Chapter One
“You're doing it again aren’t you?!” Duncan stood in the middle of the desert facing his father, Belloc, King of the Kaiju.”You can’t just leave her! She’s all we have dad!”
Belloc just stood with his back turned to his son. The wind was picking up that day in the desert sending dust everywhere. Though it was hard to see one another they could definitely hear and feel each other.
“I know what you’re thinking and it’s not her fault! She didn't ask to be bought in this world!” Duncan stood there almost in tears. He didn't understand his father and he didn't understand the situation he’d just gotten into. All he knew was that he was hurt, she was gone, and he now had a little sister.” You left me for sixteen years dad, sixteen years and I still don't know why! Leaving her now because of mom won’t do anything but, hurt her even more! Is that what you want to do?! Hurt an innocent child, your child because if you do then that truly makes you a monster!” Duncan shook his head before continuing, ”Do you honestly have nothing to say to me?”
The wind seemed to pick up just as fast as the conversation was going. The sand was everywhere but, Duncan could see his father’s eyes as they turned to see his face. They glowed like the embers of a fire.”Time...is needed.”
That’s all Belloc said before continuing on his journey. Duncan watched as the shadow of his father faded into the distance. His mind, his body, his soul, was full of mixed emotions that couldn’t be subdued. As the dust storm settled down Duncan fell to his knees. He closed his eyes and clenched the Earth beneath his palms before letting out a cry of sorrow.
~Later That Night~
“He’s back!” Cried one of the nurses as Duncan walked into the infirmary of M.E.G.T.A.F with his head down.
Blitz walked up to him silent at first not knowing what to say. When he did know he simply said, ”Everything will be ok.” For the first time it sounded sincere and true. His words have little comfort but, it was the thought that counted.
“Where is she?” Duncan asked finally lifting his head up.
“Dr.Patel has her in the lab.”
Duncan give a thanks. All he cared about at the time was his sister. He walked into the lab he was first brought to as a baby and saw the doctor holding the bundle. There was a bottle in her hand and a not so cheerful look on her face. It was obvious that everyone was a little distraught at the bad news. When Dr.Patel finally looked up and saw Duncan she cracked a small smile. Duncan walked over to the two who were in a chair. He hadn’t even seen his sister’s face yet.
“How is she doc?”
“She’s alright Duncan. She’s got perfect health.”
“That’s great.”
Duncan looked at his little sister with curiosity. Her skin was orange and scaly like his but, she had her father’s jet black hair. Dr.Patel could see what he was doing and handed him his swaddled sibling. At first Duncan was scared to hold her. He was scared to drop her or even worse get emotional around her but, he held her anyways. He looked at her and saw himself a little. Someone with ten fingers and toes but, an odd complexion. He realized he now had someone he could be no different from. He went to put his finger in her tiny hands and when she grasped it to Duncan's surprise she opened her eyes. It was the first time she had ever opened them and Duncan could see his mom’s green eyes. This made him happy and sad at the same time. She
smiled at him and showed that she also had her dimples. It was a toothless smile but, it made Duncan smile too.
“I promise Scarlet I’ll protect you. If no one else does I’ll be here for you, ok?” The child just yawned and started to fall asleep. Duncan could help but, kiss her on the top of her head. Little did she know what the future had in store for her.
Belloc just stood with his back turned to his son. The wind was picking up that day in the desert sending dust everywhere. Though it was hard to see one another they could definitely hear and feel each other.
“I know what you’re thinking and it’s not her fault! She didn't ask to be bought in this world!” Duncan stood there almost in tears. He didn't understand his father and he didn't understand the situation he’d just gotten into. All he knew was that he was hurt, she was gone, and he now had a little sister.” You left me for sixteen years dad, sixteen years and I still don't know why! Leaving her now because of mom won’t do anything but, hurt her even more! Is that what you want to do?! Hurt an innocent child, your child because if you do then that truly makes you a monster!” Duncan shook his head before continuing, ”Do you honestly have nothing to say to me?”
The wind seemed to pick up just as fast as the conversation was going. The sand was everywhere but, Duncan could see his father’s eyes as they turned to see his face. They glowed like the embers of a fire.”Time...is needed.”
That’s all Belloc said before continuing on his journey. Duncan watched as the shadow of his father faded into the distance. His mind, his body, his soul, was full of mixed emotions that couldn’t be subdued. As the dust storm settled down Duncan fell to his knees. He closed his eyes and clenched the Earth beneath his palms before letting out a cry of sorrow.
~Later That Night~
“He’s back!” Cried one of the nurses as Duncan walked into the infirmary of M.E.G.T.A.F with his head down.
Blitz walked up to him silent at first not knowing what to say. When he did know he simply said, ”Everything will be ok.” For the first time it sounded sincere and true. His words have little comfort but, it was the thought that counted.
“Where is she?” Duncan asked finally lifting his head up.
“Dr.Patel has her in the lab.”
Duncan give a thanks. All he cared about at the time was his sister. He walked into the lab he was first brought to as a baby and saw the doctor holding the bundle. There was a bottle in her hand and a not so cheerful look on her face. It was obvious that everyone was a little distraught at the bad news. When Dr.Patel finally looked up and saw Duncan she cracked a small smile. Duncan walked over to the two who were in a chair. He hadn’t even seen his sister’s face yet.
“How is she doc?”
“She’s alright Duncan. She’s got perfect health.”
“That’s great.”
Duncan looked at his little sister with curiosity. Her skin was orange and scaly like his but, she had her father’s jet black hair. Dr.Patel could see what he was doing and handed him his swaddled sibling. At first Duncan was scared to hold her. He was scared to drop her or even worse get emotional around her but, he held her anyways. He looked at her and saw himself a little. Someone with ten fingers and toes but, an odd complexion. He realized he now had someone he could be no different from. He went to put his finger in her tiny hands and when she grasped it to Duncan's surprise she opened her eyes. It was the first time she had ever opened them and Duncan could see his mom’s green eyes. This made him happy and sad at the same time. She
smiled at him and showed that she also had her dimples. It was a toothless smile but, it made Duncan smile too.
“I promise Scarlet I’ll protect you. If no one else does I’ll be here for you, ok?” The child just yawned and started to fall asleep. Duncan could help but, kiss her on the top of her head. Little did she know what the future had in store for her.
Chapter Two
“Ok class,” started Ms.Kato, ”since it’s the first day I want everyone to write a small autobiography about yourself. It must be at least a page long. You have the entire period to finish so ,begin.”
Scarlet looked at the journal given to her for the year. It was blue with a name tag that included her name and class number. With a sigh Scarlet picked up her pencil, opened her book, and began writing.
‘My name is Scarlet Rosenblatt. You don't even want to know my middles names because most likely it would fill half this page. I’m fourteen, meaning I’m just starting high school, meaning people ask me how it feels to be in high school. To be honest it feels like every other day of school just with extra work. I have black hair, green eyes, and orange skin. Yes orange skin which leads me to my next paragraph.
I don’t really have parents. It’s just me and my brother, Duncan. He looks like me...complexion wise. According to him my mother died giving birth to me and my dad ran off after that. The weird thing is he did the same thing to my brother except he came back when he was sixteen. Makes me wonder if he’ll come back for me. My mom was Margaret Rosenblatt aka the woman who married Belloc, King of the Kaiju. Yep that’s right. I’m half human half monster. While some people might think that’s awesome I think it’s the worst thing to ever happen to anyone. The real question is how did it happen? Seriously from what I’ve heard my dad’s a hundred and twenty foot tall dragon man. Then there was my mom this kind, loving, spitfire of a person who pales in comparison to him in every way. To me it sounds like a twisted Beauty and the Beast story. In fact I think that’s where my story really begins.
About thirty years ago my dad tried to destroy the city. By this I mean like Godzilla destroy the city. The military tried to stop him with all they had. They bought in tons of groups that most people will never know about. I’m not sure how long it lasted but, I know it was long enough for people to fear his return. Then there was my mom who was there that day. Instead of running or screaming for her life she went towards him. Of course I have no idea what she was thinking consider the average persons decision at such a time. It was that day that my parents met and the monster fell in love with the woman.
They got married for a short time but, during that time they had my brother. For sixteen years my mom raised Duncan on her own and for sixteen years Duncan didn’t know dad at all. Until one night at one party that changed everything. Duncan was at a party with his friend, who I call aunt, Isabel. All of a sudden my father came back for my brother and boy did he make headlines. He took Duncan back to his lair and said that he was destined to be the next King. Duncan didn't want this as most people wouldn’t but, dad trained him anyways. He wanted him to be strong and ruthless like him. The one thing Duncan could never do that would make my dad the happiest was kill. No matter what got in the way or who it was Duncan couldn't kill. Sooner or later my parents got back together. This lead to my birth, the death of my mother, and my abandonment.
My brother was left to be my legal guardian and for fourteen years it’s just been us. It’s not so bad though. I guess you can say that it gives us a, somewhat, better relationship than most siblings. Just my bro and me eating coal all day. Did I mention I can only eat coal? Yeah something else my father left me with in fact he left a whole care package. Not only do I have orange skin and can eat coal but, I can also breathe fire. Duncan said he didn’t start until he was sixteen but, since girls mature faster that means I was going to get it early. It’s new like any car but, hot like a Ferrari. Speaking of development I’ve also developed more agility, stamina, and all that good stuff. Now yes that comes with many advantages but,in the end it still makes me feel different. I guess that’s why there’s people like Finn, my Uncle Kenny’s son, and Garnet, Aunt Isabel’s daughter. They’re always there for me no matter what. For years they’ve followed me from school to school making sure I don’t get bullied or worse I hurt the bullies.
All in all my life is simple yet at the same time complicated. I have no mother or father. There’s just me, Duncan, Aunt Isabel,Uncle Kenny, Garnet, and Finn. To this day I’m confused and ask myself this one question, am I human or Kaiju? I let the people around me figure that out because I surely can’t.’
The bell rang like a siren and Scarlet finally looked up from her journal. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to find Finn who asked, ”How much did you write?”
“Like two pages.”
“Wow! I barely got one. You must have a lot to talk about for someone so quiet.”
“Hey I’m not quiet. I’m just quieter than the rest of you.”
“I’m not loud.”
“Totally.” Scarlet just smirked before getting up to turn her journal in. The Finn followed right in behind her handing off his journal like the rest of the class.
As they walked out of class they could hear their teacher saying, ”If you didn't finish today you have tonight to finish.”
The rest of the students from the other classes were walking out like them. The only thing Scarlet wanted to do was get the day over with. Her and Finn made it to their lockers where they met Garnet. She already had her books prepared for the next class and her bad on her shoulders.
“How was ELA? Did you guys do that journal assignment?” Garnet was nothing like her mother. She was well rounded and always busy with something. At times it was hard to get her relax or even slow down.
“Yeah and guess who wrote the most?”
“Well probably me. I wrote three pages.” Somehow Garnet said that with joy.
“Nevermind,” started Finn, ”you’ve been beat Scarlet.”
“Oh yeah Scarlet were you coming to that End Of Summer Bash hosted by Conner?”
Scarlet looked at her with confusion, “Conner who?”
“Conner Adams, the one you like.”
Scarlet slammed her locker, ”I don’t like him.”
“Aw,” Finn started.
“Don’t you dare say it Finn.”
Garnet and Finn locked arms before saying,”Sconner, Sconner, that’s my ship, if no one happens, Sconner happens.” They started going the Can-can Dance and Scarlet just rolled her eyes.
“You two are embarrassing.”
“We know!” They said sounding like little kids.
“Trust me I’d love to go with you guys,” sarcasm lurked in her voice,”but, I have plans for tonight.”
“What plans?” Asked Finn who suspected there were no plans.
“I have a doctor's appointment after school.”
“Really? I know for a fact they’re not that long. Why don’t you get out a little Scarlet. I mean look at Garnet. She’s a total nerd but,she mingles a bit. Ow!” Garnet punched Finn in the shoulder.
“It’ll be fun Scarlet. Just think about it ok?"
Scarlet sighed before saying, ”Fine. I’ll think about it during P.E.” She didn't really mean it but, anything to keep them happy.
The bell rang and all of them split up for their extra curricular activities that somehow got them a grade. For Scarlet this was volleyball, Finn had wood work, and Garnet had art. The only thing Scarlet could think as she walked to class was, ”I’m not looking forward to this.”
Scarlet looked at the journal given to her for the year. It was blue with a name tag that included her name and class number. With a sigh Scarlet picked up her pencil, opened her book, and began writing.
‘My name is Scarlet Rosenblatt. You don't even want to know my middles names because most likely it would fill half this page. I’m fourteen, meaning I’m just starting high school, meaning people ask me how it feels to be in high school. To be honest it feels like every other day of school just with extra work. I have black hair, green eyes, and orange skin. Yes orange skin which leads me to my next paragraph.
I don’t really have parents. It’s just me and my brother, Duncan. He looks like me...complexion wise. According to him my mother died giving birth to me and my dad ran off after that. The weird thing is he did the same thing to my brother except he came back when he was sixteen. Makes me wonder if he’ll come back for me. My mom was Margaret Rosenblatt aka the woman who married Belloc, King of the Kaiju. Yep that’s right. I’m half human half monster. While some people might think that’s awesome I think it’s the worst thing to ever happen to anyone. The real question is how did it happen? Seriously from what I’ve heard my dad’s a hundred and twenty foot tall dragon man. Then there was my mom this kind, loving, spitfire of a person who pales in comparison to him in every way. To me it sounds like a twisted Beauty and the Beast story. In fact I think that’s where my story really begins.
About thirty years ago my dad tried to destroy the city. By this I mean like Godzilla destroy the city. The military tried to stop him with all they had. They bought in tons of groups that most people will never know about. I’m not sure how long it lasted but, I know it was long enough for people to fear his return. Then there was my mom who was there that day. Instead of running or screaming for her life she went towards him. Of course I have no idea what she was thinking consider the average persons decision at such a time. It was that day that my parents met and the monster fell in love with the woman.
They got married for a short time but, during that time they had my brother. For sixteen years my mom raised Duncan on her own and for sixteen years Duncan didn’t know dad at all. Until one night at one party that changed everything. Duncan was at a party with his friend, who I call aunt, Isabel. All of a sudden my father came back for my brother and boy did he make headlines. He took Duncan back to his lair and said that he was destined to be the next King. Duncan didn't want this as most people wouldn’t but, dad trained him anyways. He wanted him to be strong and ruthless like him. The one thing Duncan could never do that would make my dad the happiest was kill. No matter what got in the way or who it was Duncan couldn't kill. Sooner or later my parents got back together. This lead to my birth, the death of my mother, and my abandonment.
My brother was left to be my legal guardian and for fourteen years it’s just been us. It’s not so bad though. I guess you can say that it gives us a, somewhat, better relationship than most siblings. Just my bro and me eating coal all day. Did I mention I can only eat coal? Yeah something else my father left me with in fact he left a whole care package. Not only do I have orange skin and can eat coal but, I can also breathe fire. Duncan said he didn’t start until he was sixteen but, since girls mature faster that means I was going to get it early. It’s new like any car but, hot like a Ferrari. Speaking of development I’ve also developed more agility, stamina, and all that good stuff. Now yes that comes with many advantages but,in the end it still makes me feel different. I guess that’s why there’s people like Finn, my Uncle Kenny’s son, and Garnet, Aunt Isabel’s daughter. They’re always there for me no matter what. For years they’ve followed me from school to school making sure I don’t get bullied or worse I hurt the bullies.
All in all my life is simple yet at the same time complicated. I have no mother or father. There’s just me, Duncan, Aunt Isabel,Uncle Kenny, Garnet, and Finn. To this day I’m confused and ask myself this one question, am I human or Kaiju? I let the people around me figure that out because I surely can’t.’
The bell rang like a siren and Scarlet finally looked up from her journal. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to find Finn who asked, ”How much did you write?”
“Like two pages.”
“Wow! I barely got one. You must have a lot to talk about for someone so quiet.”
“Hey I’m not quiet. I’m just quieter than the rest of you.”
“I’m not loud.”
“Totally.” Scarlet just smirked before getting up to turn her journal in. The Finn followed right in behind her handing off his journal like the rest of the class.
As they walked out of class they could hear their teacher saying, ”If you didn't finish today you have tonight to finish.”
The rest of the students from the other classes were walking out like them. The only thing Scarlet wanted to do was get the day over with. Her and Finn made it to their lockers where they met Garnet. She already had her books prepared for the next class and her bad on her shoulders.
“How was ELA? Did you guys do that journal assignment?” Garnet was nothing like her mother. She was well rounded and always busy with something. At times it was hard to get her relax or even slow down.
“Yeah and guess who wrote the most?”
“Well probably me. I wrote three pages.” Somehow Garnet said that with joy.
“Nevermind,” started Finn, ”you’ve been beat Scarlet.”
“Oh yeah Scarlet were you coming to that End Of Summer Bash hosted by Conner?”
Scarlet looked at her with confusion, “Conner who?”
“Conner Adams, the one you like.”
Scarlet slammed her locker, ”I don’t like him.”
“Aw,” Finn started.
“Don’t you dare say it Finn.”
Garnet and Finn locked arms before saying,”Sconner, Sconner, that’s my ship, if no one happens, Sconner happens.” They started going the Can-can Dance and Scarlet just rolled her eyes.
“You two are embarrassing.”
“We know!” They said sounding like little kids.
“Trust me I’d love to go with you guys,” sarcasm lurked in her voice,”but, I have plans for tonight.”
“What plans?” Asked Finn who suspected there were no plans.
“I have a doctor's appointment after school.”
“Really? I know for a fact they’re not that long. Why don’t you get out a little Scarlet. I mean look at Garnet. She’s a total nerd but,she mingles a bit. Ow!” Garnet punched Finn in the shoulder.
“It’ll be fun Scarlet. Just think about it ok?"
Scarlet sighed before saying, ”Fine. I’ll think about it during P.E.” She didn't really mean it but, anything to keep them happy.
The bell rang and all of them split up for their extra curricular activities that somehow got them a grade. For Scarlet this was volleyball, Finn had wood work, and Garnet had art. The only thing Scarlet could think as she walked to class was, ”I’m not looking forward to this.”
Chapter Three
“Alright ladies for those of you who don’t know what volleyball is to put it simply it’s ping pong with your arms. Now who of you have never played volleyball?” A few students raised their hands. ”Ok about half of you. How about those who don't know pair up with the ones who do know and you can have some one on one. Oh I almost forgot. You can call me Jenna.”
While everyone else was pairing up Scarlet walked up to the coach saying, ”Really? They assigned you as my coach?”
“Hey I like sports. Besides being a biology teacher is a little gross.”
“Oh yeah. You and frogs have some sort of connection.” Scarlet put up air quotes.
After Duncan’s prom night was crashed by Abaddon and Astroth M.E.G.T.A.F saw potential in her. This lead to her changing her life goals from college and loving family to training sessions and speaking as a representative. Over the years she’s been everywhere with Scarlet. She was her preschool principal, middle school counselor, and now her volleyball coach.
“Hey don't forget you’ve got an appointment today.”
“How could I?”
“Hey!” A smaller girl came over to them, ”You wanna be my partner?”
Scarlet had a confused look fall upon her face, ”You’re asking me?”
“Yeah, besides there’s no one else left.”
“Oh, ok.”
The two grabbed a ball and moved to the court with the other girls. Scarlet taught her how to hold her hands and bump the ball before they started their one on one. After a few bumps the girl spoke, ”My name is Piper and...you’re Scarlet Rosenblatt.”
“How’d you know?”
“Everyone knows you and even they didn’t I would have known. I know everything in this school.”
“Such as?”
“Well you’ve been friends with Garnet Vasquez and Finn Rogers since preschool. Finn fits the bill of one of the indie kids,Garnet’s in the Nerd section but, you don’t exactly fit anywhere. All three of you from the top groups that people like Zane Steele and his crew bully.”
“Is he a blonde who looks and acts like the stereotypical jock?”
“Yeah, you met him in the hallway. When he was picking on Finn.”
“Ugh…” Scarlet thought about what happened that morning. She thought she was going to slap his face off when he taunted her. Just thinking about it made her blood boil again.
Scarlet calmed down before asking, ”So I’m guessing you’re a reporter for the school paper?”
“That would be fun but, I get an even bigger smile selling information. If you ever need anything just know that I know.” Piper bumped the ball once more until she heard someone call her name.
Scarlet bumped the ball without even realizing that Piper had turned her back. Piper was too busy piping to notice that the ball was coming right for her. Scarlet knew the ball was too fast so the only thing she could was yell, Piper heads up!”
Piper turned around but,it was too late. The ball landed right in her face and sent her to the ground. The gym went silent as everyone stared at the two. Scarlet rushed over to Piper’s who was holding her bleeding nose.
“Oh my gosh,Piper! I’m so sorry! I’m just a hard hitter and...” Scarlet had concern in her voice as she saw the blood pouring from her nose.
“It’s cool dude,” Piper seemed fine with the situation,”I mean it’s just a nose bleed.”
Jenna walked over to the two of them saying,”Calm down everyone she’s fine.” Jenna knelt down next to Piper and uncovered her nose for a second before covering it again. Groaning she said,”Someone get me a rag and Scarlet you can take her to the nurse.” One of the girls walked over with a rag in hand and gave it to Jenna who gave it to Piper.
Scarlet helped Piper get to her feet before they walked out of the gym. Piper’s arm was around Scarlet as they walked down the halls. Scarlet continued to apologize and even looked distraught as she did so.
That’s when Piper stopped them,”Chill Scarlet I said I was ok and don’t apologize for apologizing.”
“It’s just...stuff like this happens all the time.”
“If you ask me that sounds exciting.”
“It’s not trust me. There's a lot about you don't know that would make you rethink that sentence.”
“Well whatever it is I’m sure I’ll find out.” Piper smiled wide even with the bloody rag on her face.
Scarlet thought,‘For someone in pain she’s preppy.’
Eventually they did make it to the nurse’s office where Piper got herself cleaned up. The nurse was taking down some information that was needed for the ‘I Had A Nurse Visit’ slip. When she got to one piece of the form she asked,”How exactly did this happen?”
“I kinda bumped a ball in her face during volleyball.”
“Oh wow,” the nurse looked surprised,”you must have heavy hands.”
‘You have no idea lady.’ Just then two more people walked in.
Scarlet turned to see Connor Adams and some other kid. He had short,reddish brown hair with hazel eyes to compliment. He was somewhat toned from being on the basketball team and of course he had the height for it too. Connor wasn’t really a jock but at the same time he wasn't really a prep student. To Scarlet he was the perfect combination.
“Hey Scarlet,fancy seeing you here.”
‘He’s speaking to me! What do I say?’ Scarlet couldn’t find the words to say so she just smiled and waved.
“Were you coming with Garnet and Finn to my party tonight?” Scarlet could only shake her head out a thumbs up.”Great,I’ll see you there.” Scarlet kept shaking and smiling.
“Good grief.” Piper got up from her seat taking the slip from the nurse and pulled Scarlet out of the room.
~Later That Day~
Jenna typed in the passcode to open the door to the M.E.G.T.A.F base,”You know you’d do good on the volleyball team.”
“I’d kill someone. No I’d kill a whole team.” Said Scarlet as they started walking into the base.
“All you need is a little practice.” As they passed by there were many obvious stares. Even after fourteen years there were still eyes the averted themselves when caught. Jenna sighed before saying,”Don’t let them get to you.”
“Don’t worry I’m use to it.”
They started walking into the lab where Dr.Patel and Duncan were already waiting.”What took you?” He asked leaning on one of the tables.
Completely ignoring her brother Scarlet said,”Hey doc.”
“Little punk…” He said as his sister got on the examining table. He looked up and saw his ex before looking away,”Jenna.”
“Duncan.”
“All done.” They heard Dr.Patel say as a full body scan showed on the projector.”Well you look fine. Everything seems to be working properly. How’s that fire breathe going for you?"
“Ok I guess. My strength levels seem to be fluctuating though.”
“Oh that’s going to happen for a while now considering your going through puberty. It’ll eventually stabilize when you hit adulthood. Why did something happen?”
“Oh you know just the usual accidentally hurting people.”
“And what do you mean be hurt?” Duncan asked curiously.
“I kinda...hit a girl in the face during P.E but she’s fine.”
“Don’t worry Duncan” Jenna said,”it was just a volleyball.”
“I’m not worried. I use to get into worse all the time. You know that.”
Jenna cleared her thought before hinting,”Wasn’t there something you wanted to ask your brother Scarlet?”
Scarlet didn’t know where or how but she knew Jenna just knew somehow. Sighing she ask,”I was kinda wondering if I could go to this...party tonight?”
“Scarlet…you know how I feel about parties.”
“Oh come on!” She got up from the examining table,”The one time I want to be social and you turn it down.” Duncan turned his head before she continued,”I know what you’re thinking but that was only one time. Besides what would he want with me?”
Duncan turned his head back,”That’s that same thing I said! The answer is no!”
Duncan turned his back from her. Like a persistent puppy she jumped back in front of his face. She put on her best innocent face and said the magic words,”Pleeeaaassseee big brother?”
Duncan couldn't help but cringe before he gave in,”Fine! But you better be home by eleven got it?”
A sly smile wet on her face,”I love you.”
“Mhm.”
While everyone else was pairing up Scarlet walked up to the coach saying, ”Really? They assigned you as my coach?”
“Hey I like sports. Besides being a biology teacher is a little gross.”
“Oh yeah. You and frogs have some sort of connection.” Scarlet put up air quotes.
After Duncan’s prom night was crashed by Abaddon and Astroth M.E.G.T.A.F saw potential in her. This lead to her changing her life goals from college and loving family to training sessions and speaking as a representative. Over the years she’s been everywhere with Scarlet. She was her preschool principal, middle school counselor, and now her volleyball coach.
“Hey don't forget you’ve got an appointment today.”
“How could I?”
“Hey!” A smaller girl came over to them, ”You wanna be my partner?”
Scarlet had a confused look fall upon her face, ”You’re asking me?”
“Yeah, besides there’s no one else left.”
“Oh, ok.”
The two grabbed a ball and moved to the court with the other girls. Scarlet taught her how to hold her hands and bump the ball before they started their one on one. After a few bumps the girl spoke, ”My name is Piper and...you’re Scarlet Rosenblatt.”
“How’d you know?”
“Everyone knows you and even they didn’t I would have known. I know everything in this school.”
“Such as?”
“Well you’ve been friends with Garnet Vasquez and Finn Rogers since preschool. Finn fits the bill of one of the indie kids,Garnet’s in the Nerd section but, you don’t exactly fit anywhere. All three of you from the top groups that people like Zane Steele and his crew bully.”
“Is he a blonde who looks and acts like the stereotypical jock?”
“Yeah, you met him in the hallway. When he was picking on Finn.”
“Ugh…” Scarlet thought about what happened that morning. She thought she was going to slap his face off when he taunted her. Just thinking about it made her blood boil again.
Scarlet calmed down before asking, ”So I’m guessing you’re a reporter for the school paper?”
“That would be fun but, I get an even bigger smile selling information. If you ever need anything just know that I know.” Piper bumped the ball once more until she heard someone call her name.
Scarlet bumped the ball without even realizing that Piper had turned her back. Piper was too busy piping to notice that the ball was coming right for her. Scarlet knew the ball was too fast so the only thing she could was yell, Piper heads up!”
Piper turned around but,it was too late. The ball landed right in her face and sent her to the ground. The gym went silent as everyone stared at the two. Scarlet rushed over to Piper’s who was holding her bleeding nose.
“Oh my gosh,Piper! I’m so sorry! I’m just a hard hitter and...” Scarlet had concern in her voice as she saw the blood pouring from her nose.
“It’s cool dude,” Piper seemed fine with the situation,”I mean it’s just a nose bleed.”
Jenna walked over to the two of them saying,”Calm down everyone she’s fine.” Jenna knelt down next to Piper and uncovered her nose for a second before covering it again. Groaning she said,”Someone get me a rag and Scarlet you can take her to the nurse.” One of the girls walked over with a rag in hand and gave it to Jenna who gave it to Piper.
Scarlet helped Piper get to her feet before they walked out of the gym. Piper’s arm was around Scarlet as they walked down the halls. Scarlet continued to apologize and even looked distraught as she did so.
That’s when Piper stopped them,”Chill Scarlet I said I was ok and don’t apologize for apologizing.”
“It’s just...stuff like this happens all the time.”
“If you ask me that sounds exciting.”
“It’s not trust me. There's a lot about you don't know that would make you rethink that sentence.”
“Well whatever it is I’m sure I’ll find out.” Piper smiled wide even with the bloody rag on her face.
Scarlet thought,‘For someone in pain she’s preppy.’
Eventually they did make it to the nurse’s office where Piper got herself cleaned up. The nurse was taking down some information that was needed for the ‘I Had A Nurse Visit’ slip. When she got to one piece of the form she asked,”How exactly did this happen?”
“I kinda bumped a ball in her face during volleyball.”
“Oh wow,” the nurse looked surprised,”you must have heavy hands.”
‘You have no idea lady.’ Just then two more people walked in.
Scarlet turned to see Connor Adams and some other kid. He had short,reddish brown hair with hazel eyes to compliment. He was somewhat toned from being on the basketball team and of course he had the height for it too. Connor wasn’t really a jock but at the same time he wasn't really a prep student. To Scarlet he was the perfect combination.
“Hey Scarlet,fancy seeing you here.”
‘He’s speaking to me! What do I say?’ Scarlet couldn’t find the words to say so she just smiled and waved.
“Were you coming with Garnet and Finn to my party tonight?” Scarlet could only shake her head out a thumbs up.”Great,I’ll see you there.” Scarlet kept shaking and smiling.
“Good grief.” Piper got up from her seat taking the slip from the nurse and pulled Scarlet out of the room.
~Later That Day~
Jenna typed in the passcode to open the door to the M.E.G.T.A.F base,”You know you’d do good on the volleyball team.”
“I’d kill someone. No I’d kill a whole team.” Said Scarlet as they started walking into the base.
“All you need is a little practice.” As they passed by there were many obvious stares. Even after fourteen years there were still eyes the averted themselves when caught. Jenna sighed before saying,”Don’t let them get to you.”
“Don’t worry I’m use to it.”
They started walking into the lab where Dr.Patel and Duncan were already waiting.”What took you?” He asked leaning on one of the tables.
Completely ignoring her brother Scarlet said,”Hey doc.”
“Little punk…” He said as his sister got on the examining table. He looked up and saw his ex before looking away,”Jenna.”
“Duncan.”
“All done.” They heard Dr.Patel say as a full body scan showed on the projector.”Well you look fine. Everything seems to be working properly. How’s that fire breathe going for you?"
“Ok I guess. My strength levels seem to be fluctuating though.”
“Oh that’s going to happen for a while now considering your going through puberty. It’ll eventually stabilize when you hit adulthood. Why did something happen?”
“Oh you know just the usual accidentally hurting people.”
“And what do you mean be hurt?” Duncan asked curiously.
“I kinda...hit a girl in the face during P.E but she’s fine.”
“Don’t worry Duncan” Jenna said,”it was just a volleyball.”
“I’m not worried. I use to get into worse all the time. You know that.”
Jenna cleared her thought before hinting,”Wasn’t there something you wanted to ask your brother Scarlet?”
Scarlet didn’t know where or how but she knew Jenna just knew somehow. Sighing she ask,”I was kinda wondering if I could go to this...party tonight?”
“Scarlet…you know how I feel about parties.”
“Oh come on!” She got up from the examining table,”The one time I want to be social and you turn it down.” Duncan turned his head before she continued,”I know what you’re thinking but that was only one time. Besides what would he want with me?”
Duncan turned his head back,”That’s that same thing I said! The answer is no!”
Duncan turned his back from her. Like a persistent puppy she jumped back in front of his face. She put on her best innocent face and said the magic words,”Pleeeaaassseee big brother?”
Duncan couldn't help but cringe before he gave in,”Fine! But you better be home by eleven got it?”
A sly smile wet on her face,”I love you.”
“Mhm.”