Unstoppable: Revitalized

-08-

The first thing that hit me was the aftershave smell that claimed the entire hall. Another one was the sight of so many students. It was as if I'd never been here. They all looked like such fresh, innocent faces, like fish in a sea. A few parted away from the door, either to allow me out or because they didn't like me, and to be honest, in this moment, I did not care. Either reason was good enough for me. I didn't really feel like making polite conversation, you know?

The final thing that hit me was a book. Proper thick one, too. It hit me directly in my forehead, sending a dizziness spell over me as I put a hand on the door, muttering curses and wishing death on whoever threw it. Finally, I took a look, before realising something sadder than a wild book strike: A circle forming.

That can only mean two things.

I could hear the sound of skin hitting metal, and immediately knew it wasn't going to be pretty. Parting through people and ignoring words from others, I managed to find a small gap I can wedge through, and what I saw didn't please or help me in the slightest.

Two people were at war with each other. One was Liam: I recognised the punches and the overall raw power that emerged from his body as he practically threw himself at his current opponent, murder clearly on his mind. The other one I didn't recognise, probably some random kid from the crowd, unfortunately picked to be an example. The kid was blocking most of the punches, but the condition of his body, the clenched teeth and the look in his eyes told all of us he was struggling, and bad. Bruises and small lines of red blood ran down his skin as he desperately continued to weakly block haymaker punches. Sure, the kid looked strong and stocky, but Liam was bigger.

Help him. He needs it. If you stood up to Liam, he'd quit what he was doing. Come on Adam. Come on...

"Hey." My mouth flatlined as my voice broke at the end, causing the whole hallway to quieten down, all eyes and ears now focused on me. Liam slowly turned, this sick smile painted on his face as he laughed sadistically before cracking his knuckles. The kid, exhausted, threw me a thanking look before breaking through the crowd and running, cheers breaking out.

"I wondered where you went to cry about this morning." Liam's smile slowly turned into a cold stare as the crowd pushed me towards him, my arms fighting back meaning nothing to all of them as I sighed.

"But you really shouldn't have interrupted me."

Liam's fist swung faster than my body was ready to react to, and it hit me in my chest, but instead of falling with it, I managed to stay standing and throw one, which he blocked with ease.

It's as if I'm a punching bag. No hits back, plenty in, I'm sick of this shit.

"Where'd all this confidence come from, Hm?" Liam swept a foot out, but I managed to jump it, kicking my foot out and watching it mark his chest. He didn't even flinch as I landed back, stumbling forward.

"Someone give you a pep talk? 'Be the better person?' Hm?" Another throw to my stomach, hitting it hard.

"No, no, let me guess: 'Talk to one of us?' How about that?" The side of my head absorbed a smack, leaving my ears ringing and my eyes rattling in my skull. An uppercut to my chin removed my ability to stand as I crumped to the floor in a heap, groaning slightly as the world span above me, Shapes and colours transforming before my eyes.

"Nothing is changing." Liam's face appeared in the corner, killing the fire I had in my chest.

"The world's gonna break you down, and all I'll do is sit back and watch."

Once the crowd dispersed, I picked myself off the floor, I took a look at the clock, realising I'd lost most of last period. Every noise I could hear now was a table creaking and scratching the floor, or the scuffle of bags and coats under moving feet.

Interesting how fast time moves when you get smashed around. I'm heading home.

Continuing to walk forwards, the hallway became distant as I worked out the memories: Nusanda, dying, the basement, dying, The Boss, everything.

Focus...

Shaking my head clear, I found myself at the final door out, one towards the side of the school. Hidden away from prying eyes, even in mid-thought, my mind was clear on staying away from everyone I could. I reached towards the door, my hands wavering as I did

I'd never leave before the end of school. I was such a good kid. How thing's change. Hell, who am I kidding? I've barely been here the last few months.

I finally grabbed the handle, and the door smoothly responded, opening with no alarm, no notice, nothing. Sweet, clean air swept it's way into my veins, removing the last traces of care I had. Running out through the door, I looked back, relief filling me as I saw no one attempt to stop me. The gate was directly in front of me, with a few trees evenly dotted apart for both shelter and beauty. I had to pass six of them. As I was counting them, my feet caught something on the ground, and I collapsed over in a heap, arms digging into my chest. I groaned, picking myself up, and started to walk. If running made me clumsy, I'd rather take my chances. My leg had taken a hit: It looked slightly twisted, struggling to hold me. I kept moving, hissing like a cobra as pain coursed through my legs like liquid poison.

"Yer should be more careful."

It was a voice I'd heard a few times before, on and off. I knew it decently well, and as I leaned back against a wall and faced him, my suspicions were correct: The Caretaker, a few steps away, was tending to a patch of flowers, the same steel face he always had just visible.

"If yer do suttin like 'at again, yer might jus lose yer leg." He sighed before reaching into his pocket and lighting a cigarette before hobbling over and facing me, just a couple short hops away.

"Ah, yer that Adam kid, ain't yer?" He asked, looking me up and down, his stubble shifting as a puff of smoke settled next to me. I didn't answer, feeling a bead of sweat roll down my face as he put the pieces together. He took another long look, before exhaling heavily, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a walkie-talkie.

Wait- what's he doing?

"Uno's out front gate. I'll keep 'im here. Hurry up. Yer, th' day ain't over just yet. Ah, alright. Nah, no problem, Boss." He mumbled into it before slotting it back, filling the space between us and pulling something else out. I didn't even get a chance to hit back before my body lost all feeling, collapsing onto the floor as my skeleton shook uncontrollably, ligaments moving against my will.

"It's kinda 'ard to run with twenty thousand volts runnin' through yer, ain't it?" He chuckled, the first time I'd heard it, before he threw me onto his shoulder, sauntering somewhere I couldn't make out with my frenzied vision and weak body.

"Back to the Cooler with you, then."