Silence before the Violence

Genre: Drama, Horror, Psychological thriller. Plot: Sooo basically I’m building a prologue of my fanfic for now. Now listen, here’s the plot: Teto wakes up at her home, her mother wakes her up. She washes her teeth and having breakfast with her mother and her brother Ted. During breakfast they discuss illegal people (like hitmen, mafias and stuff) and mother being concerned for Ted’s and Teto’s well-being, but conversation ends with fact that they’re safe and will be okay. Teto then goes to school. Usual routine described. Also note, that Teto has a crush, none other than Miku herself, though Teto seemed too shy to confess. After a while, prom arrives. During a prom Neru, Miku and Teto are having fun, eating snacks, taking pictures and dancing. After some time Teto asks Miku to dance with her, although hesitantly, but Miku agreed to dance with Teto nonetheless. Teto didn’t confessed her feelings, but she felt alive dancing with Miku. After a prom Teto returns home, in her room, where she takes a look at black ticket laying on her nightstand, it was invitation to be hitman and kill people on order, despite the huge risk and her reputation, she accepts the job, then new routine explained: Teto on the morning helping her mom in bakery that connected with their home, during afternoon she creating new songs about herself and posting it on internet, which, in fact, impresses her auditory and in internet there was barely anyone who would’ve hated her. But when night arrived she received an order to kill people and successfully do her job. This routine lasts for few days, then Teto gets enough money to live on her own and buys herself an apartment, in few weeks she decorates her small apartment and lives there, yet, she often visit her brother and mother. One day Miku calls Teto to say, she invites her to the party and recommend to bring Ted with her, Teto asks why, Miku replies she wants to meet Neru with Ted, Teto asks what about Neru and Miku said that she started dating with Neru a while ago, which is, obviously, breaks Teto’s heart, but she doesn’t let Miku know: -"Hello? Miku?" -"Hi, Teto! How do you do?" -"Fine, thank you." -"You know why I'm calling you?" -"Uhhh..why?" -"I want to throw a party over my place! Just a small sleepover, if you don't mind!" -"Ohh, I see, I see..I assume you wanted to invite me over?" -"preciecly!" -"Ohh..okay? When it starts? And what day you picked?" -"Come over my place in 3 days and arrive in 6pm sharp! But, if you won't come over, it's okay! Oh, and by the way, if you decide to come, take Ted with you! I want to introduce him to Neru!" -"Huh? Neru? What about her?" -"Oh, you didn't know?" Miku gasps "I hope you can keep it a secret!~" -"Oh, well..if..it's important to you, then your secret is safe with me.." -"alright.." Miku breathes "Here I go.." she inhales. "Neru asked me out yesterday!" . . . -"wait..what..? -"Oh, wait, you don't get it? My bad. I mean- Me and Neru going on the date! Can you imagine it!? Me and Neru are together now!!" . . . -"Teto? Teto! Can you hear me?" Meanwhile Teto's heart skipped a beat,as if she having a heart attack, but not quite, still breathing, still alive. She lowers the phone on the soft sheets of her bed, her eyes are on the floor. She felt as if she confessed Miku in her feelings and got rejected in the worst way possible. "KASANE TETO!" A voice rang from phone. Teto snaps back into the reality, her eyes are wide with disbelief. She stutters before bringing phone back to her ear. -"H-hello..?" -"Teto! There you are! Phew..thought you lost consciousness already!" Miku said, her voice held tinge of relief "Are you okay, Teto..?" -"Me..? Oh..yeah..I just..forgot I was talkin', right now with ya.." -"Huh? What do you mean you forgot you were talking to me?" -"I-I mean..I-I..." -"you mean what? Teto? What's wrong? Is it..too much to take for you..?" Miku asks in evident, genuine concern -"N-no! Don't say that, I'm in fact VERY proud of you,really!" -"Well, if you say so, but..remember, you're not alone! You can always write me or call me, I try to answer whatever it is, you know?" -"yeah.." . . . "Anything else you want to talk about..Miku..?" -"Oh, not really..you?" -"Me neither" -"Alright then, try to reply to me in nearby time, okay? I just want to make sure how many snack and which snacks we need. Keep yourself safe, Teto. Goodbye!~ -"bye.." Miku hangs up, Teto lowers her phone. A bitter realisation washes over her. It’s too late to ask her out, she should’ve confess earlier and then everyone would be happy. This routine lasted until the middle of the July. One night on her mission a bunch of people attacks her, but she was prepared and were ready to fight back. Teto was strong enough to resist them, yet, not strong enough to defeat them all. And on last second when she was close to get beaten up and die possibly, one of who attacked her receiving a cleaver straight into their skull, after few more cleavers flew out, the ones who attacked Teto in the first place for unknown reason ran off to not die too. Teto runs in opposite direction, sensing bigger danger from whoever threw the weapon at them. She runs off and hides. Eventually she hears footsteps and prays no one will find her. Just as she thinks about that, the bloodied cleaver hits the wall next to her. That’s when Yi Xi appears, both of them don’t know each other and their reputation, yet, for some reason Yi Xi attacked the ones who tried to kill Teto. Maybe it’s attack a rescue in disguise or something more? It’s unknown. But text should end on these words: She runs through dark alleys, stumbles, and her breathing hitches. She feels blood oozing from a cut on her shoulder—one of the attackers had grazed her after all. Her Her fingers were tingling from overexertion, ears were ringing, and Teto’s arms and legs were shaking. She ducks around the corner, pressing herself against the cold brick wall. It's suspiciously quiet. But she knows it could be a hoax, so..She put her hand to her mouth to avoid being found. ..The silence is broken by the whistling of metal. The bloody cleaver flies in a centimeter from her head, bites into the wall. The blade vibrates, emitting a low hum. Teto freezes..then, she turns her head. Feel free to change some moments but stick to the plot, okay? This is what approximately should be (it can be longer if you want, feel free to add details): "Wake up, sweetie." A gentle voice rang in Teto's ears from distance. "Hmph…Momaaa, a to 15 bun…onegaishimasu..(J. 15 more minutes, Please)" Teto mumbled under her breath, Teto's mother chuckles "Nu-huh, dear, if you don't want to skip the bright day ahead of you, you better wake up. I made you some fresh breakfast, come on, sweetie.." Teto reluctantly wakes up in her room. She would've stayed in the room for entire day, do nothing but to make more songs about herself. She's sick of routine, she wants something new, but how to break it? no idea. She proceeds to walk into the bathroom to wash her teeth. She looks for a moment in her mirror, distracted by her loose hair with drills hanging on both sides of her head, her teeth glinted in the dim light of the room, she wore white shirt with with white bow tie on the side of hem and long orange socks (yes, the birdbrain outfit). She on autopilot washed her teeth before spitting the used toothpaste in sink, washing her mouth and spitting water out in sink. She looks back in the mirror, a hint of redness in one of her nostrils. And for a moment she swore she felt her reflection lingered for a second, then heard a metal whistl- Wait, what whistle? Whistle of metal? Please, there’s nothing gonna happen, right? Teto sometimes had that, a blood from her nose, especially knowing it's May no surprise it happens. Teto puts a cotton in her bleeding nostril, then starting to make up her hair. Soon bleeding stopped and Teto pulled the cotton out and threw it away in the trash bin…dang, there were a lot of other bloodened cottons she used, on those blood were already brown and dry inside and out. but let's not about that. Teto then walked up in the kitchen, noticing her breakfast was already made. A fresh homemade bun with a garlic bread (from a baguette ofc, just as Teto loves) and a cup of hot tea. Her brother Ted was already there, eating some simple cereals with coffee, mother were near the counter, cooking something again "Hey, sis." Ted spoke, yawned "Hey, Ted, how's the sleep?" Teto asks, sitting down "You're not gon' beilive what I dreamt about." He said smugly "I had a dream where some weird people fightin' with ya until suddenly a cleaver hits one of them and they run away like cowards." Ted snickers "Ah, well..what a weird dream, acually.." Teto coughed in her fist awkwardly. "Honey, you know, joking about them isn't a great idea, you don't want to end up in trouble, do you?" Mother spoke without turning away from the stove, her voice was strict and concerned at the same time, but remained soft "Pffft. mooom, c'mon!" Ted pouted "have you EVER seen the one over here in this district? Like..really? They aren't even a cause of our father's death!" "Ted, I..think mentioning it was unnecessary, really.." Teto said, turning to mother “But Ted is right, mom. We have never faced face to face to the real maniacs and thugs regardless if they dangerous or not. They were never reported in the news, in newspapers, no channels were mentioning them, and we never saw them even in the most criminal blooming spot. So put the worry aside, we’re here for you despite anything..” Teto said, smiling to her mother, who seemingly sighed with relief, continuing her cooking while her kids were earing “I suppose you right, sweetie..” Mom simply said, a hint of smile on her face The rest of the morning was smooth, dressing up, preparing and etc. As Ted and Teto prepared, they went to the ladder that led downstairs, on the first floor where their bakery were placed. Soon this bakery would be full of life, since their bakery pretty famous in this district and the town, maybe. Mother kissed both her children on the foreheads and says: “Good luck, kids, keep yourselves safe.” “We do, mom.” Both siblings replied as they left the building. Since their schools weren’t far (Ted and Teto in different schools), they don’t needed a bus. Lucky. Soon Ted and Teto said goodbye to each other before splitting. Teto began to walk towards the school, she”s going to spend her last days in there before the graduation. And what’s after that? Perhaps a fame, perhaps a happiness Perhaps a lover.. Yes, Teto has a crush, it’s none other than Hatsune Miku. Yeah, that one. She’s a friend from parallel class, but so kind to her, so sweet, so adorable, so full of life, and it gave some hope in future for Teto. Teto wanted to ask her out for a long time, just too shy. She fell in love with her in sixth grade, met by accident, but undeniably a good friends now. Teto was always vulnerable around Miku, she’s practically head over heels with her, and she have no more imagination about who could replace such a sweetheart as Miku. Teto enters the school in slow pace, the hallway was well decorated and almost ready for an upcoming prom. There wasn’t many lessons today and most of them are just chilling or helping to decorate the school. The exams were far behind them, so they can focus on- “Teto!” A familiar voice rang out, sounding happy. It was Miku. She proceeds to to run in and hug Teto tightly. “O-oh, Miku..he- hello there..” Teto stuttered, returning the hug with willingness despite the tight grip. “Hey, Teto.” Another voice spoke, behind Miku. It’s none other than Akita Neru “Oh..hi, Neru!..” Teto waved as Miku released Teto, allowing her to breathe. “How are you, Teto?” Miku asked with enthusiasm “Pretty decent, Miku, thanks for asking. Nothings new, though..” She rubs her back of the head “Awwh, don’t worry! You’ll break through this routine in no time!” Miku said with a supportive smile “Yeah, Teto, don’t sell yourself that short. One day you going to have someone who’ll break trough that routine and make you happy.” Neru said casually. “Oh, about that, Teto..” Miku said, as if remembered something “Do you still found a girl or boy for yourself? You single or not?” Miku asks curiously “Ah...well..I’m still single? Why-..Why are you asking?..” Teto inquired Miku gasps “What? Really??” Neru’s eyes widens in surprise “Woah, seriously, girl? I thought you already got at least one..” “Well..I guess I just didn’t found my type who could catch my heart..plus, I don’t want to repeat the same mistake when I was back with Piko..” Teto replied, averting her gaze “Ah..right..she broke up with you because found a replacement and left the town huh? Not your fault anyway..” Neru replies “You still have us, you know?” Miku said in friendly voice “We’re not letting you down!” *Neru takes a look at her watch, noting it was already damn 7:55 am, lessons starts in 5 minutes “Ehh, girls, don’t mean to disappoint, but we have to go, lessons are in 5 minutes” Neru says “Oh shit, I better go, or my teacher kills me..” Miku replied in brief panic, chuckling. She takes Neru’s hand, which was strangely an intimate gesture and waves to Teto, who still stares at their holding hands “Sorry, Teto, gotta go, see you on other break!” “See you too, Miku..” Teto replied, before walking towards her class. The day was mildly boring, some boring lectures and tips for life that Teto find no use in her future life. And that’s how without noticing a week passed. A prom day It was a warm day outside, Bakery was closed for a lunch break from 2pm to 4pm. “This dress in incredibly suits you..” The mother praised proudly, even a 43 old woman knows sense of fashion. Teto wore the white outfit, that contained cross between school uniform and a military uniform, giving an idol look. Her light gray shirt possesses two sets of sleeves,one long and one short,with her right side having another frilled layer above her first short one. The short sleeves have red border. Her top has black cuffs with red buckles and two rows of gold buttons on the breast. Around the collar is a nameplate with "0401" written. Her light gray high-waisted skirt has black fringed petticoat beneath it,and same hanging belt as her previous design,it attaches to the red hem of her skirt. Both her shirt and skirt depict set of five lines in various wavelike patterns, reminiscent of music staff. Her heeled boots are lace-up and mid-calf length, with laces tied around the back.Her left twin-tail has a white ribbon tied in. Nails painted in Scarlett red. “Thanks, ma, I ordered this one from a good designer..took me a lot of money..” “I know, you as chimera like you is absolutely beautiful in this dress. You truly are a beauty..” Mother complimented In that moment Ted peeked inside the room, noticing Teto’s attire. “Hey, looking nice and spicy, sis” he teased “Oh, shut up, bro.” Teto said “But thanks for compliment nonetheless..” she crosses her arms “Sooo, you’re going on the prom tonight?” Ted asked “Yeah, after that I’m fully free from school, thank god..” Teto said, as her mom sat down in front of her, applying a light makeup on her face. “Yeah, I was happy during my own prom. Tell me, when are you getting free from that all? Not like I want ya to hurry, but I’ve considered you and I would play some racing cars or some other game on two people on console.” “Well, uhh, assumingly after a midnight..I may return earlier, just because rest of 2 hours before midnight are just disco dance” Teto answered “Dear, please, don’t blink much..” Mother said gently, applying mascara on Teto’s eyelashes. “Oh? And here I thought you already taken or something. You still haven’t asked that blue-haired one out?” Ted asks, clearly talking about Miku. “Well, no..?” Teto answers “Oh, dear, you better do it now then than never, because she might pick someone else if not you..” Mother gently advised “you don’t need to confess to her right away, just show her at least you’re not indifferent about her, call her for a dance, or a drink, or pastry - your call.” “Yeah, sis, you don’t wanna end up single for the rest of your life, do you?” Ted teased “Oh, quiet you! I then show Miku what a damn good dancer I’am.” Teto stated, seemingly from the support she gained more courage to finally get closer to Miku. Evening arrived “Hello everyone! Ladies and gentlemen!” A person on the stage declared. “Tonight is a special day, that no one dares to miss. We have took all of our teachers over here for our dear students to say goodbyes to our school! Understandable, you don’t want to leave, but imagine the life outside! You’re going to get a job, a family, a new life! And we want to make sure everyone was satisfied with a party, so we’re staying up till the midnight!” As the man on the stage continued to talk, Teto, Miku and Neru was staying near the stage, listening to the words. “This is the best day ever!” Miku declared “Not gonna lie, it’s amazing, right?” “Yea, tonight is going to be good.” “Now! I give the words to our dear principal Mr.John. Mr.John, come out!” The man on the stage declared, the room filled up with applauses. Mr. John steps on the stage and takes the microphone. “Thank you.” Mr.John replies before clearing his throat. “Now..dear students. It’s our pleasure to know you all made it to the end, and looking at your results I can’t help but be proud of you, all of you..Someone transferred from here, someone stayed here since the first grade..but tonight..is our last night together, so we have to take every last second of this encounter..Now, Let’s call our dear students on the stage and give them a deserved reward…” he said, laying his eyes on the stack of diplomes and certificates. “Now..Akita Neru” He called out “come out to the stage.” Neru’s eyes gleamed with excitement as she began making her way to the stage, the room fills up with applauses again. Principal shakes her hand in gesture of respect and gives her a brief hug, then, he gives her a purple diplomat. Then Neru said something in the microphone about good luck to others and being so proud of her school, same was with others, Teto, Miku. Once all got their diplomats The man earlier steps to the microphone and speaks “Now, dear students, or more like..adults, even! Why don’t we have a little dance before saying our last goodbyes?” Then a music turns on, energetic and full of life “you can have pastries over here on the table, grab a drink, or! We can dance until it strikes midnight. Enjoy!” The last words by the man, who steps out of the stage with principal “Hey, girls!” Miku said “why don’t we grab a snack and dance? I would use some!” “Would be not bad..” Teto replied “Sounds good, dear.” Neru answered The rest of night was energetic, the air was full of happiness and perhaps something unspoken secret. After like a few minutes a long, slow and romantic music was turned on. Neru was drinking with Kagamine Rin, talking about stuff, while Miku watched others dance. “Hey..Miku..” “Huh?” Miku turns her head towards Teto “Wanna..uhh..dance..with me?..” Teto asks, extending her hand, though she is damn bad to hold her blush, as the heat slowly crept up on her cheeks. “Oh..sure, Teto..why not.” She smiled, taking Teto’s hand and guiding her on the dancing floor. The music was slow, tentative, something unspoken in the air. Teto can’t help but feel herself like she’s on seventh heaven ring. She finally did something for Miku. And she proud of it. But for a moment, it felt dizzy, the room felt tense and darker, music a little disordered and..ugh, metal whistle again? Yeah, metal whistle, but- why isn’t Miku noticed?..she looks so..oblivious- ah..actually..nevermind. “You know..” Teto speaks “What?” “I’ve been wanting to dance with you like that in a while..” Teto shyly confessed "Oh, really?" "Yeah, no lie, I...thought it'll be a good idea to dance.. just you and me.." Teto said quietly, her heart swelled with affection and fondness for this girl, and she won't trade it for anything. Soon, the slow dance was over, and music turns energetic once more. The strange metal whistle and it’s toll is gone.. And that's how the rest of the evening went. Dancing, snacks and happy words. Nobody weren't even noriced how fast time passed. Then a midnight strikes. "Now-now, what a pleasure to see you had your fun. But now, unfortunately, it's our time to say goodbyes.." the man with mic earlier spoke "Let's take our last picture, dear students! Then, you can all go home.." SAY CHEESE!~ A picture was taken, the room was tidied up, it's time to leave. Neru, Miku and Teto shared their hugs and split. The day was over. A bell rang as the bakery door opened. "There you are my dear.." Mother spoke, giving Teto kiss on the cheek. Then she came towards the door and locked it. "How's my dear's prom was? I'm sorry I wasn't there, Too busy to serve last customers.." "Not a problem, ma." Teto said, dissmissing a hand "and the prom? It went smoothly..I..was dancing with Miku tonight.." Teto admitted, a hint of blush on her face. "Oh..is that the girl you have that 'crush' for, huh?" "Yeah.." "Well I'm proud you shown your indifference towards her, Teto. Now go upstairs, there's nothing much to do here.." Mother said Teto climbed up the ladder, going upstairs where their home was. "Oh, hi sis." Ted spoke "Oh-..hi, brother.." Teto replied "Wanna play console with me? You won't believe what bargain I found.." Ted suggested, holding a joystick in his hand "Hmm...well..Why not.." Teto shrugged, walking up and sitting next to him opposite the tv. After like a hour of playing, their mother said them to go to bed. Both have washed and went to their rooms. Teto closes the door behind her, her room illuminated in dim light. Her room was spacy enough for her, a bed in the corner, with computer in another, a medium sized tv on the wall, few beanbags and baguette plush on the floor. Her gaze falls on the nightstand, where a black ticket was placed - an invatation card to the Red Serpents - the resident popular group of hitmen, killing people by the order. It's Teto's only chance to start a new life, break her routine and forget that she's a bottomfeeder forever, she can be powerful, she's chimera after all. And all she wanted to have so much wanted attention and power, just to not be weak, to be appreciated, to be loved. Teto picks up her phone and calls a certain number. Since that moment, another week passed It was a while since Teto became the assassin. Yes, she was treated like nothing, but hey, at least they pay big, and if they pay big you going to win big. Today was 10th of June, relief mixed in the boredom was in the air. Teto did something on her computer, until she heard a vibrating from her bed. Teto looks over her bed, noticing her phone vibrated. Somebody's calling her. "Ugh..who's callin me aga-" she took her phone in her hands and immediately stops her train of thoughts. Miku's calling. Without hesitation she answers the call, sitting down on the bed -"Hello? Miku?" -"Hi, Teto! How do you do?" -"Fine, thank you." -"You know why I'm calling you?" -"Uhhh..why?" -"I want to throw a party over my place! Just a small sleepover, if you don't mind!" -"Ohh, I see, I see..I assume you wanted to invite me over?" -"preciecly!" -"Ohh..okay? When it starts? And what day you picked?" -"Come over my place in 3 days and arrive in 6pm sharp! But, if you won't come over, it's okay! Oh, and by the way, if you decide to come, take Ted with you! I want to introduce him to Neru!" -"Huh? Neru? What about her?" -"Oh, you didn't know?" Miku gasps "I hope you can keep it a secret!~" -"Oh, well..if..it's important to you, then your secret is safe with me.." -"alright.." Miku breathes "Here I go.." she inhales. "Neru asked me out yesterday!" . . . -"wait..what..? -"Oh, wait, you don't get it? My bad. I mean- Me and Neru going on the date! Can you imagine it!? Me and Neru are together now!!" . . . -"Teto? Teto! Can you hear me?" Meanwhile Teto's heart skipped a beat,as if she having a heart attack, but not quite, still breathing, still alive. She lowers the phone on the soft sheets of her bed, her eyes are on the floor. She felt as if she confessed Miku in her feelings and got rejected in the worst way possible. Why? Just why? Why Miku..? Why Neru..? Not Me..? "KASANE TETO!" A voice rang from phone. Teto snaps back into the reality, her eyes are wide with disbelief. She stutters before bringing phone back to her ear. -"H-hello..?" -"Teto! There you are! Phew..thought you lost consciousness already!" Miku said, her voice held tinge of relief "Are you okay, Teto..?" -"Me..? Oh..yeah..I just..forgot I was talkin', right now with ya.." -"Huh? What do you mean you forgot you were talking to me?" -"I-I mean..I-I..." -"you mean what? Teto? What's wrong? Is it..too much to take for you..?" Miku asks in evident, genuine concern -"N-no! Don't say that, I'm in fact VERY proud of you,really!" -"Well, if you say so, but..remember, you're not alone! You can always write me or call me, I try to answer whatever it is, you know?" -"yeah.." . . . "Anything else you want to talk about..Miku..?" -"Oh, not really..you?" -"Me neither" -"Alright then, try to reply to me in nearby time, okay? I just want to make sure how many snack and which snacks we need. Keep yourself safe, Teto. Goodbye!~ -"bye.." Miku hangs up, Teto lowers her phone. A bitter realisation washes over her. It’s too late to ask her out, she should’ve confess earlier and then everyone would be happy. Now her heart have just broken, and with it, a hope for a brighter future. Later that night, Teto was chilling in her room. She couldn’t sleep. Maybe she needs to take a stro- The thought was interrupted by the phone vibrating on the table. Teto unwillingly gets up and answers. -“Kasane Tet-“ -“It doesn’t matter, listen here, girl. I did found one little boy that would play a perfect role for bleeding tonight..” a voice spoke from a phone -“Really? And who might it be?” -“Hakiro John, my dear, he owe us a big bunch of money, soo..If you kill him and bring us his photo and/or his head..I’m gonna pay you very big..and maybe..I’d consider to ask out your real name.” -“And..where I suppose seek him?” -“On the Okasaan street on the edge alley. Try to bring him as fast as possible” -“uhh..okay? I’m coming then..” then Teto hangs up. She soon dressed up in some dark top and flared jeans, covering her upper body with a sweater. Underneath it a small dagger laid, mostly she depends on her chimera powers. She arrived on the ordered spot. The streets were dark and lonely, the wind barely blew, the air was warm, sky was covered by the dark clouds, giving only a small glimpses of the moon, stars was barely visible. The steps were long, deliberate, her expression held no emotions, until.. BONK! ”ACK-!…” Something hits Teto from behind, knocking her and forcing her to fall on the floor. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" A male voice spoke. Turning around, Teto saw strange people behind her, all holding their bats, their faces covered in masks. "Little fixer, sneaking on our turf, thinking they can escape.." the charge of the group spoke. Teto immidieatly stood up, pulling out a dagger of her pocket "Stay back, brats!" Teto said defensively, taking a step back. "Now-now, little fixer, you think you're going anywhere? I doubt it.." "What do you want?" ”What do we want? Nothing particular..just a little test how long it takes before you pass out..” ”Ugh, again dealing with some weirdos..Get over here assholes!” Teto threatened, landing a hit with her fist on a first one, knocking some of his teeth. Then on another. The a fight flared up. A mix of bats, flames and fists were surrounding them. ”now-now, why don’t you just give up?” The leader said, his voice bored as he proceeds to beat Teto with the bat, while she blocks few of his attacks with her hands, her dagger long forgotten on the floor. ”Why should I?” ”Because you’re no use, Kasane Teto, Red Serpents are not needing in you anymore, and you, my dear, was just sent straight into the grave. Now..why won’t you let me bury you?” ”What? No way! I ain’t dying until I’ll reach 20! And you better keep your stupid mouth shut!” ”whatever you say.” The fight was still going, bats, fists..how people around haven’t called for police?? ”Go da mitto do da mitto (goddamit), why there are so many of those? Are they even-?” ”They won’t stop coming until you’re dead..” a leader spoke, hitting Teto hard on the head, making her fall on the ground, then he stomped his foot over her stomach, pinning her in place “Just surrender, won’t you?” Teto tried to struggle, but it was barely any use. She lifts her hand shakily, trying to form a fireball to at least burn him aliv- “GAH…!!” The leader got hit suddenly on the neck..by the cleaver? Wait-..where did it even appeared? It was pierced trough all his arterias, and he fell on the ground, slowly dying. Teto stops, grasping her wounded shoulder, other guys look around, trying to pinpoint where cleaver flew from, b- “AAAAAHHH!!!” An agonising pain hits another in his skull, another cleaver. That’s when instinct told one thing even to predators. RUN In panic, all the folks dropped their weapons and ran away as fast as they could, Teto also ran. Why? She sensed bigger trouble, and she didn’t hesitated to run away. She ran, and ran, and ran, and over and over, and over, and over, and over again and again… She runs through dark alleys, stumbles, and her breathing hitches. She feels blood oozing from a cut on her shoulder—one of the attackers had grazed her after all. His chimerical abilities were almost at an end: his fingers were tingling from overexertion, his ears were ringing, and his arms and legs were shaking. She ducks around the corner, pressing herself against the cold brick wall. It's suspiciously quiet. But she knows it could be a hoax, so..She put her hand to her mouth to avoid being found. Suddenly, the air around her is shaking, as if from the heat above the asphalt. The bricks of the wall seem… alive under her fingers, as if they are pulsating in time with her heartbeat. She pulls her hand away, and there's blood on her hand..It looks like someone's insides, oh my God..The silence is broken by the whistling of metal. The bloody cleaver flies in a centimeter from her head, bites into the wall. The blade vibrates, emitting a low hum—the same one she heard in the mirror in the morning and at the prom.. Teto freezes..then, she turns her head.