WILDLIFE

Chapter 9

Okami PoV:
My aunt and uncle was never a fan of midnight walks especially in the dead of night.

Most teens would avoid this type of hours since the neighborhood is full of thugs and drunkards.

But i am not most teens. I walk silently in the dark alleyway. The reason why i am roaming? Well i crave something. i want to do something i want.

Eversince, i transferred here in this new neighborhood. I was fine at first, without a underground fighting ring. My urge to punch someone might get me into trouble. Especially when my addiction to fighting has grown in me.

But, my addiction gave me the opportunity to grow stronger.

"You seem to be enjoying this.  Can I join?"  My soft voice cut through the air, sending a shiver down the thugs' spines.

The streetlights flickered, casting long, distorted shadows that danced around them.

"Go home, kiddo," one of the thugs barked.
  To which i laughed at his attempt to shoo me away.

"Aww, no invite?  I guess I'll just join the party without one," drawing closer.  Each step I took echoed through the dead of night, a haunting sound that filled the air with dread.

"Ha!  You think we're afraid of you?" one of the thugs scoffed, trying to appear brave.  He pulled out a pistol, its barrel glinting menacingly in the dim light.

"I wouldn't play with that if I were you," the voice said, a hint of warning in its tone.  The thug spun around, his eyes wide with fear as he saw me standing beside him.  The figure pointed a finger at the gun, its eyes burning with an intense, unsettling light.

"You think we're afraid of a little kid?" the thug laughed, his voice cracking slightly.  His friends echoed his laughter, but their voices were strained, their eyes darting nervously around.

I smiled, a mischievous glint in my eyes. I charged towards the thug with the gun,  moving swift and deadly.  Panicked, the thug pulled the trigger, but he missed.  The bullet struck one of his own men in the leg, sending him crashing to the ground, his cries of agony filling the night.

"Hey?  You missed me," I said, my voice  sent shivers down the thug's spine.  The thug, paralyzed with fear, pointed the gun at me and fired again.

Realizing where the bullet was headed i swiftly move, protecting the student.

"You could have hurt the young lady," I said, my voice calm and steady.  I stood in front of the terrified girl, my arm outstretched. 

The bullet, as if in slow motion, flew towards my open hand.  And then, in a flash of light, the bullet was caught.  The thug stared in disbelief, his eyes widening in terror.

knocking him unconscious.  With a swift kick to the stomach,  sending the other thug sprawling to the ground, his breath knocked out of him.

I then turned to the injured thug, my eyes piercing through him, sending a wave of fear that washed over him.  He fainted, his body collapsing to the ground.

I sighed, a deep, disappointed sigh that echoed through the night. turning to the girl, who hadn't moved a single inch.  She was frozen in fear, her body trembling. I walked towards her and took off my leathered jacket, revealing a gray hoodie underneath.  gently placed the jacket over the girl's shoulders.

"Th-thank you," the girl whispered, her voice barely audible.  She inhaled deeply, the scent of the leather jacket filling her senses. 

extending a hand towards her.  The girl, hesitant at first, reached out and took the figure's hand.  She was pulled to her feet, but her legs were shaky, and she stumbled.

"You can't stand.  I'll have to carry you," I said.  Scoping her up in a bridal carry, her body pressed against my chest.  The girl's face flushed crimson, her heart pounding in her chest.  To my surprise, She buried her face in my chest, trying to hide her embarrassment. 

To her surprise, she felt a hard bump beneath the fabric.

"You thought I was a boy," I chuckled.  She lifted her head slightly, her eyes wide with surprise.  She had been so focused on the danger, she hadn't even considered the possibility that her savior could be a girl.

"I... I didn't know," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

I smiled, a warm, genuine smile that lit up its face.  "It's okay," I said "Let's get you somewhere safe."

Reaching a safe and dry area, I placed the student gently on a bench.

"I'm going to go get help," I said, my voice a low murmur.  "Stay here.  I'll be back soon."

Walking into the busy street of the shopping district, I tried to look for someone who can help me.

"Hey okami! Its a surprise to see you here." A familiar cheerful tone made me turn around. It was the boufurin group and they are with sakura.

It was weird that they weren't wearing their uniform. Remembering what i was doing, i marched to towards them in a hurry.

As i draw near, i could see their faces change drastically. Umemiya's smile turned into a worried expression "what happened?!" He asked.

"I am fine. But do you know where i can stay while waiting for authorities. I have a student with me who is being pursued by a older gang." I pointed my thumb at the alleyway i came from.

"Pursued!? By which gang!" Sakura exclaimed, hurting my ear drums. Damn, i might lose my hearing if i stand by his side.

"Yeah. So you wanna help or not?" I looked at them seriously. "Yeah, you can stop by at Cafe Pathos."

"Great." I thanked them. "Wait here." Running back to the alleyway.

I reappear with a student her arms wrapped around my neck. Carrying her in a bridal position.

"Lead the way." I told them without catching my breath.

"Why don't you let me carry her?  You must be exhausted from the fight," Hiragii said, reaching out to take the girl.  But the student flinched, her body stiffening as if bracing for another attack.  She hadn't fully recovered from the trauma of the alleyway.

"I think it's best that Okami carries her," Umemiya said, placing a hand on Hiragii's shoulder.  He understood the girl's fear and knew that a sudden change in hands could trigger a panic response.

"Alright, alright," Hiragii said, withdrawing his hand.  He knew better than to push the issue.  He was a good friend, and he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize the girl's safety.

"Let's go," I said, my voice firm.  I adjusted my grip on the girl, making sure she was secure.  I could feel her trembling against me, but she didn't resist.  She seemed to trust me, to rely on me.  And for the first time that night, I felt a surge of warmth, a sense of purpose.

The Boufurin group led the way, their steps silent and purposeful.  We walked through the bustling streets, the neon lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of color.  The girl's head remained buried in my chest, her breathing slow and shallow. 

We reached Cafe Pathos, a cozy little cafe with a warm, inviting atmosphere.  The aroma of coffee and omelette, made the student relax a little.I carried her inside, careful not to jostle her.

"Okami, you can set her down here," Umemiya said, gesturing to a comfy armchair near the window.  "We'll get you a blanket and something warm to drink."

I gently lowered the girl into the armchair, making sure she was comfortable.  She looked up at me, her eyes filled with gratitude.  "Thank you," she whispered.  "I... I don't know what I would have done without you."

I smiled, a genuine smile that reached my eyes.  "Don't worry," I said.  "You're safe now."

I turned to the Boufurin group.  "Thanks for helping," I said.  "I owe you one."

"No problem," Umemiya said, his smile warm and reassuring.  "We're always here for you."