TTIGRAAS: Predator

Chapter 23

"I really hope Ken's okay..." Ryota mumbled into his sandwich. His mood hadn't improved since this morning, and we all knew why.

Professor Rimuru was trying to protect us, but we knew how sick Kenya likely was.

No, I shouldn't keep worrying. Professor Rimuru is taking care of him right now.

I wasn't sure what he could do to help our classmate, but he sounded pretty confident when he said Kenya would be alright. It didn't seem fake to me.

"I bet he's just faking it for attention! Or to get out of class!" Alice shouted.

"Alice, don't say that!" I scolded her. I knew she didn't actually mean that, but it still bothered me.

"Gale's right. Ken wouldn't pretend to be sick... he doesn't like others worrying about him..." Ryota muttered in response.

"Yeah." Chloe agreed, "Being taken care of by Professor Rimuru all day isn't something Kenya would want."

I nodded, agreeing with her. Kenya is too stubborn to like being doted on; he always likes to act like he's so tough and independent.

We ate in silence, enjoying the shade of the single tree in the courtyard. But just as lunch was finishing, Chloe piped up.

"Oh, no..." Chloe said from behind her hard-covered picture book, "It's those ones from earlier."

I look up from my food to where Chloe is staring and see the same group of older students that we had an argument with earlier in class. Based on the looks on their faces, they still seem upset about being called 'cowards' by Alice.

Alice stood up and straightened out her uniform, facing the group with her chin up and her hands on her hips.

"What do you want? We're too busy to deal with you."

"I want an apology from you, you blond brat."

"Brat?" Alice asked them testily, "There are no brats here, unless you count yourself."

"Someone needs to teach you your place!" The older kid snarled, "you think you're all so special just 'cause you're otherworlders. If the teachers won't make you learn some manners then I will!"

"You just try!" Alice shouted back, "Professor Rimuru will tell you off!"

One of the other kids snickered. "You still think you can threaten us with your little kitten?" She sneered, "what's he gonna do, hiss at us?"

Chloe stood up, brushing herself off. "Stop it," she ordered.

"Who's gonna make me?" The bully goaded.

"Insulting Professor Rimuru is really mean!" She shouted at her, "he's a really good teacher!"

"Yeah!" Alice added, "you guys couldn't beat a squirrel, let alone him!"

"You take that back!" The first bully rolled up his sleeves. "My dad's a member of the western council and I'm already a D-rank! I could beat you up any day! Any of you!"

"Hey," the third of the older kids spoke up a bit timidly. He was a little smaller than the other two. "These guys are supposed to be dangerous, remember? We shouldn't fight 'em like that..."

"People just think that 'cause they're little brats that nobody will punish!" The leader shot back, "I'm not scared of a few little kids!"

Suddenly, a hard-cover book clocked him in the temple.

"Owww!" He hissed, rounding on Chloe, whose hand was still outstretched.

"Go away!" She shouted, "stop talking bad about Professor Rimuru and my friends and just go away!"