James ran up the stairs. He was in a panic as he looked behind him fearful of that lion-thing being hot on his heals. He felt like he was being hunted- a feeling of dread and fear that normally didn’t belong in the modern world. He was sweating and breathing, his instincts in pure fight or flight- and right now it chose flight. He didn’t care how exhausted he was the adrenaline giving him small boosts to his body-
He ran into the old Music room- old instruments in strawn about missing strings or piano keys with the flickering light. It was used now as a storage room and it was where he knew Elliot would be.
“James?” Elliot asked.
“Shit-” He coughed almost wretching in white fear as his heart pumped around his body. “She know!. She knows- Damn it Elliot why did I listen to you!”
“Hold on just cool it-” Elliot looked a little annoyed. “I’m working on the last stage here. It’s almost done-”
“Fuck the plan dude!” James shouted. “She knew! She’s got some weird sphinx power or something. She’ll see whatever you plan miles away and kill you!”
“Oh?” Eliot looked a little intrigued at that. “What do you mean?”
James slowly managed to recover. “I’m saying… she must have some kind of magic-”
Elliot suddenly laughed. “I think you’re a little old to believe in that.” He shook his head. “The kids believe they have magic but look- it’s just something they tell them to make them feel better. To make those freaks feel.. special. There’s no such thing as magic.” Elliot shook his head again as he carefully took out a box. “To be honest, I haven't decided what would be the most humiliating… What do you think? How would she react to the cucumber test?” He grinned.
“I have no idea and I really don’t care.” James looked nervously. “There’s another thing. Sarah’s changed.”
“Huh? Sarah?” He blinked at that. “What happened?”
“She turned into this ugly looking monster! A- wolf-” He gulped. The image of it- damn it he.. he kissed -its- nose! “I think it’s time to fold. We have a sphinx and a wolf, probably going to kill us. We stirred a literal hornets nest and for what? I just wanted...” What did he want? An act of petty vengeance that didn’t even matter any more. He felt a feeling of dread again. “I think we should just let this go.”
Elliot stared at the jock with a cold look. “So.. you’re happy to accept her humiliating you? With Biff taking your place as the best quarterback? Taking the girl?”
“Sarah’s now a bitch- literally!” James argued. “Biff is no longer the best quarterback, she doesn’t even qualify as human. “I… I really don’t care now. It’s not as if Sarah is worth a damn thing any more.” It was pretty much over. He felt like the girl he liked was gone.. taken by the mist- or whatever it was that changed human bodies. The disease… it was awful. “You’re the one that pissed his pants when Biff attacked you. The way I see it It’s all yours.”
Elliot narrowed his eyes. “… I would advise you to not speak of that-” He said in a very even tone. “The experience... You were chased by her.. that mix of a lion… you ever experience having one on top of you?” he approached James reaching a hand outward. “Imagine it… just imagine it. You are pinned down.. claws on your neck… like a sharp blade. The weight of it- paws like… the size of dinner plates… and you are the meal...” He pressed those hands onto James’s shoulders. “You really want to talk to put me into this… position again by speaking of it? You want to know what I felt? I don’t even care if I get expelled… I don’t care at all… he humiliated me in front of the whole class. I will in turn humiliate him a hundred times over. I’ll give the worst most humiliating prank that she would have to change schools!”
James gulped and stepped back a bit. The unnerving tone and the way Elliot spoke made him realise Elliot was locked into some crazy plan that he will not be swayed away from. He actually wondered if he should tell someone- but the look on Elliot’s eyes made him think otherwise.
“Elliot-” He gulped. “Come on… this is insane.” He looked at the box infinitely curious on what his plan was… but he dare not look. He guessed the cucumber prank was among the ‘nicest’ things he could do. “You’re fighting someone that you can’t win against. You said it yourself.. she’s a lion-”
Elliot held out a hand. “… I will win. You know those old stories of Mythology?”
“What about them?” Sure.. there were odd skirmishes between the changed before in the old stories- when they were around. Even in ancient days they were quite rare though.
“What’s the one common theme on them? On all those stories… what is the actual reason we speak of them?”
James quietly thought about it. “I really couldn’t guess. I didn’t read much.”
“The common story… is that the human always wins,” he laughed. “It’s always about how humans outsmart these things...” He chuckled again. “Look… just go to practice. You’re not involved in this any more anyway. Just go and act normal.. I’ll take care of the rest. You’ve already been more then helpful...” He took out a key and returned it to James. “I made a copy so… just tell me the times.”
James frowned. “Okay.. fine. The PA system should be empty when the guys go on a break. Just.. don’t do anything too crazy.” The jock glanced at the box.. and quietly left the room… what could he be planning? Maybe it didn’t matter.. he might just say some stupid things on the PA but how bad could it be? He glanced briefly to Elliot. “You know one thing about those stories dude?” He remarked. “History is written by the winners… I know that much.”
Elliot frowned as James left. For the first time he had felt a measure of doubt. Biff ‘might’ have some kind of ESP… magic? No- of course not. Magic was not real… however he was quite sure Biff might have some form of Extra-normal SP- what with cat senses. The most logical explanation was how the collar on his locker had James’s scent despite him using the scent removal spray.
“Heh..” he chuckled. “Either way… this will be good-” he paused. “Huh? Is someone there?” He muttered something in annoyance as he looked around the abandoned instruments… making sure he was alone. Paranoia was really getting to him.
The timing was crucial… he had a few minutes to set everything up but- once the day was done Biff would never be coming to this school ever again.
“Biff.. you will pay for this...”
Biff sighed. Today was ‘in theory’ practice- sports practice... At least it would be… if she was still human. Her schedule was to be here but.. what was the point? She was usually glad to be outside and away from the mental exercises to a place where she had talent- well- where ‘once’ she had talent… she wasn’t even sure what to do as other warmed up for their runs.
Coach Curtis was there as always. He was pretty much the typical coach slightly balding with a baseball cap to look a little younger- a reputation of harsh but fair, dressed in shorts and T-shirt. He expected results and had a deep passion for the game with an old face but quite fit for his age. The young sphinx saw her old team mates and.. yeah she saw James- she gave a snort of annoyance. The human looked at him briefly back and seemed struck by her- and quickly looked away. ‘Just try it’ she snorted to herself.
“Line up everyone!” The Coach began. “Today is practice and warm up. I want a 500 meter run across the track now!” He blew the whistle and everyone lined up ready to go as commanded. A few of them glanced at Biff again- who was watching from the sidelines.
Biff guessed he should just wait it out or do something while in this.. mismatched situation. He turned to walk away with a tail literally beween his legs.
“Hey!” The coach shouted towards Biff. “What the heck are you doing there kid!”
Biff gulped. She knew this might be a problem. “Sorry Coach- my- er- the thing is my new schedule hasn’t been sorted yet so I don’t have a class to-”
“What the heck are you talking about!” He shouted again. “Get on the track now!”
“Coach?” Biff blinked. “But-”
“What?” He interrupted. “You think with four legs you only need to work half as much now? You just earned another lap!”
There were sudden chuckles with the football team- and Biff found herself looking back in surprise. Was the coach.. letting her take part? Even if she was like this? “Well-”
The couch continued gesturing to the circular track. “Go on! Jump to it unless you want three laps and push ups!” Couch Curtis demanded blowing his whistle. “No flying either. Now get on that track kid!”
Biff found herself smiling suddenly. The coach was .. treating her just like everyone else? She glanced towards the others but.. all in all it seemed like she was being accepted. Though- she was a changed so.. technically she couldn’t be on the team any more anyway- what was the coach doing?
“On your marks- Get set- Go!” The coach blew his whistle.
Biff began to run. It was.. actually a little more difficult then she thought what with the way her back legs pushed her and the raising of her.. fore legs. She began to realise it wasn’t like being human at all and somehow less.. streamlined then it should be? She found herself hunching over a bit as her paws glided across the track. The thumping of her paws onto the soft surface was surprisingly softer then she thought it would be. Still she did miss having her shoes. Turning was also a little.. odd as she reached the first curve. The muscles of her body seemed more inclined for sudden sharp bursts of speed and she lost a lot of her momentum suddenly, her body struggling to keep up. She found herself falling back as the team ran ahead of her…
“Put your gut into it kid!” The couch demanded. “What, are you a lion or a chicken? Go ahead and fly if you want to be a chicken!”
Biff growled as she felt herself trying to run more- soon she was keeping up the pace again with everyone but it was so hard to maintain! She felt like her body was getting hotter- and found herself panting! Perhaps though some of her human-ness was in the lion body too as this act seemed… a lot more efficient then it should have been to cool herself down. Normal lions couldn’t do a long sustained pace as this but she wasn’t a normal lion…
She glanced to the coach and felt herself almost grinning. This was turning out to be a.. pretty good day… She finally completed her two laps.. slower then usual perhaps but… she finally did it. She panted tired finally falling down. ‘Why is it harder to run then to fly’ she muttered to herself. It seemed like more energy should be demanded in flying her huge body…
It didn’t matter right now. She just had to..get her breath back.
“Good job kid,” The couch nodded. “Bit slower but that’s to be expected.” he made a few notes on a clipboard.
“Thanks Coach,” The girl gasped as she fell onto the ground in a heap. “I.. haven't had to run like that-” certainly not on.. four legs.
“Heh, bet you haven't,” Coach Curtis nodded. “Anyway screw the rules. I want you in the team still.” He said folding his arms. “If you want to of course.”
“Really?” Biff gasped. She wanted to be.. but how?
“Yeah..” Curtis nodded. “I had a word that you are upset about this situation so I arranged you to be here. I’m still happy to push you to physical fitness. Sphinx or human you still got to keep fit. I’ll work out a program for you.”
“I guess but… I can’t play football coach.” she growled. “I mean there are rules for a reason. In a scrum I’ll.. probably hurt someone.”
Couch Curtis sighed. “Well… It isn’t allowed for you to be in the game like that maybe but… I want you to.. manage tonight’s game.” He said. “Tell the players what to do, what positions to take.. you know them as good as me and I think it will be a good game like that.”
“Really?!” Biff blinked. “I- I mean will they...” She glanced to James. “Some people on the team might be a problem...”
“They will listen kid, if not I’ll make ‘em,” He laughed. “Come on make them win. Be a manager for tonight. I believe you can do a good job.”
Jon was quietly watching the practice- he wasn’t really into football but he was into Biff- that is- he was into making sure she was okay! Why did everything have to be so weird? Though watching her run made his heart skip a beat. There was something incredible about her.. and part of him wanted to let the new sphinx see that. He wanted her to see herself in the way he saw her but… would she ever be happy?
He felt a sense of guilt since this was sort of his own fault and.. yet.. part of him- some really horrible part was telling him she would be happier but- what if he was just thinking that for his own… desires?
“I’m attracted to her,” he quietly realised. He felt guilty about it- but… it was true. He loved looking at her and.. even spending time with her. He wanted to be as good a friend as possible to the sphinx even if.. she might not like him back. It was hard for him to accept it over the last few days but… those feelings were real. The implication of it though...
Then he saw Sarah sitting on the stalls. “Hey,” she smiled with her wolf ears on display.
Jon stared at her too- “You’re… changed?” He asked.
“Yes and no,” The girl replied back folding her arms. “I’m a sort of werewolf...” she looked distantly. “I’m still trying to figure out how to put my two selves together.”
Jon gave a half smile. “You seem to be taking it really well.”
Sarah laughed. “I had a good pep talk about it. I suppose it helps that I didn’t lose my old self.. I sort of had another one added on- but in some ways it will be more difficult then someone who has to get used to a .. new identity.” She stared a little at Biff running. “What do you think about Biff?”
“She’s… pretty cool-” Jon gulped. “Why?”
“She is… and she’s very different. There’s this vulnerable side to her now and.. it’s a little strange to see it.” Sarah sighed. “Not that he- er- she didn’t have this side to her before.. I knew of it. He always worked hard and was.. afraid of failure most of all.”
“Doesn’t seem like the Biff I knew,” Jon quietly thought. Biff was always such a damn bully- picking on others.. he was bigger stronger and better looking. Now he was a girl.. a sphinx woman. “Her change... that’s got to be rough.”
Sarah leaned in a little. “I heard you have been spending time with her. Even.. invited her to your house?”
Jon blushed. “Well- she helped me find Mikey and… we flew together-” he didn’t want to admit it but that moment really was one of the happiest times he ever had.
“Changing after childhood is really rare,” Sarah sighed. “I mean I feel bad but.. I suppose there was always a small chance of it happening. We all get passed that stage thinking we’re going to be okay. Though sometimes it just catches us.” Sarah looked in thought. “Jon… please take care of Biff? I think… you and her could… you know… be good together.”
Jon gasped. Was Sarah really thinking this?! “I mean- I do like her...”
“Take her on a date then.” Sarah insisted. “She’s still like family to me… and you are trustworthy. You just.. need a push.”
Jon smiled a little blushing. “Well.. I’ll see if she wants to. She’s still getting used to being a girl. I mean I don’t want to hurt her.” He didn’t want to force her into anything. Jon had never really thought about it but… just how did one initiate being interested in someone? Especially someone like.. Biff? A sphinx… he wanted to do anything for her…
A dark guilty feeling reared itself.. ‘I did force this on her with my wish..’ But- what could he do!
“Just.. take her to a party or something. It doesn’t have to be a date. She feels sidelined since she can’t be in the game any more. The couch seems to be cheering her up though.”
Jon nodded. “I’ll see what I can do...”
Sarah sighed as she quietly prayed and hoped Biff would be okay. Watching practice was fun- she had her own routines to worry about though. The game would be on soon and a lot of people watched it. She had her cheering routine down. Some of the girls took exception to her wolfy state but… a quick flick of her claws and assertion of a little dominance- which the human and wolf part of herself approved of. Though she then saw someone a little.. strange.
It was a young girl… no.. a young boy? Both? Was this.. a fellow were being? She – he looked like a snake and was walking down the hallway in a confused state.
“Hey,” The wolf-girl said with a careful smile. She seemed to evaluate him carefully… trying to decide which senses were telling her the truth.
Andrew blinked as he saw the strange changed wolf-girl. Something about those eyes seemed strange to him with one a different colour then the other. “Hi,” he said back. “Uh.. is something wrong?” Why was this girl looking at him like that!
“You tell me, I’m seeing two people instead of one,” she smiled in thought. “So.. you’re what? Half changed? I’ve never seen anything like you before...” she had seen a few changed before but nothing like this!
Andrew gasped. “You mean- you can see… both me and that snake girl?!” He cringed a little. “The humans see me as a snake-girl but the changed see me only as human. I’m stuck and I don’t know what to do. Even my parents are treating me like a snake-girl!”
Sarah looked to Andrew in thought. The human inside her tried to work out an answer but the wolf in her seemed not too bothered. “Well.. something is a little off about you- maybe you should tell me what you see yourself as?”
Andrew looked reluctantly. “Uh- I see myself as human but when I look in a mirror I see… her.” He rubbed his hands.
“I see… confusing!” Sarah smiled in thought. “I mean I thought I had it bad.. you have two distinct identities to different people but only see yourself as one… that’s a bit crazy.”
The boy nodded. “Yeah.. but.. the thing is… um….” he blushed. “Okay- I’m only saying this because you see me as both but… part of me kinda… likes being treated as her?” He cringed as he admitted it. It was such a bad thing to say!
“Oh?” Sarah smirked a bit at that. “Why’s that?”
“I don’t know I just.. don’t want to say,” Andrew quickly replied. “Even if I like it though it isn’t right. I’m not a snake-girl. My parents sorta.. treat me.. nicer? Maybe? Even the teachers...” he blushed.
“Well… I dunno kid, maybe you just need a bit more time to fully change. I have to accept both identities and that involves some compromises but.. maybe this is life telling you to accept one identity or the other. You can’t really have both.. not like this.”
Andrew looked sheepishly. “I can’t just be something else though! Even if I kinda like it.. I’d be that forever.. I might not like it later. I don’t know what to do!” he shivered a little. “What should I do!”
“It’s okay kid you have time I think- but no matter what people should treat you nice.. if you’re a human or a snake.. if you’re a boy or a girl...” Sarah patted his.. and her head- and continued to walk down the corridor.
Andrew looked down. Is that why he had people treating him.. her.. like this? He closed his eyes.. and looked down at him- herself? The snake tail.. she… Anne the snake-girl? She stared down at her hands and blinked again…
“So… who should I be...” She sighed. “I don’t know...”
