Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 10 - Looking Out For The Small

Jin was walking outside, in the town of Kuoh. From the few walks he had taken around town, he knew it pretty well. Its main streets, where the forest was, where the park was, where the closest school was and the main shops were. So Jin just wandered around, without aim or purpose.

Jin: {Make a friend. Who needs friends? I was making it fine on my own so far. You were supposed to be my friend Ban! Why do you view me as a burden? I've tried to eat less but you always shove food in my mouth saying I'm not eating enough for my growing age. I've tried to help clean around but you kept saying I shouldn't do it at my age. So I've studied hard and trained hard. But now you've sent me out to make friends? Why... why am I a burden to you Ban? I try to carry my weight but you won't let me. I try and impress you... yet you won't let me.}

Jin thought as he hung his head down. Walking through town, supposed to make a friend, but he didn't really want to. So he just kept on walking and walking. Without a destination and without motivation. He could only continue wandering, waiting until the day changed to night, and lying to Ban. Saying he tried with no luck.

But as Jin walked around, he came across a park. So instead of waking, it was better to do something less exhausting the whole day. Going to the swing set and sitting on it.

Jin: {Bans strong, he's carrying all the burden by himself because he's much stronger than me. So I'll have to get stronger, even stronger than him.}

Jin thought swinging on the swings. It was his reason to get stronger, to be stronger than Ban. Maybe to even be the strongest. To carry his burdens, Bans burdens, and the burdens of others.

So as the passage of time flew by at a constant rate, Jin sat there swinging alone. Back and forth. But as the day went by, the park wasn't so empty anymore as a small girl was running across the park and tripped over. Getting her black skirt dirty as Jin just watched. Watching 2 boys run into the park and towards the girl. The girl tried to escape but they grabbed her by her slightly messy brunette hair. Her golden eyes darted at Jin.

???: I told you creepy Aika, give us back the toy!

One of the boys, chubby with short black hair said. Holding onto Aikas hair so she couldn't go anywhere. In Aikas hands, held close to her, a small action figure. A mini action figure Jin didn't notice.

Aika: But you weren't using it anymore!

???: You can't just take it! It's our toy and we weren't done with it!

Another boy said with brown hair that covered his eyes. Shouting in a spit that landed in Aikas face.

Aika: We were told to share!

???: DIDN'T YOU HEAR US?! ITS OUR TOY! NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN PUT YOUR CREEPY HANDS ON!

The brown-haired boy kicked Aika as the chubby boy let go of her hair and punched her. The confrontation turned violent as the boys hit Aika. Aika looked at Jin with her golden eyes, as if asking for help. But it sounded like it was her fault. Taking a toy that wasn't hers. It sounded like she didn't ask either. So Jin just got up off the swings and walked away.

???: Let go of the toy!

???: It's our toy! Get your filthy hands...

Suddenly the chubby boy revived a heavy punch to the race as he flew to the floor. The other kid looked at Jin who walked over to Aika and looked down at the chubby kid.

Jin: Good. I haven't killed you yet.

The chubby child looked into Jin's crimson-red eyes. Jin had turned 7, not known to Ban but his birthday was 2 months ago. Yet, the chubby kid was older than him by a year. Looking into Jin's eyes, a kid smaller than him, yet he was terrified. Leaving a wet patch screaming.

???: M-MONSTER!

The child said running away as Jin turned around to the frozen brown-haired kid. Walking up to him slowly. Just standing in front of him. Without saying a single word.

???: You...

Suddenly without warning Jin punched the boy in the nose. A boy younger than Jin fell on the floor in tears. Looking at Jin with teary eyes.

Jin: Run.

The boy quickly got up as he didn't need to be told twice. Getting up and running away crying. Jin sighed as he walked over to Aika. Kneeling down as he saw her scraped knees and arms.

Jin: Are you okay?

Jin placed his hand on Aikas knee and she didn't wince in pain so she must have been okay. She didn't seem to nod, yet she didn't say no.

Jin: I'll take that as a yes. Now, give me the toy.

Jin held out his hand as Aika looked at the toy. A small action figure of an anime character. Spiky yellow hair and an orange martial arts uniform. But as much as she held onto the toy while getting hit, she smiled as she gave it to Jin.

Quickly he stood up as he walked off. It was getting dark enough with the sky getting orange, so going back now he could lie about what he had done. But Ban saw everything. On a roof as he disappeared back home.

But as Aika looked at Jin leave with a smile. Standing up and dusting herself off, she noticed something. All her scrapes were gone. The pain she did feel, wasn't there any more.

Aika: I... I didn't get his name.