Kelvin Darkmoor wasn’t always the hero. The hero that defended the weak and the defenseless against evil like Fiona ‘The time traveling ferret’. Before Kelvin was a hero, he was a bully. Kelvin was very popular in school and was stressed by having to maintain an image but deep down, Kelvin knew he was not truly happy. He found himself picking on others just to keep up appearances, but it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Mat who was the popular victim received the blunt of the damage.
While at lunch Kelvin sits at the center of a bustling table filled with laughing friends. His outward appearance exudes confidence and charm, the epitome of high school popularity. Yet, behind his eyes, a storm of stress brews. He glances at Mat, who sits alone at a nearby table, looking down at his tray. “Look at Mat over there. Such a loser.” his one friend says. Kelvin's friends laugh, but Kelvin's smile is strained. Inside, he's feeling the weight of expectations—his grades slipping, his social pressures mounting, and the fear of losing his status. He feels trapped, needing to assert his dominance to maintain his place in the social hierarchy. “Watch this.” Kelvin said. Kelvin stands up, grabs Mat's tray, and with a smirk, spits in the food before shoving it back in Mat's face. The cafeteria erupts in laughter, but Mat's eyes fill with tears as he runs out.
Kelvin's room is a mess of textbooks, sports gear, and scattered clothes. He sits at his desk, trying to finish a homework assignment, but his mind is elsewhere. The expectations weigh heavily on him—his social pressures, his friends' relentless teasing, and the unending pressure to perform. Kelvin's mom sits on the couch, watching TV. She’s lax and rarely sets boundaries, letting Kelvin manage his own time and responsibilities. The atmosphere in the house is one of casual neglect rather than active guidance. “Kelvin, make sure you get some sleep for your game tomorrow, okay?” His Mom said. “Yeah, Mom. Sure.” He responded. Kelvin knows she won’t check if he actually does. He feels both a sense of freedom and a lack of guidance, which adds to his stress. He heads back to his room, feeling the weight of his responsibilities without any real support.
As Kelvin lay in bed that night, his mind was consumed with conflicting emotions. The events of the day replayed in his mind like a cruel movie, the image of Mat's tear-filled eyes haunting him. A sense of guilt gnawed at his insides, a feeling he had long suppressed but now refused to ignore. He tossed and turned, unable to find solace in sleep as his conscience wrestled with his past actions.
The next day Mat wasn’t at school, and a sense of unease settled over Kelvin. Despite his attempts to push the guilt aside, the absence of Mat weighed heavily on his mind. Kelvin found himself drifting through the day, the usual chatter and laughter of his friends sounding hollow to his ears. As he passed by the empty seat where Mat used to sit, a pang of regret shot through him.
The next day, the news of Mat’s suicide spread like wildfire through the school.
“Did you hear? Mat hanged himself last night. With his belt.” His friend said laughing.
The news hits Kelvin like a truck. The world around him blurs, and he barely registers the callous jokes his friends make.
Another friend greets Kelvin saying “Guess he couldn't handle it. What a loser.”
Kelvin felt a cold shiver run down his spine as he heard the callous remarks about Mat's death. The weight of his guilt crushed him, and he couldn't bear to listen to the heartless gossip around him. He excused himself from his friends, their faces no longer holding the allure they once did. With a heavy heart, he made his way to Mat's locker, the once vibrant hallways now echoing with a somber silence.
Kelvin stands in front of Mat's locker, surrounded by fading notes and forgotten mementos. Tears well up in his eyes as the reality of what he had done hits him with full force. He crumples to the ground, the weight of his regret too heavy to bear alone.
In that moment of raw vulnerability, Kelvin realizes the extent of the pain he had caused. The facade of popularity crumbles around him, leaving him exposed and raw.
Kelvin returns home, his heart heavy with guilt and sorrow. His mom sits on the couch, watching TV, oblivious to the storm brewing inside her son.
“Hey, Kel. How was school?” His Mom said.
Kelvin's anger boils over. He can't contain it any longer. “Why didn't you set any boundaries for me, Mom? Why did you let me do whatever I wanted? Maybe if you had, I wouldn't have turned into such a monster!”
His mom looks shocked, the gravity of Kelvin's words sinking in. She reaches out to him, but he pulls away, retreating to his room and slamming the door behind him.
Kelvin collapses onto his bed, the tears flowing freely now. He feels lost, burdened by guilt and regret, and overwhelmed by the realization of his actions. The need for guidance and boundaries that he never received from his mom becomes painfully clear.
”I'm so sorry, Mat. I never meant for this to happen. I just didn't know how to deal with everything.” Kelvin said crying.
In the days that followed, Kelvin retreated into a self-imposed isolation. The weight of his guilt was a suffocating presence, shadowing his every move. The once bright and confident young man now moved through the halls of his school like a ghost, haunted by the memory of Mat's tear-streaked face. His friends tried to reach out, to pull him back into their world of careless laughter and easy cruelties, but Kelvin remained distant and detached.
Kelvin sits on the couch, a packed bag at his feet. His mom stands nearby, looking both worried and helpless.
“Kelvin, are you sure about this? Moving in with your dad...”
Kelvin responded. “I need a fresh start, Mom. I need some structure, some boundaries. I can't keep living like this.”
His mom nods, tears in her eyes. Kelvin stands, picks up his bag, and heads for the door. As he leaves, he takes one last look at his mom, hoping she understands.
As Kelvin stepped out of the house, a sense of determination settled in his heart. The weight of his past mistakes still lingered, but he was ready to confront them and make amends. The journey to his dad's house was a quiet one, each passing mile bringing him closer to a new beginning. When he arrived, his dad welcomed him with open arms, a mixture of surprise and joy in his eyes.
“Kelvin, I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you,” his dad said warmly.
Kelvin felt a flicker of hope in his chest, a glimmer of possibility for redemption. His dad showed him to his room, a simple space with a bed, desk, and a few scattered belongings that felt strangely comforting. As Kelvin unpacked his bag, he made a silent vow to himself—to learn from his past, to grow from it, and to never again let himself become the person he once was.
Days turned into weeks, and Kelvin settled into a routine at his dad's house.
Kelvin and his dad sit on the couch, the TV playing softly in the background. His dad turns to him, concern etched on his face.
”Kelvin, I know you’ve been having a tough time and I enjoy you being around, but you need to finish your last year of high school.”
Kelvin looks up, surprised by the sudden seriousness in his dad's tone.
“I don't know, Dad. I don't know if I can.”
“This is a new town, new high school. Perhaps you can help someone. And if worse comes to worst, you'll only be bullied for a year. Many people have survived years of being bullied, though unfortunately, Mat didn't.” His Dad said.
Kelvin nods slowly, considering his father's words.
Kelvin gets off the bus his last year of high school and takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
He sees a rabbit walking by, his white fur standing out against the backdrop of the school grounds.
“Hi, my name is Kelvin” The rabbit looks at Kelvin.
“Are you looking forward to your last year?” Kelvin asked.
Mica looks confused and leaves.
Kelvin enters homeroom and notices that the rabbit is nowhere to be seen.
“There was a rabbit outside walking by but he’s not here.” Kelvin asked
A rabbit student looks at Kelvin.
“That’s Mica, that freak often skips school.”
The class laughed, and Kelvin couldn't help but feel for Mica. “Was this rabbit like Mat, the fox he bullied.” Kelvin thought to himself.
As the bell rang, Kelvin felt a pull in his chest. He needed to find Mica, to make things right. Ignoring the whispers and laughter around him, he set off in search of the rabbit student.
He spotted Mica near the school garden, sitting alone with a book in hand.
Approaching cautiously, Kelvin cleared his throat.
“Hey, Mica. Can we talk?”
Mica looked up at Kelvin. “Why?” he asked.
Kelvin swallowed, the weight of his guilt heavy on his shoulders. ”I want to make things right.”
Mica looked confused. “I don’t recall you ever bullying me.”
Kelvin took a deep breath, the words feeling heavy on his tongue. “I wasn't kind to someone else in the past. I regret it deeply, and I want to make amends, starting with you.”
Mica regarded Kelvin for a moment, a flicker of something akin to understanding crossing his features. “This isn't about me, is it?”
Kelvin's eyes dropped to the ground as he nodded. “No, it's not. It's about someone I hurt, someone I can never apologize to now.”
Mica closed his book, setting it aside before turning his full attention to Kelvin. “Tell me about them.”
And so, Kelvin found himself sharing the story of Mat, the fox he had once bullied mercilessly. The guilt and sorrow poured out of him, each word heavy with the weight of his regret. Mica listened in silence, absorbing every detail until Kelvin's voice trailed off into a heavy silence.
After a long pause, Mica spoke softly, “I'm sorry to hear about Mat. It sounds like you truly regret what you did.”
Kelvin nodded, tears welling up in his eyes. “I do. And I want to make things right, starting with you, Mica. I want to be a better person, to learn from my mistakes, and to honor Mat's memory by being kind and compassionate to others.”
Mica regarded Kelvin with a thoughtful expression before offering him a small, reassuring smile. “It takes courage to admit your faults and seek redemption. I believe people can change if they truly strive for it. I'm willing to give you a chance, Kelvin.”
A wave of gratitude washed over Kelvin as he thanked Mica profusely. From that day on, Kelvin made a conscious effort to be kind, inclusive, and supportive to everyone around him. He stood up against bullying, befriended those who felt alone, and actively participated in creating a positive and accepting school environment.
Mica and Kelvin started hanging out more. Mica the bullied rabbit that skipped school started going to school.
“Hey, Mica.” Kelvin said excitedly. “There’s this awesome party going on tonight, do you want to come?”
Mica's eyes widened in surprise, not used to receiving invitations to social events. “I...I don't know, Kelvin. Parties aren't really my thing.”
Kelvin could sense Mica's hesitation and quickly added, “It'll be different this time, I promise. You won't be alone. And if at any point you feel uncomfortable, we can leave, no questions asked.”
After a moment of contemplation, Mica gave a hesitant nod. “Okay, I'll come. Thank you for inviting me.”
That evening, Kelvin and Mica arrived at the party together. The music was loud, and the air was filled with laughter and chatter. As they stepped inside, Kelvin made sure to stick close to Mica, introducing him to his friends and making sure he felt included.
Mica started to relax, gradually opening up and engaging in conversations with others. Kelvin watched with a sense of pride and contentment as a former victim began to enjoy himself in a social setting he once feared. Throughout the night, Kelvin made sure to check in on Mica, subtly guiding him through the sea of faces and ensuring he felt comfortable. As the hours passed, Mica's initial hesitance melted away, replaced by genuine smiles and animated discussions with newfound friends. Kelvin couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness witnessing Mica's transformation— from a lonely, bullied rabbit to a confident individual who was truly beginning to come out of his shell. The night wore on, filled with shared laughter, shared stories, and shared experiences that wove new bonds between them. And as the party began to wind down, Kelvin caught Mica's eye and offered a genuine smile. “Thank you for coming tonight, Mica,” he said sincerely. “I'm glad you were here.” Mica returned the smile, a warmth in his gaze that spoke volumes. “Thank you for inviting me, Kelvin,” he replied softly. “I had a good time.”
That night Kelvin invited Mica to his place, in Kelvin’s bedroom he and Mica were making out. As the night deepened, Kelvin and Mica found themselves lost in their own world. The music from the party faded into the background, replaced by the sound of their breathing and the beat of their hearts. They pulled away from each other, their eyes meeting in the dim light. A question passed between them, unspoken yet understood.
Kelvin nodded, and Mica moved closer. They continued to explore this newfound connection, their touches growing bolder as they discovered what brought the other pleasure. The guilt and regret of Kelvin's past seemed to dissolve in this moment, replaced by a sense of forgiveness and acceptance.
Kelvin had claimed Mica for his own but Mica sat alone crying. “Don’t tell me.” Kelvin said with concern. “I thought you wanted this.”
Mica looked up at Kelvin, tear-streaked face illuminated by the soft glow of the moon filtering through the window. “It usually gets worst when I say ‘no’”
Kelvin's heart clenched at Mica's words, a wave of realization crashing over him. He had misread the situation, misunderstood Mica's hesitance for consent. Guilt flooded back in, mixing with a newfound horror at his actions. "Mica, I'm so sorry," Kelvin whispered, backing away slowly. "I never want you to feel pressured or uncomfortable with me. I should have asked, I should have listened." Mica's expression softened slightly as he watched Kelvin's genuine remorse. "I--It's okay," Mica said quietly, his tears still falling. "I...I just need some space right now." Kelvin nodded, feeling the weight of his mistake heavy on his shoulders as he stood up from the bed. "I'll go, Mica. I'll give you space." As he left the room, Kelvin vowed to never make such a grave error again, to always prioritize communication and consent in any relationship. And as he closed the door behind him, Kelvin knew that true redemption meant not only acknowledging past wrongs but actively working to be better, to do better, especially when it came to respecting the boundaries and feelings of others.
Next week Mica met with Kelvin again.
“Dr. Pine agreed to see us privately today.”
Mica's voice held a hint of uncertainty as he looked at Kelvin, still unsure of what to expect. Kelvin nodded solemnly, his expression reflecting a mix of determination and trepidation. “I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make things right, Mica. I want to support you through this process,” he said earnestly. Mica offered a small smile, grateful for Kelvin's sincerity despite their past missteps. Together, they walked into THE HARMONY WELLNESS CENTER, a sanctuary where healing and growth awaited, knowing that the journey towards redemption and forgiveness was just beginning.
“Hi. Mica” Said Aireon the griffon
"Hi, Aireon," Mica replied softly, meeting the griffon's gaze.
“Mica has been a patent here for years.” Said Aireon
“Yes, I've been working with Mica for quite some time now," Dr. Pine chimed in as she entered the room. Her presence brought a sense of calm, her warm demeanor putting both Mica and Kelvin at ease. "I'm glad you both decided to come in today. It's an important step towards healing and growth."
Mica took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nervousness and hope flutter in his chest. This was a safe space, a place where he could confront his past traumas and work towards a better future. Kelvin stood by his side, a silent pillar of support that Mica found himself grateful for.
Dr. Pine guided them to her office.
“Would you like to start?” asked Dr. Pine
“You see, I had my first time last week.” Said Mica
Kelvin's heart sank as he heard Mica's confession. Guilt consumed him, knowing that he had unknowingly added to Mica's pain and trauma. Dr. Pine's expression was one of compassion and understanding as she listened intently to Mica's words.
Mica paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "I never wanted it to happen... I thought saying 'yes' was the only way to protect myself."
Kelvin felt a surge of empathy for Mica, realizing the immense pressure and fear he must have endured. He squeezed Mica's hand in silent support, silently promising to be there for him in every step of his healing journey.
Dr. Pine spoke softly, her voice a gentle anchor in the storm of emotions swirling in the room. "Mica, what happened to you was not your fault. You are brave for coming forward and sharing your experience with us."
Mica's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he absorbed Dr. Pine's words.
“What should we do?” asked Kelvin
Dr. Pine's gaze shifted between Mica and Kelvin, her expression a blend of empathy and guidance. "The first step towards healing is acknowledgment, and you've already taken that by sharing your story," she began, her voice soothing yet firm. "Moving forward, we'll work on building a foundation of trust and communication between the two of you. It's vital for both parties to feel heard and respected in order to navigate through this together."
Mica nodded slowly, a flicker of determination in his eyes as he met Dr. Pine's gaze. Kelvin felt a renewed sense of responsibility settling over him, a commitment to actively listen and support Mica throughout this process of healing.
Dr. Pine continued, her words gentle yet direct. "Kelvin, I encourage you to reflect on your actions and understand the impact they had on Mica. It's crucial to create a safe environment where Mica feels comfortable expressing his thoughts and boundaries without fear of judgment or pressure."
Kelvin took a deep breath, absorbing Dr. Pine's advice with a sense of solemnity. He knew the road to redemption would not be easy, but he was willing to put in the work for Mica's sake. "I will do better, Mica. I promise to always prioritize your well-being and boundaries above all else," Kelvin vowed, his voice laced with sincerity.
Mica looked at Kelvin, a glimmer of hope shining through the pain in his eyes. "Thank you, Kelvin. I believe in us, in our ability to heal and grow stronger together," Mica said softly, his voice filled with a newfound resolve.
Dr. Pine smiled warmly at them both, her presence a steady reassurance in their tumultuous journey ahead. "Remember, healing is not linear. There will be ups and downs, but as long as you continue to communicate openly and support each other, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way," she spoke with wisdom gained from years of guiding others towards inner peace and growth.
“Did Mat come here?” asked Kelvin
Dr. Pine shook her head. “I don’t know who that is.”
“But this clinic is free. Right?”
Dr. Pine's brow furrowed slightly at Kelvin's question, sensing an underlying tension in his words. "Yes, our clinic provides free services to those in need of support and healing," she replied calmly, her gaze searching Kelvin's troubled expression.
“I bullied Mat to death and I don’t understand why he didn’t come here, like Mica did.” Said Kelvin
Dr. Pine's eyes softened with understanding as Kelvin's guilt-laden words hung heavy in the room. She approached him slowly, her demeanor radiating compassion and empathy. "Kelvin, it's commendable that you acknowledge your actions and seek redemption. But each person copes and seeks help differently. Mat's path might have been different from Mica's, and we must respect that." Dr. Pine's words carried a gentle reminder of the complexities of emotions and choices.
“But hanging yourself isn’t coping.” Said Kelvin
Dr. Pine placed a comforting hand on Kelvin's shoulder, her touch grounding him in the midst of his swirling emotions. "I understand your pain and guilt, Kelvin. It's clear that you are carrying a heavy burden on your shoulders," she spoke softly, her voice a soothing presence in the room. "But blaming yourself for Mat's tragic choice will not bring either of you peace. We must focus on understanding, healing, and growth from this point forward."
Kelvin felt a mixture of anguish and gratitude wash over him at Dr. Pine's words. The weight of his past actions seemed insurmountable, but her guidance offered a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to consume him. Mica reached out, his hand finding Kelvin's in a silent gesture of solidarity and support.
"I want to understand... I want to learn how to make amends," Kelvin's voice trembled with emotion as he spoke, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. Dr. Pine nodded.
