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Head Above Water: Chapter 1

Ace

The path was uneven and rocky from its neglected use. A light dusting of powder snow gently lay on the tips of grass and tree branches, making the surrounding area seem radiant as the early morning rays reflected off the crystals. Autumn was in full swing now and the leaves were now diverse shades of reds, yellows, and oranges. Much of the foliage had already lost its battle with the upcoming winter and found their resting place at the bottom of the forest floor. A brisk wind passed through my fur, sending a slight shiver across my body from its cool touch. My paws steadily padded over the dirt, elegantly avoiding the impediments along the trail. I had traveled this route countless times and could probably traverse the terrain; eyes closed, without more than a minor slip.

For as long as I can remember I have gone this way to school. I always found this peacefully silent walk to school much more enjoyable over the much faster methods. I could spend the additional 30 minutes I currently spend in the depths of the oak and pine, getting an extra half hour of rest. If I rode the bus or even walked the normal, paved route to school, I'd probably be far less likely to pass out in the midst of my studies, at the end of the day. But I was never one for sleep anyway.

The trail stretched on, winding and twisting around the trees, making it difficult to anticipate the future of the path. As I turned my attention from the encircling environment to my own body, I took note of the significant alterations. I wasn't always like this. I haven't even had all that much time to adjust.

* * *

About two weeks before my sophomore year began (now a junior), a huge medical conglomerate named Rheon, developed a drug that was supposed the prevent most of the major diseases and illnesses that plagued our society. Rather than making a vaccine for every known aliment, they had taken different aspects of other species DNA as to create the perfect immune system, to combat any pathogen. The drug passed all its initial trials and worked wonders on many of the subjects...at first. Rheon rushed many of the experiments, not waiting long enough to witness the side effects of their so-called "cure all". Before the full effects were known the medication was mass-produced and shipped across the globe. At first it remained in the traditional form of injection but soon another method was introduced, the water supply. Within two months of the elixir's release the entire world was exposed to the substance.

At first, the world was a disease free place: hospitals empty, no more waiting in line at the doctors office, and not a soul taking a sick day. But soon there were changes. A percentage of the population began to become deathly ill. Depending on how your body reacted to Rheon's drug, you could either be healthier than any pervious moment in your life or be dying of a serious brain hemorrhage in a matter of minutes. Some people just couldn't handle the merging of the DNA within their own body and in many cases, the body turned on itself.

After several weeks, the drug had run its course and eliminated about 10% of the world's population but the aftermath was far from over. The DNA in the medication was supposed to combine our own but what began to occur was the animal DNA began to take over the human. As the overtake manifested, a transformation arose; millions of people mutated into anthromorphic animals. Normal people became dogs, wolves, foxes, tigers, lions, horses, any type of animal whose chemical makeup help construct the vaccine.

In all, about 1/3 of the world converted to anthros. And as you can guess, most were unhappy about their new appearance and wanted to find and maim anyone who was involved. In the weeks proceeding the ordeal there were, murders, suicides, arrests, and convictions of any person who might remotely be related to Rheon.

Once there was no one remaining to prosecute things began to settle down. People finally started to move on with their lives. While most despised their new presence, I actually enjoyed the way I look now: a 6' 3" snow, white wolf with a rather long a bushy tail as well as icy blue eyes. I was now, far more toned and athletic and I fancied my now radiant fur.

Although I was fond of how I looked, the majority of people did not feel the same. The anthro community faced much ridicule from the human at first but since then the conflict has mostly died down. That's not to say there aren't people that still loathe their furry brethren.

* * *

Soon the trees began to disperse and the large field leading to the high school appeared beneath my paws. The light layer of frozen precipitation made the grass seem almost like cracking glass with each step. As I closed in on the structure I noticed the other furs and humans groggily trudging across the schoolyard, weary for another day of learning. I was in the same boat; I honestly didn't care all that much for class nor the people in them.

Let's just say I wasn't the most socially active person at this institution...at least not anymore. After the...accident...I basically gave up on friends or even the remote sense of a social life. I just couldn't bring myself to let anyone close again...I feared I might lose them too. And no, this doesn't have anything to do with the whole anthro thing; it's a much more...dark and painful event in my life.

The large entranceway of the school abruptly presented itself inches from my nose. I passed through a recently opened door and made my way to my first period class (Calculus), not bothering to socialize with anyone. I casually paced to the math hallway, which was relatively close to the front of the school, keeping my eyes locked on the linoleum directly ahead of me, avoiding all eye contact.

Once I got into class and reached my seat, which was far from the foremost area of the room. I sat down and began my daily routine. It consisted of spacing out and pretending to listen to the teacher's lesson. The odd thing is most would suspect me to have terrible grades from this habit; however, my brain has a funny, little thing of listening to the lecture even though I wasn't consciously paying any attention. At least the accident didn't screw that up, it's probably one of my favorite traits. I still did my fair share of homework and studying to keep my grades up though.

"Hey Ace." Oh no. I didn't even have to look anymore to know the origin of that horrid voice. I turned to my left and was greeted by the overly eager face of a black and white wolf.

"Oh, hey Shaun." I tried to act as uninterested as possible to avoid any further conversation. It wasn't like Shaun had ever done anything wrong towards me and he even seemed like a cool guy. He had just moved here from another state and since the fifth day of school he has tried to start up a conversation with me, every, single, day. I had about three classes with the guy too but it wasn't as hard to avoid him in school. I would respond as minimal as possible so maybe he could get the idea I don't want to talk. I don't want to talk to you or anyone. Shaun was either too dense or he really was that lonely, to understand my lack of desire for social interaction.

"It starting to get pretty cold out now, it'll be winter soon." He said while nervously fondling his pencil.

"Er, yeah I guess so-"

"Alright everyone, take your seats and let's get ready for some derivatives!" Mr. Luando, a large bull, excitedly exclaimed as he burst through the door, only to be followed by a unanimous moaning of the students. "Aaw, you guys are no fun but like it or not we are gonna be learnin, so get out your notes."

It's too early for this; how can a person be so energetic so early in the morning? Either way, I could now just sit back and admire the flaws and scuff marks on the cream colored wall in front of me while the rest of the class strained through another difficult lesson. I had the choice of either staying awake and subconsciously absorbing most of the lesson or try and get everything down like the rest of my peers and most likely overload my fragile brain and take a nice nap until the bell. So the first worked out more often...less of a chance to get in trouble.

I spent the first four classes of the day in my mindless state, only leaving it when the teacher noticed my blank face and questioned me about the lesson. Whoo, there were some close calls there. Finally the lunch bell rang, I got up and left my business class in a hurry, hoping that I could clear my mind out in the fresh air, at the school park.

Outside, the wind felt cool and calming passing through my fur. Just letting my mind wonder and not worry about anything. It feels good...its places like this that make me want to not waste any time in school.

I had been walking for a while now and traveled quite a ways from the school. The wind began to die down and I started to hear what sounded like footsteps. I looked around to see who was following me. With no one in sight behind me, I turned back around only to be met with a fist to my muzzle. I hit the ground, more from surprise than the strength of the punch. Looking up at my attackers I saw it was three of the school's biggest douche bags: Ryan the middle linebacker for the football team, with his two cronies Kyle and Mike. They all were ignorant humans, disgusted with any fur.

Ryan hated me since the very first day of elementary school. The majority of his abuse consisted of verbal insults, occasional shove in the hallway, and cheap shots at football practice. And now with me becoming an anthro, was just another reason for him to hate me; being the prejudiced asshole he is. The only thing the insults did, were annoy me and make me want to punch him every time something left his mouth. Apparently his hate had come to this, trying to beat the crap out of me in the school park, with his two buddies. I knew it would come to this eventually but I don't think Ryan knew I practiced MMA ever since our last bout in the fifth grade.

"What the hell was that for Ryan!" I growled angrily.

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you know why," Ryan spat back.

When will you ever get over that just because I look different than you, doesn't mean you can treat me or others like me this way, asshole!" I yelled as I stood up and dusted myself off.

"No, when will you get that you are an abomination and you and your other furry friends don't belong on this Earth!"

With that he gave me another blow, this time to the gut. God I couldn't believe this guy, how could he be so hateful to anyone who is a little different than him.

"You're lucky that I can't hit you back Ryan, cuz I would break your fucking jaw right now," I grunted.

"Ooooh, I'm soooo scared, you can't do shit to me."

And he was right, at least if I didn't want to have an attack. After the...accident, if I ever lost complete control of my emotions, primarily anger, my body would begin to convulse. The spasms were followed by extreme pain and to top it all off, ending with a long nap on the hard, cold ground. My brain was slightly jacked up in that whole occurrence and if I ever wasn't in absolute control over my temper, I would also lose control over the area of my brain that controlled muscle function and it would begin to rapidly misfire. The misfires would cause every muscle in my body to randomly contract and relax simultaneously and some of the contractions were so powerful they would distort my body, causing excruciating pain. This was the only reason I hadn't shut Ryan up a long time ago.

The only way to stop the attack is to give myself a shot of powerful muscle relaxers. Which doesn't seem too hard, except that the shot has to be administered after the spasm started. So it's easy to see the difficultly in stabbing yourself with a needle, while your entire body is flailing on the ground. I couldn't fight them back; I didn't want to risk the entire school seeing me twenty minutes after I kick their asses.

"Hey bitch get over here, I would like you to meet someone fist to face." I bet he thought himself so clever for thinking up that line on his own.

"Leave me the hell alone, I've never done anything to you."

"Ha! Why in the world would I do that? This is just too much fun! Why don't you go and cry to your mommy, you littl' bitch! And while your at it why don't tell your mom how much fun I had the other night," he chuckled.

No, I'm not letting him talk like that. I know it was a stupid joke...and God was it stupid but I wasn't going to let him speak like that and just take it. It wasn't just this time that pushed me over the top; ever since I met this jackass I don't think I have ever seen him where he hasn't made a attempt at a hurtful comment. This was the final straw! Fuck what I said before about not kicking Ryan's ass, I'm going to tear him a new asshole!

"NOBODY AND I MEAN NOBODY TALKS ABOUT MY MOTHER LIKE THAT!" I roared, clenching my paws into fists, nearly sending my claws through my own flesh.

"Whoa, looks like someone is a little up--ahhhh."

Before he could finish, I delivered a big, furry fist to his right cheek, knocking him straight to the ground. I thought he would at least stay there awhile but he was too damn stubborn, getting up right away. With a loud roar Ryan charged at me, with his right hand in the lead. I ducked right before it made contact, using his own momentum to flip him over my back and face first into the ground. I slowly walked over to his dazed body and placed my foot on Ryan's throat.

"Don't ever mess with me again, GOT IT!" I snarled, putting on more pressure with my foot.

"Ahh, ok ok, get off me!" He choked. Ryan's backup just stood there, motionless, mentally digesting the last few moments.

I decided he wasn't worth anymore of my time or energy; I was going to need as much as possible in a while. I headed back to the school and as I reached the back entrance, the bell rang. Oh great, now I'm going to be late.

Arriving at my fifth period, Physics, only a few minutes late. My teacher, Mrs. Thurman, just gave me an odd look, probably from my slightly bleeding muzzle. I took my seat at the back of the class and was swiftly reminded that today we had one of the largest tests of the year. Super, more fun for me.

"Ace, hey Ace."

"Huh, what? Oh hey Shaun," I muttered realizing who was trying to flag my attention.

"Hey, you know you're bleeding right?" Shaun questioned timidly.

"Yeah, don't remind me." Will this guy ever leave me alone? So what if I'm bleeding it's none of his business to care. It's kind of funny I guess. I bet almost the whole school saw me bleeding all over the damn place and never stopped to ask if I was ok and the one who does is the one I try to avoid most.

"Ok...sorry. Are you sure that you're ok though?"

"Yes, I'm sure." My hands began to tremble. Shit not now, not here. I should have more time, why is it starting so early?

"Alright." The wolf turned away to face the front of the classroom; a worried look still remained on his face.

We were given the test and the room turned silent. About half way through the exam, my whole body had small tremors every few minutes, the attack would be in full force soon enough. I had to get out of here and see if I could hide in the bathroom until it was over.

I grabbed my medication, got up, and slowly walked towards the front of the room. I had to use all my concentration and strength to make my feeble legs move without falling to the floor. I barely made it to the teacher's desk to ask Mrs. Thurman if I could leave.

"Uh, could I p-please use the r-restroom?" I stuttered.

"Well Shaun is in there now. Can't you wait 'till he gets back?" she questioned. I didn't even notice he had left; guess I had more important things occupying my mind.

"N-n-not really, I really have to go." Come on, come on, please let me go. I don't think you want to see what happens if you keep me here much longer; my body already shaking like a leaf.

"You don't look so good...alright you can go."

"T-thank you." I hurried out of the room as fast as possible, which resulted in a meager limp out the door. Awkwardly making my way down to empty hallway towards to restroom, using the wall as support. The convulsions were starting and coming strong. No, I am so close! My paw was on the bathroom handle, when the ground started getting close and fast. Ahh man, why does the ground have to be so...soft?

Shaun

Dammit, why can't I keep my mind off of him? That luscious white coat, the way it shimmers in the sun and ruffles in the wind, I can't stop thinking about him. I could spend hours enveloped in his snow-white wonderland and stare into those pulchritudinous, blue eyes. Why do and have to like someone so much and them not to like me back? Why do I have to be gay? It is just so hard sometimes.

Ever since I saw him on the first day of school he has all that's been on my mind. I have tried so hard for him to get closer to him but every time I try and get him into a conversation he just shuts me down. I've been as nice as possible but no matter what he won't talk to me for more than 2 minutes.

I hate feeling so strongly for someone and not be able to ever express those feelings. I have never told anyone about my sexuality; the fear of rejection and hatred was too strong. Its not like I can tell my parents, they aren't what you call 'open-minded'. Also I had just moved here and didn't have any close friends, so informing a friend of this matter was also out of the question. As much as I like Ace, he will never feel the same way about me; there is no way in hell he is gay let alone be nice to someone who is.

Pull yourself together man. I gave myself a mental slap. He doesn't like you; he doesn't like anybody as a matter of fact. What makes you so special that you will change his mind? Nothing, that's right nothing.

I feel so bad though. What makes him so opposed to others, why has he enclosed himself in an impenetrable box of solitude? His former friends have mentioned that even just a few years ago; he was nothing like now. Always running around, having fun and not a care in the world. How could someone change so drastically, over night?

I better get back to class the teacher is going to be wondering where the hell I've been for so long. Finished washing my paws, I grabbed a paper towel to dry them. I then reached for the door handle, with a long sigh and slight shudder I opened the door only to be engulfed in a furry white mass.

"Ugh, wha-what...Ace?" I asked realizing who was on top of me. There was no response. He was dead weight, crushing me under his fur. Was this some kind of joke? What the hell is going on? I strenuously wriggled my way out from under him, using a large sum of effort to roll him over.

Now looking over the wolf I asked, "Ace...Ace, are you alright?" He was out cold. Then something started to happen, Ace's body began to shake uncontrollably on the ground. He repeatedly hit his head on the floor in his thrashing.

"Ace what's going on?" I tried to hold his body down so he couldn't do anymore self-harm. "Speak to me, what's happening...w-what should I do?" Why in the world was I still trying to ask Ace questions? It was obvious that he wouldn't be giving me any answers.

That's when I spotted something in Ace's left paw. It seemed like an ordinary pen at first but looking at it closer, there was an instruction label on it. Maybe this could help, I attempted to grab it and soon realized it wouldn't be that easy to obtain. I had to use both arms to pry the item from his vice grip. Ahhh...finally.

The instructions on the pen read: 'Carefully remove the black cap from the syringe. Then, remove the inner plastic cap over the needle. Locate the injection site above the heart and rid the site of any blockages, such as clothing, jewelry, or bandaging. Slowly insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle. Once the syringe is fully inserted, press the button at the back of the device to allow the medication to release into the bloodstream. Remove the syringe once the medication has been completely injected and place it into a near by biohazard, disposal bin.'

I proceeded with the steps as carefully as possible, trying not to accidentally stab Ace or myself. If anyone would've passed me in the hallway, they would probably think they were witnessing a murder. My mind was a frenzy of possible outcomes but my body miraculously appeared calm. What would happen if I gave him this shot, could he...? What happens if I don't? I gathered up the remaining strength I had left and decided what to do. I lifted up his shirt and plunged the needle into his heart, waiting for what would happen next.

Immediately the spasms began to reduce in magnitude. After a few minutes of progressively less shaking, Ace's body lay motionless on the hallway floor. 'Is he...dead?' I questioned myself, starring at his lifeless body. I put my head to his chest...oh thank God, he's still breathing. Ok what am I supposed to do now? I need to get him to the nurse's office but it's located on the other side of the school.

Squatting down next to Ace I pulled one of his arms over my shoulder and slowly stood up, pulling him with me. I slightly staggered under his weight but was able to keep my balance.

The walk was long and excruciating, my back was practically broken by the time we reached the office. Not that I wasn't slightly enjoying it, being able to be so close to him, I could hear every beat of his heart. I know, I'm creepy ok. I opened the door to the nurse's office only to be greeted by an empty room. I laid Ace on one of the beds and set off looking for the nurse.

"Hello...is anyone here?" I asked, a sense of emergency in my voice.

"Yes, yes, I will be right there, sheesh," the school nurse Mrs. Henson called from the back room. While waiting for the nurse I realized I still had the needle in my paw. There were small beads of sweat on the clear plastic, from being it the iron grip of my paw. I placed in into my pocket in case Ace needed it back or something.

"Can you please hurry up, my...um...friend is really sick." It felt so odd yet so wonderful to say that simple word 'friend'. I really hope this isn't the last time I can use that word to refer to that lovely white wolf.

"Alright let's take a look...oh my what happened?" she questioned with a frightened look on her face.

"I...I really don't know...I left the bathroom to have him fall on top of me and start convulsing."

"Has this ever happened to him before?"

"I don't know, not that I know of." Then again I don't know hardly anything about Ace, other than the fact he has good grades, a football and lacrosse star, and from what few acts that weren't that of indifference, he seemed like a truly nice person. I know, I know, it is a little stalkerish I admit.

"How did you get the seizer to stop?" The question startled me and drew me from my thoughts.

"H-he had a syringe in his hand and I used it on him...and he stopped." I pulled the needle from my pants and revealed it to her. "Here it is," I said as I handing it to her.

"My, my this is some strong stuff. He must really have serious condition to be required to carry this around." Mrs. Henson said as she examined the medication. That comment frighten me somewhat. "Alright, well he looks ok now. We should let him rest for the time being and you better get back to class."

"Could I please stay here...at least until he wakes up?" I asked her, my voice quivering a little.

With a stern look she responded, "Fine, I guess there isn't much time left in class anyway. What did you say your name was again?"

"Oh, um, I'm Shaun Anders."

"And your friend's?"

"It's Ace, Ace O'Connor."

"Well he is lucky to have you as a friend."

"Umm...I guess so." There it was again, such a simple word but it felt so significant.