Different Sides Of The Same Coin

• prologue •

The sounds of giggling and running echoes through a desolate playground. Two young girls with peculiar quirks can be seen chasing each other around, without a care in the world.

The young girl with white hair and rabbit ears pulls the young lilac haired girl with black horns, a black tail and black bat-like wings in her arms, bringing her into a bear hug.

"Rumi! You caught me!" The young girl squeals.

"You just aren't fast enough anymore Mimi!"

Minami giggles and breaks out of Rumi's grasp.

"Come on, I want another turn on the swings before Grandpapa takes us home!" Minami quickly runs towards the other side of the playground.

Minami looks back at Rumi as she rushes towards the swing set, only to collide with a solid mass in front her.

Minami lands on the ground with a harsh thud, winded by the sudden impact. She looks up through her tears to see four teenage boys towering over her. Rumi rushes to her side and helps her up off the ground.

"What the hell have I told you little monsters about coming to my playground huh? No freaks allowed! Scram!"

Rumi steps in front of a cowering Minami, protecting her from the bullies.

"It's a public place. No one owns it.

Besides we don't want any trouble, we were just leaving."

As the bully went to hurl more insults at the young girls, a voice called out.

"Rumi! Minami! Time to go home."

Minami shyly poked her head out from behind Rumi, seeing it was her grandfather. She grabbed her best friends hand and ran towards her saviour.

"Hi there girls, did you have fun today?" the old man innocently asked.

Minami nodded her head.

"Well, it was a really good day until those stupid boys ruined it. Why are people so mean to us Grandpa?" Rumi exclaimed.

He sighed heavily, his long, black, fleshy tail swishing behind him.

"Rumi, do you remember the story of how I lost my wings?"

She paused and nodded.

"So then you'll also remember the lesson that I try to convey from that story. Can you tell me what it is?"

Rumi stuffed her hands in her pockets, kicking a small stone as they all walked.

" "People fear what they don't understand." You always say it, but it doesn't make it any less unfair. When I become a hero, I'll make sure that no one will ever look down on us." she says, giving the old man her signature grin.

Minami shivered in fear. She never truly understood why Rumi wanted to be a hero. Even they treated her and her family like Villains, all because of a quirk they never wanted.

"Rumi, thank you for spending time with Minami today. Would you like to come over for lunch tomorrow? I'm making my world famous Mapo Tofu for little Mimi."

Rumi thought for a moment.

"No offence or anything Grandpa, but everything you make is way too spicy. I don't know how you can stand it Mimi."