Staring down a book of physical human anatomy. K flipped a page. The teen is currently lying in bed under his covers.
A door opens while Mittlet peaks her head inside.
"That monster of yours wants to talk to you."
K looks from his book.
"What for?"
"She seems annoyed. About the moving regiment."
K sighs before hopping out of his bed. He paces past Mittlet before climbing down the stairs. The teen strides down the hall and into the kitchen.
K sees Musume's lowered torso, gazing through the sliding door with her arms crossed. She hovers back while K opens the sliding door.
"What do you need?" K stared up blankly while Musume looked down at K with a hard stare.
"I'm moving?"
"Yes. I think that place is better than the shed."
"Yet, it's far. From you."
"You have that. Mosquito? What's its name?"
"Rick. His name is Rick."
"Trust me. The place is better. You can have your family there without anyone batting an eye. It has hot springs and a gym."
"I have the water hose and the nights."
"I'm trying to help you out."
"I didn't ask to move. I'm fine. Right here." Musume said firmly.
K shakes his head while Mittlet sits on the table watching the show.
"Musume. I'm still finding transportation. And you know, you have been helpful this week during my days off. Why would I stop looking to protect you?"
The mosquito girl clenches her arms tighter.
"Fine. How hungry are you?" K continued.
"Very."
"I'll feed you every Friday for work-related reasons and Sunday because of the distance. How's that sound?"
Musume gazed about before closing her eyes.
"Fine. Friday and Sunday." She opened her eyes to K's. "I ask you to come straight away to me when trouble arises."
"I should mention there's another like you." Musume tilts her head. "A tree. You should see him from the Hot springs. He promises to protect you and the house. All else fail, I'll come running."
"I hope." Musume disappears from Mittlet's line of sight.
K rubs the bridge of his nose before closing the sliding glass door.
"Now. I can sleep easy." Mittlet crosses her legs while sitting on the edge of the table. "Knowing there's no monster in our closest."
"You should thank Rias." K's eyes land on Mittlet.
"The rich girl? The only thanks the princess will get is a greeting card."
"Why the grudge?"
"Do I have to explain everything to you?" Mittlet squinted her eyes. "The girl born with privilege, and every decision she makes is only backed by her daddy. She doesn't know the first thing about living without a safety net."
"I begin to think you and Rias are alike."
"Don't compare me." Mittlet gave a firm gaze.
"Alright. I'll only ask one thing." K folds his arms. "I would like assistance so I won't be rusty. I would like to give you a massage."
Mittlet's gaze never left his. They stood there in silence before the girl sighed.
"Fine. This is only a favor."
"I was hoping you said no."
"Where do you want to do it?"
"Uh." K scratches his cheek. "The living room or if you're nervous. My room is fine."
Mittlet stood to her feet before pacing out of the kitchen. K followed behind in silence. They climbed the stairs and entered K's room.
She drops her dress, revealing her black bra and panties.
"Where do you want me?" She said, back facing K.
"You? Ok?" K questioned.
"The hell I wouldn't be ok?"
"I mean. You drop your dress without a fight."
"Are we going to do this or not?"
"Alright, the bed. Back facing me." K locks the door before grabbing a white shirt. He threw it on Mittlet's bottom half while he sat two books on the side of the bed.
"What are you doing?" Mittlet planted her cheek on the pillow.
"This? I'm thinking of refreshing myself." K flipped through the second book. "Crazy thing is I somehow remembered. Essential information like I took a photo. I'm viewing Pressure Points of Chinese Literature and the Fundenmatals of Massages."
"Do you know what you're doing?"
"That's a thing. Nope."
"Fucking. Hell." Mittlet said under her breath.
"Alright. Since you are feeling nervous. How about we start with this first. Your hand." K left his hand out only for Mittlet to take. He gazed at her wrist before gently pressing his thumb on her outer wrist. He rubs it in a circular motion.
"Why are you not in school?" Mittlet questioned, face in the pillow.
"You didn't hear about the fight the other day?"
"Yeah. The roar nearly made me destroy the dishes."
"We have a day off. We're going tomorrow, so no worries." K continued with her leg.
"Seriously. Who taught you this?"
"You want to be my client?"
"No. More of a servant." K rolled his eyes. "But I'm serious."
K remained silent.
"Danny." The teen said one word.
"Hmm. Ok." Mittlet grew silent.
Minutes went by while K was now doing her back.
"How are you feeling?" K questioned. "Mittlet?" The teen noticed Mittlet's face facing the wall in a deep sleep.
He eyed her smooth white skin, closed eyes, and mouth a jar.
A barely hearable snore filled K's ears while his eyes remained on sight.
He gave a light smirk before doing her shoulders. His fingers pinch lightly along her shoulder blades. At the same time, he continues working, listening to Mittlet's faint snore like a radio station.
The teen eyed the two points of her upper back. He squinted his eyes before slowly putting his fingers down. It connects.
"EEEK!!" Mittlet rockets awake before blushing.
"That. Was cute." K states while Mittlet only snappped her eyes over her shoulder.
"Ragh! Would you like a death sentence?!"
"Hey. I was curious, is all." K raised his hands.
"You should have at least given me a heads-up!" She slams her face back into the pillow. "Go on." She growls.
"I don't know. I wouldn't want you to act like Raynare."
"Am I Raynare?!"
"Alright. Alright." K lightly places his hands under her shoulder points. "Ready?"
Mittlet remained silent.
K slowly and firmly slides his hands over the points. She bucks yet remains on the bed. He continued after a few strokes. K uses a knuckle and twists against it, causing Mittlet to grip the sheets.
"Wait! Wait! You too rough!" Mittlet's cries reached the door Raynare happened to pass.
"OK."
"AH! You can't grip it like I'm some skank!" Raynare squinted her eyes.
"Hey! You are the one riding this. How about you try to relax?!"
"Idiot! You seriously telling me that?!" Raynare places an ear by the door. "Fine. Just. Just be gentle."
"Hold on. Let me get comfortable." The bed rocks while Raynare's mouth slowly opens.
"What are you doing?" Kalawarner eyed Raynare down the hall. Raynare points to the door while Kalawarner only listens as well.
"You ready? Snow bunny?" K questioned, silence only answered.
"Ah!" Mittelt growls, only for her grunts to be muffled. The squeaking from the wooded bed filled the room. "Firmer." Mittlet order.
"You're biting more than you can chew?" K questioned.
"Do as you told! AH!!"
"You like that, don't you?" The tempo of the bed rocking increased. "I'm trying to give you the benefit of the doubt. It seems you forgot."
"Stop! Stop!" Mittlet's grunting causes Kalawarner and Raynare to grow immersed. "Slow down!"
"You like it, don't you? Snow Bunny? Am I hitting all the points?!"
"Yes! Yes!"
"That's music to my ears."
"NO!" Mittlet moans while Kalawarner and Raynare step back from the door, shaking their heads.
Mittlet bites into the pillow while her body becomes a jolting Jello. K's hands were blurred. He uses his knuckles, fingers, thumbs, and elbows.
Mittlet's back arches before slamming down into his bed. A massive blush filled her face while her eyes were rolled to the back of her head.
"Well. Just because I can take your words doesn't mean you can boss me around." K lightly places a hand on her back, causing her to jitter. "Now, if you excuse me." K brushes his hand along the tiny hairs on his head. "I gotta get shaved."
The teen rose from his bed before exiting the room.
"Kalawarner?" K called while the maid stood out their doorway. "I need you to help shave my head. Can you?" He stared blankly while Kalawarner remained as a statue. "Kalawarner?"
"I'll do it." Raynare appeared from the doorway with a smile. "I don't mind, really." She grabs K's hand, leading him downstairs.
"You sure. You wanna cut me up?" K watched Raynare paced down the hall and into the kitchen with her hand in K's.
"I don't." Raynare slides out of a chair from the Kitchen table. "May. You?"
K squinted his eyes at her before taking a seat. Raynare summons a light spear. The size of a dagger before going across the teen's head.
"So." Raynare smacks her lips. "Do you have any plans today?"
" I don't think so. Why?"
"Oh, nothing. Just curious, is all."
"Right." K stared at the TV playing a K-drama. "Is Yuri here?"
"Her? Well, she was, but she's out now. I have no idea what that cat does."
"You and me both."
...
"Done." Raynare unsummoned her light spear dagger while K brushed his hand along his head.
"Thanks." K stood to his feet before staring at the hair on the white tile floor.
"Oh. Don't worry about it. I'll handle it. You should rest." Raynare smiled, blinking her eyes.
"Alright. What the hell is wrong with you?" K questioned, only for a doorbell to cut him off. "We're not finished."
The teen paced down the hall before opening the door.
"Hey." Asia bows. "I hope you weren't busy."
"Uh." K scratches his cheek while avoiding his eyes. "No. I'm not." K eyed the boxes that stood behind Asia.
"I've gotten permission from Rias and Ms.Miko to stay." Her green eyes look up to K, staring blankly at her.
"Sorry, but no."
"Dummy!" Asia pouts. "You're not throwing me away!" She raised her soft voice.
K whips out his phone before putting it on his ear. His phone hums while Asia sits on her boxes with her arms crossed.
"K? What do you need? I'm working." Miko voiced through the phone.
"You allow. Asia to stay." K said firmly.
"Oh! She arrived. Good. Be a gentleman and carry her things inside."
"I hate to disappoint you, but I have to decline." Asia glares cutely at him.
"Excuse me?" Miko's voice became firm. "I didn't quite hear that."
"Mom."
"Oh! I have a voice? I mean. You bring many to our house. So, why can't I?" She laughs. "I'm the one paying the bills."
"I offered."
"I don't want what you have! If you want to cosplay. Go ahead, but I'm not putting any money you grasp in this house!"
"You want to bring anyone. Fine, but it can't be Asia."
"She's a good girl."
"THAT'S THE POINT!" K shouts into the phone, causing Asia to jump.
"Oh! You didn't just raise your voice at me?"
K rubs the bridge of his nose.
"PLEASE! Please. Listen. To me." K looks at the phone. "Hello? Hello? Ugh. Fuck me." K said under his breath while lightly beating himself with his phone.
"What's the problem?" Raynare's voice enters the equation. "Oh. It's you, nun."
"Hey." Asia waved lightly.
"You're only staying for the day til I can convince her otherwise." K looked at Asia carrying a pot plant of Daisys.
K heads back inside.
"What about-"
"He alrighty got it." Raynare cut Asia off while K sat on the couch beside the three boxes stacked on the side of the sofa.
"I heard yelling." Kalawarner entered the living room while Asia found a spot on the second couch facing the stairs. "Oh."
"Ugh." K groans into his hands while the blonde nun only gazes at the teen.
"If you are worried, I can stay by your side?" Asia watched while the teen remained in the same position. "I mean." She blushes. "When you are hurt, I can heal you. You can get stronger when you do. So I'll be a great asset!"
"Kalawarner."
"He wants you to stop talking." Kalawarner gazed at Asia, who only dropped her head.
"Sorry."
"I mean." Raynare leans on the wall, folding her arms. "You have a nun equipped with Twilight Healing. She's resting in your palms, yet you don't bat an eye."
"I don't do calculus." K groans once more. " One plus One equals two. Yet, I see more problems."
"And yet, you don't see what you skipped over."
"Alright." K grabs the remote. The teen turns on the TV.
---
Issa rolls along the narrow street on her bike, passing people and apartments. She gazed about before coming to a stop.
She eyed the small apartment building before gazing at her phone.
"This seems. To be the place." Issa said under her breath before getting off her bike and rolling it between the side of the building and the wall.
She stops eyeing the squared yard of concrete, the stairs leading only to the second floor. Issa carried her bike to the said floor and pulled out her phone.
2nd floor 29
She paced to the right end of the floor, eyeing the door. Issa collects her breath before knocking.
"Hello? You called for my services?" She waits. "Hello?"
Her phone hums.
Client #3
C3: Is that you? Standing before my doorstep. If so, say 'Riverway.'
Issa raised a brow before looking at the door.
"Riverway."
The door cracks open, inviting darkness along the young devil's wake. Issa gazed through the dark with the help of night vision eyes.
A small kitchen with its sink so clean you can eat food on it. And two pairs of shoes sat beside the door. Isa's shoe pressed against the wood tiles, giving a thump.
C3: Leave your shoes by the door.
Issa looked from her phone into the open room with a round table, a desk, and a television in the corner right of the room.
The young devil did as told.
"Hello?" Issa eyed her environment filled with Japanese culture. She headed for a narrow hall, a slingshot from the small open room.
A light flickers on, causing Issa to jolt.
The armor of a red and black samurai stood at the other side of where Issa entered. The demon mask of an individual locked on Isa, who cocked her head, ready for a fight.
"I'm sorry." A soft feminine voice escapes from the suit of intimation. "I hope I didn't scare you." She bows.
"Uh. No." Issa grins while scratching her cheek. "You're all good."
"You sure?" Black and purple haze escapes from Issa's client. The client's dark eyes stared into Issa's soul from her demon mask.
"Yes! I'm sure!"
"Oh! I did it again!" The Samurai hides her face with her hands. "Whenever I put this on! I couldn't help myself!"
"I mean. You're okay."
"Oh! Would you like some tea?"
"Uh. Sure." The samurai bowed once more before setting her things on the tray. "You can sit by the table." Issa eyed her blonde hair, nearly escaping her helmet.
Issa sat around the floor table while the Samurai paced, placing the tray in the center.
"So." Issa drags, watching her client pour her tea into her cup with perception and grace. "You called a devil."
"Oh. Well. Yes." The client sits on her knees before laying her weapon of choice beside her. "My name is Susan-san. I'm part of a foreign exchange student. I love the Japanese culture."
"Who would've guessed?" Issa comments, taking a sip of tea. Her eyes lit up before downing it.
"I usually wear this armor, 'Yofuku,' to scare monsters or bad people away." She raises her blade, causing Issa to jump. "And those that seek to harm me! Will be struck down where they stand!" Susan puts her sword back into her sheath. "Sorry. Now, I would like your help. Can you?" Susun looks to the floor. " Can you teach me how to fight?"
"Uh. I think you called for the wrong devil." Issa squinted her eyes.
"Well. I heard one of you was a ghost, so your manager said You trained under the devil with a sword."
Issa looks to the floor with a smirk.
"She thought of me like that?" She said under her breath while The samurai pressed her hands together.
"We can only spar if you are okay with it! From one famous general of the arts of war. 'To gain knowledge. You must seek it. But to hone it. You must experience.'"
"And why are you so pressed on this?" Issa questioned. "Fan fever?"
"You can say." Susan looks away while Issa sighs.
"Fine. But, it got to be wooden swords." Susan looks up at Issa, nodding her head.
"I accept your terms."
...
Standing in the backyard of the small apartment building. Issa and Susan stood in the square of concrete.
"Well. Let's go easy on each other. Even when it's wooden sticks, it will still sting." Issa rolls her wrist with the wooden katana in hand.
"Then. I won't get better. Pain is the path to the samurai way." Susan kept to her samurai helmet and demon mask, only to wear a light blue kimono instead of her armor.
"Uh. Okay. Don't say I didn't warn you." Issa faces Susan.
Susan held her wooden sword beside her head while her wooden clogs shifted along the concrete.
Issa gazed at Susan's mask before her client rushed with the clicking in her step.
"Ha!" Susan hurls an overhead slash while Issa only leans and ducks."Ha!" She steps back. Susan follows.
Issa blocks another and dodges a third attack before sweeping Susan's wooden blade, aiming it at her client's throat.
Susan looks to the ground before stepping back.
"One step at a time." Issa encouraged while Susan readies herself. "I'm coming at you."
Issa rushes. Giving A side slash, causing Susan to block. She continued blocking Issa's onslaught attacks.
Susan parries, offering an underhand uppercut across Issa's chest.
"Ack! Ha. Ha!" Issa winced, holding her hip. "Good."
"You holding back." Susan-san held her wooden katana by her head. "Again. But don't hold back."
"What? I did what you." Issa steps back, dodging a close call. "Hey!"
"Sorry, but I'm serious!" Susan-san unleashes an onslaught of attacks, pushing Issa to a wall.
Issa spins on her feet, dodging a stab from Susan-san, only to sword whip Susan on the back of her head.
Susan stumbles onto the wall while Issa's face cringed.
"Crap! I didn't mean to hit you that hard."
"I'm fine." Susan pats her helmet before facing Issa. "Pain is the Sumurai way."
Issa only gazes while slowly raising her wooden sword.
...
"I made. A pact great." Issa rides her bike down the street of the apartment. A smile spread across her face. She quickly checks her phone, hearing a buzz.
Client 3# (Susan-san)
SS: I would like for you to come over every weekend. Is that okay?
I: Is Saturday fine?
SS: It's perfect. Thanks again.
"That girl is weird, but then again. I used to beat a kid with a stick playing dragon-oh. So, I'll keep my mouth shut." Issa said to herself, eyeing the afternoon.
Her eyes snap to something bright and bold. Issa stops her bike, eyeing the lamp post.
A picture of Hit throwing a forklift in mid-throw toward a sand-tan snake monster. The bold letters underneath state.
He defeats monsters. Only to recruit them. When will we wake up?
Issa takes the poster before pedaling her bike.
...
Issa climbed the steps with three posters before entering through the double doors.
Rias sat behind her desk. The other members, but Kiba, waited before her.
"Where's Kiba?" Issa paced into the room.
"Out, but under my orders. It's not breaking our treaty unless someone attacks our member on a stroll. Not only that. Kiba is still restless. So, it's a win-win."
Issa sat down the posters on Ria's desk while the other members gathered around.
"What's that?" Akeno picks up one.
"I found these around town after getting a pact. Judging by these pictures alone, should we be worried?" Issa hugs her arms.
"They know about K's past?!" Asia looks to Rias, reading a poster as well.
"It's only propaganda, Asia. And to answer your question, Issa." She exchanged posters with Akeno. "We established a Hit system. Where photos and first glance look while K works. They would only see a blur or forget his face altogether. Since he sees a hood as a mask, it is beyond me."
"Well. These are spot on." Akeno shows the poster where Issa took a first glance. "What do you want us to do, Rias?"
"Tear down any you find." Rias tossed the poster onto the desk before leaning in her chair. "It's not a priority, but let's stay safe."
Issa gazed at Akeno, squinting at a poster before tossing it on Rias's desk.
"You alright?" Issa questioned, gaining the eyes of Akeno.
"I am fine. Thanks for your concern."
"Asia. How did it go?" Rias eyed Asia, who only looked to the floor.
"He wouldn't allow it, but Ms.Miko fought him. They're going to talk when she gets home."
"Wait. Am I missing something?" Issa cocks a brow.
"Oh. I forgot. Asia wants to move in with K." Rias answered.
"Him? Didn't he say He didn't want you anywhere near his house?" She gazed at Asia, who stared firmly back at her.
"He has no right."
"I agree, but he has the self-awareness to tell you what's happening. Heck, I even don't want you hurt."
"I love him." Asia looks away, gaining all eyes. "He threw me away so I wouldn't get close, but I refused." Asia stared back at Issa with fire in her eyes. "Everyone told me what I want, but I want him or maybe stand alongside K. That is all I ask."
"It all comes down to K and Ms.Yuri." Rias closes her eyes while Issa stares between Rias and Asia.
"You didn't?" Issa questioned Asia, who only shook her head.
"Forget I said anything!" Asia speed-walked out of the room.
---
"So. How's the hunt?" Matsuda bites into his burger.
"Scavenge a few." Amelia eyed her phone. "It's a pain, but you got back up. At least."
"Shoot. Glad you cared."
"In your dreams."
Motohama and Hase take their spots with food in hand.
"Ok." Motohama digs his straw into his shake. "Everything arranged?"
"Got back up, but don't know how many."
"Six: in. Fact." Amelia answered for Matsuda.
"Damn!"
"Two in the Kendo club. And four are hooligans."
"And How are you able to convince them?" Motohama raised a brow.
"Don't worry about it." Amelia gazed back at her phone.
"We're starting off strong." Hase enters the chat. "Is there any way I could help?"
"We can do petitions while Matsuda prepares for tonight." Motohama looks to his friend. "How's the preparations?
"Throw on anything I can find." Matsuda sips on his straw. "Just the name I'm looking for."
"Seriously?" Amelia gazed from her phone. "You're walking around town and might not see anything."
"Yet, it's best. When someone questioned." Motohama defends Matsuda. "Other than that, I believe he's the right man for the job."
"Shoot. Don't eat me up. You gotta savor me first." Matsuda grins.
"Alright, Hotshot. Don't let it get to your head." Amelia's red eyes stared into Matsuda, who rested his hands behind his head.
"I think. I found my calling."
"Just remember. You not the only one out there." Motohoma voiced.
...
Black and white sneakers hit the sidewalk, filled with the afternoon sun. Black formal pants with a silver chain, a black Japanese school blazer jacket, and a white shirt sway in public.
The person wears a red beanie fusion with black lens goggles across his eyes. He cracks a toothy grin to others who mind their business or gaze while he isn't looking.
"Hello?" Hase voiced in Matsuda earbud.
"Hey!" Matsuda's pointy chin became a wide smile. "Hotshot calling."
"Right, sorry. I was told by Amelia. That someone needed help. She's a girl in our school. I think you know her. She goes by Aia Abiko."
Hotshot scoff.
"The school's Heartbreaker? I won't even touch her with a twenty-foot pole."
"She's waiting in the square by the fountain. And good luck."
"Thanks."
Hotshot paced to the square before lying eyes at Aia, still in her school uniform. He walked around the fountain.
"You called for help?" Hotshot cocks his head while Aia rolled her eyes.
"Seriously. What is this whole get up?"
"My mom made it. You like?"
"Right. Whatever. I heard you can help me."
"Fireaway." Hotshot folds his arms.
"I have a stalker. It has been days. He hasn't left me alone." Aia points her head. Hotshot followed it to someone on a bench reading a newspaper. "Can you get rid of him?"
"Can I get your number?" Aia squinted her eyes. "You wished. I want to see this whole interaction. If you're willing to play as bait."
"If it gets him off my back. I don't care." She grabs Hotshot phone. "Here."
"Thanks. Leave it on. And I don't know, run around. Lead the guy somewhere. I can handle the dude." Hotspot parted ways, leaving Aia all alone.
Aia looks at the guy reading the newspaper before she sighs. She marches across the square, growing near her target. Each step echoed before she stood before him.
The guy, who happened to be a teen, looks from his newspaper and up at her.
"You think this is funny?" Aia snatches the newspaper before throwing it in his face.
"The hell!" The teen cursed.
"I know you've been following me. This is your final warning." Aia points. "Stay the fuck away from me." She whispered before walking away.
The teen growls, dumping the newspaper before shaking his head with a glare. He notices Aia leaves the square, and he jogs after her.
Now, pacing down the narrow street of vendors, Aia walks into an alley. The teen paused before clenching his fist.
"Hey!" The teen shouts down the bright alley. Aia turns to face him. "Why did you break up with me?"
"I warned you." Aia glared.
"Warned me? You can't just make someone care about you and throw them away!"
"This is my reason. Or are you too stupid to comprehend?"
"This?" The teen grew closer. "I wasn't like this!" He raised his voice. "I heard of your reputation, but I wanted to ignore it. Rumors are Rumors. And you must have had a reason to dump them so coldly like you're doing now!"
Aia stepped back while the teen grew closer.
"Why?" His eyes locked on hers. "Tell me!" He roared.
"Sorry. If I'm interrupting." Hotshot entered the alley with a wave. "Is he bothering you?"
"Why are you here?" The teen questioned.
"Because he's the one I hired. Genius." Aia folded her arms while the Teen gazed back at Hotspot a few feet away.
"I ask. You to leave. This doesn't have to get physical." Hotshot grins. "Or we can. I'm a bit rusty, so pick your poison."
"Leave us." The teen clenched his fist. "I don't want to hurt you."
"Woah!" Hotshot staggered. "Please. Unclench your hand. You're making me scared."
"I'll show you scared." Teen clenches his fist. He rushes Hotshot, throwing a hook.
Hotshot sidesteps while the teen stumbles. The teen rushes once more.
"Aaah!" The teen roared, throwing many punches Hotshot dodged. "RAA!"
Hotshot trips him, causing the teen to crash into trash bins. The clanking of the noise filled the alley while Hotspot squats to a stumbling teen.
"Come on. You can't hit me. Bounce."
The teen bites his lip before sneakily clenching a trash lid within his grasp. He snaps back Hotshot weaved, eyeing the flung cover before being tackled.
They hit the ground only for Hotshot to use the momentum and gain the upper hand. He brought back his fist, only for the Teen to flinch.
"I'm not much for second chances, but I'll make an offer you can't ignore." He pants before standing to his feet. "Go. Or I'll give you a black eye."
The teen raced out of the alley, leaving Hotshot and Aia.
"Color me. Impressed." Aia smirked at Hotshot, who looked. "You useful."
"That's me." He gazed blankly at Aia. "And for friendly advice. Your actions have consequences."
"And who are you to give advice?"
"I'm Hotshot. Don't wear the name out." He paced out of the alley.
---
"Why do you like that show so much?" Kalawarner, wearing red-rimmed glasses, remained on her rolling chair, eyeing K, staring at the ceiling on his bed.
"Because it's good?" K raised a brow.
"When you say good, you mean in quality?"
"Well. Yeah. What the hell are you on about?"
"He has a deep love. For kid shows." Kalawarner said under her breath while writing on her clipboard.
"Kids show my ass!" K glared at Kalawarner, whose eyes widened. "Majority of that crap doesn't make sense! Who makes kids point to a direction or object only for the main character to say. 'Where?'" He said the last word in a girlie tone.
"Do you have any favorites?"
"Under the sea. Washwork. Big red dog. At least those shows treat children. With a common mental compacity."
"Well. I'm not much for those shows but in the detective sense."
"Like an in modern or a noir sense?"
"Both. I love the thrill of guessing. To pick clues and make observations."
"Like what you doing now?" K tilted his head while Kalawarner gazed blankly at him.
"Yes. It has been part of my DNA. Now, what makes you want to do this?"
"Do you really need a rehashed?" K looks to the ceiling.
"No. There's more to this."
"Can't say much. I was a dick, or I still am. To you, the fallen, Ria's peerage, and about everyone. What you guys did at the church was a cunt move. And me housing you in as my maids is already bad enough. Me spraying you with water is icy on the cake."
"You saying you can change us?"
"Shoot. I don't know. I took you guys in because doing those chores is a drag. I may not get tired, but I can still get annoyed." Kalawarner blinks before writing it down. "And hell. I might regret telling you this. I'm giving you guys a chance like my grandpa did me." He gazed blankly at Kalawarner. "Don't waste it."
Kalawarner remained quiet while writing down on her clipboard.
"And what do you think of me?" K questioned, getting Kalawarner's eyes. "You don't talk much. And I got this sixth sense that something is not right. Would you care to explain?"
"And ruin the surprised?" She stared back blankly.
"The last surprise I got was I had to jump out of an exploding building with my Best friend."
"I think of you as a boy who thinks he's a man." She rests her clipboard on her lap. "With all the scars and power you hold. You think you can control everyone's destiny. Not even god can help you humans. He blesses you, but that doesn't change the fact."
"You a mere human." Kalawarner continued. "Are Illogical. Power hungry. And Selfish. Even the nun." K gazed at Kalawarner. "I must give you credit where it is due. You've changed, but don't let that go to your head. Because in the end. Something or someone will always put you in your place."
"You got all that in one sitting?" K questioned.
"No. That's the tip of the iceberg." Kalawarner stared back blankly. "Tell me, what do you think of fire?"
"Beautiful yet Dangerous?"
"And Useful. Fire contains those three elements we discussed. The longer we hold it, as expected, we'll burn ourselves."
"You telling me to keep an extra eye on you?"
"No. I'm giving you a hint of my past." K phone hums. "That will be all today." Kalawarner stood, pushing her chair out of the room. "We'll continue. The next we meet."
"Hold on." K stops her with his firm voice. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because I'm bored. Like you. I seek entertainment to cure it." She pushed her chair out the door while K checked his phone.
Hiroshi(Boss)
H: Hey. Come to Kouh Lookout. I'll be waiting.
The teen rose from his bed with a sigh. The door opens to Mittlet with cross arms.
"Hey." K stared blankly while Mittlet only gave a glare with a hint of blush spread across her pale cheeks.
"Going somewhere?" Mittlet questioned.
"About too. What do you need?"
"You still need a genie pig?" K raised a brow. "Don't look at me like that!"
"What's the meaning of this?" K questioned, only for Mittlet to look out the door frame and into the halls.
"We're both benefiting in some way. I felt more relaxed than I thought in centuries. While you are gaining knowledge on whatever you studying. In short. You help me, and I'll help you."
"You do know, I'm studying modern and ancient pressure points. Not that ancient, but you know what I mean. It might get painful."
"Look at my face." Mittlet tilts her head with blank eyes. "Anything not free. I want that drug, and you have the skill to provide it. Is it a yes or no?"
"Shit." K rubs his neck. "I will be stupid to reject your offer."
"Great. I'll be over at the end of the day." Mittlet paced from his door with a slight smile on her face.
...
K paced down the path of smooth concrete. He eyed the trees that ran along it, waiting for the ending.
The teen makes it, eyeing the silver gate with a sign warning trespassers. Through it, he noticed Hiroshi leaning on the railing, watching Kouh and its districts.
K leaps over the fence, tucking his knees before marching to Hiroshi.
"Great view, is it?" Hiroshi questioned while K leaned on the railing beside him.
"Yeah. Sometimes, I don't get a chance like this. You got it?"
"Yes and no." Hiroshi gazed at K before eyeing the metal box beside his ankle. "Open it."
The teen took a knee, opening the box. He eyed. The purple jumpsuit and red cape.
"Put it. On." Hiroshi orders while K does. Throwing on top of his clothes. "The fabric is made out of Polyamides. Other words. Top grade."
K snaps on his cape on his shoulders. He pulled his crimson cape while staring down at his jumpsuit. The teen noticed goggles in the box.
"The same material I made for Saitiama. In other words. The hero in the Hero association."
K snaps his head at Hiroshi, who leans on the railing. Eyeing the teen with crossed arms.
"You're a Hero?" K gave a firm gaze.
"Used to. But, now just a freelancer. How did you think I got material like that?" Hiroshi fixes his glasses with a smirk. "Don't give me that look. You are in no harm."
"Yet, I don't believe you. You lose your memories when you don't work for them."
"Really?" The older man shakes his head. "It seems they trust me after all." He chuckled. "I used to be a C-ranked hero. Hiroshi Puma. They called Beyond Fabric. Power?" He pulled out a few yen, and it melted in his hands.
Hiroshi takes off his glasses before looking at the Teen with a smirk. He slams them into the ground, filling their ears with cringeworthy clanking.
"Do me a favor. Get that for me." Hiroshi asked while K kept an eye on him.
His glasses remained undamaged even. The lenses are crystal clear.
"Never really a fighter. I thought I was, but I prefer this to a latter. Like I said, I treat you like any other customer. Hell. My employee." Hiroshi tilts his head, pointing his finger. "Do you see those rings? Under your arms on the sides of your rib cage?"
K noticed the metal rings slightly hanging from his fabric.
"Put your middle and ring finger within and pull it above your head. First, your legs must be together." K releases crimson flaps from his grape jumpsuit like a flying squirrel. "The rings are weighted, meaning you let go, the flaps will go too. Reminder: It won't work if your legs are not together."
K lets go of the rings while the flaps hide within the jumpsuit.
"Cool." K comments.
"Goggles. Put them on." Hiroshi ordered.
"I'm good."
"As a teen. You like games, don't you? Just try it."
K grabs the goggles before putting them on his face. Hiroshi messes with his goggles.
A bright blue line and a compass above K's eyesight appeared. The blue line scaled up to the top of his goggles before presenting rings in the sky.
Take flight. To begin.
-----------------------
"Seriously?" K gazed at Hiroshi with a smirk.
"Dead. Serious." K phone hums. "Now. I'll be in your ear. If things get out of hand."
"Ok." The teen gazed at the blue ring a yard from the lookout.
K pressed his shoes against the ground before diving toward the ring. He initiated his wingsuit, beginning the time trial.
"Alright. To steer, lean right or left." Hiroshi advised while K entered a ring before leaning into another one. "Good." K eyed the bed of trees below him. "You further from the ring ahead of you. Dive and move up." K does so, entering another. "You're a pro. Reminder. Build momentum if you want to go long distances."
"How are you seeing this?" K shouts through the wind with a smile on his face.
"The goggles. Now, you're going a little too fast. Slow down by leaning back."
K slows down, making into another.
"Great. You got the basics. Finished up here and make it back."
K entered another ring close to the mountain shoulder.
He barrel rolls.
"Woah! Woah! Fuck!" K slowly gathered his bearings only to miss a ring. "Damn." The teen looks back at the ring.
"Don't worry about it. You can always come back."
K turns from the mountain range, getting a glimpse of the three districts of Kuoh. The land of civilization was small, like ants, but easy to grasp.
"Beautiful, ain't it?" Hiroshi questioned within K's bud. "The first I lay eyes on this place. I can truly call it home."
"I can relate." K voiced only to cough. "Ack!"
"HA! HA! HA! It's different than jumping around, isn't it?"
Gathered his bearings, entering another ring. Multiple goals slope while K dives, entering each goal like a speed demon. He leans up, entering three more before descending once again.
Getting closer to town. The flying teen remained hairs above the tallest building, entering each ring he could find.
"Whoo!" K cheers through the roaring wind. Gaining eyes from the ground below.
He barrel rolls from a building flawlessly. Before another became his aggressor. K's eyes widen.
He dismissed his wingsuit.
'Big Bang.'
K claps, launching himself over it and swinging his arms and legs about. Seeing the face of the ground and passing civilians.
"Don't have enough momentum!" Hiroshi raised his voice only for K to push off from the air while a bright orange line left the tips of his limps.
He deploys his wingsuit.
"Woah. The hell?!" K looks back before snapping his head to the view.
"You made it out. That's what matters. You see that building? White. Short. Blue windows. Land on the roof."
"I think I might leave a scar."
"Disband your wingsuit and grab on your cape."
K does so while the flattering cape caves out. The teen slows down, gliding to the building's rooftop before landing on his feet.
"Whoo!" He roared. "Hell yeah!" K pumps his fist with a massive smile. "Damn! Boss! You are good!"
"Thank you. Thank you. Sadly, I will take off your hands, but until then. Feel free to take it for a spin. Before the end of the day, drop it off. I gotta finalize."
Hiroshi hangs up while K looks around.
"How the hell do I do that?" K said under his breath, bouncing on his feet.
K eyed a building ahead of him. The teen leaps, pushing off only to fail. He quickly grasps his cape before rolling to his feet.
"Damn." He remained on the square of the white rooftop. "Baby steps."
K leaps on square after square in an awkward repetition. This lasts for minutes until the teen moon hops across the corner of the roof before performing an airdash.
The teen felt the wind grasp his face, his body tingle.
K stumbled on the ground, gathering his bearing.
The teen's eyes slowly widen, eyeing his hand. An orange light outlines his hands. He wiggles his fingers and waves his hands about, leaving bright orange lines in its wake.
The line disappeared, and so did his glow.
K remained silent, his eyes bulging. His eyes land on the corner of the roof, and he performs an airdash.
"Ok." The teen grabs on the railing, taking in a breath. "The hell happening to me?"
---
"Excuse me. Miss?" Motohama gains the attention of a bypasser. "Would you like to help with our cause? The vigilante Hit is by means not on the Hero Association register. You can check yourself." He flashed his phone while the woman squinted her eyes at it. "You and I both know. He helps the town but kills those under the government's jurisdiction. All I ask is you sign this petition."
"Good. Lord." She signed the petition while Motohama smirked.
"Thank you."
He gazed at the clipboard. Only two lines are signed. Motohama sighs.
Motohama noticed a restaurant near the square. He approached it, seeing the name 'Sakura'.
He approaches a worker who remained at his post in front of the gate.
"Excuse me. I would like to speak with a manager."
"You speaking to him." The manager raised a brow.
"I would like your permission to chat with a few guests." Motohama shows his petition. "We've created a petition for the Hit problem."
The manager only squinted his eyes while Motohama only sweat dropped.
"Fine. Cause a disturbance, and you out of here." He opened the gate while Motohama only bowed.
"Thank you."
The teen entered with the clipboard close to his chest. He noticed a table of three. He sighs before fixing his glasses.
"Sorry to disturb you." Motohama approached the table.
"You are interrupting our important meeting." A lady with brown hair in a bun glared up at him.
"Sorry."
"Hold on." A teen with white hair waved Motohama back over. "What is it? And make it quick."
"Oh, right." Motohama clears his throat. "I have a petition to call on the Hero Association. A vigilante named Hit has been calling amok."
"Oh." The woman in the bun smirked. "I heard he's collecting monsters."
"That I believe." Motohama blushed while fixing his glasses. He passed the petition into her hands. He eyed her watermelon-sized breast, nearly spilling from her purple dress.
"So. This Hit guy." The white-haired teen leads back, folding his arms. "What's he's like? I heard he took down a few monsters."
"Well."
"Whoo!" K, in his wingsuit, soars past over head. They eyed him grow distant.
"What a character." The women in the bun giggled.
"Is that him?" The white-haired teen questioned.
"I believe so." Motohama looks back at him only to gaze at the other person seated at the table. "Wait. Are you guys, twins?"
"External. V's not much of a talker." V's hazel eyes remained on Motohama, who only gazed away to clear his throat.
"Why not sign?" The woman in the bun gazed at the two at the table.
"Not interested." The white hair teen answered.
"Kuoh in help. Your voice matters."
"I prefer silence."
"V?" V only gazed at her with a blank gaze. Her eyes never wavering. "Fine." She passed Motohama's clipboard back.
"Thank you." Motohama bows at everyone at the table.
"No. Thank you." The woman in a bun purred.
Motohama takes his leave.
----
"Thank you. Mister." A little boy looks up to Hotshot, climbing down a tree.
"Don't know. How did that thing get up there? But remember, I'm here to help." Hotshot passes the boy his skateboard.
"Well. Uh. Someone's being mean to my friend. How do I help him?"
"Well." Hotshot takes a knee and smiles. "Well, if that was me, I would deck them in their mouth." He pats the kid's shoulder. "But don't go punching everyone, OK?"
The kid only nodded his head with an open mouth while Hotshot stood to his feet.
Taking his leave. Hotshot phone rings, and he answers.
"Yello?"
"We have another down the road where you're from." Amelia's voice entered his ears.
"You're watching me?" Hotshot looks around the park.
"No. You mongrel. There's a tracker on your phone."
"When the hell did I get a tracker on my phone?!"
"Had a little help. Now, get moving." Hotshot exits the park. "It's down one block. There's a corner store called. Quick Mart. The owner is in distress. Currently." Hotshot bolts down the road, gaining eyes.
He continued down the narrow street only to slow to a stop.
"Ack!" The owner was kicked onto the asphalt.
"You think you can get away without paying us?" A young thug towered the owner.
Behind them, Quick Mart was littered with newspapers and trash that spilled from the recycle bin and cans.
"You think you can get away with it? Hit will hear about this." The owner crawls away from the young thug, who follows with a stare that could halt a tiger.
"He ain't here, ain't he?"
"Hey!" Hotshot exited from the crowd with his pointed jaw. "You like beating on someone?"
The young thug gazed at the vigilante with his hands in his pockets and a cocked head.
"And? Who the hell are you? Beat it. Before you taste concrete."
"I taste a lot, actually." Hotshot cracks his knuckles before rolling his neck. "That's why I'm not scared. By a pussy like you."
The young thug chuckled.
"You got balls." He pulled his hands out of his pockets before clenching them. "Let's see if you have any."
The young thug rushed Hotshot. He threw punches. Hotshot moves his head and ducks, spinning on his heels, giving a rolling uppercut to the thug's gut.
Hotshot delivered a flying knee, causing the thug to fly. The young thug quickly recovered.
"Lucky shot." The thug smirks.
"Don't know. I'm still rusty, but I'm still folding your ass." Hotshot smirks, only for someone to hold Hotshot arms above his head.
The young thug took the opportunity to deliver three nasty blows to Hotshot before he kicked him away.
Hotshot headbutts the opportunist, which holds him before the vigilante escapes. Delivering a backspin fist across his cheek.
The second thug stumbled while Hotshot got a better view of the situation.
Three thugs surround him. The young. The Brute. Another member.
"Piss yourself?" The young thug grins while the three circle him like sharks.
"Huh, would you like to send more? I can wait." Hotshot eyed the brute that towered him.
The young rushes once more. Hotshot weaves and blocks, clocking the thug across his face. Stunning him.
Hotshots grabs the back of their blazer jacket before hurling him across the aphalt.
Hotshot takes a hit, stumbling before countering the member with an elbow. The vigilante's head came rushing, crashing into the member's nose.
The member hits the ground.
Hotshot spins from a fist, causing the wind to whistle in his ear. The brute threw fast yet deadly strikes.
Hotshot ducks throwing two punches to his gut. Unfazing the giant. He steps back from the Brute hook, and the brute throws another while Hotshot spins on his heels, landing a heavy hook to brute hip, causing him to wince.
"One. Two." Hotshot threw left and right into the brute face, dodging a punch from the beast. "Three." He lands another hip shot. "Four." Hotshot cocks his right arm before delivering a hook across the brute jaw, knocking him on his rear.
"Lookout!" A person in the crowd shouts.
Hotshot snaps at his blind spot only to block a slash across his forearm. Blood is spilled.
The young thug slashes Hotshot arms with his pocketknife, staining his blade. Hotshot cut off his barrage by getting up in his face and unleashing a headbutt across the young thug's nose.
Hotshot grabs his arm, which is armed.
"Ah!" Hotshot dislocates the young thug's arm with his shoulder before letting go. He spins on his heels, unleashing a spinning heel across the thug's jaw.
The thug spins, hitting the ground while Hotshot pants.
He gazed at the down-groaning thugs while he collected his breath.
The vigilante eyed the surprised crowd and noticed a few of them recording.
"This is my town! Hotshots!" Hotshot gazed into the camera. "If someone's down for an ass-kicking. I'm your guy."
He paced to the owner before opening his hand to take.
"Your arms." The owner's voice shakes, eyeing the leaking blood dripping from his blazer sleeves.
"I had worst." Hotshot grins, presenting his strong chin.
---
K paced the neighborhood, eyeing the street lights flickering during the fallen sun.
He came to his house and saw a white car in front of it.
K sighs.
"I'm home." K voiced in a gruff.
"You're finally going to show up." Miko stood in the hall in front of the kitchen. "Come here."
K paced towards her, eyeing her tense stare. He entered the kitchen to see Asia seated on the table.
K takes a seat.
"So. What gave you the right to yell at me?" Miko cocks her head while staring through her glasses.
"Sorry." K places a hand on the table, avoiding Asia's stare.
Miko gazed at K's face, staring off into the distance. She takes a seat.
"Mmhmm. Why? Are you inviting everyone here? Like you owned the house. Without coming to me first."
"I want to help with the bills."
"I need you to save it for you."
"Why?" K cocks his head at her. "I have a job."
"And I have you. And that's enough."
"That's. Never. Enough." K taps his finger on the table. "You tell me I'm alone. I should open up, but I see you slaving away, knowing I can help."
"Like I said. I don't need your money. Use it on clothes. Jewelry. Buy this girl something nice." Asia blushed, avoiding their eyes. "I don't care what you do with it, but you're not paying the bills."
"Fine. What about food? Furniture? Maybe a vacation?"
"I'm fine with it." Miko voiced, eyeing K, who finally looked at her. "Now. Inviting people over. You bring anyone here. First. The maids. Second Koneko." Miko's glare deepens. "A monster." K looks away. "You are out of your damn mind! Keeping her here!" She raised her voice. "I have feelings."
K grasps her hand only for her to pull from him.
"I told you. What happened here, and yet you discard it." Her firm gaze remained on K. "All for your revenge or Vilgilente's ego."
"That's not what happened."
"Keep your mouth shut. I'm tired of you disrespecting me." Miko looks to Asia. "I brought her here because she wants to stay. Why?"
"You know." K gazed firmly back at Miko. "Mom. You know Asia is the only person I don't want in this house. She doesn't need to be part of my drama."
"Raa! You dummy!" Asia shouts, clenching her fists. "I'm already part of it! Don't throw me away!"
"Asia. Look at me." K gazed deep into her green eyes. "I'm a murderer. Even when it's terrible, people. I'm a dick to you and others. And the path I'm going on will get more dangerous."
"I want to stay! Not for you! Not for Rias, but for me! I'm tired of how everyone tells me what's best for me." Asia grasps her heart. "You may be mean, but it's only a mask. You are changing, and I want to be there." She croaks. "When you stop calling yourself a monster."
Asia bites her lip while tears pour from her eyes.
"You, my hero. I want to stand by your side and face all odds. Even if it's my last breath. So, please! Let me stay!" She bows only for her head to hit the table. "Agh! Ow! Ow!"
K and Miko laughed while Asia only sank into her chair.
"Crap. I hate this, but I can't stop it." K watered eyes gazed at Asia. "Welcome to Akihito's."
Asia gave a small smile while nodding.
"I won't let you down."
...
K entered his room with a sigh. He takes off his shirt only to hear a door open. Revealing Mittlet in her cotton dress.
"You think you're going to sleep?" Mittlet crossed her arms.
"I would. Like." K answered back before sighing. "Come in. Lock the door behind you."
"Say less." Mittlet does so.