother: Don't delay before it gets cold. It's better when it's warm.
Dranexx: Hmm… what are we having today, Mom?
Mother: Of course—sushi
Dranexx: Wow It's been a while.
Mina: Yes! It's really been a while. Mom's sushi is the best in the whole wide world!
Dranexx: Of course it is…
(Man… I can't believe that soon I'll leave all this behind—my little sister, my mom… I'm really going to miss them.)
Dranexx never believed he would feel this way. He always told himself that everything in this world was boring—that nothing interested him. He stayed low-key and nonchalant. But deep down… he cherished everything. Especially his family.
Mother: What's wrong, son?
Dranexx: Oh, I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry about me.
Mina: Don't worry, big brother! Mina is going to be the best saleswoman ever known! Then we can buy all the sushi we want
Dranexx: I'm sure you will, Mina.
Thanks for the food, Mom. I'm going to sleep now. See you tomorrow. Good night
The next morning… birds chirping.
Dranexx: Good morning, Mom.
He saluted her playfully.
Mother: How was your night? Did you rest well?
Dranexx: Yes, I did.
Mother: Good. Get ready—it's today. Competition day.
Dranexx: Do I really have to go? Everyone knows we're winning again this year
Mother: You are definitely going. Aunt Kaori made sure of that
Dranexx: Damn… Aunt Kaori, huh? Fine, I'll go.
Akube: Hey, man!
Dranexx: Wait—Akube? Since when do you wake up this early? This is a first Who are you, and what have you done with my friend?
Akube: Come on! It's the big competition! Even if you're not excited, I am. I'm ready and active!
Dranexx: Yeah, yeah. Give me a few minutes.
Three minutes later…
Mother: Oh, Aku! You're here early. What a surprise
Akube: Good morning, Mrs. Waltarnabi! I woke up early because I'm excited about today Though Dranexx doesn't seem too thrilled… but I'll make him enjoy it.
Mother: You are such a wonderful friend. If anyone can lift Drane's spirits, it's you. Thank you for staying by his side.
Akube looked slightly surprised as she continued.
"You see… Dranexx hasn't had a motive for a long time. Since he was eight, everything he does has been almost perfect. He's never lost a competition, a game, or even a fight—except to his father."
She giggled softly.
"When he was younger, he used to play all sorts of games with his dad. His father was the only man who could beat him… except in fighting."
Her expression softened.
"But when his father passed away… Dranexx felt empty. The only person who could rival him was gone. For four years, he lost interest in everything. He searched for someone who could challenge him… but never found anyone."
Akube listened quietly, feeling a little heavy inside.
"Until he met you. You were the first friend his age who could keep up with him."
Akube: Really…? If I may ask, why couldn't he make friends before?
Mother (flashback): Dranexx was simply too advanced for the others. I worried, but he would look at me and say, 'Don't worry. I'm doing just fine on my own. They can't keep up with my experienced mind .' Honestly… sometimes I wonder what kind of gift I was given.
My dear Akube, please continue being his friend. Take care of him for me
Akube: Ma'am, don't worry. We've been friends for three years now. I understand him better than anyone.
Dranexx had already finished dressing. He had heard everything.
His chest felt heavy hearing his mother… and hearing Akube stand up for him.
Dranexx: Hey, I'm done. Let's go. I don't want to be late
Akube: Seriously? If we're late, it's your fault—not mine.
Dranexx: No, it's yours
Akube: Yours
Dranexx: Never
Akube: Huh?
Dranexx: Alright, Mom—we're leaving. See you at the competition Bye
They headed to school
Akube was completely hyped for the competition.
Dranexx acted uninterested…
But deep down, he was grateful.
Grateful to have a friend who never gave up on him.
Akube wasn't just a friend.
He was someone dear to him.
And neither of them knew…
That something far greater was waiting ahead. 🔜