sâmbătă, 26 septembrie 2009

Episode 4: What "Lies" Behind the Truth

    On the last episode of Dragon Ball F, Pan asked her father some "advices" so she wouldn't blush the next time she meets Xevo but will these advices help? Find out today on Dragon Ball F!

    After a long walk with her father, Pan went up in her room to think things clear:

"Why is this happening to me? This never happened to me before. Why do I blush around Xevo? Why? I guess my dad wasn't much of a help. Sure it was nice to hear how he and mama met and fell in love but how can I tell Xevo that I'm a freak with super powers with the ability of flying and shooting ki blasts? Not to mention I'm a lot stronger than any normal human... And why do I feel so weird when I'm with him? It's like my heart is about to explode, and I can't think clear...or say a word to him. Could this be love? Love at first-side? I wonder if he feels the same way?"

    On that night, Pan couldn't sleep well because of these questions. The morning came rapidly and Pan suddenly realized that someone knocked on her door:

-Pan, are you awake?-Videl asked-Hurry, or you'll be late for school, honey!-while Pan suddenly opened her eyes.
-Oh no!-she thought-I broke that stupid clock. I wonder what's the time?-then she looked at her watch, only to see it was already 7:41-Oh, boy! I'd better hurry up or I'll be really late.

    It was 7:52 when Pan left the house. She took off and burst through the clouds as fast as she could. When she reached the high school, she landed on its roof, so no one could see her, and reach to her classroom faster.

"Well, this is familiar."-she thought as she remembered her father telling her when he was in high school, he used to do the same thing; then she ran down the stairs to her classroom.

    It was 8:04 when she entered and luckily, the teacher wasn't in yet. She sat next to Bra, who asked her why was she late but the teacher came in, and everyone became silent. The day passed away quickly, and Pan hasn't even thought of Xevo because she was busy making new friends. So another day went by, then another, and another, until Friday came when they had physics again. Xevo sat next to her:

-Hi!-he said.
-Hello. H...how you've been?
-Fine. Thanks. And you?
-Fine.

    Then silence. They didn't know what else to talk about, but Pan was determined to get to know him better so even though she was blushing, she continued:

-So, where do you live?
-Uhm... Not far from here. Why?-and then he shot his mouth regretting that he ever asked that.
-Why?-Pan thought to herself-What kind of a question is that?
-So...-Xevo started after a few minutes-Where do you live?
-Oh... I live far from here; in fact, I'm not really from this city. I live at Mount Paozu.
-Wow, that is indeed very far. So, you need to get up really early in the morning to get here.
-Actually, I wake up at 7:00 and still have time for breakfast at home.
-So what, you fly here?-then Pan realized she made a huge mistake, but luckily, she had an idea.
-Well, actually I do. I mean, my parents are so rich that they gave me as a birthday present my personal mini flying jet.
-Cool. But, where do you land that thing?
-Uhm...Well, on the high school's roof.
-Really? Does the principal allow such a thing? I didn't know that. I actually know a few rich kids, and the principal doesn't allow them to do such a thing, and they have jets too.
-Well, the principal actually knows my father for a long time now. You see, my father graduated at this very same high school.
-Awesome. So like father, like daughter, eh?
-Yea.
-You don't happen to be related to Mr. Satan, now do you?
-Who?! Me?! I wish. My parents just named me after his famous granddaughter, which is kind of stupid; not that I think she's stupid, or her name is stupid, I mean, I'm stupid or anything...-then her face became red as a cherry.
-Don't worry about it. I mean, it would be cool if you were her, but I still find you cool even though you're not, but not as cool as if you would be...Oh, boy...-Xevo also got cut up in his own words.

    Luckily for Pan and Xevo, the teacher came into the classroom, so their embarrassment didn't last long. However, after physics was over, they continued talking in the breaks, being less shy. But the day wasn't over yet. After 12 o' clock when Math was over, the fourth break of the day came, and Xevo could no longer hold it in, so he went to the toilet. And like every high school, this one also had its fair share of thugs, and Xevo looked like a perfect victim in their eyes. As soon as he arrived to the toilet, he saw two boys smoking in the corner. He didn't mind them at all, since he had other urgent "preoccupations". After washing his hands, he headed towards the exit door, but the two boys stood in front of him, blocking the way out. They looked big compared to him; if Xevo had to guess, they were in their last year, so they were around the age of 18.

-Mind getting out of my way?-Xevo asked rather scared, already knowing the outcome of this situation.
-Aren't you going to pay a fee for using the toilet?-one of the boys asked.
-A WHAT?!
-You heard me? A fee...payment...money...a little cash.
-I don't have any money right now, so...sorry.
-You seem like a newbie around here...the other boy started-Well, here's how it works: whenever someone uses the toilet and sees us here too, it means they have to pay us...one way or another.
-That's silly! Now let me out of here before I tell the principal and have both of you expelled!
-Maybe...But you should also consider the fact that whenever school's over, you have to walk home, and if we catch you on the streets, there won't be no one to protect you.
-But I really don't have any money with me! My mother packed me some sandwiches...
-As I said, one way or another...-then, suddenly, he punched Xevo in the face, causing him a nosebleed.
-Now you may leave...-the other said with a smirk.
-And make sure to have some money with you whenever you decide to piss, or the next time, we will give you more than a punch.-then the bell rang, and the two thugs went outside, leaving Xevo alone.

    Xevo remained stunned and speechless. He was burning with fury, but he also felt hopeless against those thugs. Although size doesn't matter, the two boys were not only tall, but also very muscular, while Xevo looked like a plank compared to them. He took a handkerchief out of his pocket, cleaned the blood from his nose and went back in the classroom. When the teacher asked him, why he was late, Xevo didn't answer a thing, just sat down at his desk, and didn't make eye contact with anyone during the class, not even the teacher, who gave him an AWOL ( absence without leave ). Pan was sitting behind him, and could hardly wait for the next break to come so she could ask him whatever happened to him. The bell rang, and she immediately rushed next to him, only to notice a little swell on his right cheek.

-Xevo, what happened to you?-she asked him.
-Nothing...Leave me alone!-Xevo said turning away.
-I know we barely met, but you can trust me. Maybe I can help you out...
-You can't so just forget it!-he yelled embarrassed, then he went to the classroom's window, looking out sadly.

    Like everyone else, Bra also noticed that something was bothering Xevo, but decided not to intervene, however, Pan was too determined to find out the true cause of Xevo's sadness. Her only clue was the boy's toilet, since that's where Xevo said he was going before coming back all swelled up, and even though she despised the idea of going in there, she sort of imagined what could have happened to Xevo, and knew her answer would be definitely there, so she closed her eyes and went in. She saw a boy being beaten up by two tall boys. They immediately let him go, after seeing a girl in there, which definitely surprised even the bruised up boy, who was kneeling on the floor.

-Now this is something new...-one of the thugs said-How can we help you, missy?
-I would like to ask you a question...-Pan started rather calmly-...and please answer sincerely.
-Whatever pleases you...But what will we get in return? Maybe you can show us a little of your boobies.
-Oh, I'll show you...-still, Pan managed not to let her anger out just yet-So, did you or did you not punched a boy with glasses during last break?
-That twerp just couldn't keep his mouth shot, now could he?! He's so dead once the classes are over.
-I DON'T THINK SO!!!-Pan yelled so loud, that all the mirrors in the toilet broke into pieces.

    Meanwhile, back in the classroom, Xevo was still alone at the window feeling sorry for himself, when, all of a sudden, he noticed Bra standing behind him.

-Have you seen Pan?-she asked him.
-No, why?
-I just have a feeling that she's sort of in a trouble because of you.-which suddenly made Xevo turn around and face Bra.
-What do you mean, because of me?
-Everyone can see that someone beat you up for something, and knowing Pan, I think she went to..."pay" them back in a way.
-Is she nuts?! She's going to get into serious trouble!-then both he and Bra hurried towards the boy's toilet, only to see a big crowd of teenagers gathered around it.

    As they went through the crowd, the saw the two thugs filled with bruises knelt down in front of Pan, apologizing to her. Everyone was astonished by the view, especially Xevo, but everyone was also happy, especially the boys, for the thugs getting what they deserved. Of course, the event also got to a teacher's attention, who called the principal to the scene. However, by the time he got there, the students have already went inside the classrooms. But it didn't take long for him to find out the truth and the two thugs told the principal that a ninth grader girl bullied them and hurt them for no reason, even though they felt ashamed of saying such a thing. The principal immediately stormed into the ninth graders' classroom during Geography and asked the students who was responsible for the earlier event. However, no one said a word. When the principal started threatening them with detention, or even expulsion, before Pan could admit that it was her in the first place, Xevo stood up before her, taking the blame:

-It was me, sir.-Xevo admitted without regrets.
-Really?-the principal asked suspiciously-I was told it was a girl. And I don't think they could have mistaken you for one, and since you can't change your gender at will, I recommend that the real person stands up now, before I really lose my patience.-at which point, Pan suddenly stood up firmly, not wanting for anyone else suffering the consequences for her actions.
-I am the who you're looking for, sir...-she admitted slowly.
-And pray tell me, how does a little, innocent looking girl beat up two strong 18 year-old boys? And more importantly, why?
-They deserved it, sir. I had to teach them a lesson, they were bullying the entire school.
-And no one told me this until now because...?
-They threatened to hurt them if anyone said anything.
-LIES!!!-the principal shouted, mostly because one of the thugs was actually his son, and even though he was ashamed protecting him, he still wanted to cover up his mess-I will not tolerate liars and troublemakers. You, girl, will get a one-week detention for causing trouble, while you, boy...-pointing at Xevo-...will get a one-week detention for lying starting from next week, Monday. Do I make myself clear?!
-Yes, sir.-Pan and Xevo said in unison.
-Good.-then the principal looked towards the Geography teacher-Sorry for interrupting your class, Mister Umizoka! -then he left the classroom, while everyone felt relieved, even the teacher.

    After the class was over, Xevo went next to Pan's and Bra's desk:

-How in Earth did you managed to beat them up, anyway? Are you sure you're not Mr. Satan's granddaughter?
-I assure you, I'm not.-Pan said acting confidently in order to convince him, while Bra became surprised.
-Then how...?
-I went to a lot of World Martial Arts Tournaments since I was a kid and I guess I learned a few moves while watching the others fight.
-If you say so, but just that you should know, I am more clever than an average boy, or a human being for that matter, and I will find out the truth sooner or later.
-If there were any...-Pan said calmly, however, inside she started to get worried.
-I'll see you then in detention.-Xevo's last words were, as he went back to his desk.
-Why did you just lie to him about yourself?-Bra asked Pan in a silent tone.
-Would you have done otherwise if you were me?-Pan asked feeling sorry that she had to-I just can't tell him how...different I am from him. Not yet, anyway. We barely started talking, so give me a break!
-Suit yourself. Better sooner than later, that's what my motto is.

    At last, Pan and Xevo managed not only to have a conversation, but they also got into their first trouble together. However, Pan wasn't exactly honest towards him, and now she will have to be extra careful around him. But how long can she keep lying to him? Find out on the next exciting episodes of Dragon Ball F!