The Branded

Choices

"I'm so glad you're ok!"

Suddenly Kaito wraps his arms around my shoulder and almost squeezes me to death. It's taking all I can to stifle a groan so they don't figure out what I just did. The sun has begun it's descent over the horizon, leaving an orange tint in the sky. After the room had collapsed it seems everyone managed to get out safely, some student's were roughed up in the process, but all of their injuries were minor and could be dealt with easily. The only one who wasn't like that was the teacher that just got bandaged up. Luckily I made it out in time for her to receive some medical treatment. Kaito made the right call in calling an ambulance even if no one was seriously injured.

"Teacher! Teacher!"

Looking over I can see one of the girls leaning over her unconscious teacher, tears falling down her cheeks. I don't know what relationship she had with her but it must have been some kind of close one. A girl with bright red hair walks up to the other girl with short black hair and pats her shoulder.

"Haley, she'll be fine. You need to let her rest now."

"B-But Mio...because of me she....she was forced to.."

She seemed really upset about what happened, her words aren't coming out completely. I pat Kaito on the back to let him know I'm alright and he can break it off for now.

"I'm good man, don't worry."

"Are you sure?! Your mom would KILL me if I somehow managed to get you killed!"

It's not easy to kill me, let me say that at least. But you....you don't need to know about that yet, or at all for that matter. Giving him a smirk I pat his shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'm fine....it's because of that teacher that I was able to survive down there."

"Or it's more likely that you were the one who got her this hurt in the first place!"

Suddenly one of the guards from earlier spoke up, anger evident in her voice. She quickly storms over to me before grabbing my collar and shoving me up against the van. The entire vehicle leans up as he pressed hard into my chest. I don't feel as much damage since I'm wearing the cloak, but I should at least still act like I'm hurt. I give my best fake pained groans in an attempt to make this seem more real.

"Aaagh! W-What the hell are you-"

"SHUT IT!"

The group of schools girls look on in concern and worry for me as Kaito is speechless. His shock is finally broken after he runs up to the guard and grabs her arm, trying to pull her off me.

"Hey what the hell! This is my friend, put him down or else you're fired!"

"Fire me if you want! I can't just sit around here without saying what's on my mind! This kid almost got that kind lady killed in that cave, I know it!"

As she's about to attack me her partner from earlier grabs her other arm, pulling on it and killing the momentum.

"What is wrong with you?! We're supposed to be protecting these people, not hurting them!"

"GET! OFFA ME!!"

She quickly throws her partner and Kaito off before turning her attention back at me. Even though her eyes are hidden behind a helmet I easily can see the anger in them. All I did was shock her for talking shit back in the elevator, so there's no way that's the reason. Besides to her I'm just an ordinary civilian, so her anger must lie else where. But that isn't the point right now! She's already winding up her fist to throw another attack at me, and on instinct I get ready to use my brand, however her attack is blocked again by the teacher who supposed to be laying down inside the van.