[Chapter 1] A punch in the guts

No one was on the street at this hour. Although it was April, the mornings were still cold. Very few people walked on these silent streets, only those who had to wake up early were unfortunate enough to be there at the time. Alone, almost like if they were the only humans on Earth, and helpless if they had to face some unfriendly people. Sadly, this girl was one of them.

Hey!

No!

What are you doing!?

Get away from me!

The young one, ran away the best she could while wearing high heels, looking back and forth to make sure she was fast enough to lose them. She was scared, it was her against at least six guys, and she didn't cross no one else in the streets, not even an open store. She couldn't call the police either since it was that or running away.

Finally, she made it into an alley, probably a dangerous place to hide, but it was the only one. She used this chance to grab her PDA and call the police. However... Ah!

Her phone was taken from her and now she was faced by these shady guys looking at her with creepy grins. She trembled in place shielding her torso with her hands. While they closed the gap between them, she closed her eyes, unable to scream from fear.

'please someone!'

*Buagh!*

She felt a thud really close to her, but it was the guy who took her phone the one who collided with it. And next thing she knew, he flew a couple of meters to her right, also stumping with other two guys in that direction.

Everyone looked in awe at the mysterious guy who appeared with a flying kick. But the rest of the gang were the ones who reacted first.

Hey, You! You piece of shit! You think you're hot shi- *Cough* a punch right between the eyes sent him straight to the ground where he never rose up again.

Now it only took the remaining three, ready to fight as they jumped at the same time towards him. It looked challenging, but it was nothing much. The knight in shining armor, who was actually wearing a baggy hoodie and sweatpants, nimbly managed to dodge all three, however, he realized too late about the other two who rose from the ground and shamelessly went behind his back.

B-Behind you! She tried to warn him, but it was too late as they grabbed his arms holding him in place while the other attack by the front with an object. She closed her eyes fearing for the worst. However, she wasn't able to see how the hoodie guy kicked the one at the front in the face, and then broke free from the grip by throwing the one from behind over his shoulder and kicked him right in the face while he was on the floor, making the number low back to three again.

These 'delinquents' were actually more annoying than threatening. It was child's play to finish them, around two more minutes and they'll be on the floor. Facing three vs one, the hoodie guy positioned himself ready to fight. At the same time, these guys took anything they could find to attack this meddler.

However, they were interrupted once again by the sound of a rushed skateboard. Red eyes pooped under the hoodie to see the source of the noise, but they opened widely once a piercing pain impacted on his stomach.

Kamamoto, hurry! Or else I'll take them down before you even show up! The guy riding his skateboard excitedly announced showing a nasty grin.

It wasn't long until this new guy and his taller comrade showed up and take them down. Once everything was "solved", those two were rushed by the girl, who for once, faced all this misfortune with fury.

-Agh! What did you guys do!? He was trying to help me!- She pointed out at the unconscious guy under the hood laying on the ground.

-Eh!?-

Eyesight was getting fuzzy, slowly but surely red eyes were closing and the only thing to do while losing conscious was to listen what these jackasses got into. 'Mother... fuckers.'

It was dark, eyelids were heavy so opening them wasn't an option. The only thing was once again hearing what these voices were talking about and try to figure out what was happening.

Ok, make sure to apologize once our "guest" wakes up.

I know, I know.

You don't have to say it Kusanagi-san. I already feel bad about it. This guy just wanted to save that girl.

Even so, it was HIS fault to look so shady. You couldn't tell him apart from the rest of thugs.

Now, now Yata, you sound like a kid.

The person in question was already awake, but it wasn't time to let them know yet. For the sound of it, there were other people in the room. A little motion on the arms made it look like there were no ropes holding them. Actually, the furniture where they laid the previous unconscious body was comfortable and with cushions. Feeling like it was time to wake up and act on what to do from this point, it was decided.

While discussing, all of them faced the figure on the couch raising up its body. Oh, you woke up. Good morning. The blond, sunglasses-wearing man addressed smiling in a laid-back manner.

On the other hand, the fellow they were looking at, rose from the couch into a sitting position, trying to regain conscious, still "looking" very lost about where this place was and who were these people.

You must be very lost. Don't worry you're not in a dangerous place. A happy looking young man guaranteed.

That makes it sound like it IS. The blond one replied.

'1,2,3,4. Four in total.' Semi opened eyes analyzed the alien place and the people inside it. Judging by the well-maintained place, it wasn't in a sketchy location. It looked like a bar open to the public. That was enough information to relax, but not too much.

Oi, you two. C'mon, It's your turn to speak. The blond again addressed the two in the back, who rose from their seats up to the front.

Two guys: one tall and big wearing jersey and the other short wearing a beanie over his hair. The first one to start speaking was the taller one. Hey man, sorry about the thing in the alley. We thought you were one of those bad guys molesting the girl. He didn't have to put much effort to show how guilty he was. On the other hand, the short one was looking at the opposite side of the room, not even half worried like the big one.

C'mon, Yata-san. The guilty one poked him with his elbow.

I know. He let a sigh before speaking. What he said. He scratched his neck annoyed and tired already. It wasn't intentional. But you sure ARE weak for a guy. How were you planning to rescue that girl with that resistance?

It was close to impossible to pay any attention to what they were saying. The soreness and uncomfortableness were bothering so much. The pain even rushed towards the head like if it was a race.

While he apologized for the incident, he noticed this guy under the hood looking at nothing, completely out of the orbit. Hey, say something, not just get all quiet, dude. I told you, you have to step up your game next time you try playing the hero. He lightly scolded him.

'It doesn't look like they want something from me. But just in case.' A hand slipped to one leg, holding the sharp metal through the clothes, ready to strike if necessary. Sadly, a headache started disturbing any logical thinking.

But I have to give it to you. For a weakling guy, you were not that bad. You even survived a round against me. So, cheer up, man.

The pain was knocking the insides of the body. It was unbearable.

Ughhh. Cut it out with the "guy", could you?

His eyes widely opened, and he stopped talking, while the rest of the bar fell silent the moment a feminine voice came out of that hood. Their "guest" pulled the hoodie out the way revealing short, straight, black hair and ruby color eyes wearing a pissed expression on those girly features.

Expectant, lost, or enjoying the revelation, they looked at the girl they brought while she got comfortable on the couch wearing an annoyed look under her bangs.

Unlike before, the short one grew redder by the second and before she knew it his face showed so much regret his earlier apology felt non-existent. S-S- sweaty palms grabbed his beanie and squished it on his hands before immediately bowing a perfect 90°. I'M SO SORRY! I-It wasn't on purpose! If I had known you were a g-g-girl, I wouldn't have punched you!

Eeeeh, shame on you Yata-chan. How could you raise your hand on an innocent, weak girl? The blond saw the chance to tease him and took it.

W-Wait! I said it wasn't on purpose! Desperately trying to defend himself he shouted at him.

I believe you said you punched him trying to knock him down like the rest. The young man with a piercing in his left ear joined in.

T-That was BEFORE I knew s-she was a...

All these shouts were only making her migraine worse. She couldn't take it anymore, already clutching her teeth and holding her head with one hand, she interrupted. Hey.

Y-Yes-?! Attentive, he saw the girl was looking straight at him, wearing a dead cold stare in her red eyes. Anything that would come of her mouth now was not going to be nice. He braced himself for this.

What time is it?

He was expecting a shout or something, so he was taken aback when she asked that so monotonous.

11:20. The blond man wearing sunglasses replied instead.

Her fears came true, even when she didn't display them on her face. Well, thanks to this mambo, I just missed my classes. Her tone of voice was less cold, but more annoyed, making sure they feel her sorrows.

Was the girl all right? She faced suddenly to the beet-red guy.

Uh?

The one 'I' was saving. Icy words came out of her mouth.

Oh! Y-Yeah, she was.

Good. For a moment, her stern look seemed to disappear when she heard those words.

The culprit of all her misadventures thought she'd be angrier about all this, start a fuss or curse him, but she was rather calm about it. However, he didn't expect her to rose from the couch and start walking out of nowhere. She was coming his way, and his blush deepened in anticipation. He couldn't guess what she wanted to do, so he tried his best to not broke eye contact with her poker face, making it impossible to guess what she was thinking.

He desperately wanted to get out of this. But he could only thing what she must be feeling given that she was punched when she was only trying to rescue that other girl. Once the possibility of her not hearing him when he apologized given that she was recovering from the blow popped on his head, he thought it was a good idea to repeat it, just in case. U-Um, I-In case you didn't hear, I-I'm s- !

Before he could finish anything, she reached him and went straight to the guts, were she placed her fist in a single thud. Ok. Where's the other one? The young one cracked her knuckles showing a stern, dark look on her eyes like a gangster, leaving the rest of the conscious men there speechless.

Crouching on the floor, holding his stomach, the man down rose his head before losing conscious. W-Wh...at kind of girl pun...ches like that...?

The same kind of girl that brake your legs if you pissed her off. A hard-core piercing glance went with her cold answer.

The men were completely lost thanks to this extreme plot twist.

Red, usually a color that describes passion, hot or warm, were bloody cold and piercing when her eyes stared at them, looking deep into their souls under black bangs. I'm going to ask this one last time, who was also there? Her calm yet icy voice wondered in their direction making them jump a little.

Inevitably and already fearing what this savage girl might do if he didn't come up, the biggest one inside slowly and trembling a little rose his hand, knowing how it was going to end. The short haired girl watched from the corner of her eye, and deathly silent walked towards the one who rose his hand. A quick inspection once she faced him, proved that using the same tactic wasn't going to work on the taller, chubby man, as his big tummy could protect him from her punch better than the already unconscious boy. So, she set her red narrowed eyes on the taller man's and extremely bold she warned him, preparing a punch. Clench your teeth.

The poor man, without any other option this small beast gave him, did as she said and next thing they knew a quick punch flied on his face, throwing him on the floor in one go.

Finished, she went ahead to turn her severe look on the other two remainders and coldly approached them. Where you involved too? She quietly yet deadly questioned them. She had no memories of more people, so she had to make sure.

The one who got the guts to answer her was the one wearing sunglasses, who also spoke on a more jokingly but worried manner. Ah, sorry to disappoint you, but no. They brought you here after the confusion.

She stood in place paying attention and narrowed eyes glued on them. I see. She briefly responded monotonous and turned her head away from them. Next thing she did, was unzipped her hoodie, revealing a white oversized shirt, which she rose to see her naked stomach. There, it was a purple bruise with a large form. Based on it, she concluded out loud. It looks like I was hit by an object. I think I recall a skateboard... she said as she spots a skateboard lying next to the unconscious boy on the corner of her eye.

Having a better look of the whole picture she quietly, but not regretfully, looked at the big one on the floor. So, in the end, you had nothing to do with it... Sorry. The inexpressive girl announced, although maybe he couldn't hear her, but it wasn't her problem.

Ignoring the 'payback' she did, once again the cool girl walked towards the exit, mumbling about catching at least the last period class if she hurries up. But before that, the young man next to the one with glasses spoke up. Ah, wait! She stopped in her track and meticulously waited his reason to stop her, ready to strike him down if he complained about his fallen 'comrades' or wanting to revenge them.

However, it was none of that. Are you sure you're ok? You don't want us to attend your wounds? She was a little surprise about the lack of interest in his 'associates', instead worrying about her.

Don't sweat it. We're even now. So, I'll be taking my leave. This time her voice changes slightly into a less threatening one but kept sounding distant. She had no business there and had other important things to attend. But at the last moment she couldn't make it to the exit and all of a sudden, her whole body dropped on the floor. Ughh! She let a pain noise scape her lips in frustration, holding her wound on the stomach.

Are you ok?! The young man rushed to her side but was stopped by her.

Yes, I'm fine. Don't come. She rose of her hands to stop him before coming too close. Stubborn, she tried to stand up, but it was hurting her abdomen to do so, even though, she clenched her teeth and try to get away by crawling on the floor. She didn't want to admit that kid actually got her and now she was making a fool out of herself.

The two men looked at her stubbornness and how far she was willing to go to NOT associate with them more than necessary. It was discouraging to be rejected with so much passion, even when they wanted to help her since it was Their fault. It brought a funny grin on the tall, blond man, who wasn't going to allow a girl crawl out of his bar like she just got into a fight... inside. It'd be bad publicity for his establishment. So, he tried to convince her one more time. Easy, easy. There's no need to crawl out of here. We're not mad at... your "special" way to get even, and we actually owe you an apology, so please let us help you. You look like you're in pain.

Black haired girl did not stop making a painful face swallowing her discomfort, trying to make them stop caring about her and just leave her alone. 'Why is he speaking in plural like they are an association?' That caught her attention, sadly, she didn't want to find out, and the faster she get out of there, the better. Once again, she managed to get on her feet, and walked ignoring those two. I said I'm fine. Those being her final words before walking out.

What do we do, Kusanagi-san? The young man with clear hair wondered worriedly.

His friend just sighed at the sight of the cold girl who walked away like nothing happened. It was hard to believe someone who look so scrawny could actually take down two of their members with one punch each. Mostly he was impressed with her, but on the other hand, he was also worried about her, since all this absurdity was their group's fault, and now she was walking alone, severely injured, resisting medical treatment.

The blond reached for a cigarette to think for a bit about this unnecessary stressful event. Tatara, can you go walk her home? I'm worried about that odd girl's health. Meanwhile I'll treat THESE two idiots who couldn't take a single blow from a normal girl.

His friend laughed at the pitied way he described them, and smiling he got out of there, searching for the violent girl.

Meanwhile on the streets, the short haired girl, watched with a grimace how much people were walking down the street at this hour. It bothered her a lot, because it meant she couldn't use it. Unfortunately, she was going to get more upset. Excuse me! Gangsta girl!

'Gangsta girl?' She repeated inside her head, and looked already in a bad mood at the man from before, who was now calling her names while he made sure to be lousy and call the attention, something she wanted to avoid the most. She 'received' him with a dark glare in silence. Almost killing him with her red orbs.

Thank god I found you. Unlike her death glare, he was ignorantly greeting her super friendly. Sorry, but we're still worried about letting a girl walk by herself while injured. If you don't want to be treated is fine, but at least, let me walk you home. He turned a little bit more serious at the end.

Red eyes looked at her watch to find it was already late to go to class, so it was useless trying to do that. She also recapped how annoying they were inside, trying to ask her forgiveness, so she knew it was pointless argue with him now. Just one look at his eyes and she knew he wasn't planning to back down. A long sigh was her answer and she started walking, closely followed by a happy looking idiot.

Slowly but surely, they walked side by side in silence. Totsuka watched on the corner of his eye the young girl making an effort to look well, but her steps weren't even, and she held her abdomen every now and then. He was impressed on her perseverance and smiled without her knowledge. A couple of times he offered his arm to hold her weight a little, but she refused sharply. He awkwardly smiled without saying anything. He wasn't offended by it, any normal girl would be pissed about this situation too, he thought.

It wasn't long after they left that they run into a pharmacy. The black-haired one, asked her "escort" to wait outside while she buys painkillers. Tatara waited, but a glance at the place full of people told him she was going to be there for a long while. Again, he shouldn't complain, since it was his clanmates' fault.

The streets were a little empty at this side of the city, away from the main street and Tatara looked at the beautiful blue sky, almost wanting to take a picture of it, but lost in thought, he was woken up by the sound of a sneering voice.

Hey, look what we found. If it isn't HOMRA's weakest boy.

The young man looked at the source of the noise and found four shady men, with their hands on their pockets and laid-back attitude. He didn't recognize their faces, but judging by their looks, they weren't friends, more like foes.

Ah, sorry, but right now I'm busy. Almost careless about the kind of guys they were, he peacefully tried to stop their pursuing with a full smile.

Something those men found irritating. Hey you! Hear me ou-!

All right let's go. The hoodie girl indifferently told her companion, ignoring completely the situation.

'How fast.' The young man couldn't help being surprised by her appearance next to him, he didn't even hear the door opening. Also, it was full inside, and actually no one left since they got there. Ah, right. He composed himself, but sadly he looked in direction to those men.

At the same time, the girl followed his glance and found four fishy looking men, and her expression turned into a grimace she made sure to show to her escort, who replied by scratching his cheek awkwardly.

She might be thinking about how troublesome he was. He needed to do something to not get this poor girl involved in their affairs once again. He wasn't planning on using violence, since it wasn't something he likes to use, so he had to sweet talk his way out of this.

Move.

Frozen in place, he moved his head at the one who spoke before he could open his mouth. The young female was standing really laid back, poker face and facing these guys without a care in the world.

Excuse me? What did you say?

I said, move bitch. Get out of the way. She replied calmly but threatening, hands on her pockets and deadly eyes.

A chill ran down his spine knowing where this was going. He couldn't let her worsen this situation even more, so he tried to make her stop, but it was too late. The leader of the small crew stepped up increasingly irritated raising his fist towards the immobile.

What did you say, bitc-! *cough*

It only took another fist on the guts to let the man on the floor. Tatara looked in awe how she did it again and started walking ahead of him like nothing happened.

Who do you think you are whor-!? *Cough* The next one trying to get in her way received a kick in the crotch. The remaining two stood there like Totsuka, speechless and lost on what to do while she didn't stop walking out of there.

Eventually her escort ran behind her to not lose sight of her. While he did, something caught his eye, and he noticed her empty hands, which was weird since she went to the pharmacy to buy something for her pain. Even more, since she walked out of there, she stopped hunching while walking, as now she had a perfect posture showing no pain whatsoever. He wondered about that, but actually, he had other things to ask first. What was that? You were so cool! He praised her unable to hide his genuine amazement.

It wasn't a big deal, they were small fries, if they were actual gangsters, they'd have just done their business with you already. She didn't stop walking, but her eyes moved to him, quite inquisitive about something. Which leads me to ask why you had "unresolved business" with them. Are you THAT troublesome? Her red eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Her judgmental stare behind those opaque eyes landed on him. He felt how sly she was under that bored look on her face. In addition to her earlier "talent" deployment, she gave off a vibe of a gangster like he jokingly called her before. He guessed she probably had an accurately idea of what kind of people he was friends with. But judging by her stern stare, he thought she might not like that kind of people. Hehe, sorry about that. He just scratched the back of his head embarrassingly. Perhaps it was for the best to not answer her questions.

Thankfully, his female companion didn't pry on the subject and fell quiet, looking at the road and walking in silence.

By the way. We've never got the chance to introduce ourselves. I'm Tatara Totsuka. You can call me Totsuka.

What's the point of that? I'm not going to associate with you after this. I'll not give my name. She coldly replied.

Her indifference frozen him on the spot. This chick was extremely impassive, she had zero interest in anything that was happening, and it was a shame, he thought. Even with her baggy, sporty clothes, she had an extremely cute face, but her features were stiff like a doll. She reminded him to a certain albino girl, but even she was more expressive than her. Even so, he still didn't hold a crude to her, she had pretty much any motive to choose to not associate with him or his friends after all these unfortunate events. If anything, she was a weird one to face all these thugs by herself without freaking out a bit.

While thinking about this uncertain girl, she suddenly stopped on her track and looked at the other street with a different look. For the first time she didn't look bored, her eyes opened up a little, but the rest of her face remained the same way. What's wrong? He wondered.

Wait here. Don't come. She commanded, ready to cross the street.

Totsuka did as he was told, a little bit sad to be ask not to follow. Curiously, he peeked a look at her to see what she saw, but the only thing he witnessed was her crouching down on the floor. 'What's she doing?' His curiosity grew larger, but he was going to be scold if he crosses the street, so he waited like a good boy.

It wasn't long until she came back, something that he was kind of glad to know she wasn't using this chance to ditch him and go home by herself.

While she reunited with him, he finally could understand what she was doing. A dove flew up to the sky from where she was crouching. Once he realized she was helping the animal, a smile formed on his face. Unnoticed by her.

They resumed their way and before they knew it, they were in her apartment complex. So, this is where you live. The small brick building looks old, but rather normal. It was a little far away from the main street and shops, but at least it was a peaceful neighborhood. Once he realized how close it was from the bar, he couldn't hide his excitement. Hey, it's actually not that far from the bar we were in. If you want to you can pay us a visi-.

No.

She cut down his words with sharp indifference. She had no mercy. Totsuka made sure to lead her all the way to her door, something she complained about with her cold voice, but at the end acceded to it.

Well, Take care of yourself. A Smile grew on his face.

Thanks. Hope we never meet again. Harsh words and a quiet voice replied him before closing the door on his face.

Now alone, the young man was walking back to the base, remembering this crazy morning and encounter with this intimidating-looking girl. His gaze was fixed on the blue sky from before, it was hard not to smile at it when it was so clear and sunny. A couple of birds flew by, catching his attention and before he knew it, his gaze fell directly on the ground. It was then when he realized he was walking on the opposite side of the street from where they walked on before. He remembered the stores from when she made him wait for her before. And exactly where he was standing now; a couple of blood stains were on the floor. The blood was drying, judging by the color. But what caught his attention was what she was doing here before.

She was helping a dove, if it was injured enough to bleed so much, how did she do it to make it fly once again?

Surprisingly, it didn't take him too long to figure out the mystery given the people he was related to. 'Oh, I see.' Another smiled formed on his lips, this time a little excited for this discovery.

He noticed he was standing there for quiet long watching the floor, so he had to leave, after all, there were two numbskulls on the floor when he left and he wanted to tease them to the core.

Hey everyone! I´m so excited to write this down. I have many ideas for this story, but first I´ll have to makes some 'warnings':

1)The romance´ll be SLOW peaced, so don´t get too worked up if you think there´s none. Eventually. little by little you´ll have some of it.

2)It´s rated T, but there will be a lot of cursing and other mature themes, but nothing too explicit, that´s why I chose to rated T, because it´s not really 'hardcore' enough to be considered M. Also, I´ll be warning you when the subject or description get too sensible, so don´t worry.

3) A lot of the events narrated in this story have more to do with the prequel mangas than with the anime itself, so check them out if you didn´t.

I guess that´s about it. Thank you for reading!