His Little Secret

20. Tengai

Me and Rappa were in the room, waiting. Rappa was practicing punches while I say down enjoying the calm before we have to fight. Just then Fat Gum came. When he got off the ground their was a kid underneath him with red, spiky, hair.

Rappa went in to throw a punch, and the kid hardened his skin. Rappa punched the kid, causing him to crash into the wall. Fat Gum went to hit Rappa, but I put a force field around me and Rappa, so we wouldn't take damage.

"Fat Gum and a boy who can harden his body, and both with defense-oriented quirks. Just two... Hmph! Nothing but punks. What a shame, Rappa."

Rappa began pounding Fat Gum, causing lots of damage.

"Defense-oriented, huh?" Rappa said, "Guy's barly standing after that. Still, it's impressive that he's still in one piece, right?"

"We are a spear and shield," I stated, "Up against two shields."

"Wait... So this ain't gonna be a real fight? That sucks..."

"Especially since calling the boy a shield, gives him too much credit..."

Suddenly Fat Gum shouted "Keet standing!! You haven't lost until they've broken your spirit! Taking down villains is all about how fast you can make 'em lose the will to fight! If you throw the towel first, what then?"

Keeping the shield up, I spoke, "They believe they can win. You must be pleased, Rappa."

"This Fatso really gets it. Good for him! Ooh, this is about to get fun! Tengai, take this crap down and cut it out. It's not like I needed a barrier in the first place."

He's getting ahead of himself. "Do not submit to selfish desires. And do not forget master's Overhaul's orders. We make the perfect team. Our combined strength is more than capable of bringing them down."

Rappa began punching the shield I kept around myself. No, not now Rappa. "Enough of that, you battle- crazed lunatic."

"Overjerk's the one who decided we should be a team. As long as I get to fight in death matches, I couldn't care less."

This is not a good time for us to be fighting, "As you wish, however, you better finish the job. And it's not Overjerk. It's Master Overhaul."

"We got an understanding, then? You're all right, for a shut-in."

A smile tugged on my lips. It was nice to know he wasn't angry at me. He'd sometimes say thoes words after we come to an agreement after a fight. It's what he said after we first met. It brings me peace to know that even when we fight, we'll still be together.

Rappa continued beating Fat Gum. I looked at Fat Gum's face, he was planning something.

"I used to be a rough-'n'-tumble brawler myself, way back. So who's gonna cry uncle first? You and your arms, or me and my body? It's Rappa, right? It's been a good long while since I felt anything at all from an attack. Which's stronger? Spear or shield? Let's rumble!! Rappa!!"

"You're my kinda guy, Fatso! Tengai no barriers!!"

"Right." I'm noy going to unless I have to. I'm not going to let you get hurt, Rappa.

"Great! Everyone's being real cooperative today!!"

Rappa punched Fat Gum over and over again.

"Don't let me down, Fatso! Just stand there for me. I'm just getting warmed up! Aw, c'mon! Hang in there, buddy!!"

"Rappa! He's up to something! Finish him, now!!"

"I gotta know!! If you're still alive, show me whatever it is you've got!!"

Just then, as Rappa was about yo deliver the finishing blow, the kid jumped in the way.

"Red..."

"What?!" I couldn't believe it. The kid was still standing.