A Mentor's Hand (文豪ストレイドッグス)

18

Kiyo finished her drink, then left. She wandered the streets for awhile, hanging her coat over her shoulders to hide her injured arm.

Eventually, the sun began to descend, and the thick city clouds thinned up a little, but only a little. Vendors appeared at the side of the street, attempting to sell anything and everything to unwanting customers.

A man with a grisly face tapped her shoulder, trying to sell alcohol to someone who very clearly underage.
"I bet you haven't had a taste of this divine treasure, young lady," he coaxed. Kiyo squinted at the guy.

He had a flashing ability. She shrugged, and bought the small flask, having no intention to use it. Just for measures, Kiyo stepped on the guy's foot, sweetly telling him to piss off.

Now the sun was just hanging over the horizon, streaks of gold thinly dancing in the sky. She couldn't see the ocean from here, but she could imagine it to be beautiful right now. Dark clouds hung in the sky where night was beginning. Shop lights and billboards lit themselves up, destroying the chance of seeing stars through city pollution.

Children ran around the near cobbled streets, shouting and tossing balls to each other. Their footsteps echoed vibrantly as they enjoyed the cool autumn air.

As Kiyo neared the ocean, spaces between buildings got a little wider until alleyways formed. She stopped in one, slumping down. Looking up, Kiyo saw the last ray of sun leave the alley. She stared at the sky, watching the clouds move across their domain swiftly.

A kid stopped running in the street. He was poorly dressed and Kiyo could only guess where he came from. Looking at Kiyo's own clothing, the boy pulled out a small pocket knife, which was probably the only thing he had.

"Give me your stuff," the kid said coldly. Kiyo looked him in the eye, and saw stone throughout. She held out her hand, surprising the little guy.

A flash a white light attacked the earth from Kiyo's hand. The boy gasped, the light burning his eyes. He crawled away, desperately hoping Kiyo wouldn't attack him. He was gone in seconds.

The light faded, leaving Kiyo's eyes distorted; she was seeing stars. She moaned, tilting her head back again and closing her eyes. She shivered.

Chilly splatters hit her face. She opened her eyes to the spit of rain, slowly descending. Kiyo blinked, looking around her. Most of the alley was filled with trash bags, trash and boxes. Kiyo looked at her hand, which was holding the flask.

She opened the cheap plastic lid, and smelled the contents. Bitter.

She gagged, but succeeded in drinking a large amount. "Ehhg," she said, scrunching her nose. It was strong stuff.

The rain began to fall harder, the droplets becoming fatter. The 'patter patter' of water hitting cement became thunderous waves. The rain fell from eavsdroughs and attacked the ground. Kiyo was now soaked.

"You cry for me, Mai," she mourned. Her world was tipping, and sound was distorted. "I didn't know you had so many tears." She took another swig, which was probably a bad idea.

Kiyo tasted salty water, but could not comprehend that she herself was crying. She felt light and bubbly, but was weighed too much to stand.

"We should go dye the cherry blossoms white, like our cloths, Mai." Kiyo's mouth couldn't decide on smiling or frowning, and her words were becoming sobs; incomprehensible. She was shivering, clutching her own arms for warmth but failing to maintain a grip. This seemed to go on forever.

A dark figure stepped into the alley. He wore a long coat and a nice hat. Kiyo turned her head towards him.

"Ahhhh Chuuya-kun. Come join the party!" Chuuya sighed, kneeling down. His ginger hair was soaking. He threw his coat over Mai, the inside of which was warm and surprisingly dry. "Time to go home," he told her.