Kazzoland High Ch 2

CH 2. Bad Dogs

Spine focused intently on the words on the page, his entire face shoved between the pages of his book. This was a feat considering Hatchworth hadn't stopped talking since they sat down. They were waiting on a bench outside the front doors of the school, waiting for their brothers so they could walk home.

“I'm a free man again!” Rabbit cheered as he threw both glass doors open, he sauntered out and leaned over Spine's shoulder. He knew all to well that reading over his shoulder was one of Spine's biggest pet peeves.

“Mr. Wisdom missed you at band practice.” Hatchworth stated, following after Spine as the tall Silver automaton stood and closed his book. “He says you still have to pick up your solo practice sheets.”

“Did P-p-paige miss me?” Rabbit shuffled nervously. He did a good job keeping his stutter hidden in school, but any time he talked about Paige it leaked. And of all the girls that he was courting she was the only one that could tie his tongue in a knot. His crush was obvious to everyone except for her.

“Is Jon with you?” Spine interrupted the girl talk.

“No. I thought he was at practice with you guys.” Rabbit huffed back, helping Hatchworth carry his loose books.

“He never showed up.” Hatchworth continued, shoving notebooks in Spine's backpack. Not even asking for permission.

“Back of ya little freak!” A grizzled voice echoed from the other side of the building. The three bots turned to each other, recognizing it immediately as one of the captains of the Lycan football team. They could tell from each others expressions that they weren't sure if they should do something about it. But that confusion quickly faded when they heard Jon scream.

“Give it back! Leave us alone!”

Rabbit was the first to dart in their direction, followed quickly by Spine and Hatchworth. The trio marched around the corner, not surprised by the sight before them. Four varsity players, in half were-form, had Jon and another robot pinned against a tree. One was trying to rip a metal lunch box out of the other bot's hands but he wasn't letting go, letting them lift his feet off the ground. Jon screaming. “Go away!”

They recognized the friend Jon was trying to protect. It was Jimmy blue eyes. One of the Brass Bolts Mafia. And by Mafia they meant 3 robots who were brothers and liked to pick fights. Jimmy was the youngest, the easiest to be pushed around when his older brothers were missing.

“Back off my brother!” Rabbit growled stepping forward. He ignored Spine trying to pull him back. Rabbit was brave and loud, eager to speak his mind. But Spine was smart and tactile. And he knew they couldn't match the jocks in a fight.

The wolves swished their tails, turning their snouts towards them and laughed eagerly. The one holding the lunch box quickly tossed Jimmy back to the ground. “Oh look its a the smart mouth.”

“You're a bad dog! Do I need to get the garden hose?” Rabbit crossed his arms, feigning his courage. The wolves snarled, baring their fangs and taking a unified giant step towards them.

“Let's see how easily you break...” They barked, ready to pounce.

“Hey dog face! Get yer filthy mitts off my brother.” A dark raspy voice came from the yard, drawing everyone’s attention. Another formidable foe that needed no introductions. Smokes, the leader of the Brass Bolts, stood strong. He was much more intimidating than Rabbit. His threats held weight. Everyone knew the damage he could do when given the chance. You just didn't give him the chance. His second in command and the last of the brothers, The Fox, hovered behind him. He bounced like a boxer on each foot, ready to fight if his older brother deemed it necessary.

The dogs huffed to each other, then back to Smokes. “Come on pack... this game is over... for now.” The leader grunted as they walked off, giving Smokes filthy looks and barking back to them as they walked off.

The Fox marched over to Jimmy who was being helped to his feet by Jon. “Why you gotta do 'dis ta us.” He snarled, grabbing Jimmy by the arm and pulling him away. Fox took the metal lunch box out of his hand and threw it at Jon's feet. “Don't hang out wit them. Doncha know anythin?”

Smokes just watched as one brother recovered the other. Dark puffs of smoke billowed quietly from his cheek and arm vents. Showing his anger without him needing to speak a single word. Making the reason for his name quite obvious.  “Listen emo kid.” He huffed, finally speaking but not turning his head. Spine knew that he was talking to him. “Keep your idiot brother... away from my idiot brother.” He turned his neck to him now, giving that empty glare. “You got that?”

“He can hang out with whoever he wants!” Rabbit screamed back, helping Jon to his feet. “You okay Jon?”

“Yea I'm... I'm okay...” Jon whispered.

“Listen Yap Trap.” Smokes now aimed at Rabbit. “I'll mess up your pretty little face.”

Rabbit gave that jester smile. The smile that always made Spine have a slight anxiety attack. “Hey bolts for brains.” He quipped. “No smoking on school premises.”

“WHY YOU LITTLE!” Smokes darted with a clenched fist, ready to make contact with Rabbit's face when his wrist was grabbed mid air. Everyone looking up as the Assistant Principle glared at them, Hatchworth standing by his side.

“Sorry Rabbit. I Had to get an adult.” He apologized.

“I want to speak to all of you. In my office. NOW!”