The alleyway was quiet as Johnson walked home with his sister. The sun was dipping low, painting the walls orange. Johnson's stomach growled loudly, breaking the silence.
"Ah, I'm hungry again," he muttered, his expression tired.
Rose glanced at him and smirked. "You sure do eat a lot. Maybe too much. Where's all the food even going?" She poked at his flat stomach with a teasing grin.
Johnson gave a weak laugh. "Well, compared to a psychic like you, I'm definitely inferior. You're way stronger than me, sis."
Rose laughed brightly. "Hahaha, now you're just being too modest."
Before Johnson could respond, a mocking voice cut through the alley.
"Tch. Hey, you roach and bitch. Apologize to Master Brock."
Two boys stepped out from the shadows. At the front stood Peller, his sneer twisted with arrogance.
Johnson's eyes narrowed, his irritation bubbling up. "Who are you calling a bitch?"
Rose placed a calming hand on his arm, her smile widening into something sharp. "Leave it to me." She stepped forward, chuckling. "Hey boys, I dare you to get through me if you want him."
Brock stepped out behind Peller, his thick frame radiating confidence. "Don't underestimate me!" he roared, his skin hardening like stone as he charged straight at her with a heavy punch.
Rose yawned, sidestepping his attack with effortless grace. Her fist shot forward, slamming into his face and sending him flying.
"What the hell…?" Brock grunted mid-air, forcing his body to harden completely like a massive boulder. He twisted himself just in time, letting his armored back absorb the crash as he skidded across the ground. His eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible. Nobody has ever hurt my hardening ability."
He forced his fists to harden further, the rock-like surface glowing faintly with strain. With a furious roar, he charged again and swung at Rose.
This time, she stood still, meeting his strike head-on. The crack of impact rang through the alley. Brock froze, his eyes wide. Pain shot up his arm.
His hardened knuckles split apart with a sickening crack. "Ahhh! You… bitch!"
"Boss!" Peller cried, rushing to his side. He shot Johnson a venomous glare, his words stumbling out in anger. "How dare you, John! You're nothing but manipulative, hiding behind your sister like a coward! I'll kill you!"
"Wait! Stop!" Brock shouted, trying to warn him.
But Peller had already lunged toward Johnson.
Rose sighed, almost disappointed. In a blur, she blocked Peller's futile strike, her other hand flaring with energy. A blast erupted, sending both Brock and Peller crashing into the side of the road. They slumped, unconscious.
Johnson watched them lying motionless and frowned. "Don't you think you went too far, though?" He turned to his sister.
Rose only smiled at him, her eyes softening. "I would do anything for you, John. Even kill for you."
Johnson chuckled nervously, patting her head. "Nah, you shouldn't kill for me. But still… I'm grateful. You did well."
"Don't sweat it," she said sweetly, slipping her hand into his. "Big brother."
Johnson raised a brow at her sudden clinginess. "What is it, that time of the month? Damn, it came early this time."
Rose's cheeks puffed as she pouted, then punched his chest playfully. "No, idiot. I just want to sleep."
He grinned and crouched down, letting her climb onto his back. "Alright, hop on. You're gonna hang on tight, right?"
Rose rested against him, her voice trailing into drowsiness. "Wait, you're not gonna…" Her words melted into a half-coherent murmur as sleep tugged at her.
Johnson adjusted his hold, then suddenly broke into a run. His speed kicked in, the world blurring past them. Rose's startled scream echoed through the alley, then faded into laughter as the light dimmed on their way home.