HOME | DD

Description
It had been almost three months since David's first day at school. Things have been going very smoothly for the most part. Life was still good, though of course not perfect. For example, today was the day of the week when Launa got to drive David to school on her motorcycle. Even though David loved the ride and starting the day with his mom like this, there was no denying the slight embarrassment that came from being dropped off by Launa and her teasingly saying "I love you darling" for all to hear. It did embarrass him a bit, but David liked it even more so.

"Hey there, David," Anthony approached David as he was walking to the front entrance, "did you have a good weekend?"

"Oh yeah," David answered with a high five, "My mom took me camping. We kinda had to get Hura out and about since she often gets too energetic for her own good. I also managed to get some studying done for the history test today."

"Do you think you could share some of your notes during lunch today? I could use the help."

"Yeah, in fact I'll give you the ones I've memorized right now." David started to rummage through his bag and pulled out some flash cards, but then looked around more for something. "Crap, where is it?"

"What's the matter, bro?" Anthony stopped and looked over as David rummaged through his stuff.

"I forgot my..."

"Lunch?" Launa was standing right behind them holding up a brown paper bag, in her human form of course. "You left it in the side car, David."

"Thank you," David took it, "I'd hate to eat the school special instead of one of your Kobe steak sandwiches." Looking next to him, David could see Anthony glancing up at the celebrity before him, not blinking once with his wide-open eyes and blushing face. "Oh, mom... this is Anthony. The guy who came over that weekend while you were gone."

"I remember," Launa smiled down at him, "I'm sorry about that, Anthony. I know you were eager to meet me, but I'm a busy girl and you've got your school to take care of." She kindly extended a hand for him to shake. "It's great to finally meet David's friend."

"I... uuuuuh," Anthony was helplessly blushing, but he took her hand loving how it felt to shake the Jennifer's hand, "I would've combed my hair and shaved if I knew I'd be meeting you today, Ms. Aslan." After a while he was still shaking her hand. "I can most certainly tell you this is gonna go down in my journal. Gosh this just really made my morning." Launa was used to such fans, usually she'd kindly ask him to let go but someone who was a genuine friend of David's naturally got slightly special treatment. That and she could tell Anthony was looking her in the eyes and not at her chest, in no way an easy feat for such an admirer. Eventually letting go, Anthony recollected himself. "Oh how I wish I brought my poster of you to school... though I don't know why I'd ever do that since it's in a frame. And I'm rambling like an idiot."

"Haha," Launa chuckled a bit, "well aren't you a sweet guy. Tell you what; if I can make it home on Sunday instead of Monday after my trip this week I would love to sign it for you in person when you stay the night."

"That would be perfect. I'll..." At that moment the bell rang and those who were eyeing them from the stairs watched as Jennifer Aslan kissed David's head, purposely embarrassing him with a smile, and walked back to her monster of a motorcycle. When the two boys turned around they saw that a group of girls were waiting for them at the front entrance. They both looked at each other and sighed. Being liked by girls didn't bother them, but rather the reason that they were so fond of them in the first place. To them, David and his friend were just a shortcut to popularity. "Hey, David let's take the back entrance."

"You kidding," David exclaimed, "our first class is ten steps away from the front entrance. I'm not walking around half a city block and back again through the school. Don't be such a wimp; what's the worst they can..." Before David could finish his question, all the girls they saw earlier ran up and surrounded them. Launa stayed on her bike at the curb, watching protectively.

"David," one of the senior girls was teasingly playing with her hair, "we're having a party at my place tonight. It would be awesome if you and your... pal could come along." She didn't exactly pay much attention to Anthony other than acknowledging he was there at all. A few, however, were eyeing him over.

"Thanks for the offer, Janice... again, but I can't." David kindly turned down the offer, having been receiving ones like it for a while now.

"Why not?" The girls started closing in a bit. It never ceased to amaze David how desperate these girls could be for any prestige. "Don't you want to have a good time?" If Janice wasn't about to go into a uniformed school, then she'd certainly have more revealing clothes. True, Launa wore some skimpy clothing now and then, but much less often now that she supported a sixteen-year-old boy. Regardless she didn't care for how they were treating her boy and his friend, nor their obvious goals.

"I have to baby sit my pet wolf tonight. My mom's leaving town late this afternoon until the end of the weekend, and my girl gets lonely without me."

"A pet wolf, isn't that just a bit desperate of an excuse?" She started moving in closer. Janice was already taller than him but with her high heals she had an inch or two more on him. "If you wanted I could be your gir~aah!" As if someone had gotten a huge pole and knocked out her back knees Janice fell back on her ass, and so did all of the other girls. Their high heals had suddenly broken off, at the same time. Looking up from them after a bit David saw his mom putting on a glove, probably having just cast a spell, with an expression that said "nobody sexually teases my innocent boy". With that done she roared off on her motorcycle.

"Isn't that the damndest thing?" Anthony was trying to think of how all five girls could've had the exact same wardrobe malfunction simultaneously.

"Quickly," David grabbed onto his friend's backpack and yanked him toward the front entrance, "before they can recover." Barging through the doors, the two boys made it to science class and in their seats just before the bell rang.

"What the hell was that, David?" Anthony exclaimed as quietly as he could. "Granted I wanted to get out of there just as much as you, but what happened to them was just impossible. At least not naturally."

"Oh, well..." David was trying to come up with some kind of explanation.

"Also, your mom drove off without saying anything. I'm no mother, but you think she'd give those girls a piece of her mind or something despite the look of satisfaction she had."

"Uuum, probably just thought all of them loosing their high heals was enough, and someone probably just played a prank on them by breaking off their heals and reattaching them back on with cheap glue."

"When would someone be able to do that?"

"Maybe... during last night's game. That and when Janice broke hers all the other girls probably shifted their weight too quickly and broke theirs too." David wasn't sure if Anthony would believe it. He made a big deal out of nothing from time to time. One of those people who smartly expected the world around them to be other than it appears, though in a way that was kind of over analyzing.

"I guess it just seemed like..."

"Are you two quite finished," the teacher slammed a ruler on their desks, it was a substitute Mr. Vincent, "no talking while I'm... oh Mr. Aslan. I didn't see you there. How are you?" He was a short middle-aged man on his way to getting a slight bald spot. One had to admit he had nice and sleek glasses as well as fancy ties to go with his striped button down shirts. Almost always he could be found chewing on one of those mint-flavored toothpicks, thinking it made him look cool and in charge.

Incidentally, and unlike his actual science teacher, Mr. Vincent was a big brown nose towards David since he was the adopted son of the great Jennifer Aslan. Obviously he wanted to get on David's good side so that, on the off chance, it could boost his chances of getting tickets to the VIP lounges and a backstage pass like Mr. Worth had. Although it was initially a bribe, Matthew was an honest and sympathetic man who had a sense of principle. He even turned it down, offering to still help them out. That was more than anyone could say for Mr. Vincent. Truthfully it was getting on David's nerves. That and he didn't care for how Mr. Vincent practically ignored Anthony.

"I'm tired actually," David sighed and yawned, "why isn't Mrs. DeLay in here today?"

"Oh when I found out she was sick I decided to fill in for her in teaching your class."

"Ah, well I'll be sure to be quite for the rest of the class."

"Don't worry about it, I was a bit too harsh. You know what it's like to start a day without a cup of coffee, am I right?" Mr. Vincent gave a chuckle. David so wanted to tell him off, but figured it wasn't worth it. Leaving it at that, the lesson of the day went on without incident. David was so happy when the bell rang: through with listening to the teacher taking forever to explain the simplest concepts of different freezing and boiling points of solutions and such.

"I swear to the goddess," David grunted, "the next time he kisses my ass I'm gonna give him a piece of my friggin mind."

"Come on, dude." Anthony patted his shoulder. "That D-bag wouldn't know what it's like to have a pair of balls if a bull kicked his... balls. Or something." His friend always had a way of lightening the mood for David.

"Well put. So I'll just see you later."

That indeed he did when lunch came. Over the past few weeks, the two of them had stared to sit with other guys. Though at first they sat with a bunch of kiss-asses, they eventually found some guys who kept their cool and were able to tease and joke David instead of just complimenting him on every damn thing.

While Anthony was telling some of the guys about what happened with the girls that morning, as well as bragging about meeting Jennifer Aslan, David saw a poster behind one of the coaches sitting at a table. He had considered getting involved in some extracurricular activities, and some sort of sport seemed like a good idea. Thinking about it for a bit, David got up and went to the table.

"Hello young man," the coach greeted, "would you like to sign up for the team?"

"I'm thinking about it," David rubbed under his chin, "what sport are you recruiting for exactly?"

"Wrestling. We're the champions of the country as far as high schools are concerned." He then looked over David a bit, examining his build regarding how he would perform in the sport. "You seem like a fit guy; we'll just have to wait and see how you perform. Oh and on another note, I'm sure you know who Joel is; he's been our star champion. Be sure to ask him any questions you may have."

"Oh," David shrugged, "I've seen him around." In fact David had gone home a couple times with a black eye and busted lip now and then thanks to that dick. It's not that David couldn't defend himself, more he disliked fighting so much that he didn't do anything to provoke Joel and his guys into doing worse damage. However, wrestling seemed like a healthy way to let off some steam.

"Where do I sign in?"

"Right here," the coach shoved a clipboard to the edge of the table, "tryouts are on Friday during the last period in the gym. Be sure to inform your teacher that you'll not be attending their class that day." David nodded and signed; happy to see that the coach didn't get all giddy when he read his name.

On his way back to the table David could see Joel eyeing him in an intimidating manner, not that he cared.

"David," turning around he saw that it was Mr. Worth, "how are you doing today?"

"Mr. Worth," David could always count on the dean to not give him any special treatment and yet be a nice upbeat guy, "I'm fine. I just put my name down for wrestling tryouts this Friday. How about yourself."

"I'm just great, and it's about time you got more involved in this school. Joining a team or club here is a great way to meet people and have fun."

"So I've been told. I think it'll be a nice way to relieve some stress."

"Things been hectic at home for you?"

"N-no not really, just a lot going on lately. I have a huge pet to take care of and play with her from time to time so she doesn't go bouncing off the walls. Also my mom's gonna be gone for the remainder of the week."

"I'm sure she'll miss you on her trip, David." Mr. Worth patted his shoulder. "Anyways tell your mom I said hello." He sipped his mug that Jennifer Aslan signed and left as the bell rang.

Since school let out a bit early today, David would have the chance to have a more personal goodbye with Launa instead of a note. Thinking that the girls would be back at the front entrance David decided to leave through the back. Unfortunately that turned out to be not such a good idea. Turning a corner he was then face to face with Joel, surprisingly he didn't have any of his buds around.

"Since when have you had an interest in wrestling, David?" Joel chuckled. "Don't you think you're a bit small for it?"

"Seriously," David rolled his eyes, "First thing you do is point out my height? Just get out of my way so I can get on with my life." He tried to walk past him, but Joel just stepped in his way.

"Come on, bro. I'm just teasing. I only wanted to tell you that it'll be good to have someone with such a sexy mom to come to our events and distract the other team with her tits." He then gave David a little shove. Trying to relax he took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "That and I'll let you join us even though I'll win against you at the tryouts."

"Joel, please, I just want to go home and feed my pet and see my mom before she leaves on a trip. Oh, and as far as you "letting" me join... you can go suck on it." Next thing David knew he was on the ground. His left cheekbone was numb for a bit but then started to ache, as did his eye.

"You new kids need to learn some respect." Putting an emphasis on that, Joel kicked David in the gut knocking the air out of him. "Just do what I tell you won't end up in the ER after an unfortunate accident." Before walking away he kicked some dirt in David's face, leaving him to slowly regain his breath and rub the grime out of his eyes. When he finally got up and spat some blood, having accidentally bitten his cheek, David picked up his stuff and started walking home as he held his gut.

By the time he got there the pain had subsided a bit, but his left cheek and eye were red and swollen. There was no way that Launa wouldn't notice and it was doubtless she'd be there. Walking into the apartment and dropping his pack next to the door, he was greeted by something huge pouncing him to the ground while a big and long tongue licked him all up and down his face.

"Down girl." David was laughing as his huge pet wolf greeted her master. When she finally stopped slopping his face he hugged around her neck. Standing up, Hura lifted him up to his feet wagging her tail. Fully grown now she was a good seven feet tall at the shoulder when on all fours.

"Welcome home, hon." No longer in her human guise, Launa walked in reading one of her large books. Gazing up from her material the huge feline let out quite a gasp. "David, your face!" Gently she placed her large padded hands on his cheeks and turned his head to get a better look. "Kids at school did this to you didn't they?" David didn't know what to say, so he just shrugged his shoulders. Hura caringly licked his battle wound while Launa went back to her room and came back with a weird smelling, warm, rolled up cloth. She carefully pressed it to his cheek. The scent was really strong, making David cough a bit. At least he soon didn't notice the stench anymore, as warmth seemed to soothingly flow into his face. "How many of them were there this time?" David held up one finger. "Did you fight back at all?" Hesitantly he shook his head; Launa let out a small sigh of exasperation.

"I'm sorry mom," David took the cloth and held it in place himself, "I never had to fight back at the orphanage. Why do I have to now?"

"Because you can't expect me to be at ease knowing that you will be going to a place where you'll be potentially hurt because you won't defend yourself."

"I defend myself in a sense."

"Son," Launa took a long pause and lead him into the living room where she sat in her large chair and he sat at one end of the couch, allowing a spot for Hura to lay next to him with her head on his lap, "I know you're used to words being your weapon and you are indeed a witty guy. However, there's no reason for you to feel shame for taking a bit of physical action. I've had to defend others as well as myself countless of times. If I had my way I would tear that jerk who hit you a new one, but I can't always be there to defend you. When I'm not you need to fend for yourself."

"I understand, mom, but I can't fight back all the time. Once there were five of them. If I fought back I'd probably have ended up worse. Even if I could've, I just hate fighting." Launa thought for a bit trying to find a way to help him understand better without seeming harsh.

"David, there's a difference between 'fighting' and 'fighting back'. If the later requires you to knock a tooth out or break a nose, then that's what you'll have to do."

"There's no way I have it in me to do those things to someone, mom. Maybe I could wrestle them away or something. I'll be learning how to do that if I get chosen in the tryouts anyways."

"Tryouts? For wrestling?"

"Yeah, I signed up for the team today. I'm going to compete on Friday. The coach said that we were the champions within the area, so who better to learn from about the sport?"

"D-David," Launa was shocked, but still happy, "that's great news. I wish I could be here for that." She reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Although wrestling is a good start, it won't help too much when up against more than one person. I'm not saying that you have to knock a tooth out or break their nose, but knowing my son will hit his attackers back would keep me from worrying so much about you when I'm away."

"Alright, alright," David chuckled as Launa's ears perked up with a smile, "I promise from now on I'll fight back, but I'm doing it for you more than for me... just so you know."

"That works for me, darling," She leaned in and wrapped her big arms around him, "Maybe in a couple months I can teach you some fighting techniques myself."

"Haha, we'll just see." He happily kissed her on the cheek as she returned the gesture kissing him once on each cheek, which the smelly cloth had fully healed. Letting go she tussled his hair and got up to go make final preparations for her departure. Going to his room, David got his pack and started studying for tomorrow's quiz. As always Hura lay on his bed while he leaned back against her during homework. A while later Launa walked in to say goodbye. Kissing the top of his head and rubbed behind Hura's ears, she wished him luck in the tryouts and told Hura to watch over him. The giant wolf answered by using a paw to pull him into a hug and nuzzled his head as if to say 'I'll watch over my puppy'.

By the time Launa had left and David was finished with his work, Hura was very riled up and needed serious playtime. Normally having such a huge pet would be a cause for worry when running around an apartment with very nice things here and there, but Launa and David had trained her very well how to behave. Truthfully more David than Launa, he just seemed to have a better knack for dealing with canines. That and Launa having obvious feline qualities proved notable.

"You want the ball?" David was holding the ball back as if ready to throw, somewhat teasing Hura. She got down on her front legs facing him with her rear up wagging her tail. "Go get it!" Although David did a throwing motion he didn't let go, causing Hura to run off down the hall. When she wised up to his trick she came charging at him, before she could reach him David threw it the other way making her run past him. Quickly David jolted the other way and up the stairs to hide under the guest bed.

Keeping quiet, he waited listening to the big wolf walking around trying to find him. Occasionally he heard something between a whine and a growl. Soon after there was the sound of claws tapping against wooden floor and sniffing outside the door. She knew his scent anywhere. Seeing the door was a lever handle she easily placed a big paw on it and let herself in. Taking a peak under the bed she found nothing there; her prey had rolled out the other side and hidden in the guess closet, managing to open and close the door without a sound. Only delaying the inevitable since that door too had a lever handle. Effortlessly opening the door, Hura stuck her head into the rack of clothes while he crawled under her, got behind her and lightly pulled her tail. It would've been a good idea had she not decided to back up and knock him down on his front then sit on his legs, holding him captive.

"Okay, uncle uncle," David was trying to pull himself from under her, but she wouldn't budge, "you win Hura, get off." She still didn't move. "Oh well, I guess you won't be getting a treat now will you?" Next thing he knew, being held down on the ground was replaced by being lifted into the air by the collar of his school polo. Carrying him through the hall she went down the stairs backwards almost dragging him over each step. "Oh, very funny." David chuckled and crossed his arms as he let her have her fun. Carrying him around like this indeed made him look like he was her puppy. Honestly, ever since she had grown so much bigger than him, Hura had started treating him more like her little pup... not that he cared.

Walking to the kitchen she let him go and went into the living room while waiting for her dinner. Despite how she treated him and what it implied, Hura still knew who was truly in charge when Launa wasn't around. Having heated up some leftovers for himself and filling a bowl of the best food a "domesticated" giant wolf could ask for, David brought in the grub and plopped down in Launa's chair while she sat next to the couch. When all was eaten and dishes were done, David took a shower and went to bed.

"Hura girl, come on." Both in bed David scooted close to her and placed one of her arms around him. Pulling him closer to her warm body, Hura nuzzled and licked his head warmly a few times; giving the look of a mother wolf grooming her pup. The feeling it gave him, as well as listening to her take in those deep breaths, sent him off into a deep sleep in no time.

Over the course of that week everything went pretty smooth: quizzes and tests weren't overly challenging, girls took a break from hitting on him thinking he was a jinx (no problem there), and Joel had left him alone for the time being. David was also reading up on wrestling techniques and practicing them after school with Anthony, using him as a practice dummy. Surprisingly he was very happy to let David throw him on his ass for the sake of possibly showing up Joel in front of a bunch of people. When Friday finally came David could hardly wait.

"Hey dude," Anthony sat next to David handing him a book, "I checked out the wrestling book you asked for. Why did you need me to go get it again?"

"Because," David quickly opened it up and started flipping the pages, "I spent too much time practicing with you last night and forgot to finish my paper on Shakespeare last night. I didn't even take time for breakfast or making my lunch, and you know how much I can't stand school food. Makes me feel like I'm eating something Ms. Proulx made."

"What about Hura? Who's gonna feed her?"

"We have an automated dispenser for her when nobody's there." David was rummaging through the pages and found a diagram how to recover from a failed leg grab. Showing Anthony what he was talking about without the teacher seeing, David propped up a textbook to keep others from peaking. "This is what I was looking for."

"You mean more detailed drawings of men holding each other?"

"Seriously, man. Look at how it says about snaking your arm around your opponent's ankle and pulling it up so you can wrap your l
leg around it."

"That's awesome," Anthony slowly slid it over to get a better look, "this is what you should use to kick Joel's arrogant..."

"I'll take that Mr. Carver," Mr. Vincent took the book away from Anthony and looked at it a bit, "since you think wrestling is more time worthy then my class I'll give you as long as you need to read about it in detention after school."

Anthony hit his head on the desk as some of the other kids laughed at his misfortune.

"Sir," David raised his hand, "If you're gonna punish him then you should give me the same treatment. I was also reading that book during your class."

"That's quite noble of you, David," Mr. Vincent looked at the card inside the book cover, "but I don't see any reason to when this book wasn't checked out by you this morning. Oh and I can't tell you how much I look forward to reading your essay in class tonight." That was it, David had enough of this two faced jerk.

"Dear god, Mr. Vincent, if you want the tickets to one of my mom's shows so bad, then save up your money instead of buying all those damn toothpicks." Everyone one in the class either laughed their ass off or gave out a loud gasp. Mr. Vincent on the other hand was absolutely speechless.

"E-excuse me?" It was all the moron could get out.

"Did I stutter? For the love of God, I can practically feel your lips on my ass every time you talk to me. Back at the orphanage I wanted people to be friendly, but not be two-faced jerks who wear ties that look like a clown puked on it. Please stop sucking up to me, and even more... those toothpicks make you look like such a douche."

"How... d-d-dare you?" Mr. Vincent was so angry his face was turning red, fidgeting with his glasses. "Y... you will, c-c-come with me to the dean's office."

"Ok-k-k-kay." The class laughed even more at him mocking the teacher's angry stutter. David honestly didn't care if he got in trouble at this point; he only wanted to get out of Mr. Vincent's class. Before leaving David gave everyone a thumbs up only making the pissed teacher yank him by the shirt harder. Without a word they reached Mr. Worth's office, not even bothering to knock.

"David," the young dean was quite surprised, "of all the kids to be escorted through my door in this manner you're the last I'd expect. What did he do Howard?"

"I did nothing wrong." David yanked his arm free and sat in a chair. "I only said what he needed to hear."

"He accused me of 'kissing his ass', and having a hidden agenda after treating him with nothing other than respect and kindness. Worse, he mocked me when I st-stuttered." Mr. Vincent was so tense he was almost biting his toothpick in half.

"Are you serious?" Matthew paused trying to make sure he heard what he thought he had, "David, you better have a good explanation for your actions."

"Of course I do. Howard here..."

"Mr. Vincent, that's what you call me." The idiot demanded.

"Oh," David said dismissively, "for starters he really has been treating me like I'm some kind of royalty. I know Mr. Vincent thinks I can't see through his little façade, but all he wants is to up his chances on getting free tickets to see my mom in one of her shows. My guess is to use a pair of binoculars to zoom in on her boobs."

"You little..."

"Hey, I'm not finished," David snapped at him, "He'll give my classmates detention for talking during class and won't do so much as give me a warning when I do. Even when I asked him today to give me detention after pointing out why he should all I get is him telling me how he wants to read my essay soon."

"W-wait." Mr. Vincent could see the gears in Mr. Worth's head starting to turn as David went on. Not letting him interrupt, the dean held up a hand and motioned for David to continue.

"On Monday he told me that he subbed for Mrs. DeLay's science class out of 'good will' when he doesn't even know that alkali metals are more reactive going down the chart, not up. What kind of teacher subs for a class they know nothing about?"

"Hmm," Mr. Worth sat back in his chair raising a brow, "what kind of teacher indeed."

"The kind who also gives me a test different from all the other students' when I have to take mine later than everyone else. If you check my copy and another student's, then I can be almost certain mine will be on a considerably easier level. I was going to tell you about this in person to avoid a scene, but seeming as this stick-biting idiot needed to assert his position over me now seemed like a good alternative." With all that said David sat back and crossed his arms. Mr. Worth rubbed his forehead thinking it over while Mr. Vincent stood there frozen stiff and sweating in fear.

"Mr. Vincent," he didn't bother looking up, "when I told the board that having the adopted son of someone as well known as Jennifer Aslan enrolled here could hold benefits, I in no way meant that he was to be exploited and singled out from all your other students. Not to mention insulted."

"Matthew," Howard took a big gulp, "do you really think checking up on old tests is necessary? I've worked here for over a decade and..."

"And I've been around you enough of those years to not put David's accusations past you. If you don't have anything to hide, then simply go get me a copy of their tests in the next five minutes. Otherwise we'll discuss your future with this school with the principal."

"I can't believe this is happening to me. You got those tickets and a backstage pass after finagling this kid into Barend High. Why shouldn't get the same thing?" Howard was practically yelling now.

"I didn't 'finagle' anybody or anything. I simply helped out a boy who needed to be around others his own age. Also there's no way you could've known about that unless you went through my box when Ms. Aslan sent an envelope from the Dark Kat Company to my office. On a similar note you should note that I turned down what was in that envelope right off the bat, only to receive it anyways out of thanks from Ms. Aslan." Mr. Vincent said not a word.

"Oh snap!" David exclaimed, but he quickly hushed when Mr. Worth held out a finger, telling him to be quiet.

"Not that I'll tell anybody about that last detail, because I'd rather you learn and better yourself from this experience. So I'll just recommend that you be suspended for the rest of the semester. Though should we be back here in any way ever again I'll be recommending you find another job. Am I clear?" Mr. Vincent swallowed his frustration and nodded, leaving David alone with the dean. When he was gone and the door was closed, Mr. Worth plopped down in his chair and looked to David with a short chuckle.

"Thanks for bringing this to my attention, David."

"No problem, sir." David gave a thumbs-up. "Sorry about how it played out, but I just couldn't take it anymore."

"I understand perfectly. However, whether or not you or I think your actions were called for, you still can't do that and expect to go without consequences."

"Oh thank the goddess," David sighed, "I seriously am glad I'm getting after school detention for this."

"Oh really," Mr. Worth chuckled, "and why is that?"

"Because now I feel more like a regular student, like everyone else."

"That's a good way of looking at it, but you're not like everyone else, David. Not everyone uses the mentioning of their mother's 'boobs' as a point of argument and pulls it off."

"Meh," he just shrugged his shoulders and grabbed his things, "she'll laugh when she hears about that. I'll see you later, Mr. Worth, and thanks for everything." After-school detention was indeed a small price to pay when his spot in the tryouts could've been removed as punishment, which surprisingly came fast having stood up for himself and the sensation it brought.

Using what little time he could to go over things in his head, David felt quite prepared, if not also a bit nervous. The way it was going to work out is that everyone would go through drills and see how much they could take. There wasn't too much difficulty there with all the time David had spent rough housing with a wolf that could take down a grizzly bear.

As soon as the simple exercises were out of the way, and those who didn't make it through went back to their classes, the coach lined up the remaining contenders outside one of the rings. That's where some of the veteran team members stood while Joel was next to the coach.

"Okay," the coach called out, "all of you guys will have the chance to go up against one of our current team members. This is just to give you new kids an idea of what you'll be up against when we compete. Know that whether you win or lose doesn't matter, it's just to make sure that this is the right sport for those who haven't tried before." Holding up his clipboard, the coach called out alphabetically by last name, of course David was first.

"Sir," David raised his hand before he stepped forward, "is it okay for me to request whoever I go up against?"

"Sure, who exactly did you have in mind?"

"Joel," the muscle head leered at David as he heard his name, as if insulted that a new kid had a chance, "unless he'd rather not take his chances, and is afraid he'll get beaten by the new guy." David's taunt did the trick. This was the one time effortlessly getting under Joel's skin worked in his favor, and David wasn't going to let it go to waste. Taking their stances in the circle, the two lads quickly grabbed onto each other's heads.

"You really think you can take me," Joel grunted as they circled, "I am going to so kick your bony ass." Before David could retort gravity switched on him as Joel shoved his back into his chest, while holding onto his arm and throwing him head over heals onto the pad. Disregarding his shady start, David got back up frustrated and ready for round two.

Avoiding any hesitation David jumped forward and grabbed Joel's right leg lifting it up leaving him struggling to stay up. Unable to regain his balance in time he felt his left leg being kicked from under him. If it weren't for the cushioning mat they stood on, then Joel would probably have a head injury. This, in truth, frightened him, both David's speed and strength for his size. Tied for the win, it was down to the last round.

"You got lucky that time, ass face." Joel cracked his neck. "Don't expect to show me up this time."

"I'm through with words," said David, "just shut up and put your money where your big mouth is."

For the third time, David refused to hesitate. Only problem, he got a poor hold onto his opponent ending up on his knees with Joel standing over him and pushing down on his back. In this situation the best he could hope for is a stalemate. 'I'll be damned if I end up tied with this jerk.' Thinking fast, David remembered what he read earlier that day. He couldn't recall it perfectly; vaguely remembering something involving snaking his hand around his opponent's ankle and pulling it up to keep it off the ground... but how? There was no more time for thinking with the hold Joel was starting to get on him. It was now or never.

Taking a deep breath not thinking about it, one of his hands wrapped around Joel's ankle while the other planted on the ground under Joel's center of gravity. Pulling that leg to him David kept it up wrapping one of his own legs around it taking it away from Joel completely. It was working, and the arrogant bastard knew it as he got down on his hands and one free knee.

"You lose!" moving his full weight on Joel's legs and pulling him under his body, David had him pinned on his belly. It was officially over, and telling from the coach's expression, David was the new star team member.

"David," coach helped him up, "where did you learn how to recover from a failed leg-grab? I'd expect if from... well most certainly not from one as inexperienced as you."

"If you like, coach, I'd most certainly be happy to teach everyone here that little trick." David chuckled.

"Certainly! Welcome to the team."

"What!?" Joel exclaimed. "If you think I'm going to take lessons from him, then you can..."

"Suck it up, Joel. You'll do what I say. That is if you still want to participate in this sport for Barend High."

"You... I... this is... FUCK!" Like a child having a tantrum, Joel stormed out of the gym slamming the door while people laughed quite amused.

Tryouts finished, everyone hit the showers and left grabbing their bags. To celebrate David's victory, he and Anthony went out for a movie and a couple burgers. Even though Launa had done what she could do keep her innocent son from walking through the red window district, David couldn't resist during such an occasion. Being a teenager in high school, how could he help himself when windows full of sexy women lined a whole street. Walking and talking, the two of them were shocked when they realized it was almost eleven.

"Oh crap, dude," Anthony exclaimed, "it's almost curfew. We should head home."

"No kidding there," agreed David, "I'll see you tomorrow. How about around ten in the morning and I'll show you a new game I played with Hura a few days ago."

"Oh hell yeah. Laters."

Splitting up and heading to their separate homes, David decided to enjoy a quick walk through the park. It was a good night: the sky was clear, the stars were bright, and there was a delightful breeze in the clean air.

Half along the lit path, David could've sworn that he heard some rustling behind him. Dismissing it as a squirrel or a stray dog, he quickly saw the flaw in his decision a few minutes later when a couple in hoods stood in his path just looking at him. Soon two more were behind him as well. A feeling in David's gut soon changed into a small but growing fear. Occasional rumors of people being mugged his new home town had managed to reach David's ears, but he found it hard to believe that anybody could bring themselves to do such a thing. Now he wasn't so sure of that.

"Say, nice night for a walk huh?" David awkwardly asked. The figures approached him, standing just some feet behind and in front of him. "I think so too. I just made the wrestling team at my school so I'm a bit beat. Can't wait to get home and get to bed."

"Would you now," one of them asked, "you do know why there's a curfew, right?"

"Uuuuh, I was told that it's a way of oppression on us kids. The man is bringing us down."

"Don't smart ass with us, kid." One of them reached into his jacket. "It's actually to protect guys like you from running into guys like us." Removing his hand from his pocket, David could see something with a dark handle and something shiny and metallic extending from it. David's heart jumped.

"Come on boy. Empty your pockets."

"Alright, alright. I don't have much. I spent most of my money today at the cinema and on burgers. Damn that was some good food. You should check out..."

"Has anybody told you that you talk too much? It's starting to get on my nerves." One of them had a lisp, which David chuckled about unable to keep himself from finding it a bit funny. "Something funny, punk?"

"No no, not at all. I was just thinking about Sylvester. That cartoon cat..."

"Hey dude," the one of the knife got a bit closer, "I think he's ragging on your lisp. What happened to the last guy who did that?"

"Oh I put him in the hospital. Don't see any reason why I shouldn't do the same thing to him. Do you have any reason why I shouldn't, boy?"

Without thinking, David kicked him in gut and shoved two others out of the way making a run for it. He could hear them right behind him but refused to look back, able to tell that they were getting closer. With his pack slowing him down, David took it off and dropped it on the ground making the one with the blade tripping over it and doing a face plant. The other three, however, kept gaining on him. There was no way that David would be able to make it to the apartment in time; he had to fight back.

Stopping and turning around with fists raised, David took a quick blow to the face, knocking him on his ass. Rolling over on his back he kicked one of them in the face knocking him back. Before another could step on his chest, David dodged to the side and swept his leg from under him with a strong kick. Getting up he saw the one with the knife up again and running at him with his weapon raised. Standing on gravel, David kicked up some rocks and dust blinding him. Reflexes David never knew he had kicked in as he grabbed the man's hand and twisted it, making him let go of the knife as it fell into a ditch.

Now they were angry; a kid was kicking their asses. Acting on that frustration, they became more ruthless to the point that one of them got a hold of David while another started punching him in the face and the chest. It hurt bad, but not nearly as much when he felt some brass knuckles come in contact with his face, breaking his jaw in two places. On the ground and groaning only to fell four feet kicking him again and again he hardly was able to cry in pain.

"Hura!"

With her keen senses, his pet wolf heard his cries perfectly clear. Jumping through one of the apartment windows onto the dark and dimly lit streets she ran to save David. Regrettably, she wasn't fast enough to save David from receiving a few broken ribs, shattered knee cap and both collar bones. When she could smell blood it only made her run faster.

"Yeah," one of the thugs yelled out, "I haven't felt a rush like this in such a long time."

"No kidding, my man. How about we finish him? I don't like leaving jobs half done." Unable to move, David felt a boot step on his neck. That's when they hears a deafening roar and see a dark figure jump into the sky. It was David's savior.

On her way back down, not knowing how to David or herself, her figure changed dramatically as did her size. She landed standing over twenty feet tall on two legs, muscles that bulged with such power a chest that honestly surpassed that of Launa's. Most of all she had the look of fury upon the one's who dared lay a hand on her pup. The spectacle alone sent the four men running in terror, leaving David mangled and broken. When Hura's eyes caught sight of him. Kneeling next to him, tears began to run down her cheeks. Not knowing what to do. He was bleeding from his mouth and nose; his breaths were so shallow she couldn't notice. She was afraid to touch him in his state, whimpering in fear for him, even scared that he might be dead. With as much gentility she could muster, Hura picked him up, holding him in her arms against her warm chest, looking over him for a while until she knew what she had to do.

Holding him with one arm now, she ran to the nearest hospital, praying that she could make before it was too late. He wasn't moving the slightest bit. More frighteningly, his pulse was now dangerously weak.

Picking up the pace she managed to make it to the entrance of the ER. Despite how badly she wanted to be there for him, Hura knew it would cause only more problems if people found out about her. Gently placing him on a bench outside the sliding doors and smashing one of the widows, Hura easily caught the nurse's attention who was at the front desk. Having done all she could do, Hura ran into the darkness with the hope the doctors could save him.

Description
It had been almost three months since David's first day at school. Things have been going very smoothly for the most part. Life was still good, though of course not perfect. For example, today was the day of the week when Launa got to drive David to school on her motorcycle. Even though David loved the ride and starting the day with his mom like this, there was no denying the slight embarrassment that came from being dropped off by Launa and her teasingly saying "I love you darling" for all to hear. It did embarrass him a bit, but David liked it even more so.

"Hey there, David," Anthony approached David as he was walking to the front entrance, "did you have a good weekend?"

"Oh yeah," David answered with a high five, "My mom took me camping. We kinda had to get Hura out and about since she often gets too energetic for her own good. I also managed to get some studying done for the history test today."

"Do you think you could share some of your notes during lunch today? I could use the help."

"Yeah, in fact I'll give you the ones I've memorized right now." David started to rummage through his bag and pulled out some flash cards, but then looked around more for something. "Crap, where is it?"

"What's the matter, bro?" Anthony stopped and looked over as David rummaged through his stuff.

"I forgot my..."

"Lunch?" Launa was standing right behind them holding up a brown paper bag, in her human form of course. "You left it in the side car, David."

"Thank you," David took it, "I'd hate to eat the school special instead of one of your Kobe steak sandwiches." Looking next to him, David could see Anthony glancing up at the celebrity before him, not blinking once with his wide-open eyes and blushing face. "Oh, mom... this is Anthony. The guy who came over that weekend while you were gone."

"I remember," Launa smiled down at him, "I'm sorry about that, Anthony. I know you were eager to meet me, but I'm a busy girl and you've got your school to take care of." She kindly extended a hand for him to shake. "It's great to finally meet David's friend."

"I... uuuuuh," Anthony was helplessly blushing, but he took her hand loving how it felt to shake the Jennifer's hand, "I would've combed my hair and shaved if I knew I'd be meeting you today, Ms. Aslan." After a while he was still shaking her hand. "I can most certainly tell you this is gonna go down in my journal. Gosh this just really made my morning." Launa was used to such fans, usually she'd kindly ask him to let go but someone who was a genuine friend of David's naturally got slightly special treatment. That and she could tell Anthony was looking her in the eyes and not at her chest, in no way an easy feat for such an admirer. Eventually letting go, Anthony recollected himself. "Oh how I wish I brought my poster of you to school... though I don't know why I'd ever do that since it's in a frame. And I'm rambling like an idiot."

"Haha," Launa chuckled a bit, "well aren't you a sweet guy. Tell you what; if I can make it home on Sunday instead of Monday after my trip this week I would love to sign it for you in person when you stay the night."

"That would be perfect. I'll..." At that moment the bell rang and those who were eyeing them from the stairs watched as Jennifer Aslan kissed David's head, purposely embarrassing him with a smile, and walked back to her monster of a motorcycle. When the two boys turned around they saw that a group of girls were waiting for them at the front entrance. They both looked at each other and sighed. Being liked by girls didn't bother them, but rather the reason that they were so fond of them in the first place. To them, David and his friend were just a shortcut to popularity. "Hey, David let's take the back entrance."

"You kidding," David exclaimed, "our first class is ten steps away from the front entrance. I'm not walking around half a city block and back again through the school. Don't be such a wimp; what's the worst they can..." Before David could finish his question, all the girls they saw earlier ran up and surrounded them. Launa stayed on her bike at the curb, watching protectively.

"David," one of the senior girls was teasingly playing with her hair, "we're having a party at my place tonight. It would be awesome if you and your... pal could come along." She didn't exactly pay much attention to Anthony other than acknowledging he was there at all. A few, however, were eyeing him over.

"Thanks for the offer, Janice... again, but I can't." David kindly turned down the offer, having been receiving ones like it for a while now.

"Why not?" The girls started closing in a bit. It never ceased to amaze David how desperate these girls could be for any prestige. "Don't you want to have a good time?" If Janice wasn't about to go into a uniformed school, then she'd certainly have more revealing clothes. True, Launa wore some skimpy clothing now and then, but much less often now that she supported a sixteen-year-old boy. Regardless she didn't care for how they were treating her boy and his friend, nor their obvious goals.

"I have to baby sit my pet wolf tonight. My mom's leaving town late this afternoon until the end of the weekend, and my girl gets lonely without me."

"A pet wolf, isn't that just a bit desperate of an excuse?" She started moving in closer. Janice was already taller than him but with her high heals she had an inch or two more on him. "If you wanted I could be your gir~aah!" As if someone had gotten a huge pole and knocked out her back knees Janice fell back on her ass, and so did all of the other girls. Their high heals had suddenly broken off, at the same time. Looking up from them after a bit David saw his mom putting on a glove, probably having just cast a spell, with an expression that said "nobody sexually teases my innocent boy". With that done she roared off on her motorcycle.

"Isn't that the damndest thing?" Anthony was trying to think of how all five girls could've had the exact same wardrobe malfunction simultaneously.

"Quickly," David grabbed onto his friend's backpack and yanked him toward the front entrance, "before they can recover." Barging through the doors, the two boys made it to science class and in their seats just before the bell rang.

"What the hell was that, David?" Anthony exclaimed as quietly as he could. "Granted I wanted to get out of there just as much as you, but what happened to them was just impossible. At least not naturally."

"Oh, well..." David was trying to come up with some kind of explanation.

"Also, your mom drove off without saying anything. I'm no mother, but you think she'd give those girls a piece of her mind or something despite the look of satisfaction she had."

"Uuum, probably just thought all of them loosing their high heals was enough, and someone probably just played a prank on them by breaking off their heals and reattaching them back on with cheap glue."

"When would someone be able to do that?"

"Maybe... during last night's game. That and when Janice broke hers all the other girls probably shifted their weight too quickly and broke theirs too." David wasn't sure if Anthony would believe it. He made a big deal out of nothing from time to time. One of those people who smartly expected the world around them to be other than it appears, though in a way that was kind of over analyzing.

"I guess it just seemed like..."

"Are you two quite finished," the teacher slammed a ruler on their desks, it was a substitute Mr. Vincent, "no talking while I'm... oh Mr. Aslan. I didn't see you there. How are you?" He was a short middle-aged man on his way to getting a slight bald spot. One had to admit he had nice and sleek glasses as well as fancy ties to go with his striped button down shirts. Almost always he could be found chewing on one of those mint-flavored toothpicks, thinking it made him look cool and in charge.

Incidentally, and unlike his actual science teacher, Mr. Vincent was a big brown nose towards David since he was the adopted son of the great Jennifer Aslan. Obviously he wanted to get on David's good side so that, on the off chance, it could boost his chances of getting tickets to the VIP lounges and a backstage pass like Mr. Worth had. Although it was initially a bribe, Matthew was an honest and sympathetic man who had a sense of principle. He even turned it down, offering to still help them out. That was more than anyone could say for Mr. Vincent. Truthfully it was getting on David's nerves. That and he didn't care for how Mr. Vincent practically ignored Anthony.

"I'm tired actually," David sighed and yawned, "why isn't Mrs. DeLay in here today?"

"Oh when I found out she was sick I decided to fill in for her in teaching your class."

"Ah, well I'll be sure to be quite for the rest of the class."

"Don't worry about it, I was a bit too harsh. You know what it's like to start a day without a cup of coffee, am I right?" Mr. Vincent gave a chuckle. David so wanted to tell him off, but figured it wasn't worth it. Leaving it at that, the lesson of the day went on without incident. David was so happy when the bell rang: through with listening to the teacher taking forever to explain the simplest concepts of different freezing and boiling points of solutions and such.

"I swear to the goddess," David grunted, "the next time he kisses my ass I'm gonna give him a piece of my friggin mind."

"Come on, dude." Anthony patted his shoulder. "That D-bag wouldn't know what it's like to have a pair of balls if a bull kicked his... balls. Or something." His friend always had a way of lightening the mood for David.

"Well put. So I'll just see you later."

That indeed he did when lunch came. Over the past few weeks, the two of them had stared to sit with other guys. Though at first they sat with a bunch of kiss-asses, they eventually found some guys who kept their cool and were able to tease and joke David instead of just complimenting him on every damn thing.

While Anthony was telling some of the guys about what happened with the girls that morning, as well as bragging about meeting Jennifer Aslan, David saw a poster behind one of the coaches sitting at a table. He had considered getting involved in some extracurricular activities, and some sort of sport seemed like a good idea. Thinking about it for a bit, David got up and went to the table.

"Hello young man," the coach greeted, "would you like to sign up for the team?"

"I'm thinking about it," David rubbed under his chin, "what sport are you recruiting for exactly?"

"Wrestling. We're the champions of the country as far as high schools are concerned." He then looked over David a bit, examining his build regarding how he would perform in the sport. "You seem like a fit guy; we'll just have to wait and see how you perform. Oh and on another note, I'm sure you know who Joel is; he's been our star champion. Be sure to ask him any questions you may have."

"Oh," David shrugged, "I've seen him around." In fact David had gone home a couple times with a black eye and busted lip now and then thanks to that dick. It's not that David couldn't defend himself, more he disliked fighting so much that he didn't do anything to provoke Joel and his guys into doing worse damage. However, wrestling seemed like a healthy way to let off some steam.

"Where do I sign in?"

"Right here," the coach shoved a clipboard to the edge of the table, "tryouts are on Friday during the last period in the gym. Be sure to inform your teacher that you'll not be attending their class that day." David nodded and signed; happy to see that the coach didn't get all giddy when he read his name.

On his way back to the table David could see Joel eyeing him in an intimidating manner, not that he cared.

"David," turning around he saw that it was Mr. Worth, "how are you doing today?"

"Mr. Worth," David could always count on the dean to not give him any special treatment and yet be a nice upbeat guy, "I'm fine. I just put my name down for wrestling tryouts this Friday. How about yourself."

"I'm just great, and it's about time you got more involved in this school. Joining a team or club here is a great way to meet people and have fun."

"So I've been told. I think it'll be a nice way to relieve some stress."

"Things been hectic at home for you?"

"N-no not really, just a lot going on lately. I have a huge pet to take care of and play with her from time to time so she doesn't go bouncing off the walls. Also my mom's gonna be gone for the remainder of the week."

"I'm sure she'll miss you on her trip, David." Mr. Worth patted his shoulder. "Anyways tell your mom I said hello." He sipped his mug that Jennifer Aslan signed and left as the bell rang.

Since school let out a bit early today, David would have the chance to have a more personal goodbye with Launa instead of a note. Thinking that the girls would be back at the front entrance David decided to leave through the back. Unfortunately that turned out to be not such a good idea. Turning a corner he was then face to face with Joel, surprisingly he didn't have any of his buds around.

"Since when have you had an interest in wrestling, David?" Joel chuckled. "Don't you think you're a bit small for it?"

"Seriously," David rolled his eyes, "First thing you do is point out my height? Just get out of my way so I can get on with my life." He tried to walk past him, but Joel just stepped in his way.

"Come on, bro. I'm just teasing. I only wanted to tell you that it'll be good to have someone with such a sexy mom to come to our events and distract the other team with her tits." He then gave David a little shove. Trying to relax he took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "That and I'll let you join us even though I'll win against you at the tryouts."

"Joel, please, I just want to go home and feed my pet and see my mom before she leaves on a trip. Oh, and as far as you "letting" me join... you can go suck on it." Next thing David knew he was on the ground. His left cheekbone was numb for a bit but then started to ache, as did his eye.

"You new kids need to learn some respect." Putting an emphasis on that, Joel kicked David in the gut knocking the air out of him. "Just do what I tell you won't end up in the ER after an unfortunate accident." Before walking away he kicked some dirt in David's face, leaving him to slowly regain his breath and rub the grime out of his eyes. When he finally got up and spat some blood, having accidentally bitten his cheek, David picked up his stuff and started walking home as he held his gut.

By the time he got there the pain had subsided a bit, but his left cheek and eye were red and swollen. There was no way that Launa wouldn't notice and it was doubtless she'd be there. Walking into the apartment and dropping his pack next to the door, he was greeted by something huge pouncing him to the ground while a big and long tongue licked him all up and down his face.

"Down girl." David was laughing as his huge pet wolf greeted her master. When she finally stopped slopping his face he hugged around her neck. Standing up, Hura lifted him up to his feet wagging her tail. Fully grown now she was a good seven feet tall at the shoulder when on all fours.

"Welcome home, hon." No longer in her human guise, Launa walked in reading one of her large books. Gazing up from her material the huge feline let out quite a gasp. "David, your face!" Gently she placed her large padded hands on his cheeks and turned his head to get a better look. "Kids at school did this to you didn't they?" David didn't know what to say, so he just shrugged his shoulders. Hura caringly licked his battle wound while Launa went back to her room and came back with a weird smelling, warm, rolled up cloth. She carefully pressed it to his cheek. The scent was really strong, making David cough a bit. At least he soon didn't notice the stench anymore, as warmth seemed to soothingly flow into his face. "How many of them were there this time?" David held up one finger. "Did you fight back at all?" Hesitantly he shook his head; Launa let out a small sigh of exasperation.

"I'm sorry mom," David took the cloth and held it in place himself, "I never had to fight back at the orphanage. Why do I have to now?"

"Because you can't expect me to be at ease knowing that you will be going to a place where you'll be potentially hurt because you won't defend yourself."

"I defend myself in a sense."

"Son," Launa took a long pause and lead him into the living room where she sat in her large chair and he sat at one end of the couch, allowing a spot for Hura to lay next to him with her head on his lap, "I know you're used to words being your weapon and you are indeed a witty guy. However, there's no reason for you to feel shame for taking a bit of physical action. I've had to defend others as well as myself countless of times. If I had my way I would tear that jerk who hit you a new one, but I can't always be there to defend you. When I'm not you need to fend for yourself."

"I understand, mom, but I can't fight back all the time. Once there were five of them. If I fought back I'd probably have ended up worse. Even if I could've, I just hate fighting." Launa thought for a bit trying to find a way to help him understand better without seeming harsh.

"David, there's a difference between 'fighting' and 'fighting back'. If the later requires you to knock a tooth out or break a nose, then that's what you'll have to do."

"There's no way I have it in me to do those things to someone, mom. Maybe I could wrestle them away or something. I'll be learning how to do that if I get chosen in the tryouts anyways."

"Tryouts? For wrestling?"

"Yeah, I signed up for the team today. I'm going to compete on Friday. The coach said that we were the champions within the area, so who better to learn from about the sport?"

"D-David," Launa was shocked, but still happy, "that's great news. I wish I could be here for that." She reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Although wrestling is a good start, it won't help too much when up against more than one person. I'm not saying that you have to knock a tooth out or break their nose, but knowing my son will hit his attackers back would keep me from worrying so much about you when I'm away."

"Alright, alright," David chuckled as Launa's ears perked up with a smile, "I promise from now on I'll fight back, but I'm doing it for you more than for me... just so you know."

"That works for me, darling," She leaned in and wrapped her big arms around him, "Maybe in a couple months I can teach you some fighting techniques myself."

"Haha, we'll just see." He happily kissed her on the cheek as she returned the gesture kissing him once on each cheek, which the smelly cloth had fully healed. Letting go she tussled his hair and got up to go make final preparations for her departure. Going to his room, David got his pack and started studying for tomorrow's quiz. As always Hura lay on his bed while he leaned back against her during homework. A while later Launa walked in to say goodbye. Kissing the top of his head and rubbed behind Hura's ears, she wished him luck in the tryouts and told Hura to watch over him. The giant wolf answered by using a paw to pull him into a hug and nuzzled his head as if to say 'I'll watch over my puppy'.

By the time Launa had left and David was finished with his work, Hura was very riled up and needed serious playtime. Normally having such a huge pet would be a cause for worry when running around an apartment with very nice things here and there, but Launa and David had trained her very well how to behave. Truthfully more David than Launa, he just seemed to have a better knack for dealing with canines. That and Launa having obvious feline qualities proved notable.

"You want the ball?" David was holding the ball back as if ready to throw, somewhat teasing Hura. She got down on her front legs facing him with her rear up wagging her tail. "Go get it!" Although David did a throwing motion he didn't let go, causing Hura to run off down the hall. When she wised up to his trick she came charging at him, before she could reach him David threw it the other way making her run past him. Quickly David jolted the other way and up the stairs to hide under the guest bed.

Keeping quiet, he waited listening to the big wolf walking around trying to find him. Occasionally he heard something between a whine and a growl. Soon after there was the sound of claws tapping against wooden floor and sniffing outside the door. She knew his scent anywhere. Seeing the door was a lever handle she easily placed a big paw on it and let herself in. Taking a peak under the bed she found nothing there; her prey had rolled out the other side and hidden in the guess closet, managing to open and close the door without a sound. Only delaying the inevitable since that door too had a lever handle. Effortlessly opening the door, Hura stuck her head into the rack of clothes while he crawled under her, got behind her and lightly pulled her tail. It would've been a good idea had she not decided to back up and knock him down on his front then sit on his legs, holding him captive.

"Okay, uncle uncle," David was trying to pull himself from under her, but she wouldn't budge, "you win Hura, get off." She still didn't move. "Oh well, I guess you won't be getting a treat now will you?" Next thing he knew, being held down on the ground was replaced by being lifted into the air by the collar of his school polo. Carrying him through the hall she went down the stairs backwards almost dragging him over each step. "Oh, very funny." David chuckled and crossed his arms as he let her have her fun. Carrying him around like this indeed made him look like he was her puppy. Honestly, ever since she had grown so much bigger than him, Hura had started treating him more like her little pup... not that he cared.

Walking to the kitchen she let him go and went into the living room while waiting for her dinner. Despite how she treated him and what it implied, Hura still knew who was truly in charge when Launa wasn't around. Having heated up some leftovers for himself and filling a bowl of the best food a "domesticated" giant wolf could ask for, David brought in the grub and plopped down in Launa's chair while she sat next to the couch. When all was eaten and dishes were done, David took a shower and went to bed.

"Hura girl, come on." Both in bed David scooted close to her and placed one of her arms around him. Pulling him closer to her warm body, Hura nuzzled and licked his head warmly a few times; giving the look of a mother wolf grooming her pup. The feeling it gave him, as well as listening to her take in those deep breaths, sent him off into a deep sleep in no time.

Over the course of that week everything went pretty smooth: quizzes and tests weren't overly challenging, girls took a break from hitting on him thinking he was a jinx (no problem there), and Joel had left him alone for the time being. David was also reading up on wrestling techniques and practicing them after school with Anthony, using him as a practice dummy. Surprisingly he was very happy to let David throw him on his ass for the sake of possibly showing up Joel in front of a bunch of people. When Friday finally came David could hardly wait.

"Hey dude," Anthony sat next to David handing him a book, "I checked out the wrestling book you asked for. Why did you need me to go get it again?"

"Because," David quickly opened it up and started flipping the pages, "I spent too much time practicing with you last night and forgot to finish my paper on Shakespeare last night. I didn't even take time for breakfast or making my lunch, and you know how much I can't stand school food. Makes me feel like I'm eating something Ms. Proulx made."

"What about Hura? Who's gonna feed her?"

"We have an automated dispenser for her when nobody's there." David was rummaging through the pages and found a diagram how to recover from a failed leg grab. Showing Anthony what he was talking about without the teacher seeing, David propped up a textbook to keep others from peaking. "This is what I was looking for."

"You mean more detailed drawings of men holding each other?"

"Seriously, man. Look at how it says about snaking your arm around your opponent's ankle and pulling it up so you can wrap your l
leg around it."

"That's awesome," Anthony slowly slid it over to get a better look, "this is what you should use to kick Joel's arrogant..."

"I'll take that Mr. Carver," Mr. Vincent took the book away from Anthony and looked at it a bit, "since you think wrestling is more time worthy then my class I'll give you as long as you need to read about it in detention after school."

Anthony hit his head on the desk as some of the other kids laughed at his misfortune.

"Sir," David raised his hand, "If you're gonna punish him then you should give me the same treatment. I was also reading that book during your class."

"That's quite noble of you, David," Mr. Vincent looked at the card inside the book cover, "but I don't see any reason to when this book wasn't checked out by you this morning. Oh and I can't tell you how much I look forward to reading your essay in class tonight." That was it, David had enough of this two faced jerk.

"Dear god, Mr. Vincent, if you want the tickets to one of my mom's shows so bad, then save up your money instead of buying all those damn toothpicks." Everyone one in the class either laughed their ass off or gave out a loud gasp. Mr. Vincent on the other hand was absolutely speechless.

"E-excuse me?" It was all the moron could get out.

"Did I stutter? For the love of God, I can practically feel your lips on my ass every time you talk to me. Back at the orphanage I wanted people to be friendly, but not be two-faced jerks who wear ties that look like a clown puked on it. Please stop sucking up to me, and even more... those toothpicks make you look like such a douche."

"How... d-d-dare you?" Mr. Vincent was so angry his face was turning red, fidgeting with his glasses. "Y... you will, c-c-come with me to the dean's office."

"Ok-k-k-kay." The class laughed even more at him mocking the teacher's angry stutter. David honestly didn't care if he got in trouble at this point; he only wanted to get out of Mr. Vincent's class. Before leaving David gave everyone a thumbs up only making the pissed teacher yank him by the shirt harder. Without a word they reached Mr. Worth's office, not even bothering to knock.

"David," the young dean was quite surprised, "of all the kids to be escorted through my door in this manner you're the last I'd expect. What did he do Howard?"

"I did nothing wrong." David yanked his arm free and sat in a chair. "I only said what he needed to hear."

"He accused me of 'kissing his ass', and having a hidden agenda after treating him with nothing other than respect and kindness. Worse, he mocked me when I st-stuttered." Mr. Vincent was so tense he was almost biting his toothpick in half.

"Are you serious?" Matthew paused trying to make sure he heard what he thought he had, "David, you better have a good explanation for your actions."

"Of course I do. Howard here..."

"Mr. Vincent, that's what you call me." The idiot demanded.

"Oh," David said dismissively, "for starters he really has been treating me like I'm some kind of royalty. I know Mr. Vincent thinks I can't see through his little façade, but all he wants is to up his chances on getting free tickets to see my mom in one of her shows. My guess is to use a pair of binoculars to zoom in on her boobs."

"You little..."

"Hey, I'm not finished," David snapped at him, "He'll give my classmates detention for talking during class and won't do so much as give me a warning when I do. Even when I asked him today to give me detention after pointing out why he should all I get is him telling me how he wants to read my essay soon."

"W-wait." Mr. Vincent could see the gears in Mr. Worth's head starting to turn as David went on. Not letting him interrupt, the dean held up a hand and motioned for David to continue.

"On Monday he told me that he subbed for Mrs. DeLay's science class out of 'good will' when he doesn't even know that alkali metals are more reactive going down the chart, not up. What kind of teacher subs for a class they know nothing about?"

"Hmm," Mr. Worth sat back in his chair raising a brow, "what kind of teacher indeed."

"The kind who also gives me a test different from all the other students' when I have to take mine later than everyone else. If you check my copy and another student's, then I can be almost certain mine will be on a considerably easier level. I was going to tell you about this in person to avoid a scene, but seeming as this stick-biting idiot needed to assert his position over me now seemed like a good alternative." With all that said David sat back and crossed his arms. Mr. Worth rubbed his forehead thinking it over while Mr. Vincent stood there frozen stiff and sweating in fear.

"Mr. Vincent," he didn't bother looking up, "when I told the board that having the adopted son of someone as well known as Jennifer Aslan enrolled here could hold benefits, I in no way meant that he was to be exploited and singled out from all your other students. Not to mention insulted."

"Matthew," Howard took a big gulp, "do you really think checking up on old tests is necessary? I've worked here for over a decade and..."

"And I've been around you enough of those years to not put David's accusations past you. If you don't have anything to hide, then simply go get me a copy of their tests in the next five minutes. Otherwise we'll discuss your future with this school with the principal."

"I can't believe this is happening to me. You got those tickets and a backstage pass after finagling this kid into Barend High. Why shouldn't get the same thing?" Howard was practically yelling now.

"I didn't 'finagle' anybody or anything. I simply helped out a boy who needed to be around others his own age. Also there's no way you could've known about that unless you went through my box when Ms. Aslan sent an envelope from the Dark Kat Company to my office. On a similar note you should note that I turned down what was in that envelope right off the bat, only to receive it anyways out of thanks from Ms. Aslan." Mr. Vincent said not a word.

"Oh snap!" David exclaimed, but he quickly hushed when Mr. Worth held out a finger, telling him to be quiet.

"Not that I'll tell anybody about that last detail, because I'd rather you learn and better yourself from this experience. So I'll just recommend that you be suspended for the rest of the semester. Though should we be back here in any way ever again I'll be recommending you find another job. Am I clear?" Mr. Vincent swallowed his frustration and nodded, leaving David alone with the dean. When he was gone and the door was closed, Mr. Worth plopped down in his chair and looked to David with a short chuckle.

"Thanks for bringing this to my attention, David."

"No problem, sir." David gave a thumbs-up. "Sorry about how it played out, but I just couldn't take it anymore."

"I understand perfectly. However, whether or not you or I think your actions were called for, you still can't do that and expect to go without consequences."

"Oh thank the goddess," David sighed, "I seriously am glad I'm getting after school detention for this."

"Oh really," Mr. Worth chuckled, "and why is that?"

"Because now I feel more like a regular student, like everyone else."

"That's a good way of looking at it, but you're not like everyone else, David. Not everyone uses the mentioning of their mother's 'boobs' as a point of argument and pulls it off."

"Meh," he just shrugged his shoulders and grabbed his things, "she'll laugh when she hears about that. I'll see you later, Mr. Worth, and thanks for everything." After-school detention was indeed a small price to pay when his spot in the tryouts could've been removed as punishment, which surprisingly came fast having stood up for himself and the sensation it brought.

Using what little time he could to go over things in his head, David felt quite prepared, if not also a bit nervous. The way it was going to work out is that everyone would go through drills and see how much they could take. There wasn't too much difficulty there with all the time David had spent rough housing with a wolf that could take down a grizzly bear.

As soon as the simple exercises were out of the way, and those who didn't make it through went back to their classes, the coach lined up the remaining contenders outside one of the rings. That's where some of the veteran team members stood while Joel was next to the coach.

"Okay," the coach called out, "all of you guys will have the chance to go up against one of our current team members. This is just to give you new kids an idea of what you'll be up against when we compete. Know that whether you win or lose doesn't matter, it's just to make sure that this is the right sport for those who haven't tried before." Holding up his clipboard, the coach called out alphabetically by last name, of course David was first.

"Sir," David raised his hand before he stepped forward, "is it okay for me to request whoever I go up against?"

"Sure, who exactly did you have in mind?"

"Joel," the muscle head leered at David as he heard his name, as if insulted that a new kid had a chance, "unless he'd rather not take his chances, and is afraid he'll get beaten by the new guy." David's taunt did the trick. This was the one time effortlessly getting under Joel's skin worked in his favor, and David wasn't going to let it go to waste. Taking their stances in the circle, the two lads quickly grabbed onto each other's heads.

"You really think you can take me," Joel grunted as they circled, "I am going to so kick your bony ass." Before David could retort gravity switched on him as Joel shoved his back into his chest, while holding onto his arm and throwing him head over heals onto the pad. Disregarding his shady start, David got back up frustrated and ready for round two.

Avoiding any hesitation David jumped forward and grabbed Joel's right leg lifting it up leaving him struggling to stay up. Unable to regain his balance in time he felt his left leg being kicked from under him. If it weren't for the cushioning mat they stood on, then Joel would probably have a head injury. This, in truth, frightened him, both David's speed and strength for his size. Tied for the win, it was down to the last round.

"You got lucky that time, ass face." Joel cracked his neck. "Don't expect to show me up this time."

"I'm through with words," said David, "just shut up and put your money where your big mouth is."

For the third time, David refused to hesitate. Only problem, he got a poor hold onto his opponent ending up on his knees with Joel standing over him and pushing down on his back. In this situation the best he could hope for is a stalemate. 'I'll be damned if I end up tied with this jerk.' Thinking fast, David remembered what he read earlier that day. He couldn't recall it perfectly; vaguely remembering something involving snaking his hand around his opponent's ankle and pulling it up to keep it off the ground... but how? There was no more time for thinking with the hold Joel was starting to get on him. It was now or never.

Taking a deep breath not thinking about it, one of his hands wrapped around Joel's ankle while the other planted on the ground under Joel's center of gravity. Pulling that leg to him David kept it up wrapping one of his own legs around it taking it away from Joel completely. It was working, and the arrogant bastard knew it as he got down on his hands and one free knee.

"You lose!" moving his full weight on Joel's legs and pulling him under his body, David had him pinned on his belly. It was officially over, and telling from the coach's expression, David was the new star team member.

"David," coach helped him up, "where did you learn how to recover from a failed leg-grab? I'd expect if from... well most certainly not from one as inexperienced as you."

"If you like, coach, I'd most certainly be happy to teach everyone here that little trick." David chuckled.

"Certainly! Welcome to the team."

"What!?" Joel exclaimed. "If you think I'm going to take lessons from him, then you can..."

"Suck it up, Joel. You'll do what I say. That is if you still want to participate in this sport for Barend High."

"You... I... this is... FUCK!" Like a child having a tantrum, Joel stormed out of the gym slamming the door while people laughed quite amused.

Tryouts finished, everyone hit the showers and left grabbing their bags. To celebrate David's victory, he and Anthony went out for a movie and a couple burgers. Even though Launa had done what she could do keep her innocent son from walking through the red window district, David couldn't resist during such an occasion. Being a teenager in high school, how could he help himself when windows full of sexy women lined a whole street. Walking and talking, the two of them were shocked when they realized it was almost eleven.

"Oh crap, dude," Anthony exclaimed, "it's almost curfew. We should head home."

"No kidding there," agreed David, "I'll see you tomorrow. How about around ten in the morning and I'll show you a new game I played with Hura a few days ago."

"Oh hell yeah. Laters."

Splitting up and heading to their separate homes, David decided to enjoy a quick walk through the park. It was a good night: the sky was clear, the stars were bright, and there was a delightful breeze in the clean air.

Half along the lit path, David could've sworn that he heard some rustling behind him. Dismissing it as a squirrel or a stray dog, he quickly saw the flaw in his decision a few minutes later when a couple in hoods stood in his path just looking at him. Soon two more were behind him as well. A feeling in David's gut soon changed into a small but growing fear. Occasional rumors of people being mugged his new home town had managed to reach David's ears, but he found it hard to believe that anybody could bring themselves to do such a thing. Now he wasn't so sure of that.

"Say, nice night for a walk huh?" David awkwardly asked. The figures approached him, standing just some feet behind and in front of him. "I think so too. I just made the wrestling team at my school so I'm a bit beat. Can't wait to get home and get to bed."

"Would you now," one of them asked, "you do know why there's a curfew, right?"

"Uuuuh, I was told that it's a way of oppression on us kids. The man is bringing us down."

"Don't smart ass with us, kid." One of them reached into his jacket. "It's actually to protect guys like you from running into guys like us." Removing his hand from his pocket, David could see something with a dark handle and something shiny and metallic extending from it. David's heart jumped.

"Come on boy. Empty your pockets."

"Alright, alright. I don't have much. I spent most of my money today at the cinema and on burgers. Damn that was some good food. You should check out..."

"Has anybody told you that you talk too much? It's starting to get on my nerves." One of them had a lisp, which David chuckled about unable to keep himself from finding it a bit funny. "Something funny, punk?"

"No no, not at all. I was just thinking about Sylvester. That cartoon cat..."

"Hey dude," the one of the knife got a bit closer, "I think he's ragging on your lisp. What happened to the last guy who did that?"

"Oh I put him in the hospital. Don't see any reason why I shouldn't do the same thing to him. Do you have any reason why I shouldn't, boy?"

Without thinking, David kicked him in gut and shoved two others out of the way making a run for it. He could hear them right behind him but refused to look back, able to tell that they were getting closer. With his pack slowing him down, David took it off and dropped it on the ground making the one with the blade tripping over it and doing a face plant. The other three, however, kept gaining on him. There was no way that David would be able to make it to the apartment in time; he had to fight back.

Stopping and turning around with fists raised, David took a quick blow to the face, knocking him on his ass. Rolling over on his back he kicked one of them in the face knocking him back. Before another could step on his chest, David dodged to the side and swept his leg from under him with a strong kick. Getting up he saw the one with the knife up again and running at him with his weapon raised. Standing on gravel, David kicked up some rocks and dust blinding him. Reflexes David never knew he had kicked in as he grabbed the man's hand and twisted it, making him let go of the knife as it fell into a ditch.

Now they were angry; a kid was kicking their asses. Acting on that frustration, they became more ruthless to the point that one of them got a hold of David while another started punching him in the face and the chest. It hurt bad, but not nearly as much when he felt some brass knuckles come in contact with his face, breaking his jaw in two places. On the ground and groaning only to fell four feet kicking him again and again he hardly was able to cry in pain.

"Hura!"

With her keen senses, his pet wolf heard his cries perfectly clear. Jumping through one of the apartment windows onto the dark and dimly lit streets she ran to save David. Regrettably, she wasn't fast enough to save David from receiving a few broken ribs, shattered knee cap and both collar bones. When she could smell blood it only made her run faster.

"Yeah," one of the thugs yelled out, "I haven't felt a rush like this in such a long time."

"No kidding, my man. How about we finish him? I don't like leaving jobs half done." Unable to move, David felt a boot step on his neck. That's when they hears a deafening roar and see a dark figure jump into the sky. It was David's savior.

On her way back down, not knowing how to David or herself, her figure changed dramatically as did her size. She landed standing over twenty feet tall on two legs, muscles that bulged with such power a chest that honestly surpassed that of Launa's. Most of all she had the look of fury upon the one's who dared lay a hand on her pup. The spectacle alone sent the four men running in terror, leaving David mangled and broken. When Hura's eyes caught sight of him. Kneeling next to him, tears began to run down her cheeks. Not knowing what to do. He was bleeding from his mouth and nose; his breaths were so shallow she couldn't notice. She was afraid to touch him in his state, whimpering in fear for him, even scared that he might be dead. With as much gentility she could muster, Hura picked him up, holding him in her arms against her warm chest, looking over him for a while until she knew what she had to do.

Holding him with one arm now, she ran to the nearest hospital, praying that she could make before it was too late. He wasn't moving the slightest bit. More frighteningly, his pulse was now dangerously weak.

Picking up the pace she managed to make it to the entrance of the ER. Despite how badly she wanted to be there for him, Hura knew it would cause only more problems if people found out about her. Gently placing him on a bench outside the sliding doors and smashing one of the widows, Hura easily caught the nurse's attention who was at the front desk. Having done all she could do, Hura ran into the darkness with the hope the doctors could save him.