Scanner Kidz

by R M Scotford

Maximus pulled the phone away from Douggie,

  “My name’s Maximus, not Maximillian. I just asked Abu to meet us, that’s all.”

  “Well, let us all see first,” Maggie reasoned.

  The phone buzzed. All three children grabbed for the phone, and they collapsed on the floor in a ball of arms and legs. The phone stopped buzzing but the children still struggled for it. They grunted and groaned, pushed and shoved against each other. The phone fell out of Maximus’ hand and lay unseen under the table. It buzzed once again. The children stopped wrestling; no one had the phone. Desperately they tried to untangle themselves. Maggie was the first one free, and she grabbed it.

  “It’s from Kimiko! She wants to meet us. Wait, there’s another text, it’s from Abu; he wants to meet us too. What shall I say? What shall I say?” Maggie jumped up and down.

  “It’ll have to be somewhere out in the open,” Douggie suggested. “We don’t want to go and break stuff.”

  “Exactly,” said Maggie.

  “Oh I know, why not meet in the park near the old warehouse, where I usually play soccer. There’s nothing to break there. Even the old warehouse is broken now, thanks to Maggie and Abu.” Douggie laughed.

  “Good idea Douggie.” Maggie flashed him one of her smiles.

  “Is everyone OK with the park near the old warehouse?”

  Maximus and Douggie nodded.

  “OK then, I’ll text them. We’ll meet on Sunday at two.”

  Sunday Afternoon

  Maggie shifted from foot to foot.

  “What if they don’t show up?” she asked.

  “They’ll show,” Douggie said, “Why wouldn’t they come?”

  “Yeah, but what if they’ve changed their minds? Maybe they don’t want to have friends like us.” Maggie was still unsure.

  “It will be fine, won’t it Maxy-Boy?” Douggie glanced at Maximus.

  “Erh, yeah. They’ll come. It will be...It will be OK. I’m sure.” Maximus felt the pack of chalk in his pocket and squeezed it. He’d brought it in case things got crazy.

  “Not to worry;” Douggie said chirpily, “there’s three of us, there’s only two of them.”

  “Yeah, but Abu is strong, and Kimiko wrecked the T.V store when she met you, remember? Maybe there are good kids and... and maybe there are bad kids too. Kids that are only interested in fighting and hurting people. And... and these kids are the bad ones.”

  “Yeah, thanks for that Maggie,” Douggie said sarcastically. “Let’s just wait and see, huh. Shut up for a while and stop freaking us all out,” he ordered.

  They stood in the small concrete soccer park, gazing out across the expanse of fields that surrounded them, looking for any sign of life.

  “You certainly made a good job of destroying that warehouse, Maggie,” Maximus remarked, trying to ease the pressure.

  “It wasn’t me. It was Abu. He did that, not me,” Maggie said sternly.

  “Can everyone just quit talking and keep a look out?”

  Douggie’s face looked serious. The tension in the park was as thick as custard, and you could have cut the air with a spoon. The bright yellow sun burned out in the cloudless blue sky. There wasn’t a single molecule in the park that wasn’t shaking from nervous expectation. Douggie licked his lips, but his mouth was bone dry.

  Hot Chunky Chicken

  Extra Value Meal

  Super Sized Coke and Super Sized Fries

  Only $3.95

  “Dude, it’s food heaven. How much money do we have?” Little Jimmy rummaged through the deep pockets of his ridiculously baggy jeans.

  “I’ve got enough, how about you? Let’s go for the full works.” Abu pulled out a crisp ten-dollar note.

  “DUDE. Where did you get that from?” Jimmy looked in wonder at Abu’s pristine, unwrinkled note.

  “Ask no questions and I tell no lies,” Abu smirked, then burst into laughter.

  “Two Chunky Chicken Extra Value Meals please,” Abu shouted.

  The Chunky Chicken server looked at the two boys blankly and repeated their order in a droning voice. The tray was soon packed high with food. The two boys looked at the shear enormity of the super-sized Chunky Chicken Rolls,

  “Wow! Death by chicken,” Jimmy sniggered.

  Handfuls of chips and sloshes of coke went everywhere as the boys raced each other to eat. With a substantial amount of fries consumed, it was time to tackle the enormous chicken rolls. Abu grabbed hold of the huge tinfoil covered baguette. No sooner had he placed his two hands on the roll when the aluminum wrapper began to heat up and glow bright orange. Abu tried to release the chicken roll, but it felt like it was glued to his hands. Jimmy looked up from his food, “That looks hot dude,” Jimmy said while spattering fries across the table.

  “It’s gonna —”

  “It’s gonna what? Dude?”

  “It’s gonna blow —”

  Abu’s hands vibrated with energy. Steam poured out of the package, and the smell of burnt bread and chicken filled the restaurant. The pong and commotion attracted the attention of the other diners, who stopped eating and gawped at the lanky, boy.

  “Here it goes —”

  But before Abu could finish his sentence the chicken roll exploded like a bazooka, firing the hot sticky contents across the restaurant. The uninterested looking server had to jump for her life as the molten hot remains of the Chunky Chicken Special whizzed past her head and smacked into the menu boards. Splinters of shattered plastic showered the tills as the white-hot chicken magma burned everything in its path. As managers and staff ran hysterically in every direction, a small fire broke out. Chaos swept through the fast food joint and within seconds the place was empty.

  Abu and Jimmy looked on in amazement as the first of three fire engines arrived. By now, the Chunky Chicken Store was empty and flames jumped out the windows and licked up the sidewalls.

  “There goes the Chunky Chicken Store, dude,” Jimmy said in dismay.

  “Yup, that wasn’t what I expected,” Abu mumbled.

  “Well yeah, what did they put in that sandwich, anyway, lava? Whoever heard of an exploding chicken roll? We should sue them, dude.”

  The manager of the burning store walked over to the two children,

  “Are you guys OK?” he sounded concerned.

  “I’m sorry about that. I’ve no idea why that happened. Did you burn your hands?”

  Abu looked at his hands; they seemed normal; there wasn’t a single burn mark on them. Jimmy piped up,

  “We’re gonna sue you; we lost our lunch. I never even touched my food.”

  The manager rubbed his hands through his hair,

  “Look, kids, I’m sorry. I’ve no idea why your sandwich exploded like that. Why don’t you run along and enjoy yourselves? Let us worry about this.”

  He waved his arm in the direction of the now ferociously burning store.

  “Go on, have yourselves a good time.” He pulled out a twenty-dollar note from his wallet. “No need for you to worry about this.”

  Jimmy and Abu’s jaw’s dropped as the manager passed them the twenty.

  “Thanks,” Abu said.

  Jimmy was not so thankful,

  “Well Mr., this time we’ll take your money, but don’t think we’ll be so easily pleased if this happens again, you’ll be hearing from our lawyers next time.”

  The shocked manager turned away and watched as the firemen hosed down the blazing building.

  “I hardly think that will be a problem,” he grumbled to himself.

  The sky was now full of thick, black smoke that smelt like chicken. Abu grabbed Jimmy’s arm,

  “Let’s get out of here. I have to be somewhere at two o’clock.”

  Colourful Kids

  Maggie gazed out across the sunbaked playing fields. A column of black smoke billowed up from behind the far away houses,

  “Look over there. There must be a fire or something?”

  She pulled off her sunglasses and squinted to get a better l
ook.

  “It looks like it’s coming from the centre of town. It must be a big fire.”

  Maggie held her hand above her eyes to block out the sun. The three children watched, mesmerized, as a plume of thick, black smoke swirled in the vast blue sky.

  “Ah, hum.”

  The voice startled the children, and they span around to see who it was.

  “My name’s Kimiko. I’m looking for —”

  “Us,” said Maggie. “It’s great to meet you. I’m Maggie.” She held out her hand. Kimiko did not shake it. Instead, she twisted her hand in her black hair nervously,

  “So who are you guys? And what do you want with me?”

  Douggie spoke,

  “You must remember me? Do you remember? We met on the street with the T.V. shop.”

  He looked at Kimiko and felt embarrassed. Kimiko was petite; her tanned arms were delicate and thin. Had such a tiny girl beaten him? Kimiko squinted at Douggie, a coy smile lit her face.

  “Yeah, I remember you. You’re Mr. Yellow T-shirt.”

  Another bigger smile consumed her face, and she beamed. Douggie smiled back. Kimiko had a cute little face, which made Douggie blush. Maggie stepped in front of Douggie,

  “Will you be in our gang? You have to. It’s important that we all become friends; otherwise, it’s not safe for any of us. Do you understand?”

  Kimiko looked at the three children.

  “I’m Kimiko Izumi.” She held out her hand to shake hands with the others.

  “This is great news,” Maximus said, grinning.

  “Yeah, we just need Abu now,” Maggie said. She looked back at the playing fields.

  Ten minutes later Douggie spotted two children walking slowly towards them. Douggie strained his eyes to get a better look through the heat haze that was baking the world.

  “Yup. I’m pretty sure there are two kids. A small one and a tall, thin one. They’re walking close together, so it’s hard to make out.”

  All the children stared at the two approaching figures,

  “If that’s Abu, then why has he brought his friend?” Maggie demanded. She did not look pleased.

  “Maybe his friend has superpowers too,” Maximus said, trying to appease Maggie.

  “He’d better have,” Maggie snapped.

  As the two boys drew closer, it was clear to Maggie and Douggie that one of the figures was Abu. He had the same blue jeans, red T-shirt and beanie hat on like when they’d seen him before. His friend was much shorter. He had neatly combed brown hair and a face full of freckles. His black jeans were so baggy that you couldn’t even see his feet. Abu stepped into the park and looked at the gang confidently,

  “So is this it?” he remarked.

  “Is this what?” Douggie responded.

  Abu rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue for a second,

  “Is this the Superpower Gang?”

  Maggie was not at all impressed,

  “Look here, wise guy. Don’t mention superpowers too loudly. Anyway, who’s that?”

  Maggie pointed meanly at Jimmy who was standing a little further back from Abu. Everyone’s attention quickly shot onto little Jimmy who gave out a stupid grin in response.

  “Who’s he?” Maggie demanded.

  Calmly Abu turned round and asked Jimmy,

  “Hey, who are you?”

  Jimmy looked confused,

  “I’m Jimmy, Abu. I’m your best mate, remember?”

  Abu slowly turned around to face Maggie,

  “That’s Jimmy. He’s my best mate,” Abu said cheekily.

  “But, does he have any superpowers? This gang isn’t for everyone you know,” said Douggie.

  Abu rolled his eyes again. He turned to face Jimmy,

  “Hey, do you have any superpowers, otherwise you can’t be in their stupid gang?”

  Jimmy looked more confused than ever. He stared at each child, not knowing what to do or say. Was this a joke? Suddenly a big smile lit up his face as a wicked idea came into his head.

  “Erh, yeah,” Jimmy said. “Of course I’ve got superpowers. Do you wanna see them?”

  Abu turned to face Maggie again,

  “Do you want to see his superpowers?”

  Maggie placed her hands on her hips and stepped closer to Abu,

  “Of course we do, stupid.” She looked at the other children, “Don’t we?” Everyone nodded in agreement.

  Abu turned to face Jimmy,

  “Show um your superpowers then, Jimmy.”

  Abu had no idea what his best mate was going to do. As far as Abu knew Jimmy had no powers at all. Jimmy held up his hand,

  “Give me a second.”

  He closed his eyes and concentrated. All the children waited. As Jimmy prepared himself, Maximus flicked open the pack of chalk in his pocket, just in case. Douggie looked at the old weather beaten cone. He would use his powers to throw it at Jimmy if things got out of hand. Kimiko stepped behind Maggie for protection and Maggie rubbed her hands together. She would generate her silver protection sphere if necessary. Abu stared on in wonder; he had no idea what Jimmy was going to do. Jimmy slowly opened his eyes and in a croaky voice said,

  “I’m ready.”

  Each child stepped back one pace as Jimmy prepared to release his superpowers. Jimmy slowly opened his mouth, he pushed his arms forward in a slow but forceful motion and... let out the most humungous, rumbling belch the children had ever heard. It bubbled up from his podgy stomach like a train approaching the mouth of a tunnel. For a good twelve seconds the burp rumbled out of his wide-open mouth like a series of freight carriages. As the noise drew to a close, it left a deafening silence, which was closely followed by a ghastly, lingering smell.

  “Yew,” cried all the girls at once. “That’s DISGUSTING!”

  Everyone ran around the park holding his or her noses and pretending to puke. Abu was ultimately impressed with his best mate’s performance. He ran up to him and slapped him on the shoulder,

  “You totally rock, dude.” Your superpowers are legendary.”

  Jimmy gave Abu a slap back,

  “I’m the God of Gas, dude. The Belching Bandit; I take no prisoners.”

  The two friends collapsed into fits of laughter. As usual, Maggie took control of the situation,

  “Yes, that’s very funny and... smelly, Jimmy, but unfortunately it doesn’t mean you are the same as us. You can’t be in our gang.”

  Jimmy and Abu looked at each other bewildered,

  “But he’s my best mate,” Abu insisted.

  “It doesn’t matter,” Douggie said. “He has to be like us. We don’t have anything in common with him.”

  “Jimmy and I have loads in common. Don’t we Jimmy?” said Abu.

  Jimmy nodded his head.

  “Like what?” Maximus inquired. He was getting a faint image in his head of something important. “What do you have in common?”

  “Well for one,” pointed out Abu. “We have the same birthday.”

  All at once, Maggie, Douggie and Maximus’ face lit up with the same realization.

  “What? What is it?” asked Kimiko. Abu and Jimmy looked equally puzzled. Maggie spoke,

  “Didn’t you know? We all share the same birthday. The 7th of January. Is this your birthday?” Maggie demanded.

  Jimmy and Abu both nodded in amazement,

  “Yes, that’s our birthday,” they said in unison.

  “So we all have the same birthday. Great, it’s a birthday gang.” Jimmy giggled.

  “Not exactly, but if you have the same birthday as Abu then we can let you in temporarily until we check out your records on the computer. What’s your last name?” Douggie was warming to the idea of letting Jimmy into the ever-growing circle of friends.

  “It’s Tucker, Jimmy Tucker.”

  Abu laughed, “Yeah, Jimmy Tucker, the crazy —”

  Maggie was still not happy and interrupted Abu before he could finish his sentence,

  “There’s a possibility that you c
ould be like us, but he has to prove it.” For a second the air around the children shuddered as Maggie cranked up the tension.

  Maximus glanced across at the children. He could see they were uncomfortable with this new, uninvited kid. He gulped; maybe things would turn out bad? Abu seemed very unhappy that the other children didn’t want to accept his best friend and Maggie was growing angrier,

  “Show us your powers, Jimmy,” she ordered.

  Jimmy smiled at Maggie, was this girl for real? Or had she read too many comics? Children didn’t have superpowers. Jimmy looked at Abu for help. Maximus could see that a fight might happen; he had to prevent it at all costs. He stepped forward and took hold of Jimmy’s hand. Standing next to Abu and Jimmy, Maximus looked every bit the weedy spod, but looks can be deceiving, Maximus was much braver and stronger than he looked.

  Maximus cupped Jimmy’s hand. Immediately his mind was filled with pictures. He saw a burning building, Abu and... and he saw a power. Jimmy’s power was blue but Maximus couldn’t see what his superpower was,

  “What’s your favourite colour, Jimmy?” Maximus asked.

  Jimmy was shocked at the boy grabbing his hand and didn’t know how to respond. It took him a long time to answer the question,

  “Erh, it’s blue, I like blue.”

  “I thought so,” Maximus confirmed.

  He then turned to the other children and announced confidently that it was fine for Jimmy to be in the gang because he had superpowers too. The other children were not convinced, and Abu was completely amazed. How could his best friend have powers and he not know anything about it? They had spent everyday with each other for the past four years. It had been really difficult for Abu to hide his developing powers from Jimmy. But Jimmy? Little, chubby Jimmy, how could he have superpowers? Abu was just as keen as the rest of the group to know what Jimmy could do.

  “So, what can he do?” Abu inquired.

  “I can’t see what he can do. But his superpowers are blue?”

  “Blue? What does that mean?” Maggie sounded very irritable and unconvinced.

  “Please,” Maximus insisted. “You have to trust me. Sometimes my powers help me to see what’s in a person’s mind. I’m sure that Jimmy is like us. When I hold his hand, I can see blue.”