Fires And Family | Paradox Live

14

Eight years ago

"Dad," Himari said, hurrying into the kitchen. "I'm leaving now. Fuyu-chan and Akemi are probably waiting already."

"Sure, Himari," her father responded, looking a little too happy. Himari could almost imagine him singing to his men about how she finally had friends. She cringed.

"I'll be back by afternoon. We'll have lunch together though, so don't wait for me."

"Mm. Have fun."

Himari passed Iori on her way out. He waved her down and asked, "What's the rush?"

"I'm meeting my friends," Himari said, a little smugly. "I'll be back in the afternoon."

"Ooh. That's nice. Good to see you being a real high-schooler."

Himari punched his arm only to have him laugh. She shook her head and sped off. 'That stupid Iori.'

When Himari met up with the girls, Fuyu was very concerned by the fresh bruises Himari had managed to pick up between seeing them off on Friday evening and meeting them today.

"What happened, Himari-chan?"

"Huh? Oh this," Himari said touching her chin. "Don't worry, I just got into another fight with that Chika."

Fuyu and Akemi looked at each other in surprise, then laughed hysterically. No amount of prodding from Himari could get them to explain the sudden outburst. All she got from Fuyu was, "You guys are really close, huh?"

Himari immediately shot this down, which only got the girls to laugh harder.

Himari had a pleasant day with Fuyu and Akemi, shopping and trying snacks at different places they passed by. In fact, Himari was extra happy as it seemed that Akemi was beginning to warm up to her more. She reflected on this with a smile as she walked home after they'd finished lunch. She was so lost in her happy little thoughts that she forgot the first thing her father had taught her as a little girl.

Always know your surroundings.

The sudden pain in the back of her head was the unfortunate reminder she got before blacking out.

When she came to, her eyes had been covered and she was tied up, lying on a cold floor somewhere. She couldn't recognise any of the noises she heard or the scents she smelled. This only managed to frighten her more.

"Oh, looks like this kid is awake."

The voice was deep, harsh. Himari tried to sit up but was hindered by the ropes around her and only managed to squirm ineffectually.

"Stop struggling, brat," the voice said. This was followed by a merciless blow to her stomach. Himari squealed against the cloth gagging her.

"So, kid," a second voice said. "Our Boss wants to know what you're planning, getting close to the Young Miss and all. Care to explain?"

Himari could only whimper, still in pain. She cried out a second time when, once again, someone kicked her in the stomach.

"You'll wanna answer before we do that again," the first voice said, clearly relishing the fact that Himari wouldn't be able to answer because of the gag.

"Hey, hey, looks like she's crying already," the second voice said. It was true. Himari was crying, more from pain than anything, but there was a sneaking fear in the back of her mind too.
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Himari didn't know how long she'd been there. Every inch of her hurt and what had been a sneaking fear had evolved into full blown terror. She was shaking with sobs, still gagged, still unable to do anything other than practically scream in pain every time she was hit.