Rin trailed behind Shoko as they approached the school gates. Her hand rubbing the back of her head and eyes studying the ground. Her face carried a quiet unease. Shoko marched forward, hands in pockets and expression unreadable. The air buzzed with chatter as they finally walked past the gates. Shoko paused for a moment, his gaze dancing around the students who lingered outside the main entrance.
The school was enormous in size. Soaring six stories high and sprawling wide like a fortress. Rin noticed Shoko's sudden stop as she raised her head.
"This …is it, Valleycrest Academy"
She murmured. He didn't look at her. Just kept walking. She sighed and followed. They arrived at the towering staircase that plunged into the main entrance of the building. As they walked, many eyes silently watched from a distance.
The moment they stepped inside, heads turned. It was as if Shoko and Rin pierced the thick atmosphere with every step. Loud voices turned into silent whispers as the clicks of their heels echoed in the halls. Rin wasn't bothered by the stares, she was too lost in thought to ever glance at them. They had stepped into a cage of eyes. Distant yet ever looming.
"No way..."
"Is he..... one of them?"
"... with her…?"
"….He's kinda cute…."
"He's the one who—"
Shoko's cold amber gaze stroke one of the students briefly cutting off their words and sending a chill down their spine. Everyone took notice and the halls went completely silent. They couldn't tell what it was, but there was a silent strength around Shoko, eerie in nature. In other words, some may say his presence was otherworldly and demanded complete acknowledgement. His dark demeanour and contrasting amber eyes shook them all. Fear? Hate? Disdain? They couldn't make it out. But the truth was definite, the boy walking before them was not like anybody else.
"Tsk"
Shoko let out as they pressed on.
Rin's head snapped to Shoko. Shoko's slight reaction caught her off guard. That had been the only thing he said all morning. Her mind run in circles wondering what was going on in his head. She felt the need to speak out. She gathered the courage and turned to him once more, mouth open and ready to utter her next words. Then the thought of coming off as annoying held her back. Her eyes went back to the ground and her mouth sealed shut. The other students watched in loud silence. Rin's bright eyes finally took a notice to them. With every glance they slowly carried on with their business, their faces stained with quiet shock.
"There you are!"
A feminine voice called from behind. Rin quickly turned while Shoko just froze, his eyes set ahead. There came a girl fitted in uniform, she had smooth brown skin and her lustrous brown curly hair bounced with every step. She joyfully approached Rin, hands wrapped around a tablet on her chest and dark brown eyes searching Rin's face. She wore two small silver earrings on both sides and large framed glasses.
Rins eyebrows arched and her lips curled into a practiced smile.
"Oooh… So this is the infamous statue boy?"
The girl said, tilting her head with a smirk.
"Aria, don't"
Rin warned, a smile tugging at her lips.
"What? Look at him –"
Aria said as she walked around him.
"Like he was carved out of storm clouds. I'm dying to find out what makes him tick"
She added.
"Aria…" Rin sighed.
"Whoa, someone's defensive."
Aria playfully added as she leaned back feigning shock.
"Not another word "
Rin responded as her cheeks turned pink.
"Relax, im kidding!"
Aria replied, letting out a short giggle. Her eyes flicked between them as her face buzzed with curiosity.
"Besides, statues aren't my type. Too quiet. I like the ones who come with ...fire. you know?"
"Shoko this is my best friend Aria"
Rin said quickly. She shot a look at Aria.
"And don't mind her, her mouth is as big as they come."
"Excuse me? "
Aria gasped.
Rin completely ignored Aria and with a warm smile she stepped in front of Shoko.
" Turn left up ahead, you should see student services."
" Tell them I sent you. That will settle everything."
Shoko didn't speak. His hair covered his eyes as he walked towards her. Rins pulse raced, Her gaze darted anywhere but his face. For a breathless second, she thought he might brush against her. And then she stepped aside. Shoko continued plunging forward. In disbelief her eyes dwelled on Shoko as he walked away. So many thoughts went through her mind. She couldn't make sense of what just happened. Eyes around tried to sneak in a few glances but not entirely. As if something were holding them back. A warm whisper went across her ears.
"What's up with that?"
Aria said as she leaned in to Rin's ears.
Rin's face turned red as she stepped away and faced her.
"No-nothing"
Rin responded as she fixed herself.
"Alright, fine. But you still owe the tea"
Aria replied then she pulled Rin's hand the other way.
"Girl, I have so much to tell you. Starting with..."
Then she stopped herself, looking around before speaking into Rin's ear.
Aria and Rin walked away together as Shoko went towards the Student Services.
Shoko stood before the student services counter. Behind it sat a man well over his thirties. He had dark short hair and a pen resting on his ear. He looked up to Shoko and for a brief moment his eyes stretched wide before quickly turning to his computer. He typed something briefly and then he picked up a bottle of water and drunk it all in one go. Shoko just stared at him before closing his eyes.
"So-sorry about that, hehe. Are you new here or—"
"What he means to say"
A woman interrupted him as she stood by the man, resting her hand on his shoulder.
"Is welcome to Valleycrest academy. The Number One University in Riverton."
She continued.
"Clearly his new." She said as she turned to the man, her expression changing to frustration.
"As you can see he is in our uniform" She said under her voice as she nodded to the back of the room.
The man shakingly hurried to the back. The woman then took his seat.
"Interns. Am I right?"
"Anyways, Mr Kaoji. I just need you to fill in a few papers." She said as she begun to type on the computer. The printer started to screech in the background.
"Can't seem to find you're application. Have—have you already decided what you will be studying"
She asked.
Shoko just let his hair shield his eyes once again.
"Huh? Did you even send out an application?"
She asked again this time facing him as he just stood their frozen.
"Excuse me?"
"Hello?"
"Is everything alright?"
She persisted.
"Argh, it's like I'm talking to a brick wall." She thought to herself. She forced a polite smile, But a bulging vein at her temple betrayed her irritation. She took a deep breath and laid her arms on the desk.
"Listen. There is –"
"Rin"
He interrupted.
"Huh?"
The woman asked.
Shoko's hands turned to fists but his voice still remained calm.
" Rin… sent me."
The woman lost composure for a brief moment. Shoko's voice stoke her like a blizzard.
"Oh— is that right?"
She let out as she turned to her computer rubbing the Goosebumps on her skin.
"I see. That's why I couldn't find you on the applicants. Miss Hartwell already completed all the formalities"
She stood up. Then searched a box for his student ID. She found it and reached to hand it over.
"Your schedule is already uploaded. just log in with your student ID."
Shoko reached for it and grabbed it. But as he pulled back he felt some resistance from the woman. Still holding on Shoko looked at her in the eyes.
"Oh! Forgive me"
She said as she let go. She awkwardly looked away and fixed her sleeves.
Shoko continued to stare at her. His eyes slightly squinting, his head almost tilting to the side. The woman glanced at him for a brief moment and smiled. She took her seat avoiding eye contact. Shoko then slowly stepped away. He logged in and made his way to class.
Students seemed to clear way for him until he finally reached his first class.
The class had tables and chairs all around, a whiteboard in the front and large framed windows only on the right side of the room. The class was already packed with different groups of students. Voices of laughter, gossip and chatter filled the air as Shoko simply took an empty seat on left. Distancing himself from the chatter.
He took a deep breath as he rested his head on his fist. He closed his eyes. BANG! Shoko eyes opened slow and steady despite the sudden disruption. Someone slammed a chair in front of him and dropped into it backwards.
"Hey there Man!"
He exclaimed.
He looked about the same age as Shoko. His bright orange hair spiked messily to the right, shaved shorter on the sides. He crossed his arms on the back of the chair and Shoko's eyes immediately took notice to them. From hand to elbow, the young man's hands were laced in worn out bandages. His jacket's sleeves where rolled back, so the white bandages stood out like a sore thumb.
His fingers remained exposed though they appeared bruised and battered, Stained with red and purple. Shoko's breezy amber eyes rose to the young man's Hazel gaze that burnt with relentless energy. Between them it was fire and ice.
"It must be my lucky day."
"The guy everybody is talking about. Is bunked up with me."
Johnny grinned bubbly.
"Names Johnny Blaze. What's yours?"
He said as he extended his arm. Shoko eyes didn't flicker away from Johnny's face.
"That's cold. But anyways"
Johnny reacted as he leaned forward excitedly.
"I hear you came with Rin today."
Johnny's grin widened.
"First time she's come with a guy that's not me."
Shoko closed his eyes as Johnny continued on. Then the table Rattled back and he opened his eyes again. He raised his head and sat up straight. Johnny had rocked his chair on to the table.
"Hey c'mon man. Are you listening?"
Johnny said, waving his hand by Shoko's face.
"As I was saying. I've been crushing on Rin for a while now."
"And I'm really starting to feel the progress."
"So if you're thinking of trying something. Not saying i blame you but—"
Johnny paused, crackling a knuckle.
"You should stop right there. She's already taken, got it?"
Shoko eyebrows lowered in utter boredom.
"Bro!—why so dense?"
"I guess Rin wouldn't really fall for a guy like you anyway."
" Sooo, how about you help me out here!"
Johnny slammed his hands into Shoko's table silencing the chatter around him. Shoko didn't flinch. Johnny was loud and buzzing like a spark looking for fuel. But Shoko had no intentions of being that fuel.
"You seem pretty close. I could need an inside job"
Johnny said as he buzzed with excitement.
"Mr Blaze!"
A loud mature voice called out from the front. Johnny shook almost falling before finding his balance. The whole class was seated orderly only Johnny was out of place.
"Take your seat! My class is about to begin"
The teacher said, looking over from the front desk.
The rest of the class started to giggle at Johnny's reaction. Johnny turned to his desk in front of Shoko.
"Really mature guys"
He murmured to himself.
Then he turned back slightly.
"Hey we aren't done here. You got that?"
Shoko rolled his eyes to the window and rested his face in his palm. A frustrated growl escaped Johnny's throat as he faced forward.
"It's unlike Vallycrest Academy to accept new students around this time of the year."
The teacher continued.
"Especially considering our reputation."
The teacher grabbed a marker and took off the cap.
"I look forward to seeing what impact you will have on this school."
The teacher said as his eyes turned to Shoko. Then he turned to the whiteboard. Raised his arm ready to write. But a thought choked his throat. He sighed and turned back to the class.
"I know you guys I've been hearing the rumours. Not saying they are true but"
"Just be careful, Okay."
The teacher spoke out. His face burdened with worry before turning to the board. He stole a glance at Shoko then started his lecture.
Shoko couldn't care less about what the teacher had just said. And had no interest in what he was teaching. He simply looked out the window for the majority of the lecture. The class was silent, only the sound of pages flipping and keyboard clicks buzzed in the air. From time to time Johnny looked at Shoko, trying to steal a reaction but ultimately it ended in failure.
An hour had passed. Shoko still looked to the window. Then he caught a glimpse of a dark figure outside. His eyes narrowed then like a bullet his hands slammed into the table, leveraging him to his feet. For the first time Shoko's face reflected Shock painted with hints of anger. His eyes opened wide. His gut tighten and he bit his teeth.
"Excuse me!"
The teacher exclaimed at Shoko.
The figure simply vanished. Shoko's head went spinning. He knew the person that stood outside the window all too well. That soft stance. Hands pressed to chest. Forced smile. "That's—" Shoko thought to himself.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
The teacher questioned, His voice filled with anger.
Johnny was completely puzzled, startled even. He looked at Shoko in awe. Whispers cut through the air as Shoko slowly sat down. A shadow cast on his face. The teacher placed his fingers on the table and questioned Shoko again.
"What's your name?"
Shoko bared no reaction.
"Didn't you hear me?"
"I asked for your name!"
Shoko didn't react again. The teacher was now fuming with rage under his skin. He looked like a volcano ready to erupt. Johnny turned back.
"C'mon man, just tell him your name. His going to give us hell."
Shoko completely ignored him and the entire class at large. His thoughts right now were fixated on what he just saw. His hands now knotted in fists. The teacher stood up straight, his eyes glued to Shoko. Most students in the class started to quiver in fear for Shoko.
"Oh no. Now he's done it."
A student whispered as the teacher marched towards Shoko. Johnny noticing the escalation beckoned Shoko again.
"Listen dude, I don't know what your deal is but you— "
"Quiet down!"
The teacher interrupted as he stood beside Shoko. The whole class now dead silent.
"You're ID"
The teacher demanded gesturing at Shoko. The rest of the students could feel the tension in room. None would dare be in Shoko's position Right now.
There was complete silence for a solid minute and the teacher did not stop gesturing for Shoko's ID.
"Hey teach, I have a question on 9A"
Johnny let out in desperation.
"Not now johnny"
The teacher dismissed.
" I'm going to ask for the last time. Give—"
Shoko placed the ID on the table.
"hmph"
The teacher let out as he picked up the ID.
"Shoko Kaoji."
Johnny smirked. "Is that right" he thought to himself.
The teacher walked back to his desk with his ID.
"You not only interrupted my class, but disrespected me"
The teacher now at his desk turned back to Shoko. His jaw weighing his next words.
"Since it's your first day. I'll give you a chance to apologize after the class."
"And if you don't then—"
SQREECH. Shoko's stood up from his chair. Mouths opened and eyes bulged out. No one could believe what they were seeing.
"Dude!"
Johnny exclaimed under his voice.
Shoko's head slowly rose. His eyes striking the teacher. His expression filled with disgust. A loud gasp echoed in the silent classroom. The teacher burst in fury.
"You better—"
The door shut behind Shoko. Cutting the teacher off. And the class was left Speech less.
Hands in pockets and drenched in frustration Shoko Stormed through the halls.
"This can't be happening. He looked just like him!"
He thought to himself. His heart aching as he felt something heavy pushing against his chest. No one dared to come in his way. The students forced themselves to act natural as he stormed through. Where ever Shoko stepped a cold unease followed. He looked so oddly disturbed. Some felt the need to talk to him but his aura visibly rejected that notion.
"And outside the window. That was."
His thought was cut off as someone bumped into him. Shoko stepped back slightly. He felt like he had hit into solid concrete. The left side of his chest now aching. He immediately held the hand of the person who bumped into him. Stopping them in their tracks. Shoko's grip was tight, and veins traced his arm.
It was a boy with short dark messy hair. He looked slightly pale and the white part of his eyes were darker than usual. Shoko raised his hands with a firm grip and noticed feint black veins on the boy's wrist.
Shoko's Eyes narrowed as the boy trembled.
"Urgh! Im sorry… im sorry… I didn't mean to. I was just—"
Then tears started dropping from his eyes.
Shoko was baffled, tilting his head to the side.
The surrounding students quietly created an audience.
The boy looked around and pulled his hand away from Shoko with ease. Shoko bit his teeth in disbelief.
"I—have to go, or else"
He turned away.
Shoko watched him. The boy walked away talking to himself. Smacking his head from time to time and bumping into other people. The audience slowly broke into chatter as they dispersed.
Shoko's chest raised and lowered as he tried to grasp the situation. His ears then caught something.
"Do you think he's part of them?"
"Absolutely. Did you see his eyes?"
"I know. The veins sealed the deal."
"So then it's true?"
"I wouldn't say for sure. I mean that guy has always been weird."
"Crap! That new guy is looking over here"
"Hurry! Let's go"
Shoko was even more puzzled now. He held the left side of his chest. Easing the ache. He started replaying the scene over and over again. As he marched on. This time Slow and steady. He tuned out the voices around him and focused on his own.
"What's with this place?"
He asked.
"The people here are so strange."
"The intern. That woman. That guy in class."
Shoko turned to another hall.
"The teacher. That kid."
"Why are people so obsessed with me?"
He turned to another hall.
"What's it going to take to be just left alone?"
He sighed.
"That guy. I held his hand tight but he slipped away like butter."
"And Those Rumours. Do you think his part of them?"
Shoko's pace slowed down even more.
"I heard something similar earlier today."
He turned to another hall.
"What could it all mean?"
The air turned cold. Then he stopped walking. His brows straightened. His eyes narrowed. A vein popped out of his skull as anger knocked in his head.
"And you. Even now you haunt me."
He thought to himself. Before him stood his deceased Mother as clear as day. She seemed to separate the students passing by like a rock in a river. Dressed in her usual violent dress. Patterned in flowing blossoms. Her hands were pressed against her chest and she wore a warm smile. Her mouth let out the last words Shoko heard from her.
"I— love you"
His chest burned and his face twisted.
"You wretched Parasite!"
Shoko exclaimed.
"Sho—Shoko?"
A feint cracked voice called and the image of his mother disappeared. Rin stood there in place of the image and a warm breeze went through the halls. Her eyes flicked as she searched Shoko's face. Shoko's face trembled in disbelief, he wanted to clear the air. But right as he was about to talk. His breath eased and his expression turned cold. His hands quietly slid into his pockets.
Rin's sparkling rose eyes dimmed as her gaze lowered. With a piercing pain in her gut and a warm discomfort in her chest, she turned away and walked into a hall on her right.
The students around forced themselves to pretend like nothing was happening and carried on with what there were up to. Shoko walked out of the building and went to sit on a bench in the courtyard.
There were only a countable number of students there and the noise was minimal. Finally he found a quiet place.
"I'm I going crazy?"
He asked himself.
"Come to think of it. Back then."
He recalled the scene of the accident and how he felt a cold hand hold his leg.
"I'm I seeing ghosts?"
"If I am. What do they want with me?"
He thought to himself as he studied the giant tree that stood in the middle of the courtyard. Its trunk towered up into the sky. Its shielding crown almost touching part of the School building. It was filled with mostly red-orange leaves with bits of green. The Tree's braches swayed in the absence of wind. Peaking Shoko's interest.
"That's odd"
He thought as he approached the Tree. His eyes traced all parts of it. The branches and leaves followed as if a gust of wind had been passing by. Few leaves dropped from the tree. Gently touching the ground. Shoko's eyes turned to the ground. The shadow of the tree stood completely still betraying the swaying leaves. Shoko was puzzled, curiosity running on his face. The world suddenly felt still.
He noticed the pedestal in front of the tree and walked towards it. His feet falling on fresh leaves. The pedestal Read.
"Vanderlin Tree – 1892. This tree was planted by one of Riverton's four fathers and founder of Valleycrest Academy. Victor Vanderlin. This tree Stands here as he testament to his core ideals for society. DICIPLINE, TRADITION and EXCELLENCE for human Evolution."
"Vanderlin Tree?"
Shoko hands slid into his pockets. Then He felt heavy eyes weigh on his shoulder. He looked up to meet Rin staring at him from behind the glass window. her lips curled into a rehearsed smile and she waved slowly. Her demeanour soulless.
"Just what kind of hell have you dragged me into?"
Shoko thought to himself. Their eyes were locked for a quiet minute then he turned and gave her his back. Rin's face drowned in sorrow as she hesitantly turned away from the window.
"Rin Hartwell."
Shoko said to himself as he clenched his fists.
Johnny stood in the far back of the courtyard. His hazel eyes looked up to Rin then fell on Shoko. His chest tightened and he grinded his teeth.
"That ASSHOLE!"
Johnny exclaimed in his mind. Shoko could feel thunderous footsteps Approaching but he didn't react.
Rin made her way down the narrow hall. The few students in it, were quite distinct. Their uniform neatly tucked and every step demanding acknowledgment. Despite having less people, it felt more contained than the others.
"Shoko?"
Rin said to herself. Lost in thought.
She then walked into a small room where she found Aria patiently seated across a table.
"Rin. Is everything alright?"
Aria asked at once.
Rin pressed her lips together, shutting the door behind her.
"Rin?"
Aria asked again.
"Im— Alright"
She smiled faintly and took a seat beside Aria.
The table was cluttered with stationary, orange light spilling from the tall windows. Behind them, a chalk board covered with drafts.
"You wanted to tell me something right?"
Rin asked.
"Not something. SomeTHINGS!"
Aria grinned, voice buzzing with excitement.
"Oh?What has you this excited"
Rin giggled.
"You'll see. I'm already keeping a journal."
Aria leaned back.
"But first, the boring stuff."
"Alright."
Rin agreed.
Aria flipped through one of the files.
"So apparently, somebody stole drugs from the medical centre"
Rin just sat there silent, brushing her fingers against the pendant she got from shoko.
"And apparently a boy disrupted a class and disrespected his teacher."
Aria feigned shock. She leaned in.
"The boy's name is Shoko Kaoji"
Rin's head snapped to towards her. Hands tightening on the pendent.
"What!?"
"Really Rin?"
Aria giggled behind the papers.
"Is it really shocking?"
"Well—"
Rin faltered, unwilling to admit it. Her eyes fell to the pendant instead.
"I've known you for like forever. I've never seen you this wrapped up over someone."
Aria's smile softened.
"What's bothering you?"
Silence pressed the room.
"No. It's fine."
"Please continue."
Rin Gestured towards the papers.
"This is not important right now."
Aria's brown eyes shimmered in the orange light, radiating warmth like a fleece in the cold.
"On the train ride here."
Aria leaned in closer. Her face flowing with curiosity.
"There was an incident. A man took the seat I offered to an elderly woman."
"He was vulgar. And I felt powerless. But—With Shoko there. I don't know. I felt—"
"Safe."
"Like I could challenge the world's bitterness."
"But when I did."
She winced, hand at the back of her head.
"I paid the price for my foolishness."
"Rin."
Aria let out worriedly.
"I turned to Shoko. Part of me was waiting for him to—"
She paused. Both Hands wrapping around the pendant.
"But he did nothing. He just stared at him."
"The woman had to stand the rest of the ride."
"That's horrible"
Aria Breathed. Pain coursing through her chest.
"I carried her things. But still. I should have been able to do something. "
Rin's hands tightened as if trying to crush the pendant.
"You did do something Rin."
"You stood up for what you thought was right, Even if you were alone"
Aria responded as she sat up straight.
"You think so? But why am I so quick to turn to others for help?"
"Why can't I stand alone?"
"You can and you have."
Aria replied firmly.
"But there is only so much we can do alone. That's why we need each other. Even Shoko."
Shock flickered across Rin's Face.
"Whether he likes to admit it or not."
"And if anyone can get through to him. It's you"
"The Rin I know is strong."
"Not with this"
Aria pointed at her hand.
"But with this"
Aria gestured towards her heart.
"I like to say. You'd stare darkness in the face and demand light."
Rin nodded her head in embarrassment.
"But honestly? If I'd been there, I would've shoved my foot in that man's mouth."
Aria rubbed her hands together. Eyes sharply edged and her teeth gleaming in excitement.
Rin quietly burst into laughter.
"That's so like you Aria."
They laughed together softening the air. Deep down Rin Envied Aria's bold persona. Though she chose not to admit. Her thoughts turned back to Shoko.
"You know."
Rin continued.
"I followed for a while, I was worried."
"Really? I had no Idea?"
Aria sarcastically responded.
Rin Smiled, Clearly Amused.
"He seemed so disturbed. It broke my heart to see him like that."
Rins eyes narrowed.
"And it's not like him either. He looked me dead in the eyes and called me a parasite."
"Excuse me! He did what?"
Aria shot up, fire burning in her eyes.
"No— He wasn't talking to me. I think"
Rin diffused.
"Explain."
Aria crossed her arms. Her mouth filled with a bitter taste.
"There was a cold chill in the air. And I—"
"I saw him looking at a Woman."
Rin begun as she laid her hands on her laps.
"A woman?"
Aria titled her head.
"A teacher?"
"No. she—"
Rin swallowed.
"C'mon Rin. The suspense is killing me."
Aria's Gut wretched.
"I think my eyes were playing tricks. Because"
"She had two faces."
"WHAT!!"
Aria exclaimed as her hands rocked the table, rattling the folders and pens.
"Two faces! RIN?"
"I know know"
Rin quickly dismissed.
"I must have been seeing things."
"Tell me more"
Aria insisted. Her face burning with intrigue. Her voice almost demanding.
"The face on the back of her head was crooked. "
Rin could hear her heart beat pound in her ears. Goosebumps popped out of her skin. A long cold Shiver went down her spine as she reminisced. Her hands shook slightly.
"A long silver tongue slivered on its face."
"And its eyes curled into crescents."
Rin concluded.
"Then what Happened!"
Aria launched to her feet, hands on the table.
"I— I held Shoko's pendant tight and blinked."
"The woman Disappeared. Shoko looked at me and said"
"'you wretched parasite'"
"OH MY!"
Aria reacted as she held her head.
"At the time I didn't know what to think. But hearing those words from him were like a bullet to the chest."
SLAAAMMMM. The door opened. A boy in crisp uniform burst in. Horror etched across his face. Aria and Rin jumped to their feet.
"Hartwell!"
He gasped.
"It's…Oswrld!"
In the courtyard. Johnny walked up to Shoko who begun to walk away from him.
"Hey!"
Johnny held Shoko's hand and pulled him back.
"WHATS YOU'RE DEAL!"
Shoko's eyes like a predator ready to strike locked on to johnny. Shoko held the wrist that Johnny had grabbed. But his eyes didn't frail from him.
"You think you own the place?!"
"What? like some kind of prince?!."
"Like people are rodents?!"
Shoko closed his eyes and was about to turn away.
Then Johnny held him by the collar and pulled him in.
Shoko was completely caught off guard. No one dared to touch him ever. Not even his own father. His face tensed up.
"You listen to me. Shoko."
"I've seen the way you treat Rin."
"I don't care who you are, if you hurt Rin then you've messed with—"
Johnny breath cut through the air, Droplets of saliva bursting out of his mouth. As he staggered back a few steps holding his gut. Shoko had landed a clean blow. One horned and Decisive.
Johnny's eyes looked up to Shoko. And he smiled still holding on to his gut.
Shoko looked down on him dusting off his uniform.
"Now…. we're talking."
Johnny 's words faught against his throat.
"The only rodent here."
Shoko's voice went low, his hands sliding into his pockets.
"Is you."
Johnny wiped his mouth.
"I had a feeling. But now I'm sure."
He said, his voice breathless.
"You broke that kids arm at the dojo."
Shoko's agitated face run with trails of shock.
Johnny stood up straight. One leg laced back, the other forward.
"You're the reason Master Kaido got sued!"
His arms raised. One lower than the other. Palms curved.
"I'm going to make you burn!"
Shoko eyes traced him head to toe. He finally recalled a kid with orange hair training in the same dojo as him. To Shoko He was always loud, irrational and brash. Every one of his moves were foolish and immature. Shoko's body eased up.
"You're not worth my time."
Shoko turned. The Leaves went flying into the air and a kick swung by his ear. He raised his Arm and blocked. The snap of Johnny's kick echoed.
"Impossible. No one should be able to cover that distance—"
Shoko's thought was cut off as Johnny twisted mid-air with inhuman speed, sending another kick straight for Shoko's face.
Shoko quickly raised both arms. His leg came in full force causing Shoko to step back on impact. And with that a sound echoed, like bone to metal. Shoko could feel a slight burn on his arms.
"His legs?"
Shoko thought to himself as he lowered his guard.
Johnny bounced left and right in front of him. Wearing a smug look on his face.
"Try looking down on me now"
He scoffed.
"Tsk"
Shoko let out in frustration.
"Something's different. His not the same worthless kid anymore."
Shoko thought to himself.
"But that doesn't matter"
Shoko raised his arms. One ahead of the other. His palms tightened into fists. He stood almost at his side and said nothing, but his eyes did all the talking.
Johnny looked more joyous than angry. Bouncing left and right with relentless energy. Tension built in the air for a moment. Then like magnets, their bodies curled towards each other.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
A scream tore through the courtyard. Raw, desperate and undeniable. It froze them both.
CHAPTER 4: ECHOES IN THE ASHES.