Just like any other day, Hank is heading towards the high school on the same path as always, this time he seems very calm and relaxed, it seems that nothing is bothering him this time. In the distance he notices that Jefferson is once again bothering a boy, he quickly goes over to stop him.
-What happened?- asks Hank.
-He... broke my things- the sobbing boy replies.
- Jefferson... this... this must stop, you're being hurt indiscriminately- Hank stammers in fear.
-Huh? You're still at it? Now you're a moralist or what? What are you complaining about now? Tell me... Tell me, until a few weeks ago you were doing the same thing and now you're complaining about it- replies Jefferson hysterically.
At these words Hank averts his gaze to the ground, unable to assimilate what Jefferson said.
-Stop thinking you're the hero of a story that isn't yours, that's very silly...-Jefferson reproaches him with his head held high.
Hank doesn't know what to say, he can't look back at Jefferson, the guilt he feels is so strong he's close to tears.
-See, it's silly what you want to do, come on leave the kid, it's not worth trying- replies Jefferson as he holds out his hand.
Hank's gaze is still on the ground, unable to say anything, unable to assimilate the situation. After a few seconds of total silence, Hank plucks up his courage and looks forward to confront Jefferson, but he sees a horrible scene.
¡PLACK! For no reason, Jefferson's head falls to the ground, and blood starts pouring out of it, to the point where the entire floor is a sea of blood, while a macabre laughter begins to be heard in the background.
He looks up and notices a totally dark being, his appearance from the waist up is macabre, his face shows his skull completely uncovered, from there it seems to sprout strange shapes, resembling a fungus that spreads. His eyes are totally dark without the slightest hint of light, accompanied by a long grin from ear to ear, within it are several fangs that sprout saliva. Her torso shows muscles completely torn, veins sprouting from every orifice of her body, it seems as if they want to take in air. His arms are short and mostly pure bone with long, sharp spikes, capable of ripping someone's head off in a single movement.
It doesn't move, it doesn't do anything, it just watches it penetrating his soul, waiting for the right moment to devour its next victim, Hank is shocked as he finally understands... It's a Doppelganger standing there!
Paralysed, he can only watch as their eyes stare directly at each other, unable to do anything he begins to tremble and sweat uncontrollably. After a few seconds he begins to hear a familiar voice, faint and growing louder and louder -Hank! Hank! Hank! Wake up my friend- it's Frank's voice.
Hank wakes up, it was all just a nightmare. He is very disoriented, he can't quite understand what has happened, but after seeing that Frank is there, he manages to pull himself together. He looks at the floor for a moment and notices a small pool of blood, apparently it is his blood, he realises that he is totally emaciated from the brutal beating they gave him, technically they left him half dead. After looking at Frank again, he notices 2 more people there, they are police officers.
-Where have you been?! It's 3 o'clock in the morning!- answers Frank in desperation.
-Can you hear me? Do you remember your name? What were you doing here- asks one of the two officers.
Hank is still dizzy, it is difficult for him to utter a word because of the enormous pain he feels in his chest. He looks down at his chest for a moment, sees that there is blood there too, touches his chest and looks at his blood, at that moment he remembers what happened.
-I... I was... returning home...- Hank answers with a lot of pain.
-What exactly happened here?- asks the officer.
-I... I heard a scream in the distance... I got closer... and... and... Nicole!- Hank tries to get up.
-Hey hey hey... don't get up kid, otherwise the pain will be worse. Go on explaining- says the concerned officer.
-I was walking and I heard someone screaming, it was Nicole, a friend of mine who goes to the same high school! There was a man following her and the other man hit me before I could do anything!-Hank exclaims in a panic.
The officers look at each other for a moment, you can see on their faces that something is bothering them. With fear, one of them asks -Do you know what those two guys looked like?-
-He had a hood, so I couldn't see his face, but... one of them had an X and the other had a Z marked on his clothes- Hank clarifies.
The officers break out in a cold sweat, one of them steps back briefly and grabs his radio to communicate with another officer. The other officer, between stammers and with a lot of fear, says -OK...with that we have what we need...we'll start with the investigations. We'll take you to a nearby hospital, we'll take care of the rest- Something bad is happening and the tone in which the officer says it makes it clear.
-I'm going too, he's my friend- Frank exclaims confidently.
They wait for the ambulance to arrive. After a few minutes, the paramedics put Hank on the stretcher and put him inside the ambulance. Before they get in, Hank briefly overhears the conversation of one of the officers -They're here... the terrorists... X and Z... we need to take further action right now- Hank hesitates for a moment, but without much help, he is loaded into the ambulance.
After arriving at the hospital, Hank goes into rehab for a few days. During one of those days when he was resting, he turns on the TV, but what he hears makes him shudder.
-More and more people are disappearing for no reason, some in parks, others in shopping malls, businesses and even in their own homes. To date, more than 100 people have been reported missing. Faced with these complicated situations, people are beginning to protest in order to obtain information about their missing acquaintances and to get more security from the state. The people are more and more afraid to go out in their yard and disappear for no reason. Is the government and the M.A.I.H.A. doing their job? Why in these 6 months they have disappeared there is no progress in their work? What are they hiding from us?-
After hearing this, Hank briefly recalls his talk with Nicole and the missing people, his theory that the M.A.I.H.A. is withholding a lot of information from the population slowly becomes more and more true. However, he is very tired and would rather not think about it again, so he decides to turn off the TV and sleep for a while.
After a few more days, he finally recovers and is sent back to his residence, but not before being scolded by both the officers and the workers of the residence itself. He tries not to make the same mistake again. Once he arrives, he goes into his room and sits down, opens his backpack and finally takes the cyborg gloves and decides it's time to try them out.
He looks at it in detail, notices that the fingers of the glove are reinforced by a hard metal plate and that the extremities of the finger are split to allow them to bend. Underneath the glove, there is a kind of cloth, inside it there are different circuits that allow the gloves to work, this cloth has a hole in the upper part where you can put your hand, and on the sides there are 2 long needles, he doesn't quite understand what this is for. Finally, on the upper part of the wrist there is a small button, it is understood that when the button is pressed the gloves will light up, above the button, there are 5 bars that go up, Hank doesn't understand very well what these bars are for and when in doubt he decides to finally try the gloves.
He inserts his hand through the hole already made in the lower part, once this is done, he presses the button and the glove lights up, unexpectedly, the 2 needles pierce Hank's skin with force, painfully entering and splashing small drops of blood.
Hank tries to remove the needles, but notices that they are well impregnated in his flesh, he doesn't quite understand why this has happened, at that moment he feels small electric touches from the needles, although these touches don't hurt, they produce a slight tingling sensation. He looks at the glove in detail and notices how each time there is a small electric touch, the button glows a little brighter and then becomes dimmer and so on. Without much thought he touches the button and one of the five bars lights up, causing the needle to tingle a little harder and making Hank's muscles tense, but it quickly passes. He is a little confused, he thinks he finally understands what the needles are for. By piercing his skin and soaking into his muscles, the electric touches cause the nerves to give a better signal, so that the glove reacts and moves more easily for the wearer, but he still doesn't understand what the rods are for.
He decides to raise it another 2 more levels, again a few more electric shocks are released, a bit stronger, but they pass quickly. He decides to go to the edge of his bed and lifts it up, surprisingly, he manages to lift the bed very easily without breaking a drop of sweat. This last one fascinates him a lot, since each bar represents the strength that the wearer of the glove wants to exert when using it, he thinks about how he could make the most of it in his daily life, for now he feels that he has seen enough and he takes off the gloves to give it one or two final touches so that it works at 100%.
However, for no reason, he starts to feel a bit bad, as he remembers what happened with Nicole a few days ago, and seeing that he has a powerful object and that he couldn't use it, makes him feel demoralised and totally useless.
The next day, Hank heads to his high school. As he enters, he notices the students being led to the podium and goes with them. As he arrives, he sees several police officers, including Nicole's father. A few minutes after everyone is organized, the same man comes up and begins to speak.
-Good morning students. I'm Officer Ethan in charge of the Washington D.C. Police Headquarters. As you know, in the last few months more people have gone missing, including my daughter Nicole. Because of this the public fears for their lives, especially their parents, they fear that something will happen to them. We ask you as students to listen carefully- The officer continues with his recommendations.
After a long time of different recommendations and ways to prevent an incident, the officers start to leave, the most important thing of the whole talk is that, he said that near the small settlements and public centres, more precisely in a radius of 5 kilometres around the latter, small tents will be set up in which people can go to take shelter in case of a national emergency. Once this has been clarified, they leave the high school.
The hours pass and Hank goes out into the courtyard, where he walks and then sits down on one of the benches under a tree. He tries to relax, but after a few minutes he thinks about Jefferson, Nicole and Christina again, which gives him a feeling of helplessness and frustration.
-Damn it! ...even in these situations I can't do anything... I can't deal with any situation on my own, even if I try I can't and every effort is in vain... I'm afraid of Jefferson... and not because I'll end up in a bad physical situation, but because of what he might say... Nicole... I couldn't even do anything but watch and Christina... I'm a coward...- Hank is becoming more and more disappointed in himself.
Just then someone arrives.
-Hey, what are you mumbling about?- It's Frank, his face showing happiness to see his friend.
-Hmph... Frank, it's good to see you- Hank murmurs.
-How are you feeling? Are you still in pain?- asks Frank.
-Heh... well yes, especially in the chest, although I think it will pass in 1 or 2 days, some good thing about medicine today is that it has advanced quite a bit to the point that one can be cured in less time than it took in the past- Hank clarifies.
-That's one less worry. By the way... What were you doing at that time the other day?- Frank's face shows confusion and curiosity.
-Ehh...I ran out of money hehe...- Hank says as he laughs awkwardly.
-You should have called me to go away together, but what did you spend all your money on?-Frank asks.
-Well, the same as always, I needed material for my projects and well... ahhh... ehh...- Hank is nervous.
-What are you hiding now?- Frank says curiously.
-Ah... don't tell anyone, but I found this- Hank pulls out his gloves and shows Frank.
Frank is astonished and surprised at the same time, as he shares the same tastes as Hank, he finds it hard to believe what he is seeing, however, that doesn't stop his face from showing a burning emotion, he also wants to try the gloves, at that, he asks Hank -Wait, where did you get it?-
-Well... I found it in the street...- Hank says awkwardly.
-Wait... It's not smuggling?- Frank says worriedly.
They both stare at each other in silence for a moment, thinking, but at that moment they both start laughing like maniacs, -Finders keepers- says Frank. After being strongly exalted, they manage to calm down
They look at the gloves, still amazed that seeing one in person is very rare and that the manufacture of one is very expensive, therefore, only the government and people with high social and economic status are allowed to have objects like those. At that Frank asks -And what do you plan to do with it?-
At this question Hank is completely silent, he doesn't know what to say and thinks for a while. In those seconds he remembers everything he did, in his mind the image of Jefferson, Nicole and, above all, he thinks of his old friend Christina.
-A few years ago, our high school used to be one of the most prestigious in the city, but as time went by and due to various internal problems, it became full of delinquents who do whatever they want, wherever and whenever they want. More than all of them took advantage of the lack of security that existed because most of the authorities went to the uninhabitable areas to fight doppelgangers, which left the city with many unprotected areas. I understand that everyone does what they do because of different problems they have, but that's no reason to go around hurting others. I know what... I did wrong too... but I'm willing to make up for those mistakes now- Hank says with great determination.
-I'm getting the hang of it, fighting fire with fire, eh-says Frank.
-That's right- replies Hank.
-Hmm, you know the risks, don't you? I mean you can get into a lot of trouble- says Frank.
-I know...- replies Hank.
-But I support you...both students and teachers are fed up with all this, but most of them are afraid of getting in trouble for interfering, maybe they need someone to guide them- says Frank in a sarcastic tone.
-Thank you...- Hank says as he smiles slightly.
At that, they start to hear a bustle not far away, Hank and Frank quickly get up and walk over to see. There is a crowd of people surrounding 2 people inside the circle, when they see what is going on they are not surprised, it is Jefferson beating up another guy, neither of them know why he is doing it, they just know he is doing it. Nobody does anything, they just watch in fear.
-Well, your time has come...hasn't it?- answers Frank.
-What, now? Hey... Couldn't you help me?- replies Hank fearfully.
-No no no no no no no, as you think, I'm scared too- replies Frank in a half-sarcastic tone.
-Your jokes don't help- Hank reproaches him.
-It's a joke... but I still couldn't help you much, I don't know how to fight or anything, I'd just be in the way. You did some boxing a long time ago, that could help you- says Frank.
-Are you serious? You're stronger than me- Hank clarifies with fear.
-Hey, you're right, but I don't know how to fight, it's no use having a lot of strength if I know I'm going to lose- Frank expresses a little disappointed in himself.
-You're right...I had this idea so I'll take care of it- Hank swallows.
Hank walks up and steps into the centre, quickly catching everyone's attention and they stare at him. Jefferson stops and stares at him as Hank stares him down.
-What do you want now?- says Jefferson bitterly.
-Ugh... s..s...s...s...stop-Hank replies fearfully.
-Oh, playing the hero again? Cut the crap! You're nobody, just a kid who thinks he's a messiah- replies Jefferson.
-No... I'm not a kid anymore...- Hank replies.
-Are you sure about that?- replies Jefferson defiantly.
At these words Hank gets angry, he is still afraid, but he is able to cope with that feeling and prepares to fight. He knows he is not capable of taking on Jefferson barehanded, so he pulls out the cyborg gloves and prepares for the fight.
The people just look on in confusion, they know Jefferson is strong and hardly anyone messes with him for getting hurt, but they are more surprised to see Hank pull out some gloves and then put them on.
-What is that? A toy? What nonsense- Jefferson bluffs.
-That's what you think- Hank says defiantly.
They both get into position and stare at each other for a few seconds.Hank continues to stare at Jefferson, but before he takes a swing, he thinks to himself
-I must be careful, not because of the beating I'm going to receive, but because of the gloves, I must regulate correctly the force I want to release so as not to cause more damage than necessary- thinks Hank, a little worried.
Before this starts the fight, both go all out. Hank takes the first blows towards Jefferson and it's pretty good, he makes him stagger and then he gives him more blows, it seems that he has the advantage, but in a moment Jefferson gives him a very strong blow in the chest leaving Hank very dazed.
-Damn it... my chest... it's the only part that hurts... oh shit, the pain is intense... I have to resist...- Hank falls to his knees.
After a few seconds, Hank manages to pull himself together and stands up again to continue the fight. Even so, he doesn't have time to react and takes another beating, now he is the one who has the disadvantage, everyone looks horrified by what is happening. At that moment someone throws a rock and it lands right in Jefferson's ribs, causing him to recoil in pain. Hank wastes no time and quickly strikes again, now Hank has the upper hand again and is not intimidated, he continues but the pain in his chest is starting to get the better of him. Now they are both tired, Jefferson comes back in to finish this, Hank doesn't have much strength in his arms anymore so he decides to use his special and very cowardly tactic, he waits for Jefferson to get close and the moment he is close enough he kicks him in the lower part (penis) of Jefferson causing him to fall to the ground and lose.
The people can't believe what they are seeing, everyone is shocked, but no one says a word.
-I'm sick and tired of all this injustice! I'm sick and tired of all this abuse for no reason! Many people here have suffered at some point because of the actions of these people and I'm not going to allow that anymore! I want to fight against this, I want the high school to return to its former golden age and for that I need the support and help of each one of you- Hank exclaims furiously.
Everyone looks at him and after a few seconds they start shouting and clapping, everyone is relieved and you can hear some people say - ''That's it'' ''It's about time someone did something'' ''I'm with you'' ''It's about time''- everyone is grateful. Hank looks at Frank and they both have a slight smile on their faces.
After that a few hours pass and they both walk back to their residence. On the way they laugh and talk for a while. After calming down they start to walk slower.
-You were the one who threw the stone, weren't you?- says Hank.
-You were getting your ass kicked, didn't you have to do it- replies Frank mockingly.
-You bastards- Hank says as they laugh a little.
-Jajajaa, well what else could I do, I wasn't going to let them leave you lying on the floor, it was the best I could do- Frank clarifies.
-Heh hahaha... well... this... ehhhhh... well... I know... I know... I know this sounds a bit sudden, but... ehh... Do you have Christina's number?- says Hank with some embarrassment.
-Huh? Nope, I'm not giving it to you, when I talked to you about it, you ignored me and left, so don't ask for anything- Frank replies indignantly.
-Oh come...- Hank is interrupted.
-I'm kidding, I'll give it to you tomorrow if you want, my mobile phone is off so I have no way to give it to you, but I can tell you that she's fine- replies Frank.
-Thank you- says Hank.
-Don't thank me. You are making this decision, I just wanted you to think about all this and you have done it, so I'm happy for you- replies Frank.
After walking a while longer, they arrive at their residence, they go in and say goodbye and then they each go to their rooms and rest.
Frank enters his room, there you can see that he has objects related to engineering and technology, he has one or two other objects on his furniture and a lot of incomplete pieces on his desk. He takes his things out of his backpack, from there he finds his mobile phone and it turns out that it still has a battery, he lied to Hank and Hank, but he has a surprise for him. Frank dials and calls an unknown number and answers.
-Sorry for taking so long to call, it's been a long day- replies Frank.
-Don't worry, at least you called me and that's something- says a female voice.
-Where are you? You told me you arrived in the country- says Frank.
-Well, I am in the country, but I'm still a long way from Washington D.C. I don't think I'll be there long anyway, I'll probably be there in a day or two, maybe more, but I'll be there- explains the girl.
-I'm glad to hear that, it's been a while since I've seen you- replies Frank.
-I know, I can imagine how much you've grown up and well...eh...how is Hank?- says the girl.
Frank starts to make fun of her.
-What are you laughing at?!- the girl mumbles.
-I laugh at the way you behave. You're a determined girl and all, but when you ask about him you get nervous, the same with Hank, you remind me of him. But don't worry, he's fine- Frank clarifies.
-I'm glad to hear that...- says the girl.
-Yes, he's really taken the next step, he's starting to do his part to change and improve, I notice that determination he has to move forward and well, he also asked me about you and I told him that you were fine- answers Frank.
-Thank you, Frank...- Replies the girl.
-Another... don't thank me, I just did what I had to do. I wanted to make him think again and I succeeded. I don't like to see the two of them distanced. They'll get old and bitter- says Frank mockingly.
-Jejejeje, anyway... at least this situation is going to change and I feel calmer because of that- answers the girl.
-That's true. I just hope you both don't mess it up again... also be honest and straightforward with how you feel, that way all your misunderstandings will be sorted out and you can get to something more.
-Do you... Do you think it'll happen?-
-Yes, I know Hank, I almost always know what he thinks and feels, you can trust me- Frank exclaims confidently.
-I'll do that... Well, I'll say goodbye, I have some things to do. Take care- says the girl.
-You too. I'll talk to you tomorrow, Christina...- says Frank.
All the time it was Christina behind the phone.
Frank relaxes and looks out of the window with a slight smile, he feels strongly proud of himself, as he feels that he managed to make a change for the better in his 2 closest friends. After this he lies down on his bed totally exhausted and proceeds to sleep.
It is night time, the moon is at a high point and the light is shining brightly, all is quiet, except in the high school. Since a mysterious figure is already inside this totally empty building, he walks through the totally dark corridors while holding something in his hands, it is very difficult to distinguish what he is holding since it is covered with a piece of cloth. The mysterious figure arrives at the dining room, there he looks for the ventilation ducts and puts the object there to proceed to remove the piece of cloth, exposing that it was a plant in his hands.
After leaving the plant, she quickly leaves the place to avoid being seen and gets lost in the darkness of the corridors.