I - Spitfire, Hellion, Rock-Bottom

3 - Fanning Flames

I wasn't a violent person.

Kill them.

I didn't consider myself a savage or, damn, irrational kind of girl, not at all. I carefully weighted my options before knocking some motherfucker's head off and even then, nobody had to tell me it brought more problems than it was worth.

'Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent'. I had read that piece of universal wisdom in Asimov's Foundation book. The phrase had been authored by a visionary yet humble statesman who saved his home planet from annihilation at the hands of a superior foe. And save his planet he did, with little conflict in the way.

Kill them.

Safe to say I absolutely agreed with this stance – there was nothing more unnecessary in this world than conflict. Those too stupid and shortsighted to find a solution would resort to violence because there simply was no other way in their minds. They were too incompetent to come up with a better choice, after all.

Now, violence would only become the incompetent's way out after exhausting all apparent peaceful solutions. Without creativity, without inventiveness, without vision, it'd seem like the only recourse left was to whoop some ass and call it a day.

Violence itself didn't make the incompetent. The incompetent were so and chose violence to make up for their lack of brains. They chose violence.

Violence was a result of incompetence, not the cause of it. Fuck no. Anyone who believed the two were like pen and paper must've had water for brains.

But did that mean there could valid reasons for violence?

What about those who didn't choose? Who couldn't chose? What about those who were meant for violence and had to resort to it whether they liked it or not?

It'd been even stupider to call them incompetent. They were not. Violence itself didn't make the incompetent, after all.

I didn't call the pest exterminator to dialogue with the fucking rats; I didn't pay a bouncer to kick back and relax while a fight broke out in front of a nightclub. I sure as hell wouldn't order a policeman to have a tea party with a thief, and I'd rather shoot myself before cheering for a hero who doesn't beat the crap out of villains.

Kill them.

Put it simply, violence was the essence of some people's jobs.

So was mine.

Crush maul mangle obliterate destroy ruin

I wasn't a violent person. Honest.

Kill them.

I wasn't incompetent either. I didn't make money letting the animals run the zoo. I was a serious, committed entrepreneur seeking to make an honest living out of what I did best. I wouldn't settle with any less than the best of services I could provide even if that meant unleashing hell on earth.

So, as an extremely peaceful, competent person, and with all reluctance in this world, I'd massacre some problematic bitches by the end of the day. The alternative was losing face, losing money, just losing in general, and I'd rather taste dick than taste defeat.

"Should we proceed with the preparations boss?"

Natsuko's nearly disinterested question disturbed me out of my musings. Frustration spiked inside me at the unnecessary distraction. Reddish hues and violent images seeped into my vision and shook it out of place in a second. It took a bit of focus to keep walking straight down the hallway the next second, but I managed, clenching my teeth and fists to concentrate on something.

"…I honestly wonder why yer even askin'. Wasn't you the one saying we got to strike our enemies down with an iron fist? I said I'm gonna make them pay. That's yer cue to haul ass. See, the animals got the memo faster than ya – can't see none of them 'round 'cause they be busy doin' like I told them."

"Well, yes, you waste no time with ambiguities," she admitted calmly. "I still believe striking them down with fury is the best course of action. I simply didn't expect it'd happen immediately and I wanted to make sure you weren't letting the anger get the best of you."

Disrespect. Shortsighted.

"It don't matter. I'll crush 'em and that'll be the end of that. Simple."

"It matters, boss. You of all people would know that knowledge is power," insisted the gremlin. "We don't know the enemy's capabilities. We have no information on their quirks. We know not how they'll react, if they'll go for the kill quickly or play around."

Disrespect. Pedantic.

Unnecessary.

I stopped. Natsuko stopped along with me, giving me one of her analytical stares all the while.

"Daisuke has fought the rebels. He's still conscious. I can go back and ask him about Hayate's powers. He seems like a dangerous fellow, but you possess the upper hand in terms of data. If we delay the brawl for a couple of minutes we can increase your chances exponentially-"

"It. Don't. Matter."

I punctuated each word with a growl. I glared at Natsuko dead in the eye. Her words got caught in her throat, mouth open like fish out of the water, frozen in place as she processed what I said, processed that her opinions and strategies and plans meant squat to me. Her lips slowly pressed together in a thin, vaguely disenchanted line.

"It don't matter," I repeated. "I'm done strategizing. Tactics 'n' ploys're for the weak that need them. I ain't the best businessperson 'round and that's why I tiptoe when it comes to money… but a fight?"

I stayed dead still during that second I had the words stewing in my mind. A mistake. The restlessness hit me with a vengeance, like an itch, a need to stretch my body, but more so. Much more so.

"I'll never lose a fight," I said firmly. "Anyone who crosses me will pay."

Natsuko thankfully didn't let me bask in my bubbling, vicious anticipation for violence. She shrugged and sighed, giving me one of those defeated grins she often shared.

"They will pay," she agreed lazily. "At this point it's inevitable. Just remember to pull your punches. Or don't, actually. I quite enjoy seeing that 'other' side of you~"

"Whatever you say, psycho," I grumbled back. "Make yourself a tiny bit useful and check me. Is it too obvious?"

The gremlin wordlessly marched in front of me and stopped. She inched closer to me as if to see something in detail. A look of approval flashed across her face and she leaned back.

"It's starting to get hotter in here. There's a bit of red here and there, too. Aside from that, your eyes are the only giveaway. They look like the sunset."

Good. If I could keep it inside a while longer, it'd look natural. Just a while longer.

Something squirmed inside me and it felt right. It was like the final piece of a puzzle clicking in place. Something dark, something unknown and terrible stirred under the milky skin and the soft girly curves. The itch became nearly unbearable and there was the urge to scratch the flesh off my bones.

Not yet. Soon.

My wristwatch beeped in the same second I resolved myself. I raised my hand to eye-level. One hundred and ninety-two beats per second and going up.

Freedom.

Yes, freedom. And it would be mine.

I quickly unbound my wristwatch from my arm and tossed it to the silent Natsuko in front. She caught it with a nonchalant move of the hand.

"Take care of it," I said. "I don't wanna replace too many of those by bein' reckless."

"Yes ma'am," dutifully said the gremlin with a grin.

"Now… go and oversee the operation. Make sure everythin' and everyone's put in place. Appearances be important."

Natsuko bowed with an excess of flair and a smile. Then she turned her back to me and disappeared into the hallways along with other students under my command scurrying about.

A couple of silent seconds passed.

My vision shook as I smacked my hand inside my mouth. I bit down, digging my teeth into the flesh, as deep as I could. Blood flowed over my tongue in short bursts as I pierced the few visible veins with my fangs. Then I bit down even harder, gnawing on the bones I managed to reach.

Too restless. Too hot. All this tension is driving me insane.

I couldn't let that tension go, though. Uncomfortable as it was to let the violent impulses stew within me, they were just right like that. Natsuko had the right idea when she confirmed my intentions. The anger was getting the best of me… it was meant to.

I could not let it go. If I went in all relaxed and lazy, they would break me. I had to accumulate that anger and let it fuel me like adrenaline as if the fight had already begun. The more I drove it back inside, the more it screamed for that sweet, sweet release. It had to get out. It wanted to.

Freedom.

It would.

Not now, though. Not now. Anger that dissipated as quickly as it came was not anger, just an outburst. I needed a sustained feeling. I needed a deep, blazing emotion. I needed a fire that burned and consumed all who opposed me until they were nothing more than ash. A flame that grew brighter and hotter as it devoured everything in its path. Only then there would be freedom freedom freedom freedom freedom

All or nothing, I said in my mind. All or nothing.

This wasn't a dumb school brawl. This was a deadly battle.

They weren't mere bullies. They were enemies.

They would fight to kill. If I underestimated them, they would beat me. If I gave them leeway, they would humiliate and violate me, too.

But such stupid outcomes would never happen. After all, I had never lost fight. Never. I would remain undefeated after today. My knees would not bend today of all days. Not today and not for them. Never.

Anyone who crosses me will pay twice over.

A dizzying red took over my vision. I shut my eyes tight. I probed the walls with my free hand to avoid crashing and continued onwards, hyping myself up all the way.

I found balance between the raging anger and rational thought after a couple of long minutes. When I did, I wrenched my eyes open again. The sight that greeted me was so unbelievably irritating I wished I were still battling the impulses instead.

A man stood in the middle of the hallway. He was dressed in a formal getup, with black jackets, pants, white shirts and a tie as well. He also had this intimidating air to him, as if he were expecting a fight. It was something I'd expect from a secret agent or a bodyguard for someone important.

He saw me from afar. I stared at him dead in the eye and he stared back with intensity, as soon as we registered each other's presence. He had sharp features and spiky black hair. From that distance, I could also make out the look of a disappointed parent on his face.

At his feet lay a person. A student. As I inched closer, I finally realized it was Kotoji. The smug, smelly prick lay unconscious, with blood pooling just where his head was resting and arms visibly bent out of place. He'd been deprived of his pants, too, and I thanked Miguel in my mind for being such a good soldier.

"Hello, Ryuzaki."

The man's grave voice helped me focus on him. I looked at him and strutted closer.

"Heffo Kenshe," I greeted back with my hand inside my mouth.

He clicked his tongue and looked aside. "Nobody taught you not to speak with your mouth full? I don't understand 'savage'."

I growled. My hand left my mouth though some chunks of flesh remained behind, lodged between my fangs. Then, I spat some bloody saliva at the man's feet. The liquid sizzled on the floor for a few uncomfortable seconds before I finally addressed him.

"Hello, bitch boy. That clear enough for ya?"

"…Clear enough that you nearly seemed adorable while chewing your own bloody hand like a mutt, yes," he said tersely. "I'd ask you why you look like you're about to murder someone but that's just a normal weekday, isn't it?"

"Bingo," I replied while crossing my arms. "Don't worry, I'm still adorable 'n' cute on weekends when I ain't gotta see yer bitch-ass face. Say, Kensei, where's that slut Hanesaki? She ditched ya to smoke weed somewhere else or what?"

Kensei mimicked me by crossing his arms. He stared down at me like I'd stare at a shitstain and breathed through his nose.

"Watch your mouth, girl. Supervisor Raine works twice as hard making sure you parasites don't hang each other so I personally asked her to take a break. Anyone would get tired of dealing with sociopathic children every day."

"Rain- Oh my fucking god, yer calling that pothead by her first name now," I groaned with a mix of humor and indignation. "Love yerself for a change, Kensei. I knew ya were pathetic but I ain't take you for a goddamn simp."

"I said watch it," insisted Kensei, this time with annoyance in his voice. "I won't stand idle while you badmouth me or a colleague of mine."

"Yer mom might buy that 'colleague' bullshit and I ain't that whore. C'mon, man, literal millions of women in Japan and ya gotta hit it off with a walkin' chimney. Do yourself a favor and hire a hooker cuz that'd be healthier than whatever Hanesaki does in her free time."

"The wannabe terrorist is telling me to be healthy," he said in an audible whisper. "I really hope you see the irony in all this. If I'm not laughing it's only because I don't want people to think I have a good time here, talking with you."

"Mercenary," I corrected with a huff. "I prefer the term mercenary, thank ya. I ain't deal with ya, yer 'colleague' or them bastard students of this school without expecting somethin' in return. I'm of the opinion people should get handsome compensations for takin' on risky jobs."

Kensei closed his eyes. His balled hands fell at his sides and he said nothing in for a moment.

He took a step towards me. Then another. Once he was close enough, he bent towards me a little, until his eyes were at the same height as mine.

His expression changed little, even now. Kensei was still looking at me like I was a turd crawling out of the toilet bowl. But there was something sharp, something graver shifting within his gaze.

I recognized that look. It was a frustrated look, a contained look. I knew about it too well. I'd seen it in the students of this school, in the faces of street thugs, in wildlife documentaries.

I'd seen it on my own face whenever I looked in the mirror.

There was hunger. Aggression. A burning need to prove something.

Challenge.

"Yes. Compensations. Like that letter of recommendation personally issued by the principal, saying you were a good girl and a model student during your stay here. I'm sure the government would let you off the hook with a document like that. Free of criminal charges, you could even attend one of the top-level schools to finish your education."

I narrowed my eyes at him. I uncrossed my arms, cracking the joints in my hands with subtle little movements.

"…That's right. Glad to see yer so well informed 'bout yer business partner and her end goals. What's it to you, bitch boy?"

Kensei dedicated me the fakest smile he could humanly manage. His stern face twisted horribly with the gesture and I realized this dude wasn't made for smiling.

"It's nothing to me. I normally wouldn't care about you or your intentions as long as they didn't put the school staff in harm's way," he explained, smile slowly melting into a frown. "But we both know that's not the case."

It was my turn to frown, then. The built-up anger bubbled within, reacting to Kensei's sharp commentaries as if he'd been taunting me, challenging me to a fight. I knew it was not the case, so I stayed silent and contained the volatile emotions. A few seconds passed and, in a flash of clarity, I finally understood what he was talking about.

I closed my eyes in an attempt to focus. Bright crimson shifted behind my eyelids instead of the usual blackness and I felt dizzier.

"Something's got yer panties in a bunch," I responded levelly. "Dunno what it is and I don't really care either. Just lemme say this – whatever ya think ya know? It's bullshit."

"Bullshit, right back at you," spat Kensei. "Ryuzaki, you're many things, all of them terrible and deserving of jail time, but you're not dumb by any stretch of the imagination. Do not play dumb now. It doesn't suit you after playing this school like a game of chess…"

Another crack ran through my body. Crack, crack, crack, like the sounds of bones breaking, one at the time. And then there was a sharp scratch, a deafening noise, like metal brushing against metal.

"…Or extracting money from it as if it were your own personal bank."

Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum. My heart thumped against my chest, violently, as if it were the heavy steps of a beast inching towards me. I had to remind myself Kensei was not looking for a fight to avoid snapping at his neck. He wouldn't take that risk. It was a battle he would not win. Even then, a lone part of my mind had long concluded he'd thrown any caution to the wind, willing to thrown down the gauntlet just to fuck me over in any way he could.

Another enemy. Another peasant itching to steal the crown from its king. No, nothing as glamorous, nothing with so many chances of going back alive…

…Just another piece of dead meat.

Insolence. Challenge.

Execute him.

Finish him off.

NOT. YET.

The frustration made my eyes snap open.

Kensei's face was suddenly a twisting image of red goo or so my eyes were telling me. He flinched, backing away ever so slightly, no doubt seeing the changes in my body unfold before him.

"Spit it out, then. What did I do?"

My voice came out a few octaves deeper. There was a rough edge to it. A growl of sorts.

He didn't answer immediately. He let my question hang in the air for a few seconds before straightening up, looking away.

"Hmph… Now is not the time. The school is buzzing like a wasp nest someone kicked. We're going to discuss this later, with the principal, and in a calmer mood. I've arranged a meeting with him already."

A smidge of the pressure dissipated. I allowed myself to breathe a little. The first thing my brain concocted after resuming normal functions was, of course, a taunt.

"Ya don't want none of this, Mister Supervisor?" I said with sharp teeth in constant display. "Don't pussy out after those grandiloquent jabs of yers. Ya got me all hot and bothered. Why ain't we do something about this sudden itch on my knuckles, huh?"

Kensei refused to look at me. He adjusted his tie or, more accurately, loosened it a bit to allow himself an easier time breathing.

Weakling.

"I'd rather not. As irritating as this job is, it pays well, and I wouldn't want to lose it for disciplining a cheeky brat."

"Forget 'bout the job," I replied sharply. "You'll lose yer life if ya keep actin' like yer tough shit."

The man in the suit scoffed and looked down, at the unconscious Kotoji.

"Like this guy right here?" Kensei continued. He kicked Kotoji lightly and forced a tired groan out of him. "Ah, never mind. He still lives. I take it this is handiwork of your dogs, then. And here I thought you kept them on a short leash."

"This ugly fuck started it. He was gettin' real cocky so I shut him up," I explained before cutting Kensei off as he began voicing another useless comment. "And on the subject of misbehavin'… a buncha first years stepped outta line. They wrecked part of my territory and broke two of my guys."

Kensei lost some of that aggression he'd been showing me. He turned, interested, a pensive look on his face.

"A little declaration of war, I suppose," he said more to himself than me.

"Nah. Just some retards beefin' with the wrong person."

"And you're going to cause a bloodbath within school grounds just for some 'beefing'."

I nodded. "That's right. Call it disproportionate or whatever, but even in hell, Lucifer is king. Everybody knows not to fuck with the king."

"…Such a precocious little devil you are. Sometimes I wonder how intelligent, astute people like you turn to evil so easily, but then I remember villains exist," Kensei said with a grimace.

"Spare me the philosophical bull. I ain't see you bein' an ally of justice either."

"As I said, I'd lose my job for doing the right thing," he responded. "Anyway. Any subject of interest among those you will… punish?"

"A prick named 'Hayate'. Seems to be calling the shots within his own lil' group."

"Hayate…I see. Yes, I know him. He's been a thorn on my side for a few weeks, but nothing grave enough to merit discipline. Until today."

"It'll be the last day anyone hears a word of 'im," I growled resolutely. "So be a good supervisor and erase the evidence when I'm done. I've prepared the school for a public execution and I need no one interferin'."

"You want me to erase the evidence even though it'll be a public fight? I think there's a little hole in your plan."

"There's a big fucking hole in your face and I'm 'boutta shove my whole arm in there," I snapped. Then I breathed a little and lowered my voice. "I want to set an example for the freshmen. Students need to know the rules, so no more Hayates pop up later. Everyone's gotta see… but no one outside school should know. That means no recordings and no condemning reports. Capeesh?"

The suited man put a hand on the back of his head. He deflated with another sigh. Then he waved one lazy hand at me.

"Consider it done."

I smiled at him.

"Glad to do business with ya," I said, the growl of my voice receding into an ugly purr. "Now get the hell outta my way before I destroy ya."

Kensei turned to leave, a disinterested expression on his face.

"Keep talking and you'll bite your tongue. And remember we have a meeting later… so don't give use more to talk about when the time comes, hmm?"

Having said his piece, he walked away. The man turned around the corner with a methodically slow pace and disappeared from view.

I was finally alone. Alone, alone, alone. Only then, when there was nothing actively anchoring me to rationality, did everything hit me like a freight train.

KILL

PUNISHMENT

DESTROY

I heard a terrible sound like a faraway explosion. Or something immensely heavy impacting against the ground. It was sudden, deep, and soon enough, the only thing I could hear as a recurring echo. My everything shook in response to the noise. Maybe my heart stopped, too, in that seemingly eternal moment, but I could not really tell.

RAVAGE

EVISCERATE

Red took over my sight again. Colors melted into a viscous crimson. Dark blotches began growing in my view and mind, obstructing details and thoughts that were not essential.

CRUSH

ANNIHILATE

MAIM

Thought was becoming muddled. Senses were overloaded. Priorities were set. Heartbeats, the smell of blood, the aggression, building up, piling up, preparing me for the coming battle.

"All or nothing," I murmured to center myself.

I had to focus, focus that anger. Just a bit more. My enemies, they were bastards, liars, cheaters. They were cruel.

But I would be worse. Just a bit more and I would be worse.

not yet

I stumbled forwards. I needed to find them. I needed to crush them. I needed to KILL defeat them.

Quickly, quickly.

I was about to explode.

I felt a smile spread across my face as I found Hayate's hideout.

Punishment.

It was hard while only seeing red and black shapes. Fortunately, my employees were kind enough to provide directions before I set out, pointing me to the classroom where the problematic first years met.

My head cleared up a bit as I stopped before the closed door. I looked up at a small sign where the class number was on display.

"1-B… Here they are."

Obliterate.

My arm shot up to the door as I finished muttering. I grabbed it by the wrist, stopping it a few inches before it made a terrible mistake. My shoulders shook as I forcefully lowered my grasping, clawing hand, gritting my teeth all the while.

The stage for the fight must have been set by now, and my minions were definitely waiting for me to bring the pigs to the slaughterhouse. This was the last step. I couldn't fuck it up here.

I wouldn't lose to these idiots or to my own urges.

Appearances were important. I fought the instinct to barge in with all guns blazing. This was a bloody battle as much as it was a dispute of influence. Wars were fought with brawn and won with smarts. I needed a methodical sequence of steps, something with cut and thrust in the mix…

Fear.

The crimson at the edge of my vision acquired a livelier tone as the plan became clear in my head.

"Yeessssss…" I said with a growling voice. "Hahaha… they will pay, yes… Soon."

In an instant, I knew what I had to do. A bit of calculated chaos to set the mood. Something to scare them into compliance. Then I'd give them an offer they couldn't refuse.

I felt my body relax. I took in another deep breath and approached the door. I smacked my face against it, rougher than I intended, and focused on the sounds.

There were many voices behind. Young, cheeky, spirited voices. I couldn't make the exact words with my mind shrouded in a mist of bloodlust. I didn't need to. Anyone could make out a celebration from afar and these guys were evidently happy about something. They joked and laughed and smoked as they recalled how they disrespected me and injured my enforcers without a second thought.

Insolence.

One word stayed when every other evaded me. 'Hayate'. I heard it clearly, as if expecting that last piece of evidence to enact my plan.

This was the place and the time.

I stepped back and rolled my shoulders. Then, I balled a hand into a fist.

Fire began igniting around my knuckles. The skin turned orange, bright orange, and then whitish orange as the fire burned even hotter.

I waited.

I waited, waited, waited. I waited until they finished laughing. Until they finished mocking me. Until they finished goading.

I waited until one of those pricks passed close enough to the door.

EVISCERATE.

DESTROY.

KILL.

not yet not yet not yet not yet not yet

It's not the time yet. Soon.

I tensed up…

"Mama needs a new pair of shoes."

…And lurched forward, driving my flaming fist through the door.

There was a muffled sound of surprise as I took ahold of the student's face. I didn't give him time to pull away, strengthening my grip on his face while willing the fire away. I quickly took a step back and pulled even harder.

I smashed his face against the door. I did one, two, three times, and then another one for good measure. I did it again as my anger spiked out of control for a second, just a damned second when I could've ruined everything, but then I let him go and pulled my hand out.

I skidded back. With a quick twirl, I delivered a powerful kick that smashed the broken door down, student and everything.

I quickly dashed inside, inviting myself to an exhibition of confused, surprised, violent gazes. All eyes were on me and betrayed a primal urge to kill, even though nobody knew what was happening or what to think. They instinctually knew what to do even though they couldn't assess it logically.

I didn't get the chance to have a look at the animals. My heightened sense of hearing alerted me of danger. I swayed back just in time as a fist coated with electricity grazed my chest. It crackled a dangerous tune, a threatening promise of hurt ad pain.

Small arcs of energy snapped at my face. I smiled as I felt it caressing my skin and eyes, a tingling sensation in their wake.

"-cking bitch!" said my opponent. I couldn't hear him well, heartbeat thumping in my ear.

I snapped at him out of instinct. His arm ended up in my grasp before he could follow up with a second strike. I dug my nails into him, positioning my hands in mirrored grips and holding him still.

A crack followed as I easily twisted his elbow out of place. Far too easily.

A scream began to emerge out of his mouth. I didn't allow him the luxury. I stepped into his close range as fast as I could and smashed my head against his face. Blood and tears splashed onto me in slow motion, my enemy falling limp and defeated to the ground as I struggled to stand mine. The strike echoed inside my skull, becoming deeper and deeper with each recurrence.

"-ell are you?!"

I barely heard the new voice, distracted as I was by the sensations. Another eager to bite the dust came from behind. I noticed them just in time to duck. I watched and smiled as an arm with sharp blades sticking out of it passed over me, cutting strands of black and red hair.

I turned around and delivered the heaviest punch I could manage in that position. My fist collided against this guy's balls. He instantly doubled over with a choked gasp. Vulnerable as he was, I took that opportunity to swing another fist to the side of his knee.

There was a pleasant crack as I smacked his bones out of place. His entire leg buckled and twisted on itself without that important joint keeping it together.

I didn't stop there.

I prepared my elbow and smacked his other knee with it. It broke just like the other one. The student howled in pain and nearly fell on me.

I dashed between his legs. With swift moves, I jumped up to my feet and took his arm in my hands. I spun it around, bringing the bladed end up to his neck, just as more students raced towards me to fight-

"Stop you fucking idiots!"

-And stop they did.

I also stopped. When I was sure I wouldn't be attacked, I began turning, slowly, showing them my hostage, threatening with a show of gore if they dared take another step forward.

Moments passed. Nobody was brave or stupid enough to save their pal. Once I knew I had their attention, I scanned the room. I searched for the person who had given the order to standby, specifically. I found him seated just in at the front of the classroom, with legs propped up the teacher's desk.

He was well groomed unlike the majority of students in the room. His straight, glossy hair was arranged in spiky ends, some of which covered one side of his face. His uniform was rather clean, too, with a black blazer over a blue shirt, dark pants and expensive-looking shoes.

A couple of female students hanged around him. They distinctly gave me the impression of being his bitches, with heavy makeup on their faces and particularly short skirts. They cowered behind the student, caressing him and searching for his protection as they stared at me fearfully.

The guy didn't cower like them. He seemed disinterested and exasperated, even, lazily glancing at me with dull blue eyes.

"Listen, everyone. I will ask a question and you must answer honestly," said he, his voice an uncaring drawl. "Are you mentally retarded? Do any of you suffer from impaired judgment or some brain-deteriorating pathology?"

None of the students—his goons, apparently—responded. He groaned.

"C'mon, don't be shy. We're all messed up in the head in some way or another. I just want to know if your case is grave and if it's contagious."

He kicked one leg over the other.

"I mean, geez, depending on your answer we may be facing the beginning of a mass suicide epidemic here. Just think about it – who in their right mind throws hands with a psychotic bitch who literally barged in, ruined three guys in less than ten seconds, and looks ready for more? Hmm? You must either be old school suicidal or just plain retarded. I wouldn't dare."

At that point, he craned his neck and set his eyes on me. Seemingly finished admonishing the students, he finally addressed me.

"And who might you be, girly? You have both my interest and attention without speaking a single word. Let's see if you can keep them. I'd hate to turn you into a porcupine, after the little show you put up."

I lowered my hostage a bit to get a better look at him. He smirked, tiredness flashing across his face.

"And please let go of poor Shinji. He's already passed out after all the pain you dished out to him," he reasoned. "You clearly don't need protection, but I give you my word that nobody will attack you, provided you don't do the same. Am I understood people? Attack this girl without permission and I'll shove your teeth up your brain."

There were mumbled sounds of agreement throughout the room. It vaguely reminded me of myself delivering orders and irritated me something fierce he dared put himself at my level.

No matter. I took advantage of that authority and spoke.

"You must be Hayate," I said with a breathy voice, agitated.

"The one and only," he responded diligently. "Would you care to introduce yourself now? I'd like to discover who just, ehm, fucked up my classroom and three students."

I shifted a bit and then threw my hostage to the ground. Before anyone could do or say anything, I pointed at the guy whose arm I'd broken.

"That one was for Daisuke."

I pointed at the broken-legged student, then.

"And that one was for Yamada."

Hayate stared at me for a few seconds. Recognition flashed across his eyes and he laughed aloud. More seconds passed before he pointed a finger at the broken classroom door with the student beneath.

"A-And, hahahah… what was that one for?"

I crossed my arms and flashed him my teeth.

"Because you pissed me the fuck off."

My words sent him into a bigger laughing fit. I waited for him to stop having a good time. Some of his minions were laughing along, though I figured they didn't really understand why.

"Ohhh man, this is rich," gasped Hayate, still giggling like a little bitch. "Forgive me for changing the subject, all things considered, but… wow, I must say that's one cute face you've got there. Care to give it a name or should I settle with 'baby doll'?"

I brushed a couple of strands from my face. Tension bubbled within my core, a mix of anticipation and rejoicing at Hayate's words. I ignored the conflicting feelings and continued.

"An eye for an eye. Two of my enforcers came here and ya got 'em good. I broke two of yer paper soldiers in return. Now we're even-steven."

Hayate huffed as he threw his hands in the air.

"I didn't ask the reason you came, baby doll," said he while chuckling some more. "But yeah. I figured you wanted payback of some kind. Those guys mentioned something about a 'boss'. I imagine you're her, given your choice of words."

"Yeah."

"Ah, a fellow leader," observed Hayate, putting his feet down and setting his elbows on the desk instead. "I'm glad to meet someone else at the top of the food chain. I must say, I… wasn't expecting you to come face me all by yourself. Absolutely respect the hands-on attitude you've got going on, though. Violence brings results and nothing results in respect more than violence."

Impertinent.

I swallowed the urge to laugh. Then I hugged myself, digging my nails into my arms to distract myself from the impulses.

I stared at him and waited. He stared back for a few seconds. After he understood I wouldn't talk, he waved a lazy hand, pursing his lips.

"So… you got revenge," he said. "Anything else you'd like to discuss? In any other situation, I'd just twist your head out of place for blasting in as you did, but… I like the cut of your jiff. If you go away, I won't stop you. We can even establish a cooperative relation down the road. What do you think?"

I hugged myself even tighter. I turned to the door without answering. Then I gestured at him with my head.

"Follow me. We goin' outside."

Another laugh followed in a briefer moment. I heard Hayate tap his desk.

"Forgive me for, hmm, my reactions," he said while trying to contain his giggles. "Not used to being ordered around so liberally. Is this another way of asking me out on a date or…?"

Gut him.

"Really enjoy the sound of yer own voice, eh punk?" I growled out. "I told ya we're even-steven. Now, I want to discuss business. Not here. Outside. Bring one or two or whichever number of bitches with you if ya wanna feel safer. Ain't gonna change a thing anyway…"

At that moment, I picked up Hayate's heartbeat speed up. Not out of nervousness, no. There was also a clenching of fists and grinding of teeth. His tapping of the desk continued seconds later. He responded after taking a couple of indiscrete breaths.

"Confident much, I'd say," he mumbled. "Oh well. I guess I could follow… with one condition."

Having said that, Hayate lifted his hand towards me. The guy didn't even wait for me to ask him about this 'condition'.

"I'd like you to crawl your way outside, since you insist," said he with a hint of laughter to his voice. "I do wonder how you'd look with a collar on…"

My everything then twitched. The twitches quickly transformed into shivering. I shivered, shook like a leaf in the wind as my arms uncrossed involuntarily. They trembled and so did my my legs which kept me standing straight by sheer force of will. I felt myself shivering, inching heavily towards the ground, as if a massive weight had been dropped on my head.

Telekinesis? Some sort of energy control? No, otherwise I'd feel it. Something more direct. Something tangible…

…Nervous system? Muscles? Blood? Was he controlling any of those? Most probably. I couldn't move the way I wanted. Something within my body was working against my will…

A metallic scratching reverberated from deep within. I had my answer, then.

"…Bones, huh?" I said to myself. "So that's how ya broke my guys so easily."

Hayate shifted in his chair so quickly I didn't even need to train my ears. His heartbeat sped up again. I felt myself grinning like a maniac.

The shivers intensified. Now I felt as my elbows and knees were slowly forced to bend unnaturally. I groaned once the discomfort caught up to me as I fought against the invisible force Hayate was applying on me. The more I struggled, the more he insisted on breaking me.

But he couldn't. Nobody would.

I twitched my way into a standing position in spite of the invisible force. I turned my head to look at Hayate.

I stared at him. He stared back, eyes wide, a look of bewilderment on his face. I imagined nobody had ever beaten the influence of his quirk before so easily. Well, I couldn't blame him, not when my bones were far sturdier than a grown man's already.

Counterattack.

Strike back.

Kill.

"…It's yer last chance, boyo," I told him with a sigh. "Follow me or die on the spot."

The ultimatum seemed to snap him out of his stupor. Hayate slowly lowered his hand. The twitching and shivering disappeared and I was left with a perfectly moving body.

His shock didn't last much. Another smile transformed his face in record time. He adjusted his blazer a bit and signaled at me with a hand.

"I have to say, you're positively full of surprises," Hayate commented. "Fine then. My boys and I will come along. Lead the way."

He stood up from his seat. A small group of students followed behind him right as he approached me. I stared them down and scoffed before exiting the room.

The walk outside ended immediately. Or so my mind understood. There were flashes, violent lapses in my memory, useless things forgotten. I was struggling to walk straight and remain rational already. I caught one or two underhanded comments from the people behind me; I probably brushed them off unconsciously. I couldn't risk a confrontation. Not yet.

Ravage.

Maim.

I was beyond rational thought, now. I was gunpowder and a little spark would set me off. There was no coming back.

I savored the sounds of insults and heartbeats. I drank in the intensity. The mindless indignation. The desire to let loose. It all pumped me up. I quickened my pace to meet the challenge head-on.

We stepped out. The fresh wind of a sunny spring afternoon caressed my face. It prickled my skin, just like pouring cold water on a fresh burn.

I glanced around. The battlefield was prepared per my orders. No meddling third parties in sight. No unnecessary ruckus happening.

No way out.

And many, many watching eyes attentively eyeing this little scene. I saw scores of spectators peeking from the windows of the building.

I stopped. I turned.

Hayate and his goons stopped too. We were right in front of the school, in an open field. Here, nobody would miss out one detail.

Hayate marched forward as if declaring his status, his fearlessness. He stuffed both hands inside his pockets and raised his eyebrows.

"Here we are. Let's cut to the chase so we can go back to our lives. What can I do for you, 'boss'?"

He said so cockily. As if I was a capricious little girl wasting his time. Again, it reminded me of a disappointed parent dealing with me out of good will or responsibility and hating every second of it.

Insolence.

Arrogance.

Ignorance.

A long exhalation left my mouth. My breath was hot, visibly distorting the air in front of me. Strong tingles ran over my body as if all of my nerves were being tickled one by one from the inside. My feet and hands twitched restlessly. The bones of my ribcage rattled from the sheer strength of my heartbeat, giving my voice a soft rumble to it.

I took a mouthful of air and spoke.

"LISTEN UP YOU WORHTLES PIECES OF SHIT!"

My yell reverberated throughout the place. All feebler sounds present dissolved into the backdrop, making way for my voice and the sepulchral silence that followed.

It wasn't something I said to Hayate specifically. Everyone, every single person within school grounds… they knew extremely well that I was alluding to them, even if couldn't see them all.

All eyes were on me. I glared at my opponents, taking in the sight of every single one of them. Hayate stared with a placid look like he wasn't bothered. I spoke when his attention was fully on me and the most uncomfortable silence had passed.

"Good afternoon and welcome!" I greeted with an exaggerated bow. "Welcome to the Dairoku Correctional Institute, ya bunch of wasted sperm cells. I ain't pleased at all to make your fucking acquaintance. I know you ain't either. Let's make this quick 'n' clean before someone draws blood."

I pointed a thumb at myself then.

"Name's Hikari. Hikari Ryuzaki. Might as well call me 'mommy' cuz I'll be just that to you fuckers in this miserable place."

I observed their reactions. There weren't many, except from the occasional speeding up of heartbeats, or a couple of insults spat in a low voice. Hayate stared at me with hands in his pockets. He seemed unfazed. I figured he was interested enough not to interrupt, which is why I continued.

"Now, open yer ears and shut yer assholes. I ain't like repeating myself," came out my harsh statement. "I know why yer all here. Some of ya are horrible bastards who can't live amongst normal people. Others were cursed with a horrendous quirk that screws any chances of fitting in society. A few of you must be hated by their parents. Chances are that you check all the boxes to be a social pariah, too. Ya ain't sent to Dairoku by being a fucking cherub.

"My point is, I. Don't. Fucking. Care." I said pointedly. "I don't fucking care why yer here. I don't need to know, cuz I know enough. I know yer all little bitches who think they're the baddest motherfucker in town. I know you think you can act like animals in here, to let out the frustrations you accumulate in whatever hellhole you crawled out of. But I've got some news for you…"

I took a couple of seconds to breathe. Then I stopped as a growl rumbled from within my throat, betraying my urge for violence. I managed to relax, just enough to pretend I hadn't let out a demonic noise.

"…Yer nothin'. You barely qualify as fucking bacteria for being alive. And you better remain as nothin', cuz the alternative is being an annoyance. A problem."

I spread my arms and shrugged my shoulders as I said that.

"Problems get solved quickly in Dairoku, ya see," I clarified with a little laugh. "I'd know. I'm the problem solver round these parts o' town… and I'm extremely efficient at what I do."

My breath hitched then. Something was building up. As I spoke, it became harder to fake the effect it was having on me.

Heat. Overwhelming heat, like a hundred people's worth of a fever. But it didn't feel uncomfortable nor painful.

It did make me feel restless.

Every time I moved, every time I articulated words, every time my body shifted another inch as I gesticulated at the people in front… every motion aroused that dangerous thing beneath my skin. My core released pulses of heat throughout my body, as if distributing the temperature so I wouldn't die of a stroke.

A vague sense of ecstasy lingered in the back of my mind. It took no small amount of willpower to control my facial muscles, to avoid drooling or smiling.

Standing here on the edge of a fight, a part of me wanted to burst forth.

I contained it.

I was slightly better than these animals. Just a bit.

Just a tiny bit and then I would be much worse.

Freedom.

I recovered my mental bearings. Time had slowed to a crawl during that moment of temptation, so I resumed my speech with no issue.

"Now, there ain't no need to cause problems. And I really, really want to stress that part," I said through gritted teeth. "Ya ain't got absolutely no reason to cause a disaster of any kind. At least within school. Got an issue? Then go fuckin' solve it somewhere where there ain't rules. We do have rules in Dairoku, I kid you not."

The rumble to my voice had already turned into a low growl I couldn't hide. My whole torso was shaking, like an unstable card house about to fall. Although the students didn't notice the abnormality as it was, they were affected. I could see their faces twisting in discomfort. Between my warnings and the physical changes, few seemed willing to speak out.

One didn't care, even now. Hayate waved his hand lazily while looking aside, as if wondering.

"I see what you mean, Miss Ryuzaki," he said disinterestedly. "Isn't it a bit hypocritical coming from you though? I'm sure this show you set up isn't exactly in line with the school rules. And besides, didn't you brutally injure three innocent students back in the building? They were attacked unprovoked and many eyewitnesses here would agree you were the aggressor. Any attack you claim we enacted upon your people? It lacks solid evidence."

I spat on the ground. My saliva sizzled on the dirt as it burned. Then, I stared at Hayate and raised a fist so he could see it.

"This is evidence and I'll show ya how solid it is by shoving it through your butthole," I countered crudely. "But yeah. You'd be right in any other circumstance… except you misunderstood one part, bozo."

"I probably did. I don't speak 'crazy bitch', unfortunately."

I smiled at his comeback.

"You'll be fluent by the end of the day, I assure you," I continued with a cackle. "The part you misunderstood… the one about the rules. I ain't talking about the rules of the school."

I brought one hand to my face. I stroked my chin with it, partially hiding my widening grin and the teeth like blades behind.

"I'm alpha bitch here. And I'm the one who makes the fucking rules. That's the gist of it."

I trained my eyes on Hayate, on his goons behind him, and on the school itself. Maybe, I was hoping I could set them all on fire if I stared intensely enough.

"I'll give it to you mongoloids straight. And you better learn my rules like a good Christian learns the commandments," I said resolutely. "There are no second chances here. Dairoku is your second chance. You waste it? Don't expect compassion later."

I closed my eyes. Right then, I could listen to my loud heartbeat inside, thumping, sending vibrations into my skull.

"Don't fight.

"Don't threaten nor injure the teachers.

"Don't threaten nor injure the supervisors.

"Don't interrupt classes.

"Don't use your quirk.

"Sleep during class if you like. Skip school if you fucking want to.

"Smoke, eat, fuck all you like, I don't care. Just don't do it where it bothers others.

"And last but not least… keep your goddamn problems to yourself. If you can't do that much then I'll consider you my problem. And my problems never last very long."

I purposefully allowed a few seconds of silence so they could digest their new guidelines. Then I sighed.

"In summary, you can do whatever you want as long as yer not being cancer to others," I added. "I'd say 'this should be easy for you', but I know it ain't. So consider this your one and only warning."

My eyes darted from one part of the crowd to another. I did so knowing my eyes had long transformed into a twisted version of themselves. Knowing that they couldn't hold my stare for too long without feeling the urge to run.

"Any questions?"

While I stared, I tried to get a read of their emotions. I sought unease, anxiety, fury, frustration, doubt… compliance.

I found everything except compliance.

The one who didn't meet my most hopeful expectations was Hayate. Yet again, it was all a silly game to him, his shit-eating grin the most evident proof of it. Soon enough he was audibly laughing. His friends took it as a sign to laugh too, a coping mechanism to dispel the fear I'd placed in their heads.

"Hahahahaha! S-Sorry, Ryuzaki, did I say you were full of surprises?" said Hayate as he whipped a tear of laughter. "I meant to say you're a walking surprise! Every word that comes out of your mouth is an absolute riot!"

The group laughter increased in volume. I stayed where I was, impassive, taking in the noise and its distorted reverb as my ears processed it. Those noises died down as quickly as they were born. Provoking commentaries followed them suit immediately.

"Jokes aside, Miss Ryuzaki, I've had this doubt ever since we met," said Hayate while gesturing at the people around him to quiet down. "Who the hell made you king of the mountain? Which right do you have aside from your self-attributed one to rule over any of us, hmm?"

A student came around Hayate and patted him on the shoulder.

"Ain't nobody got time for this, chief. This bitch's crazy, I tell ya. Nothing good will come outta listening to her. For all her crazy bitch talk, she… ain't lookin' half bad though."

"Not half bad?!" another student interceded with a cackle. "Looks like a total slut to me! Just look at them giant tits, man, they be screamin' for release! Girl's gasping for air like she's in heat, gyahahahaha!"

My subsequent growl, nobody heard in the ensuing show of laughs. The changes I'd been holding back, the changes they'd noticed and which made them cower in fear of what was to come… the new butt of their jokes.

I didn't respond. It was unnecessary.

I knew lies were efficient in soothing the cowardly mind. Besides, unbeknownst to them, their words contributed to my plan.

I wouldn't deny the gracious fuel my victims were offering. Fuel that would burn them at a stake soon. A stake of their own making, built upon illusions and arrogance.

"Man, with so much shit goin' on I really didn't notice, she is a slut!" said another fool. "Maybe we should fuck 'er up, teach 'er not to chew more than she can swallow."

"The opposite dude, the opposite! Bitch could use those pretty lips to suck dicks instead of talking bullshit!"

"Hahaha! Hey, when ya right, ya right… girl's desperate for someone to plug those holes of hers. Wouldn't be running off her mouth otherwise. That's an attention whore if I've ever seen one."

The insults overlapped one over another as the seconds passed. They found comfort in their numbers, their hostility. The students laughed louder, insulted me further, lost more and more control. They felt courageous in front of me, one lone girl with a loose tongue and seemingly defenseless.

"It seems it's decided, Ryuzaki," simply stated with a clap of his hands. "Do forgive us if what comes next seems… gruesome. I'm sure you understand. After all, it is not the rules of this school that matter, but the rules we ourselves make with our own strength. Isn't that what you implied?"

Then he took one step forward. And another.

The students that not so long ago seemed unwilling to defy me marched along him. They bared renewed boldness, aggression, a constant challenge shown through their bearing and the nerve in their step. Nothing I said would now convince them that I was on top. Deluded as they were, they wouldn't listen anymore.

I confronted them by also stepping forward.

I smiled as my eyes rolled back. Then—

.

.

.

"Yeeess… finally. It's timeeee…"

My voice had grown far deeper than that of a teenage girl's. A woman's voice, more like, intertwined with something graver, darker, clawing its way through my vocal cords and flesh. Itching to consume and slaughter.

Incredible warmth pooled within my chest and belly, a liquid sensation as if it were molten iron coursing through my veins and not blood. Every joint inside my body creaked and shook as if someone forcibly pulled them out of place. My muscles tensed up. They were bulking up, growing larger, meatier, stronger.

A sharp feeling of pins and needles washed over my whole body. It came from the inside, from under the fragile layers of skin, like hundred of tiny hot knives piercing their way through the surface.

Then

Crack

From deep inside.

My skeleton had crumbled under the pressure. A skeleton that glued itself back together as soon as it was broken, glued back sturdier to withstand what was to come.

Marks ran through my skin as if it were scrapped paint. Another crack shook my head, and then… my jaw seemingly dislocated itself out of its hinges. I let it hang, baring my even sharper fangs in a wicked smile.

"Hahaha… finally…

"Fury.

"Wrath.

"Freedom."

Flames erupted from the depths of my mouth. The sound of my voice shook my entire body ever so slightly.

I jumped.

The people in front finally snapped and attacked me.

Then, there was steel and fire, and the smell of charred meat.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Yeah, I'm kinda late to the party. I spent November and December worrying about finals and I honestly didn't have it in me to write anything anymore. Burnout is a bitch and sometimes you just can't avoid it. I wouldn't wish it to anyone.

I know that Hikari and Natsuko's quirks weren't explicitly defined. It's done on purpose. I enjoy a bit of mistery and the buildup. They'll become clearer with time.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy today's chap! Please share all of your thoughts about it if you're willing. I really appreciate new input. If you don't, I'm happy if you just have a good time reading.

See ya later!

(07/01/2024)