Downpour

Torrential rain washed over the street below, and the ever-darkening clouds above drew closer.

A shoulder slammed into Akio's back, causing his feet to slip on the soaked concrete below, almost surfing on the descending torrent. To his left, the glistening downpour cascaded down the poppy-coated umbrella, partially hiding whoever it was. Its spiked edges hooked onto Akio's blazer, pulling on the soft but worn, miscoloured fabric. 

As the rain trickled down, another familiar sound appeared: the same voice from before. Once again, she was in front of him. 

Yummi: 'Giggling.' You know, you should really watch where you are going! (Looking up and down at Akio.) It's risky to sleepwalk; a bus might just hit you!

The raindrops were no longer trickling from the pop-up poppy shelter; they were now pouring on and off to the street below in thing streams.

Yummi: 'Snicker.' Well, you better wake up and get to the bus shelter, or else you risk becoming a drowned rat. (Turning to the shelter ahead.) Come on, Ratkio! (Jogging away.)

Her small feet splashed against the scattered puddles pooling all around, her gaze fixed on the bus shelter that was coming into sight.

The rain faded as Akio walked through a thin wooden archway, catching up to Yummi and walking on by into the crowd ahead. Ushering in all those who wanted protection, the panes of scuffed glass clad the silver beams, providing only visual comfort from the storm outside.

Strong gusts slammed up and around, rattling the loose panels. Gasps churned in the air from the sudden wrath of nature, reminding all those inside of the force still lingering beyond the shelter's secure confines.

Wandering around, one student stood out among the sea of light blue-coloured blazers, her golden shimmer of hair and green eyes, the lone uniform almost glowing in the pale blue sea of drenched souls.

Veonna: 'Nervous.' Hello, can anyone tell me how to get to the Mykon district? (Moving from one student to the next.) Which bus should I take? Hello?

The soft calls fell on deaf ears as the students from all around moved away; gradually, they fell back into place as soon as the pleads found fresh ears.

The golden form ping-ponged off the parting waves of students. Suddenly, red and white dots came into view, blurring up and down as the flicks of rain splattered against the nervous girl's golden-yellow skirt. Wet streaks appeared and faded into the soft fabric as it soaked in.

Veonna: (Clutching onto a pink bow under her chin.) Miss, I seem to be lost. Could you tell me where this bus takes you? (Reaching forward.)

A snarky voice shot back.

Yummi: 'Frowning.' Can't you read? It is right there on the board. Jeez! (Turning towards someone.) You're pretty dull, even for a golden girl. Laughing.' Hey, it appears we have a misplaced lamb. Did anyone lose a baby sheep? (Riling up the growing crowd.)

Laughter from all around rose up, driving out the splattering rain on the glass above. No longer were the students parting ways; they all gravitated to the centre, nearly surrounding Veonna with their encompassing forms. 

The laughter transformed into the sound of sheep bellowing.

Surrounding students: Baa, baa... Baaaaaa!

A small hand grabbed the nearly cowering girl, and a sharp crack rang out from the centre of it all. The sounds of sheep died away, and the rain once more reared its head, taking centre stage as the ambient noise.

A small figure stood next to Veonna, his left cheek slowly turning red from the slap that struck across his face.

Veonna: 'Shouting.' Let go of me! (Raising her hand, preparing for another slap.) How dare you put your hands on me? (Peering down to the small student.)

The soft grip let go in an instant, gradually turning and walking away, then returning to the downpour outside.

The rush of rain flared up and died down, then the bellows of wind rang out as the door opened and closed.

Yummi: 'Bewildered.' That's got to hurt! (Looking at the entrance.) Where is he going? (Shrugging her shoulders.) Well, he will miss the bus. (Walking off.)

Veonna: 'Shocked.' I didn't mean to hit him. (Glancing down at the floor, then to the smear on her ring.) I need to apologise. 'Muttering.'

The encircling students all moved away as Veonna pushed past, following the young man's path to entrance. Veonna peered outside into the void, where only a few street lamps flickered to life, whoever had walked away was now long gone.

Placing her back on the pane of glass, she slid down, hovering over the wet concrete. A gentle rattling came from Veonna's pocket.

Veonna: 'Confused.' What's this? (Reaching into her blazer pocket.)

She moved her hand around, feeling the rattle of loose coins and a folded piece of paper.

In the distance, a car made its way from the school, slowly turning onto a side street.

Mitsuko: 'Groaning.' Maria, I am pulling over until this rain dies down; I can't see anything. (Pulling the car to the side of the road.) 

As the car ascended the curb, a soft screech and a thump were audible.

Maria: Please be careful; she's new. (Shuffling to release her seatbelt.) Next time, you'll be catching the bus if you hurt her. 'Smiling.' 

The wind rushed by, shaking the small convertible and causing the hatch above to flutter.

Mitsuko: She? Oh yeah, lady cars! (Hands up.) I will be careful. 'Grinning.' If it keeps going like this, it feels like it's about to blow us over as well. (Gripping the steering wheel a little tighter, the wind whipping up.) Why didn't I buy a bigger car?

Maria: (Playfully flicking the side of Mitsuko's head.) Yes, dear, why didn't you? I have always wanted a tank. 'Squinting.'

Mitsuko: (Leaning over to Maria, planting a kiss on her cheek.) Maybe next time, my dear. I've heard there's a sale on battle tanks coming up. Next week, once I receive my salary, we will search for the largest lady tank there is. (Something moved in the corner of his right eye.)

Maria: 'Confused.' Honey, what's the matter? (Turning to look in the direction of Mitsuko's gaze.)

A small silhouette appeared, clipping the edge of the little convertible's high beams. The unusually coloured blue caught his interest even more.

Before the door fully opened, Mitsuko called out a name that he had shouted not too long ago.