1 Best Friend..

On a certain playground, at a certain school in a certain city... children no older than 5 years of age, could be seen running around all over the place, playing, laughing gleefully, and screaming at each other for fun. The whole playground was in chaos, littered with children, in groups of two's or more, however, there's always those who preferred to be alone. As a matter of fact, there was one child who was sitting by himself at the corner most of the playground, far away from the crowd and the loud noise. The child was quietly reading and was quite absorbed with the particular literature he have in his hands. The child was so engrossed with it that he didn't notice the kid staring and standing in front of him. This child had been trying to get his attention for a couple minutes now with no success. The child had almost given up and was in the process of turning around when he heard the boy in front of him speak.

"(sigh) Finally.."

"Eh? What did you say?"

"... Why did you turn around? Aren't you going already?"

"!!!! I thought you're deaf!"

"Who's deaf? Your the deaf one! Your brother's a deaf! Your whole family is deaf!"

"S'cuse me? Aren't you the one that didn't respond when I called out to you? I kept calling and calling and you didn't respond! You didn't even move!!"

"Why would I need to look, and why are you screaming? Are you dumb?"

"You..!! Ugh.. why did I even tried to... "

"Name's John, by the way.."

"What?"

"My name, aren't you asking my name just awhile ago? There, I answered, I'm listening, are you happy now?"

"Ugh.. names Paul.. Paul Brown."

"I didn't ask.."

"You!!"

"Hahah! Just messing with you is all.. it was nice to meet you Paul Brown. So? What do want, bothering me so early in the morning?"

"Ugh!..... I.. I was curious why you're alone, by yourself. Besides, I'm new here, if you can tell, so I was trying to make some friends.."

"Is that so? It's not like I knew everyone here? There's that boy, and that girl.. and that boy which name I don't know and don't care.. Well, as you can see, I'm reading something important, and I can't concentrate with all the screaming over there, so here is much better, yeah?"

"Well.. you're probably right.. it's kinda loud there, but isn't it better to have someone to play with or read with whatever you're reading there?"

"Nope! I don't play with kids. And how can I understand what I'm reading if those kids over there will just bother me? Why don't you try yourself hmmn?"

"Uh.. but aren't you also a kid?"

"That and this have nothing to do with anything. So?"

"Uh, no thanks, I get what you mean.." Looking at the rowdy crowd of screaming kids in the distance.

"Alright, then why don't I join you here."

"No thanks!"

"Why?"

"Cuz you'll be a bother as well."

"No I won't!"

"Yes you are."

"No! I won't!!"

"Aren't you bothering me now?"

"Seriously!? Then I'll join you whether you want it or not!"

"Really? Do you want me to beat you up?"

"You wouldn't dare.."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Because! Because I think you're here to avoid those bullies.." Pointing at a group of larger kid, who was surrounding a crying kid.

"Oh them? They don't have the guts to bully me.. much less to approach here"

"You're just bragging.. Ugh, crap! They are looking here!"

Paul became terrified. He immediately saw the first time he step here in this playground how this group were bullying the kids in the playground, taking their food, giving a wedgie, since they're bigger than the rest, they take advantage of it and intimidate the smaller kids, and now, that same group have their sight on them. Little did he know that he was covering John, so these kids didn't see, else, they would be to scared to approach like John had said earlier.

"Well well.. Lookie here, aren't you the new Kid?"

"W-what do you want?"

"Nuthin.. we just want your.. iiyyyaahh! It's you!!!" The leader of the group became terrified upon seeing the kid behind Paul.

"Heh~ that was a nice squeal.. shithead. Have you come back for more beating?"

"Hiiiih! N-no, w-we wouldn't d-dare, right? We just thought- " the kid was cut-off when John closed his book and stood up. He started cracking his knuckles and gave the kids sinister smile and an intimidating look.

"I don't care, if you have nothing else to say, then piss off! Before I break each of your legs and send you crying to your momma!!"

"Aiyii!!! We're going!! We're goingggg!!!"

The group of bullies got in turn, bullied by John and run away like their life depended on it. The leader of those kids even trip and left his shoes while running away in terror. He was so afraid that John would be right behind him when he turn around. As for the latter, he didn't bother, and return to the book he was reading like nothing happened. And Paul, his jaw had already hit the ground when he saw the bullies he was afraid of, scampering, fleeing like scared animals. He never thought that he would get out of trouble and witness the bullies getting bullied instead. He felt somewhat satisfied as well as amused at the scene, and he became excited, but suddenly, he turn around and look at the kid who made all this to happen.

"That was unexpected.. what did you do to make them scared at you like that?"

"You're still here?"

"Of course!"

"Tsk.. I gave them a trauma when I beat them black and blue some few days ago. Are you afraid of me now?"

"Huh? Why would I be? I was just surprise is all. And what's.. a trauma?"

"Are you for real? "You're weird.. tsk.. " He ignored Paul and went back to what he's reading. Paul, curious at what John was reading so seriously sat beside him and stared at the book. Upon seeing the book, his eyes went wide. The thick book which looks boring was not actually what John was looking at. It was actually another book on top of it, which is thinner and had fewer page. However, this book was very colorful and glossy. Paul recognized it immediately, it was a comic book!

"Hey! Isn't that?"

"Sshhh! Shut Up! I'm getting on the good part!"

"(snicker) wait till you see the next chapter, you won't believe it!"

"What do you mean next chapter? I.. wait! Do you mean to say that you already saw the next one!?"

"Meheheh! So what if I have? I even HAVE the next one.."

Paul became immediately became sorry after mentioning that. John did not stop pestering him until he showed him the book, but he had to suffer until the end of the day, because he left the book at home. However, from then on, Paul became John's first and only friend in school. Paul, however was naturally friendly to begin with, so John was not the only friend he have unlike the latter, however, to him, John was his best friend.

They later learned that they were in the same class, and this allowed Paul to learne more about John. The more he learn about the him, the more he came to look up to him. He was smart, no, more like a genius. Normal lessons does not suit him, he was on a higher level. Then he was down to earth as well. He never look down on someone, but he does not tolerate bullies, so whenever he can, he would break bullies to submission, and he doesn't care if he gets called to the principal's office because of that. He was a genius, and the greatly needed John because of that. He was also a very good friend. He would stick up for his friend anytime, and Paul was the lucky one to have this privilege.

As for John, Paul was a blessing to him. Paul had proven that it's always better to have a friend. Paul depended on him but he does too. John has always been lonely and he take solace in reading comic book to shake off that loneliness. He thought that was enough, but Paul came and he realized that it became better. Paul would always introduced others to him. Being a good friend, he didn't turn down those kids, but when he realized that those kids were taking advantage of him, of his image, he would tell Paul, and the latter would out right support him, and then later feel sorry for introducing wrong people to him. John didn't mind at all, to him, it was amusing, a short break from his studies, and comics!

At times, the two would be on a fight, so Paul quickly learned how to defend himself, so that he wouldn't be always a burden to John, and not have others talk on his back that he was taking advantage of John as well. Of course John never thought of this, but he had pride as well. John is strong, too strong actually, and this was proven when Paul witnessed John beating up a large group of kids, single handedly. It was like watching kids fighting an adult, it was simply.. an opener! So Paul was never shy, so he outright ask John to teach him how to fight and boy, he did! Paul wasn't sorry of that decision, although he felt pain when John trained him, but this in turn, save him many times, even when he grew up. Paul became strong as well, so later, there were no one willing to cross him like John.

The thing that the two had a lot in common about are "Comics" and "Heroes". They were crazy about it, to the point that they had collected every comic book and framed them in some altar. No, seriously, they took care of it like it was the most precious thing to them. And then "Heroes", these beings of fantastical wonder is what the two look up to. The two understand their hardships and struggle, their strong personality, kindness and courage. They learned from these people many things, and what built their principles. Having the same personality and outlook, the two were able to see themselves on them, and aspired to be one.

From time to time, the two would always argue about who's hero is better, and who's the baddest villains. Then many years later, as they step towards their young adulthood, they learned that they were still placed in the same classes. This continued up to their college years, but the two kept their close friendship and passed hurdles having each other's back. And then their passion of heroic deeds. Because of this, the two always have been popular. Aside from their good looks and well toned body, girls flock them. They were school idols, no matter where they go. They're kind, smart, down to earth, and handsome, unlike other guys who think too much of themselves, who think they're god's gift to women. If those pompous creeps were, then John and Paul were gods to them.

In school, John's genius mind truly shines. Every subject, whether it's about political, science, law or business, every thesis, and every problem thrown to him, he could top it all without much effort. The only time he gets serious is when he reads his favorite book, and everyone know what it is.

However, the time where John and Paul's path would diverge came. One day, it was a few months before their college graduation. This is where everyone were preparing for, the end of their first journey, before they entered society as full pledge citizen of their country, who will start contributing and used everything they learned most of their lives from school. But for John, this wasn't it. Lately, he was dissatisfied with something he couldn't explain, until to the point that he made drastic decision that would change his life.

When Paul learned of what John was planning to do, he immediately run to his friend, and ask in all seriousness about his decision. After sometime, the two were arguing, this time, not about their favorite heroes, but something else entirely.

"Are you serious about this, John?"

"Yeah, I've made up my mind.."

"But we're almost through! Just a couple more months, and we'll graduate! This is crazy!"

"I know, but I have to do this.. You know me, once I made up my mind, nothing can change it.. not even you.."

"(sigh) I know! God, John, this is what I hate about you. This sudden, radical thinking of yours! Please reconsider.. You're a genius, you're number 1 in this university, once you graduate, there will be countless companies that will fight over you, but you're throwing this all away, and for what? To this journey that you suddenly think of?"

"Yeah.. I need this, I believe that this journey will open my eyes better. Seeing people live their lives up close, and not being coop up in an institution or school, or a company won't cut it for me."

"Damnit! Then.. I'll go with you!"

"No dumbass.. your path is different. I know you're looking forward to this graduation.. and I know that you'll do better good if you pursue what you had already planned out."

"(sigh) When?"

"I've decided, and I'll be leaving tomorrow."

"What about our dreams?"

"As I walk this path I set for myself, I would stumble upon it one day. As for you, I know that you'll be able to achieve it, probably faster than me.. and if ever, if there's a time that I don't make it, then you'll have to carry mine, as I will do for you as well.."

"This is unfair.. I thought we'll still be partners in crime until then.. what changed?"

"...it's something I can't explain. It's probably a dream, a vision, but something had woken me up, and made me realized what I need to do.. it push me to find the truth with my own eyes.. and it's out there.. something that will help me achieve my dream. I'm sorry for leaving you in the air like this. I promise, I'll make it up to you someday.."

"tsk!.. You better!"

The two reminisced the good times, until night came, where they had to part ways. As for the vision that John was talking about, it was something that appeared in his dream. He could remember that "dream" vividly, every detail. It never happened before, and after he woke up the next day, he was willing to give up his career for it. He also knew that it was a crazy idea, but if he didn't do it, he might regret it someday.

The next day, John left. He already said everything to Paul, so there was no reason for another goodbye. They promised to keep in touch and that's what happened. John traveled from city to city, country to country. He crossed continents, as he decided to travel with his feet most of the time (Ryu?). He did this, so that he would encountered different kinds of people, learning their culture, and forming relationships, and yes, John got entangled with several women who came to truly love him. But those sweet times didn't last. He was a man who promised to himself to travel. He didn't promise anything to those women, and he left them with his heart. John knew that he's scum for leaving those girls that gave him their true feelings, but he also thought that he wouldn't be a good husband to them and that they deserve better, someone who will stay for good.

His travel also made him learn the lives of different people. The darkness of the society included. He saw cruelness and injustice. The inequality, in which, most of the time, he was powerless to help. He encountered many hardship and it hit him hard. This somewhat affected his beliefs a little, which led him to shy away from people that love him, especially Paul. Their communication became less and less, until it just stopped all together. Paul tried hard to get news of his best friend. He had always treated John as his brother, so he had tracked him down and collected news articles that may show his exploits. After not finding anything about John for quite sometime, Paul almost lost hope. He wasn't ready to carry the burden of both their dreams. He was even struggling hard with his life and career. However, he found someone that supported him, a new light that guided him back up. It was a woman who later on, became his other half, who helped him in his darkest moment.

In all of these, he still didn't forget John, who's still out there. He knew that someday, he would turn up eventually. He didn't believe that John would just die out there. He's strong, he's a fighter. Their dreams and beliefs is still alive in his heart, and the continuous support from his wife, made him decide to push through and fulfill their promise. He entered politics, and became a kind and a dependable politician. Years of service, he worked his way up, and eventually, he finally reached the top. He became the 50th president of the United States, and people love him and gave him their full support. They knew what kind of man he is, the people, view him as a hero, a savior, just like how he and John dreamed since childhood. He was now fulfilling their dreams.. and every night, since he got into seat, he would always find time to look out into the sky, look at the stars, and remember the moment when he and John had promised to become someone who could save and protect the people. He wanted John to see him now, he wanted to share what he have.

A year later, he got his wish answered. His people finally found John! He had never stopped looking, especially when he obtained the ability when became the highest official. With the privilege he holds, he was able gain the resources to expand his search, and finally, he turned up. They found John in the Himalayas. God knows what he's doing there, but he was happy all the same that his friend is still alive and he would finally meet him again. John did not refused his invitation and had also wanted to meet him.

Couple of days later, John arrived in Washington. Paul canceled all his appointments and prior. This proves how important John is to him. When the convoy arrived, the people that fetched John all the way from Himalayas arrives, Paul along with his family (he already have a daughter) came personally to greet him.

A man with with long and unkempt hair came down from the black van. Paul immediately knew who he is. He was his best friend in this life, it's John. Looking at him more closely, Paul was able to have a better view of his current appearance. He noticed that his once handsome face were now full of scars. It made him intimidating, yet he retain those calm aura, like there won't be any problem he couldn't resolved. He could also see scars riddled his arms, and he bet that his body was also riddled of them, he felt terrible, and thought how hard the life he had gone through to get all those wounds. Aside from the scars, he look so simple, very normal, a far cry from his previous regal appearance back at their college days. He then focused his sight on his best friend's eyes. In it, he saw everything. Tired, sadness, guilt and more. "John.. what happened to you..?" John just smiled.

"I'm happy to see you too Paul, after all this time.."

"Yeah..? Well, come on, don't just stand there! I'll introduce you to my wife and daughter!"

"Hahah! I've been wanting to see your daughter and your wife which you boast so much from your letters!"

"You'll be surprise! They're my treasure!"

The two wanted to catch up. It was always different when your face to face, and not reading each other's lives from a paper or on a computer screen. John wasn't someone who would stay at one place and would move a lot, so he couldn't often visit an internet cafe to read the emails Paul sent him. So now that they're together once more, Paul demanded to hear everything from his long time friend and best buddy.