A cold breeze blew through the streets of Horizon. Freezing the townsfolk to their core. Autumn has finally come. With it, dark clouds that threaten to drown the town in heavy rain. Sensing the impending storm, the residents took shelter in their homes, all except a little girl named Catherine.

The depressing atmosphere and eerie silence that hung over her home became too much for her to bare. So, she sat outside her home, waiting for her dad to come home. “He’ll be back. I know he will.” Catherine mutter to herself. She hugged her body tightly and wrapped her tail around herself to keep warm.

The war against the Demon King and Majin has finally ended, but her father has yet to come back from the war. To makes matters worse, her mother locked herself in her room and hasn’t shown herself to her daughter ever since those strange men came over and threatened to tear down their store.

“Ugh.” Catherine let out a weak moan as her stomach angrily growled at her. It's been days, no weeks since she’s eaten, yet she continues to loyally stand guard in front of her home, keeping a watchful eye out for any strange men and her father.

“Ah! Mom hasn’t eaten either, has she?” Catherine looked through the window of her home, hoping to see her mother humming as she went about her daily chores like she used to. But the house was silent, and her mother was nowhere to be seen. It almost looked like the place was abandon.

“I guess she’s still tired from talking to those strange men. Maybe she’ll feel better if I get her something to eat.”

Just imaging her mother going back to her usual cheery self was enough to excite her. She tried to stand, but her body didn’t budge. She has reached her limit. Days without food had greatly weakened her, and the cold snatch the remaining of her strength. But strangely, it didn’t bother her, and fact she felt quite comfortable. The cold wind that endlessly tortured her was now warm and relaxing. It was almost like the world was trying to lull her to sleep. She resisted the temptation until it finally begins to rain.

The water droplets created a soothing melody as they pounded the pavement and nearby windows. further weakening her resistance.

“Maybe this is all a dream and when I wake up everything will be back to normal.” Catherine slowly closed her eyes. Hoping that the next time she opens them, she’ll be with her parents.

“Wake up.” Just as she was about to fall into an eternal sleep, she was suddenly shaken awake. A man loomed over her holding up an umbrella. The hood over the man’s head shrouds his face in shadow. “If you fall asleep here, you will die.”

“Leave me alone. “Annoyed that the man awoke her. She tried to shoo him away with her hand.

“How disappointing. I heard there was a ferocious beast in the slums that would attack anyone that drew near their territory. Yet all I see is a pitiful kitten that lost her reason to live.

“Please leave me alone, I just want to sleep.”

“Is that so?” The man steps away from Catherine allowing her to be doused in the rain.

“Ah, could this be tears?” The water droplet that fell on her was warm, it felt like heaven itself was crying for her.

“Tears?” The man laughed. “Why would the world cry for you? I doubt it even realizes you exist.”

Catherine silently closed her eyes hoping the man would leave her alone and she can finally fall into a deep slumber.

“Sorry, I won’t wake you again.” The man begins to walk away, but then suddenly stops. “Since you plan on dying here. I’m sure you don’t mind if I destroy the store you’ve been protecting.”

“Huh?” Catherine opens her eyes and notices the man heading to her home.

“Don’t you dare!” Catherine roared as she lunges at the man. She slams her body into him knocking the man to the ground.

“Oh, it looks like you still have some fight in you.” The man tried to wrestle Catherine off, but not only could he not shake her off, but she was also overpowering him. The man’s eyes widen as a nine-year-old girl who was on the verge of death, easily manage to pin him to the ground.

“You…” Catherine growled. Her pupils turned into slits and her teeth became as sharp as daggers. “If you take a step another near my family treasure, I-I’ll kill you.” There was a hint of hesitation in her voice, but her eyes didn’t waver.

The man laughs loudly unfazed by Catherine’s threat.

“I-I’m not joking.”

“I know. That’s why I’m laughing.”

Confused, Catherine unconsciously weakens her grip. The man took advantage of her momentary lapse and kick her away. Despite her unnatural strength, Catherine weighs as much as a child. Thus, it was easy for the man to send her flying. She soars through the air, crashing into the nearby the building. The impact would’ve knocked out a man twice her height. But she easily shook off the damage as if she fell into a pile of hay.

“I knew it. I was right about you.” The man laughed. His laugh was colder than the icy rain that continues to fall.

“You don’t know anything about me.”

“On the contrary I do. In fact, I could tell exactly what you’re thinking just by looking into your eyes.” The man splashes through puddles as he approaches Catherine. She tries to get back up, but the explosive strength she displays a moment ago nowhere to be found, and she felt even more fatigued than before.

“You don’t need to worry, lately I found myself pondering exactly what you’re thinking.” The man knelt next to Catherine. And with a crooked grin, he said exactly what was on her mind.

“Why is this world so shitty?”

Chapter 13

Moonlight Drifters: A Crooked World

“It’s been a while, kiddo.”

Standing at the entrance of the alley and blocking my escape was a man that embodies sloth. His complexion was sickly pale and there were dark rings under his eyes. He wore a brown jacket over his shoulders like a cape and a white dress shirt that was half-tuck into his pants. Despite his vagabond appearance, he was the Crooked Man, the self-proclaimed King of the slums

“What are you doing here Crook?”

“What am I doing here?” Crook echoes my question back to me. He tilted his head and scratches the stubbles on his chin as if he was thinking deeply. “Do I need a reason to take a stroll through my Kingdom?”

“Just tell me!” I unintentionally raised my voice. It’s only natural I will be on edge. Crook is a man that stays in the shadows and only revealed himself when it’s necessary.

“As I said before, it’s been a while. I thought I check up on you.”

“Terrible. No thanks to the bastard who stole my family store.”

“Stole? I think you mean save. Don’t forget the city was planning on demolishing your store and I stop them. And I told you this before if you want your store back all you got to do is pay the price.

“Gladly my ass.” I grinded my teeth, barely able to keep my anger in check. Not only is charging me extra for my family but he keeps sending his goons to steal from me whenever I get close to affording it.

“Listen, this isn’t a good place to chat, why don’t we go somewhere a bit more relaxing to talk.”

Another man steps into the alley as Crook spook. It was his most loyal goon. Easily indefinably, by the three scars on his face.

My failed attempt at using aura sapped almost all strength, but even if I was at one hundred percent there’s no way, I’m beating Scar who was able to hold is own against Dante for a short time.

“Fine.” I got up to my feet and walk towards the two men.

“Good, excellent.” Scar and Crook stepped out of the alley, allowing me to leave.

“Scar, can you give us some alone time?”

“Are you sure?”

“You don’t need to worry; kiddo and I go way back.” Crook took his head out of his pocket and reach for my head. I took a step away avoiding his hand. “See?” Crook gave Scar a strained smile.

“Fine.” Scar without ever showing a hint of emotions walks away.

“I’ll never understand what’s going on in that man’s head. Anyway, let’s get going.” Crook grabbed my arm and practically dragged me through the streets. I

“Wait,” I manage to slip my hand through his grasp. “Where are we going?”

Unfazed that I escaped from him he continues walking as if he knew I would follow him. “Have you been eating properly? You haven’t grown a bit since I last saw you.”

“What does my height have to do with anything?!” I angrily stomp my way towards him. It's already bad enough I’m insecure about my height, the last thing I need is to be reminded how small I am by someone calling himself Crooked.

“Nothing, but you should take care of yourself better. You won’t get any bigger if don’t eat properly.”

“A bit late to be telling me that now.” Even though I looked like I was twelve or younger, I’m actually nineteen and will be turning twenty this fall. I hate to admit this, but I doubt I’ll be getting any taller than this.

“You don’t know that. I heard beastman developed differently than humans. Granted you’re only a quarter beast, but you still have a chance to grow.”

“Hmph.” I ignore his pathetic attempt of trying to encourage me. “So, are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I stop in my tracks. Crook eventually stopped walking when he realized I wasn’t going to follow him.

“I thought I made it obvious. We’re going to get something to eat?”

“I’m not- “hungry, was what I was going to say. But my stomach interrupted me before I finish speaking. It growls angrily at me for trying to turn down food. Crook chuckles to himself and continues to walk.

I had no intention of following him, so I turn around planning to head home, but my stomach growl at me again. I’m used to not eating. In fact, I can easily go days without food, but that’s only if I don’t see or smell any food.

“I guess getting something to eat will help me focus on training.” I nod my head satisfy with my half-baked excuse. Plus, this is a good chance to pay him back for sending his goons to rob me. If he’s paying, I’m defiantly buying the most expensive item in whenever store we go to. I doubt we’re going anywhere fancy where I can put a dent in his wallet. At least that’s what I thought until we were strolling through a wealthy neighbor.

Naturally, I stuck out like a sore thumb. Feeling all the stares on me, I’m once again reminded why I used to wear a cloak all the time. Everyone looks at me like I’m some sort of exotic creature.

I wanted to go home, but a delicious smell kept me from turning around. My legs kept moving in the direction of the enticing scent.

“Hey!” Crook called out to me, but I ignored him and kept walking until I found myself standing in front of a maid.

“Welcome back mast- ugh.”

The maid’s face instantly turned sour when she looked at me. I must look like a beggar. My hand was wrapped in bandages, and I was covered in dirt from my spar with Dante.

“I’m sorry, but we don’t give out free samples here.” The maid said coldly. She looked down at me like she was looking at a bug.

“Is that a way to treat a customer?” Crook step in front me as if he was trying to shield me from her gaze. “Table for two please.” Crook gave the maid ten silver coins and piece paper from his pocket and handed it to the maid. The maid's eyes widen when she looked down at the paper.

“I’ll be right back.” She said before quickly heading to the backroom.

“See that, kiddo? There isn’t a problem in the world that can’t be solved with money. Getting bully? Hire bodyguards. Having boy troubles? Well, I know a few places that can satisfy your needs, like…”

Sensing the conservation was going nowhere I ignore Crook and took looked around. Behind the reception desk was a row of acholic beverages. Every single one of the drinks had a fancy or foreign name which was enough to tell me how expensive they were. The maids elegantly walk around, serving food that looked like it came straight from the palace itself.

“Hey, are you listening to me?”

“Oh, you were still talking?”

Crook’s eyebrow twitches from irritation, but I paid no intention to it.

“Anyway, where are we? I live in this town my whole life, yet I never notice this place.”

“Not surprising this place was just recently built.”

“That so?” And here I thought our town wasn’t doing financially well. Half of the city is boarded up buildings where the homeless lives. Hell, they still haven’t cleaned up the mess from the Majin’s invasion over ten years ago. I guess the only way to keep the town up float is to keep the rich happy.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, masters!” The maid from before steps out of the back room and gave us a bow. Her movement was so elegant and beautiful it stole my breath away. If I was a guy, I’m pretty sure I would’ve fallen in love with her on the spot.

“Your table has been prepped, follow me.”

We follow the maid to a table that looks like it was set up for a banquet. Rows of colorful food covered the table.

“Enjoy your meal masters.” The maid bows her head and left us alone. With all the food on the table. I thought others might be joining us to eat, but we only got dirty looks from the others.

“All this food is for us?”

“Yup, so dig in.” Crook sat down and begins to eat. Seeing clumsily dropped food off his silverware was proof that he’s right-handed, but for whatever reason, he kept his right hand in his pocket. In fact, I don’t think he ever took his hand out of his pocket this entire time.

“Is something wrong, kiddo?” Realizing I haven’t sat down yet, Crook turns his attention towards me.

“What exactly are you after?” It was already suspicious that he’s treating me to a meal, but he’s even set up a reservation in this expensive place.

“Nothing at all I just wanted to- hey wait, where are you going?!”

I begin to walk away unable to stand any more of his lies. “I don’t feel like playing your game. If you’re not going to talk, I’m leaving.”

“Okay, I’ll explain, just sit down.” Crook patted the chair next to him. I ignore his gesture and sat on the opposite side of the table.

“So, what do you want from me?”

“First thing, first. Why don’t you take a bite, there’s plenty of food to go around.” Crook slid a plate of meat towards me.

“I don’t- “I was about to push the food away, but the tantalizing smell from the meat enters my nose and clouded my thoughts before I knew I shove the meat inside my mouth. It seems the food was fully cooked as I taste a bit of blood, but that only excited me more. I continued to eat until I devour everything on the plate. I look down at the empty plate embarrassed that I ate like a slob.

“No need to feel embarrassed. I heard that beastman diet consists mostly of meat. I guess that isn’t all that surprising. After all, they possess strength far greater than humans, but they need to eat twice as much as humans in order to use that strength. By the way, speaking of eating…”

Crook slides another plate over to me. This one had a large fish on it. The fish’s mouth was stuffed with vegetables and fruits. Honestly, it looked disgusting, but it smells amazing. I grab a fork and knife eager to dig in.

I feel like I forget something. Just as I was about to tear into the fish a small voice in my head awaken my clouded mind. I looked up at Crook, who was watching me eat with a satisfied grin.

“You trick me!” I slammed my hands on the table and stood up. Crook simply tilted his head. Unfazed by my outburst.

“Trick? What are you talking about? All I did was offer you was some food.

I grinded my teeth, frustrated. He knew full well how hungry I was and that I would be too distracted by the food to ask him anything. I could feel my blood boiling when I realize I fell into the palm of his hand again. I wanted to shout at him, but my anger quickly dissipated when I felt the eyes of everyone in the restaurant on me.

Embarrass, I slowly sat back down, trying to ignore the murmurs around me, but one person spoke loudly as if they wanted me to hear them.

“You see, this is why they shouldn’t allow pets in the stores.”

Sitting at the table next to us was a handsome, no, a beautiful man. He had blonde hair was wrapped in a ponytail, which was long enough to reach his lower back. Honestly, if I didn’t hear his annoying voice, I would’ve never thought he was a man.

The people that sat around the pretty boy table giggle at his joke. Not wanting to draw any more attention to myself, I ignore them and silently ate, which seems to only make them laugh louder.

“My, my, I don’t know what’s sadder. The audience’s fake laughs, or that you’re too stupid to see the difference between an animal and beastman.”

“What did you say?!” The pretty boy jumped from out his chair.

“Relax, relax. It’s just a joke. No need to get so upset.”

“You should be careful scum. Just because you manage to pay your way in here, doesn’t mean you’re one of us.

“You’re right. I’m better than you.” Crook said as before taking a bite out of his food as if he was stating the obvious. A vain appear on the pretty boy’s head

“Another joke, huh? Fine, I’ll play along. What makes you better than me?”

Crook smile as if he was waiting for him to ask. “I had to crawl through mud and dirt to get here. While it quite clear you were born into wealth. Without a single achievement to your name, you bragged about being better than others. You’re no better than the streets rats that survive off other people’s leftover.”

“Comparing me to a street rat. How funny.” The pretty boy laughs loudly. Then suddenly and without warning, he threw a plate at Crook and me. I didn’t bother dodging as I didn’t sense I was in danger. The plate smash into the ground right next to my feet.

The pretty boy’s face turned flush red perhaps from anger from failing to hit me, or maybe from embarrassment for throwing a temper tantrum. He quietly left the restaurant, rage still burning in his eyes.

“I have to say I’m impressed kiddo.” Crook turns his attention towards me the moment the pretty boy left. “You always used to run at the first sign of danger.”

“I still do.” Thanks to the hell Dante been putting me through, I got better at knowing when I’m in danger. Of course, I have no intention of telling Crook that. “So, are you going to tell me why you brought me here?”

I looked Crook dead in his eyes to let him know I wanted answers, and I wanted them now. Seeing that I was serious, Crook leans back in his chair as if he was preparing himself to tell a long story.

“How long have we known each other, kiddo?”

I didn’t bother hiding my displeasure with him answering my question. While tightly squeezing the fork in my hand, I said, “Far too long.” Crook laugh, unbothered by my answer, which only annoyed me more.

“Yea, it has been a while. Ten years I believe. And yet you haven’t changed a bit. I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m a bit disappointed. I left you to your own devices hoping you would use my teaching to make a name for yourself on these streets. And yet here you are, still starving yourself and stealing pocket changes to just to take back a relic of the past.”

“Are you going to tell me why you brought me here, or are you going to keep monologuing?”

Crook leans closer to me and whisper. “I want you to join my gang.”

“Huh? I thought I was already a part of your group.” As much as I hate to admit I am a part of The Crooked Man’s gang. Back when I was a kid joining a gang was the only option I had if I wanted to survive.

“Not quite.” Crook cracked a smile. “You’re more like an honorary member. I want you to join full time, by that I mean I want you to take part in all my plans and operations.”

“Why? I’m just nobody who’s weaker than your weakest subordinate. Why would you want me a part of you your plans?”

Even now, I don’t understand why Crook and Dante are so interested in me. Well at least with Dante I can understand that he’s helping me out of the kindness of his heart, but Crook is a thug. He’ll happily kill anyone that stands in his way and will discard anyone he finds useless.

“It’s sad when a person is unaware of their talent.” Crook leans back in his chair and sigh. “You have a lot of potential kiddos. If we work together, we take over this town, hell, we can take over the whole underworld.”

Crook looked longingly out the window. We had a good view of the city. I could even see the wall that shields us from bandits and monsters that lurk in the dark. After a moment of silence, we looked away from the window and at each other.

“So how about it, kiddo? Do you want to join my gang full time? If you do, you’ll easily make twice if not four times the amount of money you make now. Which means not only will you be able to buy the store you've been obsessing over, but you’ll even be able to live a life of luxury.”

Is that why he brought me here? To give me a taste of the good life.

I closed my eyes and thought about his offer. Joining him sounds better than fighting in a tournament. Plus, he’ll probably stop sending his goon at me too. But I get the feeling if join him something inside me will change. I don’t know what this something is, but it scares me. To the point, my instinct is warning me of these changes.

“I’m sorry, but I’ll have to reject.”

“Are you sure?” Crook narrows his eyes. It felt he was giving me a final warning rather than confirming my choice.

“I’m sure. I don’t want anything to do with your plan or your scummy goons.”

“I don’t think someone who makes a living off stealing has the right to call anyone scummy.”

I bit my lip to hold back my groan. He hit me right where it hurts. I took a deep breath to keep myself composed. “You’re right, that’s why I won’t steal anymore. From now on, I going to earn money in an honest way.”

Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because I’m pretty sure Dante will kill me if he found out I committed another crime.

“You sure try making an honest living too. Who knows, you might find it nice not having to hide from the law.”

I stood up after taking one last bite of my meal and walk away.

“An honest living, huh?” Crook Chuckle. “Isn’t that how your dad died? Trying to make an honest living?”

“The hell you say?”

I look back at Crook who had a massive grin on his face.

“I heard a lot about your father. He was a selfless man that always went out of his way to help others. In a fantasy world, people might’ve called him a hero, but in reality, he just an idiot that got himself killed over people whose names he didn’t know. Don’t you find it ironic? It’s because of his selfless nature that he failed to protect what was truly import-

I slam my fist into the table with enough force to snap the legs. The plates and food crash to the floor creating a cacophony of noise that causes everyone in the restaurant to jump including Crook.

“Say another word about my dad, and I’ll fucking kill you.”

“Ah, it’s been a while since I saw that look in your eyes. I miss it.” The shock expression on his face quickly turns into a smile. “But, I wonder, what would your kind-hearted father think if he saw that bloodthirsty look in your eyes?”

I balled my hands into fists and stomped my way towards him. A maid step in between us. She shouted something at me, but none of it reach my ears.

“I wonder, where your anger is really aimed at. Me, or maybe your father, for leaving you and your poor mother for dead.”

“CROOK!” I shove the maid out my way and lunge at Crook. Calmly, he took his right hand out of his pocket and lifted it towards me. I stopped in my track, my instinct screaming at me not to get any closer.

“Hmm? What’s wrong? Didn’t you want to hit me?” Crook waves his hand which he covered with a black glove.

“Well, come on. You have every right to hit me. Not only did I make fun of your father, but I’m the one that took your precious store your family work so hard to build together. In your eyes, I’m the villain, right. So, come on, hit me!”

Crook’s voice boom through the restaurant. I gritted my teeth in frustration I wanted to hit him, no I wanted to kill him. But for some reason, I got the feeling if I took another step towards him, I’ll die.

“Heh, heh, heh.” Crook stood up from his chair, laughing. I took a step back; my body trembling with fear. The maid who fell to the ground and silently tried to crawl away from the insane man in front of me.

“You see? This is why I like you, kiddo. You can pretend to be a virtuous person all you want, but in the end, we both know your nothing like your father, and you’ll never be.

“You-You're cruel.” My vision became blurry as tears ran down my face.

“I’m cruel? Child, have I not taught you anything? This world is cruel. I’m merely playing by its rule, just like you.”

“Rules? I’m not sure what the hell you’re talking about, but I have no intention of going along with any rules that you follow.”

“Hm, you sure about that?” Crook tilted his and looked down at me with a wicked grin. “I know you’ve been hiding all the money you stole somewhere in your store.”

“How did you-“

“Oh please, do you think you can hide anything from me? I taught you how to survive on these streets, remember?”

I bit my lip to keep myself calm. Nothing is stopping him from sending goons to ransack the store and stealing all the money I hid.

“Relax, I have no intention of taking the money you work so hard for, but I have to wonder. What goes through your head when you look at starving children on the street? With all that money you've been saving. I’m sure you go around feeding them, right?”

“I…”

“Hm? What this? You don’t offer even a single coin to the poor souls that live on the street, you say? Why is that? Is it because you’re smart enough to know that you’ll never get closer to your goal if you offer money to every bastard that needs help, or perhaps it’s because you know you’ll become a target if people knew you had money? Either way, this isn’t how your dad would act, would he?”

I cover my ears. I didn’t want to hear anything else he had to say. But he grabs my hands and pulled them away from my ears.

“Face it, kiddo, you’re crooked. Even if you manage to get your store and accomplish your family dream, do you think they’ll be happy to see what became of their precious little daughter.”

“What’s happening here?” A group of guards led by a maid step into the restaurant. I used the momentary distraction to push myself away from Crook.

“Hey, wait!” One of the guards shouted at me as I ran past by, but I had no intention of stopping, I wanted to get as far away from this place as possible.

.

.

.

I’m not sure how long I ran it must’ve been for a couple of hours the sun was starting to set. I could hear the guards still looking for me. I moved deeper into the alley, desperately trying to shroud my body in darkness. I let out a sigh of relief as I listen to their voice grow distant. Exhausted, I allow my body to fall the ground.

“And here I promise I wouldn’t get into anymore, trouble. Damn you, Crook.”

His words echo in my head as if it was trying to poison my mind. Knowing Crook, that’s probably what he's trying to do.

I know I’m not a good person. I never consider myself such. Everything I did was to keep my family's dream alive. At least that’s what I told myself, but in truth, this was all to satisfy my selfish obsession with trying to relive the past. How pathetic, I haven't changed at all. I'm still the girl sitting in the rain, waiting for her dad to come home.

“Is everything okay?” I jumped to my feet thinking it might’ve been a guard, but to my surprise, it was the pretty boy.

“What do you want?”

“I want to help you. It goes against my principle to ignore kids in trouble.” The pretty boy said while brushing his long blonde hair and flashing me a smile.

I clicked my tongue annoyed that he mistake me for a child. Normally, I wouldn’t let such a thing blunder bother me, but seems my fight with Crook greatly diminished my patience “I’m not a kid, I’m nineteen years old.”

“Oh. Really?” His eyes widen in surprise, which only annoyed me more. “Well, that’s even better. Why don’t we go someplace a bit nicer, I’ll treat you better than that scumbag you was with.

“Leave me alone.”

I know what he’s after. He plans on using me to get back at Crook for making fun of him. Talk about being petty. I sat back down, hoping he gets the message that I didn’t want to talk anymore, but naturally that he didn’t take a hint. He continues to approach me while saying cheesy lines.

How annoying if I wasn’t so exhausted, I could easily scale one of these buildings and leave him in the dust.

“I know a place with a nice view of the town. You want to see it?”

“Nope, I’m not interested.” I brush past him and headed straight for the street.

“You ungrateful little beast!”

“How predictable.” I let out a sigh as I listen to him charge at me. I didn’t even bother looking at him as I slap his hands away with my tail.

“Leave. Me. Alone.” I spoke lowly, hoping my threat get through to him. But it was foolish of me to think someone as arrogant as him would listen to me.

“You want to play hard to get? Fine.” The pretty clapped his hands twice. Three rough men walk into an alley beckon by the sound.

“You brought goons, seriously?!”

“I brought them to deal with the scumbag you were with earlier.”

“I haven’t nothing to do with him.”

“You don’t need to lie. after I’m done dealing with that bastard you were with. I’ll let you go.”

“Of course, that’s only if you cooperate with us. If you try to resist, well, let’s just say I know a place that can turn that lovely tail of yours into a nice scarf.” One on the goons approaches me while flaunting his knife.

“Why?” My vision became red as my body shook with rage. “Why does everyone keep messing with me? Why can’t everyone leave me alone? Why? Why? whywhywhywhywhywhywhywhy?”

Just when I felt I would go mad with rage, something inside my head click, then suddenly, a deep calm washes over me drowning my anger and all my other emotions.

“Looks like she gone mad. How boring. It’s no fun if I can’t break the target.”

“Mad? No, far from it.” My voice came out cold and emotionless. It scared me for a moment, but the fear like all my other emotions, the fear instantly vanish. I grabbed the arm of the thug who was trying to pick me up. The goon scream in pain as I squeeze his wrist, snapping his bones. “But perhaps I’m a bit Crooked.”