Touched 5
by Redkage
Another day, another trip to hell. Logan thought glumly to himself as he climbed the school steps. Though most of the other students in the nation shared the same kind of opinion about these institutes of learning, Logan had actual excuses to dread the school day. There were bullying, teasing, risk of getting touched and occasionally a run in with Samson. He didn’t let those feelings stop him however as he walked up those steps and passed through the threshold to plunge headfirst into another nightmare.
“Good morning Logan!” A cheerful voice called.
Logan raised his head up and squinted. Sophie and her partner Howard broke away from their group of friends to walk next to him. As usual, Logan felt his nerves calm down whenever he was near that beautiful dark haired girl.
“Morning…” Logan said a bit half heartedly, deliberately leaving out the word ‘good.’ If it were anybody else he was greeting, which he never does, he would have put a little bit more bitterness in it.
“My, don’t you sound energetic.” Sophie giggled. Somehow her giggle sounded childish and mature at the same time, and pleasantly relaxing.
Logan grumbled. “I’m not much of a morning person, remember?” Although he said that, he could already feel his weariness disappear from being close to Sophie, just like everybody else does.
“You still have trouble waking up in the morning?” Howard asked in a polite, yet easygoing manner. Logan knew that that carefree attitude was infectious, especially when coupled with Sophie.
“It’s gotten a little worse as of late.” Logan admitted as he felt himself relax a bit more. Out of everyone in the school, Sophie and Howard were probably the only two people he felt he could open up a bit. Of course, everybody opened up to Sophie thanks to her little power. She projected a kind of aura around her that calmed anyone within range. Not that Logan didn’t enjoy her company anyways, she and Howard were probably the only two Kin-Lam that would even come close to him and they treated him like a real friend. They were really easy to get along with as well as understanding. Their only flaw was the fact that they liked to hang out with Samson as well. “So how are you two lovebirds doing?” He asked.
Howard’s cheeks grew a bit pink, but Sophie didn’t notice and just laughed. “As well as any other Arour Dians, I suppose.”
“Yea.” Howard kept his head low. “Just fine.”
Logan fought back a small smile.
“So, have you spoken to Samson lately?” Howard asked in an attempt to change the subject.
The smile faded away from Logan’s face when that name came up. “I don’t want to talk about this.” Logan said curtly and began to walk faster, but Sophie and Howard quickened their pace to match his.
“You can’t keep running away from him forever, Logan.” Sophie said.
“I don’t run away from him, I chase him off.” Logan stated, taking short breaths. Already he was feeling tired from exerting himself at a pace that was only slightly above his normal stride.
“Logan, he’s your friend.” Howard stated.
“He was my friend.” Logan corrected. “Like, six years ago in grade school. And would you both stop pestering me about it? You both know perfectly well that as a normal human being, he can’t learn about us, and since he’s on the receiving end of my little curse, he’s already too involved for anybody’s comfort.”
“But there have been exceptions in the past.” Sophie stated as-a-matter-of-factly. Leave it to her to see a weakness in a perfectly good argument. “And I think we can trust Samson.”
“And I think you should keep your nose out of other people’s business!” Logan snapped at her furiously.
Sophie didn’t even flinch back a single bit. “We’re only trying to help the both of you.” She told him.
“Don’t.” Logan said simply. His legs were starting to tire from power walking, so he slowed down to his regular steady pace. “Just…just please, things are tough enough on me as it is. I just don’t want to think about him, alright?”
Sophie and Howard exchanged a look. “Alright, we’ll stop.” Sophie promised while flashing her pearly whites.
“At least for now.” Howard added with a wink.
At least that was something, Logan thought. He waited a few moments before he spoke up again. “So…how is he doing?”
“Who, Samson?” One of Sophie’s eyebrows rose up questionably.
Logan looked away and mumbled a yes under his breath.
“Oh he’s doing pretty great.” Howard grinned. “Last I heard he did the entire cheerleading squad in one night.”
“Howard!” Sophie’s eyes flashed dangerously.
“I was just kidding.” Howard grinned even wider. “It was only half of the squad.”
“Sounds like he’s having fun.” Logan stated emotionlessly.
Sophie rolled her eyes. “Men.” She sighed.
Howard shrugged. “I guess it was a good thing he managed to inherit the Kin-Lam’s ability to control reproduction, otherwise he’d be up to his eyebrows in twins and triplets. Maybe a few quadruplets thrown in the mix.”
Logan felt himself agree. Kin-Lam had the unique ability to control whether or not they would conceive a child. As long as Samson didn’t plan to have a baby with someone, he won’t suddenly become a teenaged father. “I wouldn’t be surprise if they’ll all be 9 pounders.” Logan said under his breath.
“It’s all kinda tragic though.” Howard added on, going off to his own little space. “If the accident hadn’t happened, Logan would have become a Kyn Lor’de, and we hadn’t had one in about three hundred years.”
“Howard!” Sophie hissed, and Howard immediately realized his mistake.
“It’s alright Sophie.” Logan said with a calm face. “It’s the truth, isn’t it? Anyways, I gotta get ready for class. I’ll see you both later.” Without another word Logan turned the corner and walked away.
The Kyn Lor’de, or The Clan Chief as it was called in ancient times. Every few hundred years, a special Kin-Lam boy was born. The child would seem ordinary during the adolescence, but in the years after the Fel Neros, The Eternal Bond ritual, he would prove to be anything but ordinary. The Kin-Lam were divided up into three segments, the Warriors, the Healers and the Mystics. However, the Kyn Lor’de was gifted with all three powers, excelling farther then any individual class. He would be strong enough to defeat entire armies single handedly. He could miraculously heal any ailment. His powers would not be limited to a single ability, but to many. Yes, the Kyn Lor’de was a king among the Kin-Lam. And Logan could have been one of them.
Logan let out a deep breath. Samson had those gifts now, or at least the size and strength. It was obvious to everyone that Logan would have been a Kyn Lor’de because of Samson’s size and intelligence, and especially how he was able to build such big muscles so quickly. It wouldn’t be long before Samson would outsize even Riley, one of the most dedicated weightlifters in the entire city. Logan began wondering what else Samson would receive. The high stamina was obviously apparent from the talk about Samson’s incredible sex. Perhaps even the charisma magic, though Samson could just naturally attract other people. The Mystic and Healer powers don’t normally transfer over to a human, but then again there had never been a Falhan Kyn that was also a Clan Chief before so it was still open for debate. Never before had a human or a Kin-Lam obtained such a large statue in so little time. If things continued on it’s present course, perhaps one day Samson would become the new Kyn Lor’de instead of Logan.
He nearly reached the end of that hall, lost in thought when he heard his name being called.
“Logan, wait up!” Howard’s voice carried over the noisy hallway.
Logan turned and saw Howard running towards him. When Howard finally reached Logan, he looked him firmly in Logan’s face.
“Logan, I’m sorry for what I said.” He said apologetically. “I wasn’t thinking, and I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
Logan shook his head. “No, I’m not hurt or anything. Like I said, I’m used to it.”
“I’m sorry anyways.” Howard stood there, his gaze shifting to the side. “And I’m…I’m really sorry that you’re…you know. Like this.”
“What, cursed?” Logan finished for him. “You have nothing to be sorry for. If it weren’t for you and Sophie, I don’t think I would have made it this far through high school.”
“I…guess I never thought of it that way.” Howard said uncertainly, running a hand through his long brown locks. Then a smile began to form on his face. “She is pretty amazing, isn’t she? Sophie, I mean.”
Logan felt a corner of his lips move upwards. “That she is. I’m really glad at least one good thing came out of my little slip up.”
“Pardon?” Howard’s head lifted up.
Logan’s smile grew bigger. “You really do like her, don’t you.” It wasn’t a question.
Howard’s eyes grew into big discs and his face turned red. “Of c-course I do!” He said, “We’re partners and everything!”
“I don’t mean that old attraction magic from just being Arour Dians.” Logan continued. “You really do love her, right?”
Howard gapped at Logan, his cute face almost as red as an apple. “Oh please don’t tell her this! I don’t think I can take it if she knew. I mean, I plan on telling her eventually, but…oh please keep this a secret!” He babbled. Whenever Howard lost his cool, he could really lose it sometimes like he was doing right now.
“Of course.” Logan nodded. “Don’t worry, you’re secret is safe with me.” If Logan knew Sophie, however, she probably had already figured it all out a long time ago, and he had sensed that she felt the same way. The signs were obvious between those two. He didn’t need special powers to be observant after all.
“Oh thank you.” Howard sighed in relief. “It’s just that she’s so kind and gentle and, and beautiful, it makes me feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”
“Glad I helped pair you two together.” Logan joked, chuckling a bit lightly. Laughter was something he didn’t experience too often, so he felt a bit silly doing it.
“Helped?” Howard blinked twice before he remembered. “Oh. I’m…I’m so-”
“Don’t even try to start that again.” Logan cut him off. “I’m really glad you two are together, I really am. And besides, I don’t think we would have gone through the whole actual marriage thing since I’m kinda interested in guys.”
“Yea, I guess you’re right.” Howard gave a small laugh. “But you two would have made one hell of a picture perfect couple. Anyways, I gotta go walk Sophie to her class. I’ll see you later, alright?”
“Alright, later!” Logan waved Howard goodbye and watched him run back down the hallway to his girlfriend, who was waiting patiently where he had left her. Although Kin-Lam were allowed to marry people other then their partners, most Arour Dians marry each other anyways for the sake of tradition, and only rarely were there what was called ‘true love.’ To be paired with your true destined partner was an event close to a miracle. An example of that miracle was Sophie and Howard, the both of them practically made for each other. It was ironic how his curse ended up making those two happy.
Logan felt his spirits lift when he thought of that. He had helped make a miracle. He was still doomed to a lifetime of hardships, but at least there was some happiness resulting from his action. Feeling much better, Logan headed to his locker.
“This day might actually not be so bad.” Logan said somewhat optimistically as he undid his lock. He spoke a little bit too soon however because the moment he opened his locker door, a bucket fell out onto him, splashing rancid smelling pond scum all over his shirt and pants. For a moment, time seemed to have frozen as the entire hall fell silent, everybody staring at the spectacle. Suddenly they all burst out laughing at Logan’s humiliation.
Logan stood there, covered in green gunk and reeking horribly. He felt his body shake with anger and frustration, but he fought it down. He didn’t even know who to be angry at, since the prankster didn’t leave any clue behind. He looked down and inspected the damage. His shirt was ruined, and so were his jeans. Even if he could get all that slime off, they would still reek. He couldn’t possibly wear this all day, so he had to find a spare change of clothes somewhere. Still steaming, he marched down the hallway towards the office where they might keep some sort of spare clothing somewhere. The people in the hall parted to the sidse to stay away from Logan’s stink, still laughing as he walked by,
When he entered the office, the woman behind the secretary desk looked up from her paperwork. Her eyebrows rose when she saw Logan walk in, dripping wet and splashed with green gunk. “What happened to you?” She asked.
“I decided to go jump into a pond.” Logan scowled. “Do you got any extra clothes somewhere?”
“Ah, yes, let me go check.” The woman fumbled around as she searched around her work area. Finally she pulled out a worn out old cardboard box labeled “Lost and Found” on one side in black. She rummaged through it and pulled out a shirt and PE shorts. “Here you go, these should do.” She said, offering them to Logan.
Logan stared at the clothes. The shorts were medium sized, but they might as well have been extra large to Logan. They would expose his thin legs completely. The shirt was small, so it would only be slightly baggy on him, but Logan was looking at the sleeves which were, in fact, missing. The shirt was a muscle shirt, and even with his gloves worn on it still left enough skin vulnerable to an accidental touch.
“Isn’t there anything else?” Logan asked, looking desperately up at the secretary.
The woman shook her head. “I’m sorry, but these were the only pieces of clothing in here. The only thing left in here is a blue thong.”
Logan looked back at the shirt and shorts. His mind was screaming that it was too dangerous, but he didn’t have any other choice; he had to wear them.
Reluctantly, Logan went into the boy’s bathroom and changed his clothes. He wrapped his old clothes into a ball and threw them into the trash bin. The only thing he had left were his underwear, shoes and gloves which miraculously didn’t get wet. Logan didn’t know what he would have done if he didn’t have them. Gingerly he put on his new clothes and looked at his reflection in the mirror. Logan had already looked ridiculous in his black clothing before, but now he looked like a clown. The muscle shirt was in the worse shade of maroon imaginable, which clashed with the red and black PE shorts. Throw in his signature elbow high gloves and you had a complete fashion disaster. He felt weird wearing such loose, casual clothes, even if it didn’t look so horrible on him. He had worn long sleeves and full length pants since the accident, and now he felt very uncomfortable. The only thing left that comforted him was, ironically, that damned red Falhan Kyn symbol stitched into his gloves. Even though the weather was warm, he couldn’t help but felt a wave of coldness pass over him and shivered. “It’s only for one day.” He told himself. “Just a few hours and I’ll be alright.” Yet somehow his words didn’t sound so convincing.
The day went by excruciating slowly for Logan. He could hear people whispering behind his back wherever he went, open snickering as they told each other what had happened and some had the nerve to say rude things in front of his face.
“Did you have a nice bath today?”
“What’s wrong, all your toad buddies chase you out of their pond?”
“Hey look everybody; it’s the creature from the Black Lagoon!”
With his teeth clenched and fists balled tight, Logan made his way to lunch hour, amazed that no one had touched him yet. Sure, some of the jackasses in class poke and prod him with a pencil and other objects every now and again, but there was no actual skin contact to his relief.
Like every other student at school, Logan went into the cafeteria and got into the food line to get his lunch. The school actually provided a good variety of food, but that came with having such famous football players. They always found a way to get money to support their athletes, and every athlete needed a good meal. As he went down the line, he grabbed a few items and placed them on his tray. Salad, milk, side of carrot sticks; he may be skinnier then a flag pole, but he made sure he ate healthy. Or to be more precise at least he didn’t have much of a choice with his super low metabolism, unless he wanted to have a hanging gut on his stick figure frame. Although the thought of filling out in any way was appealing, Logan would never be physically able to carry that weight, nor will his body be able to handle any more physical handicaps. Still, Logan did miss eating his favorite junk food.
Logan paid for his meal and started to head for the cafeteria exit so he could eat in private somewhere, most likely under his favorite tree. As he made his way down, something made him take a glance to his right and he stiffened up. Samson was there, and approaching the center aisle carrying a cafeteria tray. If they both kept on walking at the same pace, they would meet up somewhere in the middle. If Logan didn’t slip by him now, Samson would approach him again. Quickly Logan scanned for a way to go around, but all of the possible escaped routes were blocked by backpacks and loitering students who obviously didn’t know shit about fire hazards. He looked behind him, but it was also blocked by people who were on their way outside as well. Logan might be able to push past them, but not without getting touched in the process. His only hope now was to get down the aisle as quickly as he could before Samson could reach him, that way he could just run on by and ignore him if he tried to strike up a conversation.
And all the while he was thinking this, he was wasting precious time! Quickly Logan rushed down the aisle without actually running. His legs ached, but he pushed on. He went faster and faster until-
“Logan?”
-A solid wall of muscle cut in front of his path, causing him to skid to a halt and nearly spilling the contents of his tray. Dammit! Logan swore. If only his legs were a bit longer, he would have made it in time! Since there was no use crying over something he had no control over, he steeled himself and looked up.
“Hello, Samson.” Logan said, his face tightening.
Samson’s jaw clicked when he heard Logan’s usual bitter greeting and a bit of pain formed in those blue eyes. Logan’s eyes quickly scanned Samson’s body. Samson was just a tad bit bigger then he had been when he talked to Logan on Monday, possibly two to three pounds heavier, as well as half a centimeter of height. Normal people weren’t able to notice such subtle change, but Logan had developed an eye for this thing, especially when it came to that body. It looked incredible in that grey t-shirt, with those giant slabs of pecs straining the front and the sleeves stretching to accommodate those big arms. His jeans were tight as well, showing how his legs curved outwards at the quads while having such a tiny ass waist. In those huge arms was a tray that had a pile of food heaped on it. A quick look told Logan that there were three double cheeseburgers, a large order of chili fries, four slices of pepperoni pizza, a baked potato with cheese and bacon bits on top and a large 21 ounce cup of soda. And no matter how much Samson ate, Logan knew he would never gain a pound of flab. Instead, all that food turned into pure, ripped, fat-free muscle.
“Oh, hey, Logan.” Samson replied nervously, already sounding unsure. “How’s it…how’s it been?”
“Let’s see,” Logan pouted his lip and looked upwards, as if he was trying to remember something. “Today I had a bucket of shit dumped on me, been called a monster from a fifties horror movie and now I’m here talking with you. I’m doing great, how’ve you been?”
Samson’s forearms flex and knotted up, the veins popping out as his body tensed up. It was a sight to see all those muscles suddenly bulge out like that, moving and flexing underneath the grey shirt and perfectly tanned skin. “Oh, I’m sorry I asked.” This time Samson didn’t stutter as he usually did. They were in a cafeteria full of people after all and what would people say if they found out that the most popular guy in school was afraid of a 98 lbs. weakling? Samson’s eyes traveled up and down Logan’s body. “You’re wearing a new outfit today.” He pointed out, his eyes taking note of Logan’s bare upper arms. They were even punier then he had imagined them would be, and the skin was so pale!
Logan’s eyes grew ice cold. “Well I was planning on wearing my pond scum covered shirt, but then I found out that green isn’t really my color.”
Samson winced as he realized that he had said something stupidly obvious. Why did he always mess things up whenever he was around Logan? No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t he keep up his strong profile. “Do you…do you want to sit down together for lunch?”
“Okay.” Logan shrugged.
Samson’s eyes widened with surprise and hope. “R-really?”
“Nope.”
And in an instant that hope was ruthlessly slaughtered. “Oh…” Samson said, extremely hurt. “Okay then…maybe…some other time?” His eyes scanned Logan’s face for a sign, any sign that there was still a chance.
“Don’t count on it.” Logan muttered coldly. “Now if you’d please move, you’re blocking the way out.”
“Oh, sorry.” Samson said somewhat meekly, stepping off to the side. Logan risked a quick glance at that handsome face and saw that even though he had done some damage, Samson still had more determination.
Stubborn pig-headed sonavabitch! Logan cursed in his head, then made his way past the bulky star JV quarterback. He took one step and suddenly his foot landed on, of all things, a banana peel that someone had carelessly thrown onto the ground. His tray went soaring into the air as his world turned upside down. His vision was abruptly turned to face the high ceiling of the cafeteria as his legs flew out from underneath him. He braced his body for the impact with the ground, knowing that with the force he was going it will be extremely painful for him. Someone had other plans however, because before his back hit the floor, something abruptly stopped his fall. That something was two strong arms, bulging with muscle, cradling him just inches above the floor. Logan didn’t have to guess who they belonged to when a strong, electric jolt raced through his body from where his savior’s hand was touching his arm. It felt vastly different then when he touched a normal person, and stronger then the simple pins and needles jolting sensation as well. There was only one person in the entire world that could make him feel that sensation.
“Are you okay?” Samson’s face peered down full of concern. Although he was worried that the little guy was hurt, he couldn’t help but feel giddy and excited at the same time. He was holding Logan in his arms! Logan felt like nothing to him, and yet feeling him nestled in his embrace made him feel warm and tingly. Very tingly. Wait a minute, he actually felt-
“Put me DOWN!” Logan lashed out and struck that benevolent face with the back of his hand.
Samson dropped Logan onto the floor and pulled back, more from surprise then from pain. He had barely felt Logan’s blow, but it didn’t change the matter that Logan hit him. Quickly Logan crawled to his feet, his eyes glaring at him with a rage that Samson had never seen before. For the first time in his life, he felt actual fear grip his heart. Even though he was a tiny wimp facing a giant football player, Logan’s fury made him seem to tower high above him while Samson cowered under his gaze, even though that was physically impossible with their difference in height.
“Stay away from me…” Logan said, his voice strained from holding back his emotions that were threatening to explode at any moment. “Just stay away from me, goddammit!” Logan whirled around and ran down the aisle and out of the cafeteria.
Samson stared after Logan, unable to process what had happened. He felt the eyes of almost everyone in the dining room fall upon him and he snapped himself out of it. “What are you looking at?” He demanded loudly, and everybody quickly turned their attention elsewhere. Samson resisted breaking something in anger and reached down to grab his tray, which he had dropped in order to catch Logan. As he began cleaning up of what used to be his lunch, he looked at his hands as he remembeedr something. When he had caught Logan, one of his hands had touched the skin on Logan’s arm. It may have only been the excitement from making actual contact with him, but he could have sworn he felt a faint tingling feeling when their skin touched.
When Logan burst out of the cafeteria, he kept on running onwards. He ran down the hall, making almost random twists and turns until he found himself outside. His legs burned, his chest started to hurt and even breathing became difficult, but he kept on running. He reached the area behind the football stadium before his legs gave out and he collapsed on the wall of the equipment shed. He pressed against the wall, heaving as he tried to get his breath back.
The ritual.
It flashed through his mind like lightning. Logan grabbed his right glove and yanked it off and quickly removed the bandages so that he could see his hideously scarred arm. He pulled out his knife and fumbled to get it open. Finally, the blade popped out and he held out his arm. The blood red blade of the knife hung over his exposed arm. He was shaking very badly. He could see it as the blade trembled in his hand. “I am…Loganos.” His voice cracked as he spoke. “As one who has been c-cursed by fate, I b-break my…my ties with thee, and s-sever the…sever the…” Logan sobbed as he dropped the knife. He sank down against the cold wall as the full weight of what had happened hit him in full force.
He could never break the tie with Samson. He could cut himself to ribbons and say the words until he lost his voice, but it will never free him from that cursed bond he had tied with Samson. Never. And now his fate pressed tighter against him in that never ending curse that kept on taking away his life.
Logan laid there against the wall, crying without any tears. He had shed them all during the first few years of his curse, so now he didn’t have any left. Now all he had was the pain, and right now he was feeling it more then ever.
A shadow fell upon him and he felt his body freeze up. Was it another bully? Someone who wanted to teach him a lesson about disrespecting the star football player? Logan withdrew himself further as he prepared himself for a beating. The last thing he wanted now was for someone to see him right then.
“Logan, what have you done?” A deep yet familiar voice said angrily.
Correction, the last thing he wanted was for Riley to see him right then.
Logan looked up and saw the large figure of his brother outlined in the sun. From down on the ground, Riley looked even more massive and imposing then ever, dressed in his football jacket and tight jeans that didn’t do much to hide his muscular body. Shoulders wide enough to block the sun, a thick bull neck the filled his collar. Even with red and black school jacket on, Logan can still see the outline of his brother’s pecs pushing outwards. As Logan looked up at that masculine figure, he felt fear begin to shake him again. Even though Riley and Samson were about the same size, he felt scared as he looked up at the hulking senior.
“I-I…” Logan started.
“Do you know what you did!?” Riley grabbed Logan by the shirt and lifted him up to his face. Logan’s feet flailed helplessly suspended a foot and a half above the ground. Riley wasn’t even straining as he held him. Even when holding Logan like this single handedly, Logan could see that Riley wasn’t even trying. It reminded him how truly frightening the strength of a Warrior Kin-Lam was. And also how absolutely terrifying Riley could become when angry.
“I didn’t-” Logan tried to speak again.
“You touched him!” Riley yelled, making Logan cringe back as much as he could while being held up by the scruff of the shirt. “You touched that filthy human again!”
“I didn’t mean to!” Logan tried to defend himself.
“Why the hell weren’t you wearing your usual clothes?” Riley demanded. A vein was popping on the side of his temple, a warning that Riley was close to really losing his temper. “Why the hell are you wearing this shit? Are you trying to drag people into your fuckin’ curse?!”
Logan tried to keep himself from panicking as he stared the raging behemoth in the face. Riley’s curly dark hair outlined his face, and those dark brown were unforgiving. Logan remembered that they used to be so soft and kind once, but not anymore. Now they were colder then stone and filled with a wrath like no other. Thinking was become very hard for Logan. He wanted to run away, but he couldn’t. Even if Riley wasn’t holding him up, Riley could easily catch him and mercilessly pin him down. “T-they got ruined, so I had to wear these.”
Riley face seemed to become even angrier at Logan’s words. “Why didn’t you just go home then? Tell the teacher you feel sick, called Mom or even ditched school? Huh!? Why didn’t you!?”
Logan felt his stomach turn cold as he realized that he had had other alternatives. He had completely overlook those possibilities, and now he was paying for it. “I…I didn’t think-”
“Obviously!” Riley slammed Logan against the wall hard. “I mean, God, I knew you were stupid but…GOD!” Frustrated, he let go of Logan’s shirt and let him crumble into a heap on the gravel. “Do you realize what you’ve done? Do you!?”
Logan didn’t dare look up to answer. He doubted he could even move for awhile if he wanted. Riley probably didn’t mean to, but he slammed him a bit too hard and now his entire body was writhing in excruciating pain. “Y-yes.” He whimpered.
Riley went on as if he didn’t hear him. “Because of what happened at lunch, the bond is even stronger now! That means the transfer is going to go faster. Do you want that to happen? Do you want him to have everything!?”
Logan shuddered. “N-no.”
“And now because you were so stupid, that greedy human bastard will get even more! Way to go, dumbass!” Riley punched the wall right above Logan so hard it cracked under the blow, making Logan whimper again.
“I’m s-sorry Riley.” Logan apologized as sincerely as he could muster under the circumstances.
Riley looked down at Logan in disgust before he reached down and pulled him up. “Go home. I’ll tell the teachers you got sick and had to leave early.”
“Thank you.” Logan hung his head. Logan walked past Riley and headed for his house.
“And Logan?”
Logan turned around and looked at his brother.
“When you get home, burn that shirt. It looks horrible.”
Logan couldn’t tell if Riley was teasing, joking or serious. Either way, neither of them felt like smiling.
The Name Game 2
Logan: When Simon and Logan first met in the prologue, Simon compared Logan’s name with Wolverine from the X-Men. I liked the idea of how someone who, although is on the short side, can still beat down people twice their size, like how Logan manages to really bring down Samson. Both have strong outer faces and always seems to be angry or bitter with the general public, but hidden behind that is a person who’s been through some traumatizing events, yet still managed to maintain some of their kindness and compassion, although people rarely see that side. One contrast I’ve made between the two characters is the healing factor; Wolverine would plow through danger head on, ignoring his injuries since he could heal himself in a moment’s notice. Logan on the other hand, spends his days avoiding danger as much as he can, and the injuries he carries can’t be healed so easily.
Other then using another character design as a base, his true name derived from the word ‘Loan,’ an act of giving something to someone. Usually loans have a pretense of being paid back, perhaps even with interest. That doesn’t necessarily mean Logan will receive his body back, however. When Simon almost fell off the roof, the fall would have most likely caused his death. However, Logan stopped that from happening, but is now paying the price. My explanation of this scene is that in order to save his friend, Logan more or less ‘borrowed’ time from death itself so Simon could live a full, happy life. In order to pay it back, however, he his mind and body are slowly withering away to a physical and emotional state that is similar to death. In short, Logan asked death for a loan to help his friend, and now he was paying it back with interest.
Sophie and Howard: Two important supporting characters to the story, represented as two parts of a whole. To be perfectly honest with others, I picked these names because I love Howl’s Moving Castle by Hayao Miyazaki. In that movie, Sophie, a strong, independent, yet ordinary girl, falls under a curse and ends up with a handsome young magician named Howl who although seems dashing and cool on the outside, he still has some characteristics that makes him like human. Sophie, a plain girl turned ugly who believes she doesn’t have any good traits and Howl, the seemingly perfect man who in reality is just like a normal human being.
Reflectively, the Sophie in my story is a very beautiful young woman with a strong will, though there are some traits that bring her down to earth. Howard on the other hand, although very cute in his respect he is still considered closer to plain and ordinary and although puts up a cheerful act, can sometimes act uncertainly and looses his confidence.
Other then that, I just love the names Sophie and Howl, even though I changed it to Howard to avoid the obvious
In other news, next Chapter I'll reveal the book I am basing this story on. Has anyone got any suspicions to what it may be? Well in case you need a boost, I'll give a few clues:
- It's a real book, normally a requirement in High School.
- The book is based on actual historical events, so no sci-fi or anything
- The author purposely changed his last name by adding a letter