Patrick Donahue lay in the midst of the bushes, bordering the southern building of Tōdō Academy. Snaking up from his lips, a wisp of smoke traced a fine arc away from the tip of his cigarette towards the midday sky.

Amidst the bustle of students, moving to find a good spot for their lunch, he registered the sound of footsteps approaching him.

Aat Aromdee walked up to the lounging boy; his progress restrained by a half step. Just by his pace, Patrick could tell that the young man was nervous.

"I told you before, I'm not joining your stupid council," Patrick said, raising his voice as he shut his eyes. "People already hate me. You can fuck right off if you think I'm gonna make that worse by telling them what to do."

"I'm not here to ask you to join us," Aat said, finally stopping and looking down at the brown-haired young man. "I've got a job for you."

"And I'm not interested," the Irish boy muttered. Gripping the burnt-down butt of his cigarette, Patrick flicked the filter past the Senior's head.

As the tiny ember-tipped butt shot by Aat's ear, it traced a glowing trail into the air before suddenly exploding violently.

Flinching forwards from the shock of the blast, the Thai boy's eyes opened wide in surprise. "What the...?"

He had heard stories about the supernatural powers of individuals with Red Feather blood. However, he never expected them to be that powerful. With a flick of his wrist Patrick had transformed a piece of trash into a dangerous explosive.

"That was a warning," Patrick continued, sitting up and giving Aat the once over with his eyes. "If you don't get out of here I'll make the next one bigger."

Aat regained his composure and broke into a grin. "Aren't you at least a bit interested to know what my proposal is?"

Picking up a small stone from the ground, Patrick launched it at the Treasurer's head. Dodging sharply to the side, Aat allowed the projectile to shoot over his shoulder before it too detonated with an explosive crack.

Already fleeing from the first explosion, the crowds of students picked up their pace, in their stampede from the courtyard.

"You help us out on this, you get a scholarship to any college of your choice," Aat continued.

The statement piqued Patrick's interest. Stopping short of hurling another stone at the older boy, he raised one eyebrow and listened.

"Fully funded, dorms and catering included. Not to mention glowing recommendations from Tōdō's board of directors." Cocking his head to the side, Aat settled into a relaxed position and looked down at the sitting boy. "You just need to put someone in the hospital for us."

The corner of the Irish boy's mouth plucked up into a smirk. "Is that all?"

"Okay, we're going to need to figure out a way to communicate," Jimmy said, sitting down opposite Jeremy so that the freshman could read his lips. "You might be able to understand me, but I can't have you writing down stuff all the time. Problem is I know shit all about signing..."

"Maybe I can help you out with that?"

Resting her hands on Jimmy's shoulders, a young woman leaned forwards, over the back of the bench on which he sat, and placed her cheek on the top of his head.

Slender and elegant, Ami Matsuda was a tall girl with smooth and defined facial features. Full lips, flushed pink, stood out from her milky pale skin, contrasting with the looping black curls of her hair. Framed by thick mascara, eyes the colour of green tea almost seemed to glow.

"Are you sure being here is wise?" Jimmy asked, shaking his head to stop Ami from leaning on him. "You don't want to be seen hanging around with me, do you?"

"I don't care if I'm seen with you," the pretty girl retorted. "I do what I want, and speak to who I want. And besides, I couldn't bear watching you shout at the poor boy."

Watching her full lips move as she addressed the team Captain, Jeremy broke into a grin.

"So, what, you're telling me you can sign?" Jimmy asked.

"Among other things," Ami replied, stretching her arms out in front of her, as she conversed with the deaf freshman. -Hello. My name is Ami. What's your name?-

Jeremy stood and motioned out a response. -My name is Jeremy. I'm new here.-

-What are you doing, hanging around with Mr Antisocial, anyway?-

-I joined the boxing club. It seems like fun. Plus... He's stronger than he looks. I thought it might be fun to spar against him some time.-

"Yeah, that's fine, just have a conversation without me..." Jimmy muttered, leaning back and folding his arms across his chest.

"He's saying that you're a good guy," Ami said, walking around the bench and standing to the side of Jimmy. "So don't worry. There's nothing bad to be said here."

"Not yet anyway," he said, flicking his eyes to the side.

In the brief lull in conversation, Jeremy took the opportunity to step towards the beautiful young woman. Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, he withdrew a small flower, snatched from one of the bushes dotted around the school.

Jimmy, watching the display, broke into a shocked and dumbfounded expression. Ami blushed ever so slightly, a rose tint spreading across her cheeks. Jeremy broke into a wide grin.

"Thank you," Ami smiled. "That's so swee-"

She stopped short as the blonde boy placed one hand on her breast, and gave it a slight squeeze.

Jimmy's shocked expression morphed into one of horror.

A noticeable vein bulged atop Ami's forehead.

With one monstrous punch, Jeremy was pitched ten feet into the air.

Watching the trio from an upstairs window, overlooking the courtyard, Patrick scratched at the side of his head.

From that distance, the Boxing Team Captain didn't look like much. He was average height and, as far as Patrick could tell, wasn't exceptionally muscular (at least compared to some of the monsters walking around campus).

However, the Irish boy could feel something from him. He wasn't sure of exactly what it was, but what he did know was that Jimmy Owens wasn't to be taken lightly.

Before observing him, Patrick had come to the decision to temper the force of his explosions. He didn't want to do more than send Jimmy to the hospital, as instructed. However, now that he'd had a chance to watch the fourth ranked fighter in the school, he knew that restraining himself wouldn't be possible. The boxer emitted a strange air of intimidation that Patrick knew would be stupid to overlook.

Turning around, he leaned his back against the windowsill and knocked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. Sparking up another cigarette, he stood smoking and watching the clock mounted on the wall of the hallway.

In three hours, the bell would sound to mark the end of the day. That would be his best chance to catch Jimmy off guard.

"What, so he just straight-up grabbed her tits?"

Nick was half chuckling as he leaned back in his chair, to talk to Jimmy over his shoulder. An air of disbelief clung to his features, as they discussed Jeremy's actions.

"Yeah. No warning or anything. Copped a fistfuland, got launched. Never thought I'd see the day where anyone would dare try that with Ami." Jimmy stared off into space as he spoke; eyes unfocused as he recalled the scene.

"Boy's got a set of stones on him," Nick laughed. "Either that or he's got some shit judgment skills."

"Probably both..." Jimmy muttered, half to himself.

"Lucky for you," Nick retorted. "Only a lunatic would try and fight Hajime after what happened last year. Good thing the kid wasn't here then, right?"

Jimmy said nothing.

"You are gonna' tell him?"

Still, the boxer sat in silence, staring at a fixed point on the wall ahead of him.

"Fuck, Jim. Just sign the poor kid's death certificate, why don'cha?"

"He doesn't need to know," Jimmy finally said, spitting out a sharp reply. "What happened doesn't matter. What matters is making sure he's strong enough to fight the rest of the clubs. As far as I'm concerned, Hajime is mine. No one else fights him. Especially not the kid."

Nick let out a relieved breath. "Glad to hear that. But, if you want Jeremy ready to fight the other clubs, it's gonna take some work. I mean ya' saw how fast he is, but somethin' tells me he's gonna need more than speed."

"I'm going to start training him in Reverse Striking tomorrow."

"Jesus, straight into the deep end then."

Jimmy broke into a slight smirk. "Boy's gotta learn to swim sooner rather than later."

"So you're planning on teaching him Ki techniques?" Nick asked, lifting one dark eyebrow.

"Eventually," Jimmy explained. "Once I figure out which Gate he can open."

Nick crossed his fingers and lifted them into the air. "Here's hoping it's something simple. I'm sick of all the freaks running around here; I don't want another one."

"Did you just call me a freak?"

"It's a figure of speech," Nick chuckled, holdinghis hands up submissively.

All of a sudden, Jimmy quickly turned away from Nick and stared hazily at the front of the classroom.

A dark shadow fell upon the pair. Towering over the duo, their teacher's hulking form dominated Nick's vision. Easily standing at over seven feet tall, his ridiculously oversized stature and enormous muscles were further emphasised by his ill-fitting suit.

"I don't remember my lesson being some kind of social event," he growled, eyes glowing with intimidation.

"Sorry, sorry!" Nick laughed, waving one hand in front of his face. "We were just discussing the lesson! Isn't that right, Jim?" He turned towards the boxer and broke into a wide and pleading smile.

Jimmy turned back towards Nick, his chin propped up on his palm, and broke into a confused expression. "Who are you, again?"

Nick's jaw dropped open and horror gripped his features. YOU TRAITOR!

"Sorry sir," Jimmy continued, turning his attention up at the teacher. "I don't know what his deal is. He just started talking; I didn't even know it was directed at me. Truth told, I didn't think he would shut up."

A huge ham-hock of a hand fell upon Nick's shoulder.

"So, bothering one of our star athletes are we, Mr Slater?" the instructor asked.

"Who, me?" Nick forced a smile. "Of course not! No one respects them more than me! Treasures I say! I mean, what are you if you're not an athlete? No one, that's who! Strong body, strong mind and all that!" A nervous laugh escaped his mouth.

"I'm so glad you agree," the teacher said, with a threatening smile. "I take it this means you're up for a little exercise, then?"

The blonde boy broke into a perplexed expression.

"Five hundred laps around campus," he continued, with an iron tone. "Starting now."

Panting like a dog, Nick stumbled forwards and continued to plod along just as he passed his four-hundredth lap of the school grounds.

Exiting the main doors, Jimmy's eyes fell on him and he broke into a smirk. Despite being one of his few friends, Nick was an almost constant source of annoyance. Any situation where he was reprimanded was okay as far as Jimmy was concerned.

Returning his attention to the school gate, he stuffed his hands into his pockets. Parting slightly around him, the majority of the crowd steered clear.

All except one.

Ahead of him, walking against the current of bodies, a boy was heading straight for Jimmy.

Lifting one hand, Patrick rolled a bright silver coin between his fingers.

Ami was watching from one of the second floor windows of the school, as a bright explosion seared out through the crowd. Dozens of students were swept off of their feet by the blast, while more still screamed in surprise and horror.

Stood beside her, Aat narrowed his eyes, dark brows lowering over them.

Taking a slight breath as the smoke cleared, Ami laid eyes on Jimmy. His left arm was completely covered in nasty burns, and was hanging limp at his side. The char extended up over his jawline and onto his face, highlighting the swell of the flesh around his eye; bruised and shut from the force of the impact.

"I can't believe you're doing this," Ami said, flicking her eyes away from the sight, and towards Aat.

"I'm not doing anything," the Thai boy replied. "This is Hajime's doing. He's the one who ordered Jimmy to be taken out."

"Like this?" she snapped back.

"It's the most effective way to make sure he gets the message."

"Are you sure it isn't just because you don't want to fight him?" Ami asked, mockingly. "What, were you scared that he was going to beat you?"

Aat ignored her dig. "We didn't want the name of the Executive Council to be tainted."

"So you're admitting what you're doing is wrong?"

A harsh shout erupted from the ground below, followed by another explosion, as Jimmy rushed at Patrick.

"I don't have to listen to you, bitch," Aat replied, harshly. "Hajime keeps you around because you amuse him. Nothing more."

Ami's leg shot up into the air as she swung a kick at the side of Aat's head.

Unfortunately, she wasn't fast enough to catch him off-guard. In a split second, the young man had lifted his right arm and blocked the kick with the crook of his elbow.

Tutting under her breath, Ami turned about herself and began to walk away.

Moving to go after her, Aat reached out with one hand. "Don't think you can just attack me and run awa-!"

Stumbling forwards, he felt his knees give way beneath him. Eyes opening wide in dismay, he choked on his breath and slammed one hand into the ground, as he fell.

What the...?! he thought. This is... Naiko! Delayed internal attacks. The bitch tagged me!

Jimmy jumped to the side as Patrick threw another coin at him.

Spurred on by his sharp footwork, he was far enough away when it exploded that he wasn't caught in the blast radius.

"C'mon man, you can't run forever!" Patrick called after him, continuing to hurl currency. "I don't wanna kill ya'."

"Then what do you want?" Jimmy shouted back, sternly.

"I'd settle for two broken legs," arose the half-hearted response.

Pulling a fistful of quarters out of his pocket, he passed them between his hands. Throwing one at Jimmy's head, he quickly raised his other hand and tossed a second one a split second later, yet with more force.

The two coins collided together midair and shot in two opposite directions.

Both of Jimmy's escape routes were cut off.

Gritting his teeth, the boxer raised his unharmed right arm and rapidly formed a fist. Striking out with extreme force, just as the coin in front of him began to glow, he punched it so hard that it was propelled through the air back towards Patrick.

Flinching back as he saw his projectile returned to him, the Irish boy lifted one hand and caught the coin, an instant before it exploded.

Damn... Jimmy thought. Figured I could redirect his attacks back at him. Strike that plan. He can shut off whatever he's doing to the coins.

He watched as Patrick continued to fling coins at him, all the while dodging the repeated attacks. Steadying his breathing, Jimmy focussed on feeling out the opponent in front of him. Watching and waiting to get a sense of his Ki.

He's channeling his Ki into the coins through physical contact, then igniting it somehow... Jimmy thought, analysing his opponent's actions. And I can't sense Ki coming from his Chakra Gates, which means it's a Red Feather power. That's going to make this difficult. His power could be anything; it doesn't have to conform to elemental typing.

Taking a step towards his opponent, the Captain of the Boxing Club flicked his eyes down towards the ground. As he foot moved in, he had heard a strange metallic sound. Loose change had been scattered all around the area.

"Shit."

Leaping backwards, he just about managed to jump clear from the next explosion.

Can't come at him from the front... Still, count my blessings. At least he's not a long-range fighter. Mid-range I can settle for. It's just going to be a pain in the ass, but I can settle.

"I really am sorry," Patrick shouted at him. "If I had my way, I'd just be laying low right now."

"Then why aren't you?" Jimmy replied, trying to buy himself time to think.

"I was made a bit of an offer. A nice one at that. I'm not stupid enough to look a gift horse in the mouth like that."

So the council sent him, Jimmy mused, bitterly. Perfect... Just what I need right now. God damn Hajime. Afraid to fight me himself.

Another coin shot past his head and exploded behind his back, forcing Jimmy forwards, into the minefield of currency. Behind his back, his dislocated left arm flailed uselessly.

Grimacing in pain, Jimmy swung his right fist down and slammed it into the ground. A crater of destruction extended out from his fist, blowing away the coins seconds before they exploded.

The sphere of blasts around him, however, all emitted shockwaves which simultaneously slammed into him, bruising his body all over.

Damn it, this is getting nowhere fast. Grinding his teeth together, Jimmy glared over at Patrick. I wanted to save this for Hajime, but I guess I've not no other choice. It's three months until the tournament and I can't afford to break any bones; there's no way of knowing how long it would take me to heal.

Narrowing his eyes, he watched as the Irish boy prepared to fling another dime at him.

Sorry if this fucks you up too much... I still can't control it very well.