Unleashed Natura: Wings, Paws, & Scales.

Chapter 20: A Drive to Win

"I'm not..! IM NOT...! I'M NOT A MONSTER! I'M NOT VIOLENT...!!"

He wasn't...he wasn't violent! Tsuruji never wanted to be violent! Not violent like his father. Not violent like the other kids in the orphanage. Not violent like those random men on the streets!

Why was he becoming one of the monsters that he feared of...? WHY?!

Without a second thought, Tsuruji let go of Ness and his fingers went the other way round and dug deep into his own skin.

'YOU'RE A MONSTER!'

Tsuruji looked at Chouka and Ness. They were hurt. All because of him!

Especially with those looks, how palpable their emotions were to him, it suddenly made him want to tear out his throat.

Confusion, concern, anger, and FEAR emitted from the two in front of him. They were scared of him. They didn't know what was wrong with him. What was wrong with him? Why was he acting like this?

As Anri finally caught up, she saw a horrifying sight. Blood was seeping out of Chouka’s shoulder while Ness looked gravely in pain. As for Tsuruji, he was choking himself. AGAIN.

Even though she was in a panicking situation, she couldn't help but soften her eyes. Tsuruji looked...normal to her.

She quickly calls for help for medics to take care of Chouka and Ness, taking Tsuruji's matters to her own hands.

She got ahold of Tsurujis hands, pulled them away from his neck gently and pulled him in for a hug.

"Tsuruji, listen. We head back to my room and you tell me what's going on alright? Calm down for now. You're alright, don't worry..."

Anri's soothing voice somehow managed to calm down Tsuruji's inner turmoil by a bit, good enough for him to stand up and follow alongside Anri.

—--

“I can't believe that bastard had the guts to hurt you like that..!! Chou!!” Walking back from the clinic, Ness was ranting in frustration.

The sakura head remained silent, not even sparing a glance at the other and instead focusing on his way to the dormitories. Along the way, Ness didn't seem to take the hint as he continuously ranted.

As they arrived at the shared dorm, “Alexis. I'm tired… I just want to rest, alright?” Chouka's tone was tired with a slight hint of irritation. As his emotions were palpable, Ness immediately zipped his mouth. Not before muttering out a small “sorry…”

‘Did I piss Chou off..? No, it must've been Tsuruji.’

—--

“You're awake…are you better now?”

Tsuruji opened his eyes. Anri was there. At least she was there. And Tsuruji was glad she was here.

“Yea…thank you, Anri-san. Again.”

Anri shifted next to Tsuruji who had his hands gripping tight on his arms and pulled him in her embrace tight.

“You have to stop hurting yourself. Please? For me?” Anri rubbed soothing circles on Tsuruji’s back as she spoke gently.

Tsuruji went silent for a moment.”I'll try, for you Anri-san…”

A smile was played on Anri's face. “That's good to hear. Bachira was worried for you as well, since you're his teammate. I'll let him come in and talk to you alright?”

Tsuruji wasn't pleased to hear that someone wanted to talk to him. He really didn't like talking to people. What if he gets violent again? What if he accidentally hurts others again?