An Alchemist's Envy

Chapter 1: Him

"Oh, please, just leave me alone! Ple-- AAAHHH!"

The scream had me running from the bench I was sitting on, reading a book, and running straight for a near by alley. I ditched the book and took a sharp right, nearly bumping into the people who caused the scream. Three large men wearing black coats, all with the symbol of a white bull on their backs, were laughing loudly. Y'know, that gruff, scratchy type laugh. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand and sent chills down my spine.

The larger of the three, who I assumed was the leader, had a large scar down the right side of his face. When he laughed, the scar curved, making his grin seem wider than normal. The jerk had a girl by her throat, pinning her to the alley wall. She was crying hard and his grip tightened.

"Quit yer cryin'! We're only playin' with ya!" He chuckled, making her sob. His buddies cheered and agreed with the man. My fists curled into balls and I heard myself growl under by breath. They were seriously pissing me off!

"HEY!"

They all turned towards me with blank expressions. I glared at them and yelled, "Leave her alone!"

The man with the scar laughed again, "Lookey here, boys, we got another toy! Grab her before she gets away!"

The two goons nodded and took a few steps towards me.

"Like hell I'm going anywhere when you're harassing an innocent girl!" I yelled. I quickly pulled out a black, fingerless glove from my back pocket. On top of it in silver was a circle that had intricate lines inside, almost looking like a pillar or a thin crystal. I slipped it on my right hand and the goons gave me another confused look. With a smirk smacked on my face, I slammed my hand onto the ground.

Blue sparks flared off the ground, causing the men to shriek like girls. I slowly lifted my hand and a thin pole followed. I quickly grasped a hold of it and pointed it at them. In my hand was a long, fine point spear, a snake like dragon wrapping around the weapon.

"She-- She's an alchemist!"

"This ain't lookin' good, boss!"

"Quit yer yappin'!" Scar-man bellowed, "Just grab her!"

"I'd like to see you try." I said smugly.

One of the men, being stupidly brave, yelled and ran at me with his fist raised. I twirled the spear around and smacked the side of the man's head with the blunt end of it. He let out a painful grunt and I jabbed the end into his gut. As he fell back his friend came at me and swung a baton I hadn't seen him holding before. With a swift twirl, I sliced into the baton with the spear and it was cut in half, falling apart in his hand.

"Look out!" The girl screeched, a little too late. I hadn't seen the other group of men that came up behind me. One slammed into my back, knocking me over. Before I could regain my composure, another man grabbed my spear from me, stabbing it into the left side of my chest near my shoulder. He sliced it down my arm before pulling it away. I bit the inside of my cheek and grabbed at my shoulder.

"Ha, whatcha gonna do now, girly?" Said the man as he tossed my spear to a man next to him. I chuckled and placed my hand on the wall. A large chunk of it came flying out, surrounded by blue sparks, and it fell on him and a few around him.

I glanced over my shoulder, noticing that Scar-man let go of the girl. Seeing my chance, I quickly placed my hand back on the ground. The ground underneath the girl shook and it shot her down towards the other end of the alleyway. She let out a shriek as she landed on her butt.

"Run!" I screamed at her, "Now!"

The girl fumbled to her feet and ran. I heard an echo of her saying, "Thank you!" as she left. I turned my attention back to the giant group of men, who now had me surrounded and my back against a wall. They did not look too happy with me letting their 'toy' escape.