Fredrich 1

Fredrich held Jango’s hand as he sat with him in the administration’s office, waiting for their turn to speak with Ava. The bullying had only gotten worse since Fredrich entered Jango’s world, and in turn the bullying was turned on Fredrich as well. “Sympathizer” they would cry. Did the other children even knew what that meant?

Sometimes Fredrich’s stink bombs and sparkle dazzlers dazed the assailants enough for Jango and himself to make their escape. The kids were becoming wiser to Fredrich’s tactics. The baphomet wasn’t sure why the other kids hated Jango so much, but it infuriated him and only made his need to protect his friend all the fiercer.

“It’s okay,” Fredrich offered in an attempt to soothe to sobbing Jango. “You’re doing the right hting ... it’s time.”

Jango 1

If Jango’s sclera had been white, surely the redness from the crying would have been visible, but instead his eyes flickered as if he were running out of juice. The poor boy was exhausted, and had finally had enough. Jango had lashed out at one of his bullies, throwing a right hook right to the other boy’s jaw. Jango wasn’t the strongest of individuals, and while he had made impact with the other student, the other child had barely seemed phased. At first, stunned; yes. But after the initial shock of Jango fighting back had passed, the other child took it upon themselves to punch back. Large sluagh hands, even for a child, left quite the impression. Jango’s face was blossoming all over with bruises and swelling. Kids could be so cruel.

“But what if they call me a tattle tale ... “ Jango wiped at his eye, then winced as he held his stinging cheek. “I don’t want to be known as rat ... “

Fredrich 2

“Jango, buddy ... “ Fredrich leaned in closer, draping one arm over the chair. “There’s no shame in this.” A few years Jango’s senior, Fredrich despite his playful nature, was actually wiser and more lived than he seemed for his mere 12 years of living. “It is better to speak out against those that hurt you than it is to remain quite and have the worst happen ... have you seen your face? Enough is enough. This isn’t being a rat, it’s standing up for yourself and getting justice.”

Fredrich sat back in his seat with a small sigh, crossing one leg over the other. “You know, I don’t think adults realize just how tough it is being a kid, or just how much stuff he have to fight through just to feel accepted. Never be ashamed for having to ask for help ... “

Jango 2

Jango’s watery eyes peered up at Fredrich, watching him quietly for a long, slowly passing moment. Before Fredrich, Jango didn’t have any friends, except for his sister. Even she didn’t always have time for him, and it had made the boy feel more and more alone. His sister had always been quite the individual. Softer in her younger years, but growing more fierce and independent as she aged. Jango missed the days of his earlier childhood. He was still a child, true, and still had many years ahead that could change the course of his life. But Jango wanted friends ... Jango wanted companions.

And then he met Fredrich. And Fredrich had been so kind and sweet to him. And suddenly had a friend. How could he argue with him about this? Jango somehow knew that in this moment, Freddie was right.

“Okay ... “ Jango said quietly, but not defeated. “You’re right.”

Fredrich 3

Fredrich gave Jango’s hand another squeeze, as if to reassure him. It didn’t take much longer for one of the nurses to come in through the office door, taking Jango’s face between her hands to examine the extent of his injuries. Jango looked uncomfortable, but Fredrich offered his support. The headmistress had entered the room from her office, talking with the guidance counsellor, occasionally eyeing the pair. Fredrich was well known to them, what with all his pranks. It didn’t help any that he was the son of the science teacher. Everybody in the room knew his name, for better or for worse. He just hoped they didn’t think it was his fault that Jango’s face was all messed up.

The baphomet slowly let go of Jango’s hand as the nurse took his friend’s attention, sliding off the chair to go and chat with the guidance counsellor and headmistress.

Jango 3

Jango looked alarmed as he saw Fredrich slide away, and even more panicked when he realized that his hand was no longer being held. Jango’s heart slammed hard in his chest, tears welling up in his eyes as the panic settled in. “Wait!” Jango cried out before he could realize what had happened. “Freddie, come back! Don’t leave me alone!!”

Jango was almost in tears, jerking his face away from the nurse. “No!!” he yelled, pushing her away in his fear. The nurse furrowed her brows, trying to soothe the child. His outburst drew the attention of the other adults in the room, but especially Ava and Kirket’s. The daily trauma that Jango had been going through was becoming apparent. The boy was terrified to be left alone without his friend. Had the abuse really grown to be so impactful on the boy?

Fredrich 4

Fredrich froze as he heard his friend crying out, heard the panic in their voice. Fredrich had only managed to get a few feet away before he came darting back, pushing past the nurse. “Jango, sssh. It’s okay! I’m not leaving you, I’m just going to talk to the headmistress about those bullies ... it’s okay, there’s no need to panic!”

His poor friend was so distressed. The knock to his face must have left the poor boy emotionally raw and incredibly uneasy. Fredrich didn’t blame him. “You have nothing to be scared of. They just need to know what happened and I think you’re a little to upset right now to tell your story very well ... I’ve got you, Jang.”

The nurse watched this exchange curiously, watching as Jango settled and making a small ‘hmmn’ing noise, as if contemplating something she had just discovered. Fredrich barely paid attention to her.

Jango 4

Jango tried his best to breath deeply, to calm him rapidly beating heart. As his reason slowly returned, he realized the scene he just made and flushed a brilliant pink. How embarrassing! The giant welt on his face was bad enough as it was, but crying out for his friend not to leave him was even more frightening. It was like some sort of inner desire or demon had come rushing out of him, snarling and fighting to have its way. It scared Jango more than being alone.

“S-sorry ... “ the boy snuffled, trying in another deep breath. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me ... I don’t know ... please ... I’m so sorry.” Jango’s snuffling got louder as he tried not to cry, but the tears were already rolling down his cheeks.

Fredrich 5

Freddie shooed the nurse out of the way, the woman looking a bit offended, a gaze of disbelief as she stood and shuffled out of the way, watching the two boys as Fredrich spoke soothingly to Jango.

“Listen,” he started. “It’s okay to be afraid. There’s nothing wrong with that. You’ve been through a lot. You can be scared. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t be.” Freddie gave his friend’s knees a small squeeze. “So, what do you say? Want to let the nurse finish taking a look at you so we can go and talk to the headmistress about what happened? Yes, your parents will have to be called ... but I think it’s better that they know, don’t you think? It’s long overdue ... “

Jango 5

Jango’s head drooped as he avoided eye contact with his friend. He knew that all the things he was saying were technically right, but he was just so prettified for his parents to find out what had been happening to him all this time. The academy was supposed to be one of the safest places to go to school, but now he was having some serious doubts. He was fairly certain his parents would share those doubts once they found out what had been happening to him on an almost daily basis. “Thanks ... “ that was all Jango could manage to say. And as he lifted his head, he could see the headmistress and the guidance councillor approaching. Jango gulped, afraid to open up, but finding the bravery in himself to finally have a voice.