K enters the house, listening to the swinging white door close behind him.
"I'm home." K voiced, throwing off his shoes and lining them along the others against the wall. "Hello?" He raised his voice, and only silence followed.
A hint of faint steps made his eyes follow the bottom of the staircase on the left of the wall to Raynare poking her head from the head of the stairs.
"Oh, Master." Raynare climbed down the creaky stairs, shaking her head. "I meant K." Raynare stopped in the middle of the stairs, showing off her pink shirt with a Magical Garment girl logo clinging to her E-cup breasts. "How was school?"
"Good. How's your day off?" K remained at the door, staring up at Raynare, who smiled.
"Great. I wish you were in it."
"Alright." K paced through the living room before entering the fridge. "Stop kissing my ass." He hides his smirk. "Where is everyone?"
"Well, Miko is at work. Kalawarner is shopping while Mittlet is still in her room." Raynare leaned on the white door frame leading towards the walkway and the front door.
"She's, you know." K looks over his shoulder, waiting for Raynare to continue.
"Yes. That brat was fine at the party." K poured his apple juice into his favorite coffee mug. "What did you see?" Raynare leans on the counter, close to the glass door that leads to the backyard.
"Come again?" K sips from his mug.
"Back at the dimensional gap."
K smacks his lips.
"As much as I want to share. You're going to use that against me." He gazed blankly at Raynare.
"Why would I?" Raynare folds her arms. "I'm smarter to know to not poke a tiger with a stick."
"And that's what I'm afraid of. That trick with you and the fallen finding my house with the help of Asia. Said different." Raynare cocks her head. "You may lack confidence in dire situations, but you cunning nonetheless."
"Well." Raynare gave a smirk. "Thanks for the compliment, but what trick do you mean?" She swings her legs from the counter.
K sat down his mug with a raised brow.
"The Fan mail and the monster."
"Wait." Raynare chuckles. "So. That's why you blew off at Mistress Rias. I just saw that as a high risk and high reward. I would've gotten the gear if that Dragon brat wasn't so resilient."
"You serious?" K's face grew defined.
"Why should I lie?" Raynare remained still as stone, her brows shivering while she smiled.
K rubs his nose, losing his profound gaze.
"Fuck me." The boy drags.
"Well," Raynare approaches the boy, planting a hand on his arm. We are alright. With you here. I say everything is fine." Her violet eyes stare into his solid black eyes.
"You seem confident in my abilities."
"You did defeat. Phoenix's Rook." Raynare smirked. "He's as powerful as Riser, even in his berserk form. And for a human. That feat is one of many." She rubs his arm. "And I can't lie to you. I think I could stay here a little longer. I like I don't have to worry about managing. I could leave it all to you."
K squinted, eyes remain on Raynare violets. He pats her arm while Raynare's smirk grows warmer.
K took his distance, picking up his mug.
"Let me know if Mittelt comes out." K walks past Raynare and into the backyard.
Brick walls surround the spacious yard as he eyes the Metal Shed, a straight walk from the glass door.
K paces down the yard, feeling the grass brush the bottom of his feet as he approaches the door. The boy takes a breath. He opens the door.
"Well," Musume opened her eyes, hissing at the light. K closed the door behind him, shutting out the little light clinging underneath the cracks before turning on a switch light.
Four flat lights on the room's corners came to life, spreading its warm orange glow.
A bench containing garden tools was on the boy's left, while a push lawnmower was among the grey planks on his right.
In the center, K's eyes followed the long legs of the mosquito to Musume leaning against the wall, eyeing him.
"I heard of your work." K sat the mug along the bench before pacing along Musume's legs. "You did well." K crouches, eyeing Musume's widened pupils.
"Can I?" Musume eyed K before lifting his arm to her.
"Go on."
She latched onto his arm.
"Agh!" She covers her mouth.
"What? What happened?"
"You harder than metal or more than that." She licks her teeth with a wince. "You stronger than we last fought."
"Right." K press his nail on his arm before cutting himself.
Musume latches on his arm, sucking his blood almost like a baby.
"Word. Going about. You stopping crime. Did you kill anyone?" K questioned while Musume focused on the matter at hand.
K reeled his arm back.
"Wait! Wait!" Musume cried with her arms stretched. "I'm not done!"
"Did you kill anyone?" K raised a brow.
"No! No. I only feed until they're weak, as I said. Why would I draw more attention?"
"Good." K let her continue her feeding.
"Right now. I don't need you going to fights that you can't win. And kill anyone that commits a crime on my radar." K eyed the room. "And you continued this. I might add pieces of furniture of your choice."
Musume purred, causing K to feel the vibration from his arm.
"Ok. You can stop now." K eyed Musume lick along his wound, playing with the blood on her tongue. "You're freaking me out. Stop." K reels his arm back.
"Stop! That! I almost had enough!" she raised her voice, and her wide black eyes stared at K with rage.
"You had enough." K raised to his feet while she only growled, staring at her closed fists. "You get more when I can trust you."
"You want someone dead? Protect? Maybe watch?" Musume voiced while she licked the blood from her lips. "I'm your girl."
"Well." K cocks his head. "That you mentioned it." Musume eyes beamed. "There's this boy. That goes to my school." K showed her his phone. "I need you to watch him. And only that. Notify me when anything serious comes up."
"Right. Oh, wait!" K grabs his coffee mug, eyeing his wound, which ceases to bleed. He observed Musume, who pointed a finger at him. "One of my babies will land on your shoulder. That's my call."
"Right, one of your babies on my shoulder." K looks back at her. "How many babies do you have?"
"Oh. Well." Musume clamps her hands together with a blush. "Too many to count."
"Do you name them?"
"Uh. Yuri. Scott. Chris. Amanda."
"Stop. Stop." K stops drinking his mug. "You name them? All of them?" He points his coffee mug of apple juice at Musume.
"They eat. Breathe. Sleep like the rest of us." Musume states. "They have a mind of their own. Humans kill too many. They only think they're insects and nothing more."
K looks about, pointing the mug at her.
"Oh!" Musume cross her long legs. "I'll send you Rick. I think you would love Rick."
"Ok. Rick." K closes the door behind him.
"K. You have visitors." Raynare stood between the sliding glass door while the boy approached, sipping his mug. "They. Go by Dakota and Rosa."
"What are they doing here?" K questioned.
"Beats me." Raynare let K slip right past her and the door. She followed close behind, releasing a solid smack from closing the door.
"Hey!" Dakota stood from the couch, raising his hands with a bright white smile. K heard the door click behind him. "Have you got a ring for Asia yet?"
"I do. It's on Asia finger."
Dakota and Rosa's smile drop.
"Seriously?"
"She wears it about every day. She even said it's her favorite."
Rosa slaps Dakota's arm lightly.
"Right." Rosa grins, following K, who stands before them. "You still run your mouth. Like always."
"God's gift." K sips from his mug. "So, what brings you two here?"
"We're going to this sushi bar across town. We hope you and Miko wanted to come along."
"She's out, but I don't know." K scratched his cheek.
"Come on." Dakota voiced. "It'll be fun." He bounces a brow. "You can even bring this here along." His eyes shift to someone who happens to be Raynare.
"I don't know." K winced.
"I don't mind," Raynare answered, getting their attention. "It's been a while since I haven't had sushi." She gave a warm smile. I'll get change."
She raced up the steps.
"God. Damn it." K said under his breath, rubbing his nose.
"Well. Who's the girl?" Dakota wrapped his arm around K's shoulder, standing six feet tall. "Step sister? Maybe foster?"
"Foster. We have a few more. About two." K's eyes snapped from Dakota's lingering gaze.
"What's Miko doing with that many kids?!"
"Darling." K and Dakota gazed back at Rosa, who had a smile. "Don't be rude."
Dakota clears his throat while a single sweat drop rolls from his head.
"Right."
They hear the weight of steps quake.
"Ready." Raynare approached them in her pink hoodie that nearly hid her palms.
"Hey. Wait." K points his pinky finger, keeping his grip on the mug before squinting his eyes. "That's my."
"You like?" Raynare twirled, flashing Drive Knight in his sleek jet-black motorbike form with lances sticking from the front. Genos is on his seat, shade blocking his eyes and a toothpick in his mouth. Genos and Drive Knight's names rest on the back of the hoodie. "My clothes are washing, so I hope you don't mind."
"It's alright." The boy sighs. "You ask Mittelt wants anything?"
"Wouldn't speak."
"Of course." K looks to Rosa and Dakota. "Ready?"
---
"So. K moved our meeting to today?" Issa rests on the second couch beside Asia.
"Yes. You and I know. K's busy." Rias rests seated on top of her desk. "And with the problem at hand. It's no different."
"And Koneko. I heard you staying over at K's." Issa looked to Koneko, who sat across from her. "What's that about?"
"I got to get stronger. Somehow." Koneko answered, staring blankly at Issa. "He still hasn't told the truth, so I'll train under him instead."
"I heard you acted unusually at the party, " Asia said. Do you want to talk about it?"
"Don't worry about it, Asia." Koneko leans into the couch.
"Hmm, right." Rias gazes at the remaining members. "Just like our furry friend. We'll split up. Asia, you with Akeno while Issa, Koneko. I'll remain here if he chooses to come back."
"Don't worry about it, Rias." Issa stood from the couch with a closed fist. "Kiba may be a Handsome blonde, but he's no quitter."
"What would I do without you?"
"Aw, I don't know." Issa rubs her neck. "I'm trying to look after number one, is all."
"Right. Well, do any of you have any questions?"
"No, Rias." Everyone answered.
"Good." Rias smiled. "Let's find our Knight."
"Woo!" Issa throws her fists over her head, doing a one-eighty at the door. "Let go, Asia."
"Wait, I don't think we should rush this, Issa." Asia followed, soon by Akeno and Koneko.
"Asia is Right." Akeno voiced with a chuckle while the four exited the room. "You don't want to overlook anything you might have missed."
Koneko closes the door behind, giving off a click into the semi-quiet clubhouse.
"I know." Issa voiced while they stepped down the stairs. "Kiba is our friend, and I don't want anything to happen to him." Issa looks to Akeno once they leave the clubhouse. "What's Kiba's deal with Excalibur? He's hell-bent if you ask me."
"Well, only Rias and Kiba know now. We can play our cards right or ask him. He may do it kindly." Akeno answered.
"Right." Issa nodded as she eyed the schoolyard.
...
"Well." Akeno waved to Issa and Koneko. "This is where we part ways." Akeno paced to the road on the left of the bridge.
"Call us if you find anything or Kiba at the matter." Asia followed along with Akeno.
"You too," Issa voiced while the four went their way. So, do you know what spot we should hit?" Issa gazed at Koneko, gazing at the road, the sun blanketing them.
"No idea."
"Right." Issa sighs. "Well, a good thing. I thought ahead." She gazed at her phone, scrolling the names on her contacts.
Saji(Council of Blonde)
"I talked to Saji a bit after K canceled our meeting. And he agreed to meet me once I hit him up." Issa smirks off into the distance.
"Yep. Saji on the phone." Saji's voice mumbled.
"Hey. It's Issa. I'd like to know if we can meet."
"What? Now?"
"Yeah. It's essential and with your help. We might crack a dent into Kiba Yuuto."
"Ugh. Alright, fine." Issa smiled at Koneko, who raised a brow. "I'm at the restaurant near the square."
"Polish Spoons?" Issa squints her eyes while Koneko paces between a few people. "Make sense because all I hear is smacking. You have that kind of cash?"
"It's a one-time thing. Though, I might come here every once in a while. Like Santa Claus."
"Hoping to pass along hair gel and a few hair dryers to cute blondes like yourself?"
Saji chuckled behind the phone.
"Right. Met you then."
Issa hangs up.
"You are a bit ahead of yourself." Koneko comments.
"What? No. He might be a future member of my harem." Issa smirks while she and Koneko wait for the crosswalk light. "Besides, do you have anyone who catches your eye?"
"No."
"Come on, really? Someone as good-looking as yourself can pull any guy. Or girl. If that tickles you fancy."
Koneko gazes up at Issa, who tilts her head.
"Not interested. Why? Are you trying to use sick, perverted tactics to score?"
"Man." Issa rubs her neck with a chuckle. "I'm not like that all the time. Give me a break, will ya?"
Koneko remained quiet while they crossed the crosswalk.
"Besides. I like to get to know you, is all." Issa states. "It's only fair."
Koneko closes her eyes.
"If I answer one question, can you stop talking?"
"Sorry. And yeah. I'm fine with that." Koneko nodded. "Do you have a family nearby? Father? Mother? Brother? Sister?"
"No." Koneko grows quiet while Issa focuses on the pavement ahead.
---
"Where do you think we should go?" Asia questioned.
Asia and Akeno paced along the walking path. Asia eyed the waters separating the districts.
"Well, we can always try. The park, the hills, or the neighborhoods. Where do you want to start?" Akeno grins over her shoulder at Asia.
"The park. Sounds good."
"And the park. We shall."
Asia picks up her pace, walking along with Akeno. Eyeing the small buildings of services.
"Does Kiba show any signs of commitment after the reincarnation?" Asia spoke once more.
"Well, no. Until now. Maybe Kiba was the same when I met him." Asia's gaze locks on Akeno's. "We were the same age, young. When Rias took him in. He hardly talked or even played. A sign that he didn't trust us. Until Sirzech's Knight, Mr. Okita, saved him from a stray."
"Eventually, he begin to trust us." Akeno gazed ahead.
"Oh. Where is Mr.Okita? Will we meet him?" Asia questioned.
"He's about but busy. Mr.Okita loves his days off." Akeno giggled. "And now it's my turn."
"Sure. Fire away."
"How much do you know about K?"
"Uh. Well. K's a Foreigner. We both know that. He was out on the streets until his grandpa took him in." Asia grew silent in thought. "I believe that was all."
"Well. We'll wait until tonight."
...
Asia and Akeno continued down the park, eyeing a small group of students by the park entrance.
"Asia?" A familiar shaved boy raised his gaze from his camera on hand. "Shoot. Girl, It's a surprise to see you here."
"Hey, Matsuda." Asia waved before they stood before Matsuda and his chattering group. "What's this?"
"The photography club and I are finding a perfect picture for this yearbook."
"Well, and that you had mentioned it. When is the due date?"
"In about two days." Akeno cuts in.
"What?! Really?" Asia questioned, only for Akeno to nod. "Aw."
Matsuda's eyes quickly darted to Akeno's H-cups before her face, which locked on the boy.
"Asia. Would you kindly?" Akeno gazed at Asia, who sulked into her hand before perking up.
"Right. Sorry. This is Matsuda, one of Issa's friends and one of mine."
"Asia. You are sweeter than my mother's biscuits." Matsuda blushed. "I'm not hitting on you! In case you wondering!"
"Thanks."
Matsuda rubbed his neck before reaching out to Akeno, who shook his hand.
"I'm Akeno. One of Issa's friends and club member." Akeno answered while Matsuda nodded, avoiding her eyes.
"Sorry about that. I get nervous around cute girls."
"Is that so?" Akeno grin.
"Where's Motohama?" Asia follows in. "He didn't come today?"
"Well. Moto is in the bathroom with two other members as we speak. We're about to dip and head for Kouh's lookout."
"Oh. That's great. I have a favor in mind."
"And I'm that favor?" Matsuda cocked his head.
"Can you call me when you see Kiba around and about? We're looking for him." Asia locked her fingers along the back of her palms.
"Is that right?" Matsuda rubs his chin. "I can. I'll let you know."
"Thank you!" Asia bows. "You don't know how much this helps."
"The pleasure is all mine." He grins with a blush.
"Well, we should be off. Thanks again." Asia paced past the group and along the gated park entrance, followed by Akeno.
"No problem, Asia! You can count on me!" He watched the two head into the park while he eyed Motohama and the other members approaching their group. "Dude! What were you doing? Your aim is not true?"
"I have, you know. My aim is perfection." Motohama pushes up his glasses.
"Right."
"Everyone!" a member of the group raises his hands. "Next stop: Kuoh Lookout. I was notified our ride was a block away. We'll wait a moment longer." The member gazes at his fellow members before nodding. "You all can proceed."
The group chatter continued.
"Wait. That's our next stop?" A silky black-haired girl with red eyes and warm white skin stood by Motohama.
"Yeah." Matsuda folds his arms. "Good news is that is our last stop."
"Good." She gazes at her red phone.
"Amalie. Why so distance, girl?"
"Don't worry about it."
"Don't be texting your boyfriend about me."
"Oh. You would love that, you mongrel."
"Well." Motohama starts off. "I see this year is not your year." He gazed at Matsuda, squinting his eyes. "You can always back out, you know? My wallet could get full."
"I ain't afraid to punch a boy with glasses. Would you like to take the leap of faith?" Matsuda tilts his head.
"Please. I'm faster. Physically and academically." Matsuda puts him in a headlock. "Ah! Ah! Stop! Matsuda! "
"Yeah. Your faster. Alright." Matsuda cracks a grin.
"Can you stop? Please?" A Japanese girl with brown braided hair steps up, avoiding their eyes. "You're hurting him."
"Oh, no. Don't worry about those two perverts, Hase." Amelia looks from her cell phone at Hase, her brown eyes at Amelia's red. "That's how they are. Loud, proud, and dumb."
"Qualities you find in a man like me." Matsuda cracks a grin.
"Man?" Amelia chuckles before bursting into laughter.
"Girl, stop trying to put me down! I'm an underdog!"
"You're a dog, alright." Amelia laughs harder.
"Amelia. Please." Hase gazed at her friend.
"Alright." Amelia wipes the tears from her eyes. "I'll stop because you say so."
Hase gazed at Matsuda, who let go of Motohama, rubbing his neck.
"Hase. You're an angel." Motohama states while Hase only looks to the ground with a nod.
"Hey. Our ride is here." One of the members voiced while a bus parked outside the park entrance.
...
Matsuda approached the railing, eyeing the view of Kuoh.
The trees blanket the drop below it followed to a district. Matsuda squinted his eyes.
Seeing two more after it, the water soared beneath the bridges connected to each land plate.
"I don't think. I could get more of these from here." Motohama appeared beside Matsuda, eyeing the view. "I mean. The cover of the book was taken in the last few years."
"Well. I hope what I find is enough." Matsuda presses his back against the railing, eyeing the members scattered around the view area with the public.
"A water fountain?" Motohama looks from his camera.
"And what of it?!"
"I don't know. I hope. You had more."
"Heh, dude. Let me holler at you for a second. That fountain is the foundation of life. Go back. There are wells, springs, hell, and even Waterfalls. Water is what shapes us as a whole. Body and mind without it. We're dead, man." Matsuda points his finger. "Women is water. My friend. And someone who is academically faster. Should understand that."
"Please cool it with the remake of General Tso. I can see the water spilling from your fingers."
"And into the cup." Matsuda grins. "I may not see the cup, but that doesn't mean it isn't there."
"Oh boy."
"You dick?! Why are you trying to ruin my flow?!"
"I mean. Think Matsuda. We're juniors. How long could we get a girlfriend? This year? Maybe the next? Shoot. Issa is drowning with girls. Even Rias."
"Pull the reins of your dick. We'll find a cave soon enough." Matsuda sighs. "Maybe we shouldn't piggyback on her. We're man. We have spears, a shield, and fucking willpower. If she has a harem. So do we."
"Did Amelia punch you too hard?"
"No! We took. Worst, besides. Grow a pair, and Let's grab life by the pussy! My research! Won't drown in dust! And I won't allow yours." Matsuda shouts with his fist clenched.
"You're right," Motohama choked, tears rolling down his cheeks. "I won't let you down."
"Honey. Start the car." A father nearby hides his teenage daughter. She shakily does so.
"So." Motohama wipes the tears from his eyes. "What do you think about this Hit guy?" Matsuda tilts his head. "I don't like him in this town. If things get worse, I might leave all of this behind."
"You would really leave?" Matsuda questioned.
"I have my father." Motohama looks to Kuoh before him. "I don't want to lose him." The glasses boy gazed at Matsuda in thought. "Do you side with Aika?"
"You really put me in a rock in a hard place." Matsuda leans on the railing beside Motohama. "I filed a complaint to the Hero Association."
"And so did many in school. I heard rumors."
"You didn't have anything to do with it?"
"Nope." Motohama gazed to Matsuda. "To them, we are shouting on deaf ears, but if we can grow in numbers, someone is bound to hear us. Would you help me?"
"Wait! Wait. What are we doing?"
"We're not fighting them. No. We would lose. Indefinitely. If we persuade everyone in town to come to terms. We can win an eye to protect us like the City of Heroes."
"I thought the police were doing a good job."
"Hit is building an army of monsters on our soil!" Motohama raised his voice only to clear his throat. "The police are not doing anything."
"You don't know that." Matsuda protest.
"Hit has done a favor for them. Knockdown crime and drug trafficking, and even kill murders and monsters. Their feeding from his palms." Motohama interlocks his fingers. "I think this Hit guy is related to 9/11. Down in New York."
"Motohama. There are heroes and monsters; you can't know that."
"Think. Matsuda. He killed anyone who committed a crime, no matter how small. Bullied the city and the president of the USA. Killed a civilian in his own home. The military is after him, and maybe even the FBI. You think any of this is different?" Matsuda gazed at his friend in thought. "All of that. Only to go off the grid for Seven years. And show how. Hit appeared among Kuoh for a taste of Justice."
"There's a cycle, Matsuda. Win the hearts of many, Commit a horrendous crime, go down the rabbit hole of peace, only to Hit us with the massive hammer of crime." Matsuda pushes up his glasses. "I can't afford to lose my dad or anyone. Not even this place."
"I'll help." Matsuda finally voiced, causing Motohama to smirk. "What about Issa?"
"We'll convince her to join us. Yet," Motohama rubs his chin. "She's maybe on board. After all, she stayed in Kuoh before we transferred here."
"Great."
"AH!" A familiar scream snaps Matsuda and Motohama to Hase facing a kid their age.
She slaps him across his face, releasing an audible crack in the view area of people.
"What's that for?!" The Japanese teen shouts, only for Hase to step back, shaken.
"Answer him!" Another teen stood by the assaulted teen's side. Two more followed. "You don't slap someone!" His fierce eyes look down at Hase, who's five-three.
"He-He-touch me." Hase looks to the ground before avoiding the eyes of the surrounding group of teens made up of four.
"He wasn't even near you!" The fierce-eyed teen spoke again, allowing everyone on the lookout to hear.
"Hold this." Matsuda places his camera strap in Motohama's hand.
"Wait! Matsuda!" Motohama whispered.
"Hey!" Matsuda raised his voice across the view area. He stood for Hase, who stood behind his back. "What happened?"
"This bitch!" The confronting Teen points to Hase. "Hit my friend!"
"Don't call her that." Matsuda squinted his eyes to confront the teen, who only tilted his head.
"Who's she? Your girlfriend or something?"
"No, but if you don't, tell me. How can I help?" Matsuda snaps his gaze to Hase, shaking like a leaf. "What happened?" Matsuda said firmly.
"He. Touch me." Hase whimpered.
"What?"
"He. Touch me." She points to the teen with a bowl cut.
Matsuda smirks, shaking his head.
"I'm sorry. For any of this."
"No! This should come from her mouth!" The fierce teen shouts.
"Say. Sorry." Matsuda whispered to Hase, who stared wide-eyed. "Come on."
Hase bows.
"I'm sorry." She voiced, biting her lip with teary eyes.
The teens before them gazes remained on the two, with judging eyes.
Matsuda put out his hand.
"It won't happen again. I swear to it."
The assaulted teen grips Matsuda's hand, shaking it.
Matsuda headbutts the boy onto his back. He falls onto the stone cement and into the hands of his friends.
"Ha! Ha!" He screamed out, hovering his shaky hand over his leaking nose, staining his blue shirt.
"You touch her. I touch you. I think this is an even trade, yeah?" Matsuda shrugs, eyeing the group of teens in shock.
The fierce teen clamps his jaw before rushing for his fallen friend's aid.
He punches at Matsuda, who leans right before stepping back and raising his fists.
"Hey!" A firm voice cries out.
Matsuda backsteps from a hook, and another follows before he blocks the fierce teen's hook. Matsuda throws a blow to his gut and clocks him across his jaw, knocking his ass onto his shoulder.
"Agh!" Matsuda tanks a blow across his cheek. He stumbles around, gazing upon another teen up to brawl.
He tackles Matsuda, whose shoes remain planted. Matsuda repeatedly elbows the attacker's back, only to come to a halt.
"Stop! Mat! Stop!" A photo club member and the others pulled him from the attacker's grasp. "Chill!"
"I'll have this fucker! Head on a pike!" Teen three roared, being pulled back by a member and an adult.
"I'm waiting." Matsuda's eyes remain on the group of boys, tasting the bitter blood from his lips.
"There won't be none of that." The leader of the photo club voiced, gazing at Matsuda. "We best be going."
"I'm alright! I'm alright." Matsuda's arms gain freedom. He paced from the crowd with a bloody smirk. "My mom hits harder than you."
Teen three and his group lunge only to be held back by the public.
Hase's gaze remained locked on Matsuda, spitting his blood aside while exiting the gates from the lookout.
---
"I mean! I may be close to my thirties, but my wife loves me." The hibachi chef scrambled the rice on the other side of the grill. He picks a piece of chicken with his grill spatula. "Darling. Go long."
The hibachi chef, Chiko, hurls the chicken behind his back, only for Raynare to catch it with her mouth.
"Wo!" A man at Chiko's table cheers, and so does the group along with them.
"I'm a good husband." Chiko continued. "I clean. I'm a good listener. I cook. Rice. Rice. And more rice. She woke up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. She looked at me and said. 'You made pancakes?' My eyes are blurry because of the headache of waking me in the middle of the night." Chiko cocks his head before squinting at the people at his table. "I made pancakes in the form of rice."
The table laughs.
K roams his phone. Eyeing the messages that lay before him.
Aunt Miko
AM: I'll be back for the tomorrow. Work calls me.
K: Alright. Did you sign those papers?
AM: That field trip of yours? Yeah. Leave it in your room. Why would they send you a dictionary-sized paper asking for my date of birth and social security?
K: Don't come with me with that stuff. You're the adult.
AM: - _ -
K felt someone brush his arm.
"Hey." Rosa tilts her head to the right of K. "You're not having fun?"
"Oh, don't worry about it. I found out Miko is gone for work until tomorrow," K answered, putting his phone in his pocket.
"Ok. Tell Miko I would like to spend time with her if she's able."
"Will, do."
"Tell me. Boy." Chiko gains K's attention. "Chicken? Steak? Salmon? Or Shrimp? We won't judge."
"Salmon." K answer.
"Yeah. I got my eye on you."
"Can I have that with shrimp?" Raynare held out her plate with a smile.
"Oh boy. You got a wild one here." Chiko leans toward K. "Sleep. With one eye open." He whispered.
K raises a brow.
"Oh, don't worry about that, " Dakota said, smiling beside Rosa. He had his eyes on a blonde nun in mind."
"Please. Stop." K gazed at Dakota.
"The tea getting sweet. Go on." Chiko smirks, placing food on Rosa's plate.
"She always comes over. They plant flowers together. Tell each other secrets. I'm hoping to be K's best man!" Dakota chuckled, earning a light slap from Rosa. "What?" This gets a chuckle from Chiko and the others. "We both know. Our hard work started all of this."
"Don't put that boy's business out there." Rosa glared.
"Young love, " an elderly woman seated beside an adult on the right of the table states. "Around this time, you should take her up. She's young and also Christian. That makes for a great wife." She smiled.
K hid his face, mouthing his food.
"Grandma. Please." The adult gazed at his grandma.
"Oh. Please. Before I hit the dirt. I would like to help my community. I'm going to the Golden Gates with my advice. This young man and that nun would soon follow."
"You're so right." Raynare smiled at the grandma and her son.
"Don't. Encourage those two." K whispered with a groan.
"Aw! He's blushing." Raynare rubs his back while the table laughs.
"Alright. Alright. Let's go easy on K." Chiko voiced. I'm glad you, all is up for my service. I hope I can cook for you all again. I wish I had a card. So you all know I'm serious." Chiko bows while the table claps.
He took his leave.
...
"Well, I'm glad you guys had fun, " Dakota said from the driver's seat, Rosa looking past his arms at the teens.
"It was swell." Raynare gave a charming smile poking her head at his window. "I hope. We can do this again."
"Shoot. I don't mind. Just let Miko catch a whiff. Gotta catch up."
"I'll pass it down."
"You two do well in school and stay away from trouble. Remember to make it back here before the street lights, " Rosa said as Dakota and she drove down the street in a white car.
Raynare waved them farewell while K nodded, heading for their porch with paper bags.
K sat the bags on the ground, fetching his keys. Raynare took the bags in hand.
"Is this your one-time thing?" K questioned.
"I don't know what you mean." Raynare voiced sweetly.
"You know. What I'm talking about." K places his key in the keyhole. "Those stunts you pulled. Gave me a headache."
"Oh. Hush. I'm just delivering a few jabs here and there."
"Hmm." K enters the house. "That might give me a heart attack."
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
"Hello?" A familiar voice calls from the kitchen.
"It's us, Kalawarna." Raynare voiced while the two approached the Kitchen to Kalawarner in her glasses with a notebook.
She closes it.
"What this?" Kalawarner questioned, eyeing Raynare sitting the bags on the table.
"K. Bought some food for you two."
"That wasn't necessary."
"It's either that or eat tomorrow." K leans on the countertop, eyeing the shed bathing in the afternoon orange light through the kitchen window. "I might take a break. Tomorrow."
Kalawarner gazes at a plate Raynare sat before her.
"Spoon or fork?" Raynare questioned.
"Neither. Gratitude." Kalawarner answered, pulling the chopsticks apart. "K." The boy gazed at Kalawarner, focusing on her food. "If you mind. I would like to interview you."
"If it gives me an employee discount. Count me in." K remarked.
"I would like to know you. Understand those ticks."
"Hmm. As much as you like to crack into my skull. I have to give you a hard past."
"I understand. You don't trust us, and you have every right to. I hope we come to an understanding someday." Kalawarner ate from her plate while K and Raynare gazed silently at her.
"The hell was that?" K planted his hand on the table across from Kalawarner.
"Excuse me?" Kalawarner covers her mouth.
"Did you just flash your badge at me?"
"I may been a spy, but that doesn't mean. I only sit and scribble all day." Kalawarner sat her chopsticks down. "If it makes you feel better. I'll give a piece of myself in exchange for yourself. If I lie, you may punish me as you see fit. I love cats."
K remained silent.
"I like Girl Scout cookies. Have Mittlet come down yet?" K answered.
"No." Kalawarner pushes up her glasses. "She's been in our room since yesterday.
"Well." K strides to the table, picking up a plate and a fork. "I'll see what I can do."
K exited the kitchen, climbing the stairs. He paced to the fallen door.
He aims his ear at the door, listening to the silence. The boy knocks lightly.
"Mittlelt. I got food." K voiced, listening once more. "Come eat it. It's still hot."
K closes his eyes while his ears twitch. He hears the thick blanket shifting.
"Alright. I'll be right here." K sits on the floor, leaning his back against the door. I'm not going anywhere until you open up. And the funny thing is." K makes his phone lean on a kickstand, which he places in the center of the hallway. There's a movie called Magical Garment Girl and The Masked Ones. It's two hours long!" He raises his voice. "Look at that! I happened to have a speaker."
K turns his volume up to a hundred.
"You know. I am an experienced anime watcher myself. Four out of five times. The intro is loud even when it's half-bar! Imagine what I can do with a speaker!" K listens once more. Only to hear silence.
K hits play.
"All the Realms! Together as one!" The speaker shakes across the floor. "When! Will it change into something new!"
...
"Ugh! It's sticky!" A female voice enters the house, and a man peeks through the blinds to a home beside them. "Da-Darwin. It's getting everywhere! Hold on, Star!" A manly voice states last.
"Honey. Please." A brown-haired woman peeks through the blinds with her husband.
"One moment, maybe they'll turn it down." The neighbor states.
"Argh! Ah! It's draining all of my magical power." The female states.
"Mine as well!" The man cries.
"No! No! Nooo!" The female moans filled the block.
"That's it!" The neighbor's wife races out of the room.
"Wait! Wait!" Her husband cried out.
K now lying on the floor in a blanket, resting on his hand.
He watched his phone. Seeing Magical Garment girl entangled in a vine and Darwin with a footprint across his face.
"Darwin?! Darwin! No! I don't wanna be stuck up here!"
K pulled an apple juice jug his way, drinking from a straw. He took a bite of his strawberries from the tubware.
The door behind K swings open. A swift beam of light hits the speaker, causing it to explode into sparks.
"Hey." K gazed back.
"WHAT!!" Mittlet roared. Kicking his phone across the hall. "THE FUCK!" She kicks his apple juice jug and rips his blanket from his grasp. "You want?!"
Mittlet dark, baggy eyes stared into K's.
"What do you want?!" Mittelt voiced. K eyed her hair, shaped like a cotton ball. "What?!" She wore a white cotton dress she had that night.
"You out, but you owe me a new speaker." K gazed up to her blankly.
Mittlet clutches her jaw before laughing into her hand. Her laugh filled the halls until she looked down at K with bloodshot eyes and a wide-eating smile.
"ARGH!" She pounces on K.
The boy hits the floor in the fallen room. He held Mittlet's wrists, trying to claw at his face.
She spits, only for him to dodge and pull her to his chest.
"Argh! You hurt me, you damn! Bastard!" Mittlet cries before biting into K's shoulder.
K remained staring at the ceiling of the dark room, hearing the screaming of Mittlet's attempt to bite. The girl's toes rapidly hit the floorboards and shuffled, trying to escape K's iron grip.
"Argh!" Mittlet grabs K's face, only for him to pull them to his sides. "LET ME GO!"
K blankly stared at the ceiling. Ignoring Mittlet cries.
"DAMN YOU HEDGE-BORN!!" Mittlet chokes. "Insufferable dick." Her feet relaxed along the floor as her shouting stopped.
Her sob entered K's ears, her head resting on his shoulder.
K remained still as a statue, a tear rolling down his cheek. Listening to agonizing cries roaring from Mittlet's throat.
Seconds turn into minutes. K felt the palms of Mittlet's hands rest on the bridge of his shoulders. She coughs as K rubs her back.
"Let me go." She states weakly.
"Not until I know you. Alright." K replied.
"Why do you care? You looking to have leverage?"
"Let me know if I'm wrong. The way you looked at the pan in flames. Stiff body, the cutting board used as a shield, and apparent ignorance of the environment around you. You suffered an event related to it."
"So? I didn't want anyone to see that. Even you." She grew silent. K's body relaxed while he brushed his hand along her back.
He rises to his feet with Mittelt clings on his upper torso.
"Let's get you cleaned up," K voiced, looking around the room. Where's your clothes?"
"This is my clothes."
"Alright." K paced to the doorway before peeking. Eyeing the empty hall. The teen walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. "You can continue to do whatever you want, but let's get you clean up."
K turns on the water, slowly filling the tub. He eyes the mirror, seeing the smartmouth girl still clinging to his torso. Her messy blonde hair brushes the bottom of his lip, and her legs interlock on his tailbone.
The rushing water smacking the tub sang to them while the teen checked the progress.
They remained silent. The clear mirror soon gathered fog. K turned the water off, eyeing the steam pouring from the collected water.
"Ok. You can let go of me." K voiced while Mittlet only remained. "Come on. The faster we get this done. The faster I can throw you in bed."
Mittlet remains only to stagger at the chance. Her toes touched the smooth sand-tan floor, while K could only see her hair.
She turned to the tub. Her cotton dress melts into her skin, revealing her petite body and her A-cup breasts.
Mittlet climbs in while K gets on his knee with a rag. The warm water brushes his skin.
K got to work. Wiping her arms and back, slowly losing the stench Mittelt carried.
"Before. I'll bring you back to bed. You could use my room until Raynare or Kalawarner clean those sheets." K cleans her torso and legs.
He applies more soap to the rag before eyeing the foggy water. K gazes at Mittelt, who doesn't reply. He holds out the soapy rag in her view.
Mittlet slowly takes it.
K gazes elsewhere while he hears the water splashing. He grabs a shampoo from the bottom drawer below the sink. Turning to Mittlet, who remained seated.
K applies shampoo by hand before rubbing it together and using it on Mittelt's hair.
"You enjoying this, are you?" Mittelt voice oozing a lack of life within.
"What's much to enjoy?" K raised a brow. Mittelt baggy eyes meets K's. "Plus. It's not fun. Knowing I won't get burned by you, snow bunny."
Mittelt looks away.
"Why do you even call me that?"
"Well. You're small. Lean back." K fills the bowl with water from the tub before dumping it on her hair. "And you look like the type to wear white. And I was right."
Mittelt remained quiet.
"Do you have parents?" Mittelt questioned.
"Yeah, but we don't see eye to eye." Mittelt gave K an side eye. "Ran away. Came here." K remained silent while Mittelt eyed the water below her.
"Mine the opposite." Mittlet starts. "God preventing me from seeing them." K gazed upon Mittlet. "I worked so hard. Only to get a pat on the back. I was promised." Her voice grew whisky. "I would get to see them. And I was only a girl. Days went to months, months to years, years to a century."
Mittlet tastes herself before giving a grin.
"I charged my way to God Mountain. Killing any angel that stood in my way. And they kicked me out. I've fallen. And that Sard still hasn't shown his face. He only sent his golden retriever to defend his stead. Do you believe it?" Mittlet's red eyes look down at her legs before she hugs them. "You're the only person I told. Don't make me regret it."
K sighs before washing her hair.
...
K eyed Mittlet in his bed before closing the door shut. He heard thumping from the steps to reveal Raynare.
"Rias. Is here." Raynare states while K paces down the hall to her. "All of them, in fact."
"Good. You and Kalawaner will remain here and look after Mittlet." K paced down the steps, followed by Raynare.
K eyed his living room with Rias and the others. He saw Kiba in the corner of the room with his arms crossed.
"Glad. You can make it." K states while Kiba only nods.
"Well, it's nice to see you again," Rias said on the couch, her legs crossed.
"You too." K picked up a chair before sitting in front of the walkway between the living room and the hall leading to the front door.
"Akeno."
Akeno summons Ria's symbol, which lights up the dark living room but then vanishes. K gazes at Rias, who uncrosses her plumb legs.
"We can talk freely."
"Alright." K closes his eyes while his fingers drum along his leg. "Lived in New York. I was nine. I had a friend-Best friend. His name is Danny, nearly every day after school. We would watch the news, movies, and shows from the City of Heroes. My idea is too trained to become one. He didn't think much of it."
K looks up at the ORC members.
"I trained every day. I worked myself to the bone. Danny tried to stop me. His plead went to deaf ears. Soon, with the help of my parents, they put me on suicide watch. I was cuff to bed for two years. Once out, I continued, and I hid it with a smile. Even when it is like someone is stabbing me all over."
K tilts his head.
"After a month, an unlikely event happened. Danny scared me in the middle of training. My parents said it was a sleepover. It was my birthday." K chuckled. "I hurled our couch through a wall from a two-story apartment building onto a car. Do you know how hard it is to not explain to my dad and the police? An eleven-year-old did a feat like that?"
"I can imagine." Issa chuckled.
"I experimented with Danny's help. I was strong and fast, but only a little." K continued. "I got excited. And when out. I got shot." Asia covers her mouth. "When I heal. I felt different. I went behind my parents and Danny's back. I was cautious, but it didn't help. I got shot again, only for the bullet to bounce off. I did this hero biz until I was fifteen. I lacked the training because I was getting it out on the streets."
K leans on his knees.
"Stop muggings. Theives. Gang Operations. And Gang Wars. With Danny's help, I found all of this without being blind like a bat. One Day." K drags. "Nine-eleven happened. I was taking a break, talking with Danny on my earpiece. I got this feeling. Something wasn't right." K looks to the floor. "The plane is going for the Twin Towers. I went after it."
K bites his lip with fire in his eyes.
"I thought! I can redirect it into waters outside of New York. I wasn't using much power! Yet, I split the plane in two." K's eyes water, yet he remained firm. "I succeeded! Yet, the Terrorists. Dead! The Passengers. Dead! And some of the people in Times Square. Died because I didn't know my own strength!" He raised his voice. "Man! Women! And Children! Was buried because of ME!" His Tears pour down like a waterfall.
"I did everything! To pay back for what I did! In return, I was shot at, disrespected, and FEARED! Danny was there when I needed a shoulder to cry on!"
K chuckles with a grin, and tears follow.
"It didn't help." K wipes the tears from his eyes with a grin. "I just snapped. I bullied anyone that got in my way and took whatever I wanted. It's only me that matters." K's shrugs while his lips shake. "Danny did what's best. And only got killed for it." K hides his face, staring at the floor, brushing his hands along his smooth head.
"I fucking killed him." K croaked. "I fucking killed him." He burst into a cry. Asia was the first to burst from the couch to K's aid, followed by Issa. "He thought of me as a Monster. My Parents do." His voice shakes.
"It's ok. Let it out." Asia hugs K from behind. He does so.
Issa looks to Rias, who looks elsewhere and wipes a tear with Akeno's help, giving her a handkerchief.
Akeno and Koneko remained stoic while Kiba slowly made his way to help K, followed by Koneko.
"It's alright, buddy." Issa rubs his back.
"I'm a monster." K cried. "Every day. I hoped that one would get lucky or dominate me out of existence. Every day, I fight. In hope I die."
"The hell did you just say?!" Isa raised her voice.
"Isa." Kiba states followed by Rias, Koneko, Asia.
"No! NO!" Issa stood before K, guiding his eyes to hers. "You don't mean that, you dick!" Issa brushes Asia's hand away. "You can't make someone care about you and up and give up! That's not you!" She presses his chest. "You no monster! It's what's in you! It's giving you those thoughts, and you up roll over! Deep Sea King! You could lie there, but you didn't!"
Issa's fire in their eyes grew more prominent.
"Carnage! You could've let him pummel you to death, but you didn't!" K opens his mouth. "Don't speak!" K closes it. "We have monsters, but it's up to you to listen to them! So, if I ever! Hear you say that again! I swear to Satan! I'll get strong and give you a wish you crave!"
Issa rises up while K's heart paces.
"Don't give up on yourself. Don't give up on Kuoh. Don't give up on Ms.Miko and your friends." Issa gazed down at him. "Don't give up on your grandpa."
K's lips shivered while he gazed down at the blue carpet.
"Well, we'd better be going, Rias." Issa gazed at her. "Thanks for sharing this with us, Bombshell." K remained silent while Asia kneeled in front of the teen. "Kiba. See you tomorrow?"
"Sure." Kiba stalled in his answer.
"I'll stay for the night." Asia gazed at Issa. "I'll see you at school."
"Of course." Issa nodded while Rias stood by Issa's side in front of the stairs.
"K. The papers are on the table. It's finalized." Akeno pats his shoulder before standing with Issa and Rias.
"I'm swell. You opened up to us, " Rias said while her symbol filled the three positions. I hope we can speak once more."
A light takes them.
"Well. I'm off." Kiba heads for the exit.
"Be careful." Koneko voiced.
"See you tomorrow." Asia followed up while they heard the door click. "Koneko. Can you help me to his room?"
Koneko grabs K's arm.
"No. I'm fine on the couch." K stood alone, planting himself on the couch and covering his eyes.
Koneko plants on the second couch facing the TV while Asia takes a blanket from K's end.
Mittlet remains seated on the steps before silently climbing up the stairs.
Asia crawls on the couch and up to K.
"What you doing?" His red, puffy eyes land on her green.
"I know. It's awkward, but you need this." Asia gazed confidently at K, who only stared at the ceiling with a sigh.
"By all. Means." K said dryly.
Asia cuddled with K in her school clothes before covering them with a blanket.
Asia sighed in relief before gazing at Koneko, making herself comfortable.
"Night." Asia voiced in the dark living room.
"Night." K and Koneko followed after.
...
The front door opens while an essential juggling fills the quiet house.
Ms.Miko threw off her shoes with a sigh. She stops listening to the low snoring.
Miko paced to the living room to see the teens. She clicked her tongue, shaking her head, and eyed K, who was hugging Asia in his arms.
She eyed a piece of paper on the table before picking it up.
Dear K Woods.
We are happy to inform you that you are now accounted for. We hope your selection is in order. Let us know if you have any questions. Mr. Yuri.
From: Family Court.
Miko held her mouth, reading the letter repeatedly before staring at sleeping K.
Tears pour from her eyes while she can only smile.