Two Schools Out - Forever

53

"There they are."

Ari focused the binoculars on the small group on the road, maybe a quarter mile away. Walking to their perfect home from their perfect school. Wasn't that special. He looked into the back of the van. Six Erasers, already morphed and eager for action, sat waiting for him to give the word. The new Max was sitting in the back with them, wearing headphones.

"She's up on her soapbox again," the new Max said.

Ari snorted. Max-the original Max-was so full of herself, so tougher-than-thou. She ran those kids around like they were her slaves.

Slaves. There was a fun idea. Picturing the mutant bird freaks as his personal slaves cheered Ari up. He would make them do everything-take care of everything. They would bring him food and remind him to take his pills, and Max would rub his shoulders where his wings hurt. That would be so great. A tiny buzzer went off-his watch timer. Ari popped a handful of pills and reset the timer.

Unfortunately he wasn't going to get to make them his slaves. Fortunately he still got to kill them.

"I swear, that girl wouldn't be happy anywhere," the new Max said, sounding disgusted.

"Let's give her something to be unhappy about," Ari said, and hit the gas pedal. His heart started pumping with anticipation. He hated Max, but he loved fighting her. No one else was as exciting, as much of a challenge-not even Fang. And every time they fought, he learned more about how to defeat her. Someday he would have the last punch, see the surprise on her face...

In seconds the van had caught up to the group, and they wheeled around at the sound of the tires.

"Want a ride, kids?" asked the Eraser in the passenger seat, who hadn't morphed yet.

"What, no candy?" the original Max practically snarled. Then her eyes fell on Ari.

A laugh rose from his chest as he slammed on the brakes. He loved it! Seeing the flare of hatred and fear in her eyes when she looked at him. "Showtime, folks!" he shouted. "Max is mine!"

Erasers poured out of the back of the van before it had even stopped.

Time to play.