The night was beautiful, the full moon was shining on the three walking silhouettes, creating menacing shadows from the trees around. Akane was having a lot of fun in the empty park. Akabayashi stood there, holding his cane, Shizuo was sitting on a bench nearby, smoking a cigarette. They were smiling.
The two men couldn't stop themselves from constantly checking their surroundings, always believing these shadows were real people with ill intents toward any of them. They didn't fear for themselves but they wouldn't be able to stand it if their reputation or their job was the reason Akane was hurt.
When the shadows really transformed into some random thugs none of them was really surprised at the arrival. Shizuo stood up and moved to place himself next to Akabayashi. The latter turned toward him, smiling,
"Heiwajima-san, I thought you didn't like me?"
"I don't"
"So? You're a little close for someone who doesn't like me don't you think?"
Shizuo answered the question with a grunt and the redhead chuckled before turning toward the young ruffians who didn't expect to be ignored.
They were more or less 10, and sure that anyone approached by such a large group of dangerous looking people would run, tail between their legs. They were quite surprised by the fact these two men were not doing what was expected. Both groups started by observing each other, Akabayashi finally breaking the silence,
"What do you want?"
"You're no our territory, get out!"
The red head smirked devilishly : "Oh, your territory, indeed, who said that? We truly would prefer to avoid fighting with kids, disappear"
What seemed to be the leader of the gang made an imperceptible sign and half of the young boys were running toward the men, Akabayashi screamed "Akane stay away!"
The little girl calmly observed the situation from afar, not fearing anything because she was sure to be safe as long as her two protectors were around.
The two men were quickly surrounded by the thugs. As quickly as they surrounded them, the circle was broken. Back against back the two men were fighting. Akabayashi wielding his cane, striking as hard as he could, aiming for the back of their head to knock them out before the damages became greater. Shizuo didn't care as much, when someone entered his range, he just punched, often sending them flying beside the fences of the park.
Akabayashi chuckled, and very soon they had no other opponent but the leader of the gang.
The boy, now alone, was trembling in fear, he saw no other way out but take the little girl hostage.
Gritting his teeth the red head told him, "Get out, if you lay ony a finger on her you're dead"
The two men slowly walked toward the gang leader whose legs were shaking. Grinning, Akabayashi raised his cane and striked, while the other side of his head connected with Shizuo's punch. He collapsed on the spot.
The blonde asked, "Are you ok Akane-chan?"
She nodded and Akabayashi added "Now, we're taking you home ok?"
She nodded again and he turned toward Shizuo, asking again, "Ok?"
The blonde nodded as well and they both talked one of Akane's hand, walking toward her place, both relieved that nothing serious happened. At least to her.