A 3 vs 1. Three opponents, all after the same goal. To kill him. Ichiro was sat behind a wall, the doorway into the room sat to his left. He took his hands off his keyboard and cracked his knuckles. He placed his hand gently back on the keys and attempted to relax. He took a deep breath and peeked the corner, as he did this he was met with an onslaught of bullets. He pressed himself back against the wall, his palms were sweating and his heart racing; he hadn’t seen where his opponents were, but he needed a plan. Grenades hung from his belt, slightly tapping against each other with a small clink. He came to the conclusion that he needed to reposition so he started crawling to his right, but then he heard footsteps. They started to come closer, Ichiro crouched down and aimed down the hall, a murky view was all he could see, the wall was riddled with bullet holes and crates were scattered everywhere. Ichiro continued to hold that position, then he heard a clink as if something had bounced off the ground. He looked around unsure of what it was and then there right next to him was a grenade, he dived forward attempting to get as far away as possible from the blast in the hope that he would take less damage. BANG. The grenade went off, he could hear crumbling as the building fell in on itself, his characters movement was slower now. Then he heard a gunshot, it shot just by his face. He clutched his mouse and flicked spinning his character a perfect 180 degrees. He clicked the fire button suppressing his attacker then aimed down his sight, holding the corner. The player peeked again but Ichiro was fast and shot him directly in the heard, the text 1 vs 2 came up on screen. Ichiro let out a sigh of relief and moved forward towards where his opponent died. Bang. A shot was fired. The word defeated came up on the screen. Ichiro clenched his fist and hit the desk.190Please respect copyright.PENANAoQjTavjxNp
Ichiro just started loading into another game when from downstairs he heard, “Ichiro school starts soon, time to get off those games.” Ichiro sighed as he moved back in his chair and shut off his computer. He stood up, his chair rolling backwards and went over to the curtains and flung them open, light rushed in taking the entire room in its path, Ichiro’s eyes burned and he had to squint. He turned away and grabbed some clothes off the floor. He grabbed his phone from the desk, stuffed it in his pocket, and hurried downstairs. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAjHKz9LXRS9
“So, you finally decided to come down.” Said his mum. She was standing over the counter, she held a kitchen knife in her small hands as she cut up some vegetables. The sound of the knife on the cutting board echoed in the kitchen. Ichiro walked over to the counter and looked across at her.190Please respect copyright.PENANAb2yTdWPXwp
“Where’s my breakfast?” He asked. She looked over at him and pointed at a bowl that lay on the side. She then turned back, her blonde hair hung in front of her face, she brushed it aside and continued cutting. Ichiro walked over to the bowl and grabbed a spoon; the metal was warm to the touch from the summer heat. He went over to the small table they kept in the kitchen and sat down; he ate his breakfast quickly. Finishing the bowl in two mouthfuls. He then got up and gently placed his bowl on the side and walked out the kitchen. He grabbed his shoes and quickly put them on. 190Please respect copyright.PENANADYJlBpjGuQ
“See you after school mum.” Ichiro said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAyI5o2oVUq3
“See you later, there is some money on the side for dinner tonight as I won’t be home till 8.”190Please respect copyright.PENANAjoXIFWZT5G
“Okay.” 190Please respect copyright.PENANAtmVtyXVqUN
Ichiro quickly looked in the mirror, he stared at himself with his brown eyes, His hair came down to his eyebrows, brushed slightly aside by the constant movement of his hands, he feigned a smile at himself, his small lips rose unevenly as he tried this. He stopped and adjusted his black jacket slightly and pulled up his trousers a bit. He decided he was ready to go and walked outside. It was a nice sunny day, rays of light shone through the small gaps in the high bushes that surrounded the driveway, the big metal gate at the bottom was open as always and his mum’s car sparkled, Ichiro stopped to enjoy the morning sun, he took a glance around, the driveway was a small lane with a little circular area at the top where a small bush sat in the middle, Ichiro continued walking, birds were chirping in the trees and leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, small weeds poked their heads through the small cracks in the pavement to soak up the sunlight. Ichiro crossed the street, a car flew past just missing him, they cursed at him, but he didn’t care, so what if the car hit him? It wouldn’t matter that much. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAZ39qX47vgh
After 5 minutes Ichiro reached Daigo’s house, he walked up the small, cobbled path to the wooden door and knocked 3 times, a few seconds later he heard a flurry of footsteps and a few moments after that the door creaked open and Daigo eagerly awaited on the other side, his grin spread from one side of his face to the other, his blue eyes shone with what seemed to be excitement, he stood straight and was just taller than Ichiro, his hair was messy and all over the place, just a blonde entanglement. “Ichiro, Ichiro, Ichiroooooo.” Daigo said locking his arm around Ichiro’s neck playfully and messing up his hair.190Please respect copyright.PENANAwslehYivFH
“Calm down Daigo, we don’t have time for this.” Ichiro tried to push him off but Daigo kept a firm hold and chuckled.190Please respect copyright.PENANAMrDqT5g3wa
“You know what day it is today, right Ichiro?” He said this and his smile widened almost stretching past the boundaries of his face.190Please respect copyright.PENANAmjtoj7PmSE
“Yes, yes I know.” Ichiro said sighing, he tried to squirm out from Daigo’s grasp but found he couldn’t still, Daigo playfully punched Ichiro’s stomach. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAY3psVjW90q
“Today as you know is the best day of the week, a day for champions, the day where boys become men or become the people laying in the dirt. This day to some, is known as the day where we do PE, however I myself know it as the day that life finds its meaning. You agree right?” Daigo said finally letting go of Ichiro.190Please respect copyright.PENANAMGsQva78Sf
“Yes, I agree so long as it keeps you off me.” He responded coldly. Daigo jumped at him again and tried to take him down to the floor.190Please respect copyright.PENANATs24EqoiIe
“You telling me you don’t like this?” he said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAGdZZGlHQ0F
“Come on man we got to go.” Ichiro said smiling slightly.190Please respect copyright.PENANAswHqO5WRwX
“Fine but you won’t get out of this that easily.” Daigo finally tripped Ichiro and sent him onto the cobbled path, Ichiro cut his hand on the stones.190Please respect copyright.PENANALkSmuxty7K
“Man, you cut my hand, come on, let’s go.” Ichiro said laughing.190Please respect copyright.PENANAF2mVyT8DU1
Daigo helped him up and they started to walk to school. After a bit of walking, Ichiro and Daigo were just across the road from school then Hiriko rode past on his bike and shouted, “Oi, Ichiro you cutting yourself now?” He said clearly indicating the cut on his hand. “Look man I know your dad died, but he didn’t matter that much, all he managed in life was raising a failure of a son.” He continued still looking towards Ichiro and Daigo. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAxDofSZhrzo
“Hiriko… Lamp post.” Ichiro said pointing at the lamp post in front of Hiriko, Hiriko looked around and panicked unable to avoid the lamp post, he and up slamming into it and the bike was crunched from the impact, Ichiro and Daigo couldn’t help themselves but laugh. Hiriko slowly rose to his feet.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQdo8vQZKch
“You think this is funny Ichiro? You won’t be laughing later trust me.” Hiriko said, brushing the dust out of his black hair, his green eyes may as well have been red with the anger that shot out with his glare, he clenched his fists at his side and knelt and then picked up his bike and walked away. Ichiro and Daigo kept laughing. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAwnKgYS5yNu
Ichiro and Daigo were still laughing about what happened with Hiriko when they got to the school entrance. “Boys why are you late?” said the headteacher. Ichiro smiled.190Please respect copyright.PENANAaGEXzu4XQz
“Games.” He then shrugged. “Look I’m sorry, however, you see, it was an online game so I couldn’t pause it.” The headteacher sighed.190Please respect copyright.PENANAtHEuY3MS9k
“Just go, will you?” Ichiro and Daigo cheerfully entered the school and headed to their classes. 190Please respect copyright.PENANA1iEGCHViKM
Ichiro’s first class was maths, he walked to the classroom door and sighed before slowly entering. The class had still not started, so he dragged himself over to his seat and sat down. He placed his head on the desk and waited for the class to start. A few minutes passed and the class started, Ichiro opened his book, he already knew how to do this method, yet he couldn’t bring himself to work, so he placed his pen back down almost as soon as he picked it up. He looked around, the desks were parted from one another as single seated tables, the teacher stood in the front writing equations on the whiteboard. 190Please respect copyright.PENANA4tdjkY2A6o
“Ichiro, are you not going to do any work?” Mazuko who sat behind him said, Mazuko always pestered Ichiro about doing work, however Ichiro was not interested in school anymore and was just waiting it out until he could leave. Ichiro was once in the Maths quiz team with Mazuko. Mazuko was still as scrawny and nerdy as ever, yet Ichiro changed from those days, he may know the content but his grades still slipped to the point of barely passing. Now Ichiro’s only enjoyment was in physical activities and video games, and it all changed because of that day…190Please respect copyright.PENANAuiNEu6nqVR
“Ichiro how did the maths quiz go?” his dad asked him, smiling and waving.190Please respect copyright.PENANAsWOP9zWFJH
“It went good, but there were some things I didn’t know, luckily Mazuko knew those ones, but I want to learn them.” Ichiro said, running over. 190Please respect copyright.PENANA0z24ypj3rD
His dad laughed and patted him on the head. “You tell me what you don’t understand and I’ll teach you them when we get home.” He said looking down at Ichiro.190Please respect copyright.PENANAW7dcpFDHqw
“Okay.” During the car ride home Ichiro told his dad about all the maths problems he couldn’t understand, his dad just listened to him, nodding his head at times to show he was still listening. Then they came to a red light and his dad stopped the car, cars drove past as they waited, but then in an instant, a red truck flew round the corner, the vehicle was completely out of control, its tyres screeched as they grinded against the ground unable to get any form of grip to the road. Then in a moment, the red truck shot towards Ichiro and his dad, Ichiro was still looking at his dad and speaking about the maths quiz. Crash. Ichiro was flung backwards, as the car was hit by the truck, his dad was flung back as well but was crushed by the truck with the car. The impact was over as quickly as it started, the driver’s side of the car had crumbled, pressing the metal shell of the car viciously against his dad’s body. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAy35qb1QVIL
“Dad.” Ichiro said gently shaking him. “Dad, wake up.” Shaking him a bit harder. “Dad! Please!” Ichiro said getting louder. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAOq2avo36Fa
“Hey, Ichiro, don’t cry.” His dad said faintly. He reached his hand up to Ichiro’s face and wiped the stray tear.190Please respect copyright.PENANAONV2mQ7J4w
“Dad, you’re okay right? You’ll be fine right?” Ichiro said trying to push off the metal that was crushing his dad. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAl4J6nDLI2q
“I don’t know, I feel weak, but listen to me, don’t let this get to you, you are a strong kid, don’t be upset.” His dad said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAlOf3dyqRAy
“Don’t talk like that, you’re going to be fine!” Ichiro grabbed his dad by the hand and tried to pull him from the wreckage, blood ran down his dad’s arm and settled on Ichiro’s hand. “Someone call an ambulance. Dad please don’t go, just hold out for longer, let the ambulance get here you’ll be fine.” Ichiro sat just clutching his dad’s hand, his eyes wide and mouth clenched. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAysFob5tOzi
“Ichiro, don’t worry about me, carry on for me. Continue to reach new, greater heights. Make sure to help people who need it. Become someone I can look down at from above and be proud of.” His dad said, before going limp, his dad’s hand lost all tension and his head hung there lifeless. Ichiro, stared at his dad’s body blankly, he clenched his fist and bit down on his lip until he drew blood. His mind raced, he remembered every moment of his time with his dad in that instant, what his dad had hoped to see him become, how much his dad had helped him, yet now he was gone, what was he meant to do? The car door next to him was finally pried open, Ichiro turned, his eyes lifeless with tears welling up at the bottom. He was still biting his lip, blood now dripped from his chin. He slowly got out of the car, not responding to any of the people asking if he was okay and started to walk towards his house. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAIyOqtdg4D0
Ten minutes later, Ichiro got home, he walked through the front door, his mum sat in the lounge watching TV. “Oh, Ichiro you are back? Where’s your dad?” she asked. “I need to speak to him about tomorrow.” Ichiro turned to her, his face still blank, blood gushed from his lip now. His mum gasped. “What happened, are you okay?” 190Please respect copyright.PENANAiVT06PXzXq
“Dad’s dead.” He said, barely able to find his voice. Now he had stopped biting his lip, it started to tremble, he bit it again, his dad said not to be upset, so he wouldn’t cry. His mum sat back down. Her face contorted as she clenched her teeth, then she collapsed back onto the sofa and sat there motionless.190Please respect copyright.PENANA2FZYvJGglG
“But are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?” She asked, her voice was shaky and she stared emptily at the wall.190Please respect copyright.PENANAKxeZa5dBmN
“I’m not hurt.” Ichiro said quietly, then walked upstairs. He got to his room and shut himself away, he couldn’t bring himself to do anything but lay there on his bed, thoughts raced in his head, he could hear his mum now crying downstairs. He lay there for what seemed like hours, until he finally came to the decision. He didn’t want to live in a world where his dad is dead, but he couldn’t bring himself to go downstairs and end it all. His dad’s words echoed in his mind, “Become someone I can look down at from above and be proud of.” Why? Why had his dad left him with a reason to endure this pain? He just wanted the pain to stop, but he had no way out, because if he did quit, he would be going against his dad’s last wishes.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQxXSTaFJfj
“Ichiro… Ichiro… Ichiro.” Ichiro snapped back to the present; the teacher was calling on him to answer a question. He groaned.190Please respect copyright.PENANAS0Mb3kZxfx
“What?” he asked.190Please respect copyright.PENANAyWrSRCiqJD
“What’s the answer?” the teacher pointed at the board.190Please respect copyright.PENANAg5wFvy5T8T
“97.51.” Ichiro responded.190Please respect copyright.PENANAUOdrBkkgFh
“Correct.” The teacher said then continued asking the rest of the class questions. Ichiro laid his head back on the desk and waited for the class to end.190Please respect copyright.PENANA0GPIffOob3
Maths had ended and now Ichiro had history so he walked down the hall to the history department, as he did Hiriko walked past and bumped into him, “Oi, Ichiro watch where you’re going, don’t want to crash like your dad now do you?” Ichiro ignored him and kept on walking. He got to History and once again sat down at his desk only to place his head down on it. He looked to his side, head still on the table, he saw Mai. Her hair was curled today and lay itself just below her shoulders, it shone in the light coming from the window, glossy like a polished wooden table. She turned and saw him looking, she smiled at him and her smile seemed to brighten the entire room, her eyes sparkled like diamonds, Ichiro looked away, his face felt warm suddenly. He and Mai were once close friends, he used to tutor her before his dad died, however after the car crash, he tried to tutor her but he couldn’t. He hated schoolwork now, that was the thing he took pride in when his dad was alive to help him with it, but now all he cared about was sports and his physical ability. He had spent the past year that his dad had been gone training his body to be stronger in the hope to help people when they need it. He planned on becoming a police officer so he could stop crime and even lock up people like the person who killed his dad by driving recklessly. He looked back at her and she had got back to doing her work, he could hear her pen scratching the paper, he knew she had never been that good at school, yet she still tried hard to get good grades and even passed a few of her classes, and then here he was, easily able to do school but lacked the conviction to carry out the rest of it and had given up. He sighed, that was reality though and nothing would change the fact that when he sat down to do work it brought tears to his eyes.190Please respect copyright.PENANAs1IOWOfVvr
The bell rang for break, Ichiro got out of his seat and grabbed his bag, he looked down at his feet where his PE bag was meant to be yet it was gone, he looked around the class and caught a glimpse of it in Mai’s hand. “Hey Mai, why have you got my PE kit?” she looked at him and ran out the class. He dropped his bag and chased after her, she had ran down to the end of the corridor by the time he caught up, no one was around as she had come to an area where barely any classes were held. “So, what’s this all about?” he asked.190Please respect copyright.PENANAv2V6G24wMu
“I wanted to talk to you.” She said holding his bag tight to her chest.190Please respect copyright.PENANAXsV67IdwYw
“And please enlighten me as to why you couldn’t have just asked to speak to me.” He said calmly placing his hands on his hips. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAvPOYgJAwD2
“You’ve been avoiding me for months, and even before then you grew more and more distant. Why? What’s happened? You don’t try in school anymore; you don’t talk to me. You always look sad. Please tell me.” She said, a frown rested on her face, and she clenched his bag even tighter. 190Please respect copyright.PENANACJLKjjA2ng
“Look there’s no point worrying about me, I have already made my decision and I am happy with it. Now please can I have my bag?” Ichiro said, he still hadn’t told her about his dad’s death as she had never actually met his dad. He held out his hand for her to give him back the bag, but she turned away.190Please respect copyright.PENANAHYFPbj0i6Z
“No, because I do worry. We used to be close Ichiro, but now I feel like we aren’t even friends anymore, I can tell you’re hiding something from me and it hurts to know that.” She said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAliIeVY2kE9
“Mai, this is none of your business, please just stay out of it besides it happened a year ago.” He said reach around her and grabbing the bag, but she clung to it.190Please respect copyright.PENANAY0JqfloFLs
“What happened?” 190Please respect copyright.PENANApuKEXyw9z9
“You don’t need to know.” He had already told a few too many people and it had leaked to Hiriko and he had never been able to live calmly since. Ichiro was surprised that she hadn’t already heard from Hiriko, especially as he spoke to her all the time. He grabbed the bag again and pulled it slightly, turning her towards him. Tears were in her eyes; Ichiro couldn’t understand why.190Please respect copyright.PENANAv2O8b8iHwg
“Do you hate me now Ichiro? Did I do something wrong?” she said quietly. Ichiro hugged her and she released the grip on his bag.190Please respect copyright.PENANAq4VduZogQR
“No, I don’t hate you.” He said, still hugging her.190Please respect copyright.PENANAi17PAtsXcr
“Hey, hey, hey Ichiroooooo, what are you doing that in the corridor for? Gross man get a room.” Daigo’s voice echoed down the hall. “Oh yeah here’s your bag. Catch.” Daigo launched his bag down the corridor, hitting Ichiro in the back of the head nearly knocking him over. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAs1Xe1i8RHY
“What was that for?” Ichiro shouted.190Please respect copyright.PENANAqvtUrePgaA
“Well, I couldn’t let you have that much fun over there, had to bring you back down to planet earth you know.” He said laughing.190Please respect copyright.PENANASSjE0kpUFR
“You bastard, I swear one day I’ll make you pay for all the times you have done stuff like this.” Ichiro picked up his bag and rubbed his head.190Please respect copyright.PENANAJBhukSRYa4
“Look man this isn’t my fault; you just need to learn how to catch things.” Daigo said, leaning against the wall still laughing. 190Please respect copyright.PENANATISWxLhfeq
“Give me more warning next time.” Ichiro said walking over to Daigo.190Please respect copyright.PENANAVM0s7T1udu
“Nope, I don’t think I will.” Daigo respond standing himself up. 190Please respect copyright.PENANABbolO2lCwH
“See, now this is why only me and Kokashi can tolerate you.” Ichiro said.190Please respect copyright.PENANANrHSLY0WCA
“Hey now that’s not fair.”190Please respect copyright.PENANAQHLY9ciLJE
“Mhm.” Ichiro turned to Mai. “Bye Mai.”190Please respect copyright.PENANAawOZNxyEsM
“Bye.” She said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAwFodl1O7kp
“Hehehe, look man she totally likes you. Why aren’t you guys dating yet?” Daigo said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAb2eJNjB90F
“Because you exist, now come on Kokashi is waiting.” Ichiro said opening the door to the stairwell and leaving.190Please respect copyright.PENANAB4gMUmdOnV
“Oi wait Ichiro, what do you mean because of me? Ichiroo.” Daigo said, chasing after him, leaving Mai alone in the corridor. She went back to her classroom and picked up her stuff,190Please respect copyright.PENANAAcD77jdqgY
“Hey Mai, why were you talking to Ichiro?” A voice said. Mai turned to see who it was and Hiriko was standing at the doorway. He leaned against the door frame smiling. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAczWLQRKoti
“Just thought I’d catch up with him.” She said calmly smiling at him.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQhGswFrENk
“Well, I’d rather you didn’t do that anymore, understand? He’s a low-life with no future, just forget about him.” Hiriko said.190Please respect copyright.PENANA7Y35sV0bAi
“Hiriko I’m not in the mood for this, can we just go to the cafeteria?” she said. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAH8AF76cnec
“Fine let’s go.” He said sighing. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAOwooxSqkOa
Ichiro walked into the cafeteria, tables were quite spaced apart leaving a lot of room for movement, the ceiling was high as well and the sun shone in through the glass panes that covered most of the outer wall. By the window, Kokashi sat at a table alone waiting for them, he had long hair sat down by his shoulders so he was easy to recognise, he turned and gave them a short, barely noticeable wave. Ichiro and Daigo didn’t even bother to wave back, they just nodded and walked over. Ichiro sat down next to Kokashi and Daigo sat the other side of Ichiro. “Hey Kokashi.” Said Ichiro.190Please respect copyright.PENANAqNsEnU4bFN
“You alright?” Kokashi responded.190Please respect copyright.PENANAwWg1OGymdq
“Yeah, you should have come with us to school this morning.” Ichiro said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAwKFw98jCkd
“Oh yeah, you definitely should have it was so funny.” Daigo said joining in.190Please respect copyright.PENANA96h7KAnIVo
“What happened?” Kokashi asked.190Please respect copyright.PENANAVwrvtRVWdo
“I managed to take down Ichiro, look I cut his hand.” Daigo grabbed Ichiro’s right wrist showing the cut to Kokashi. Ichiro frowned.190Please respect copyright.PENANA40cSyJxjcb
“Daigo, was that really the most notable thing that happened this morning?” Ichiro asked mockingly.190Please respect copyright.PENANAxf3vN1h1sH
“Well… I suppose Hiriko did make fun of you and then cycled into a lamp post.” He said. Kokashi laughed.190Please respect copyright.PENANAa1KwHBNqCF
“Damn, I wish I was there now that would have been funny as hell.” Kokashi said, still laughing.190Please respect copyright.PENANAFbTx8Yhbpq
“Oh no, no, no, be careful laughing about it cause apparently we won’t be laughing later.” Ichiro said laughing.190Please respect copyright.PENANASNgiKS1lKa
“Oh no, what will he do? He’s all talk, what’s actually going to do, throw some weak ass punch at us, or will he get his group on us?” Kokashi said. 190Please respect copyright.PENANApBlUo8EWsE
“I don’t know, guess we will have to see.” Ichiro said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAYL0EXilBpl
“Guys, guys, guys PE, we have PE today.” Daigo interjected.190Please respect copyright.PENANAkRUDv9rwnz
“Yeah, we know that.” Kokashi responded.190Please respect copyright.PENANAr7SCd2KuU1
“What do you think we are doing?” Daigo said.190Please respect copyright.PENANADb6fTFJMsW
“I personally hope it’s dodgeball.” Said Ichiro.190Please respect copyright.PENANAt4oUyvdSje
“I want it to be basketball.” Kokashi said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAP9PXRqzW80
“Well, I would like to do football.” Daigo said excitedly. “I think I heard the PE teachers talking about football too.” He said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAg1HfPSpimg
“Well, they could have been talking about another class’s PE.” Kokashi remarked.190Please respect copyright.PENANABBHQpt7HpT
“No, they must have been talking about our class.” Daigo said. 190Please respect copyright.PENANA4pvWhN7lJZ
“Okay sure.” Kokashi said.190Please respect copyright.PENANArfkLPjFG5B
“Well hop-.” Ichiro was smacked in the back of the head by a bottle of water. “What the hell?” Ichiro said turning round to see Hiriko giggling with his two mates. His two mates both were like him. Ichiro never really got on with any of them so he never once bothered to remember their names, but he used to be friends with Hiriko. It was only after his dad died that Hiriko stopped being friends with him. Mai also sat at the table with them along with her two other friends, Ruka and Nao. She looked at Ichiro apologetically. Ichiro just sighed and shook his head.190Please respect copyright.PENANA6klabj5WEl
“Hey, Ichiro chuck that back over here, will you?” Hiriko said laughing. Ichiro smiled.190Please respect copyright.PENANAxNfaaQ6dbg
“Of course, here… you… go.” Ichiro launched the bottle and it hit Hiriko directly on the forehead. He heard Daigo and Kokashi stifling laughter. Ichiro sat back down and turned back to Kokashi and Daigo. “Anyways, as I was saying.” He said. Then louder he said. “Before I was rudely interrupted.” He then continued. “Hopefully…” 190Please respect copyright.PENANAWWFuNJKzeT
“Oi, Ichiro you don’t seriously think you’re going to get away with that, do you?” asked Hiriko with a clear hint of anger in his voice. Ichiro turned around and smiled, putting his hands up and feigned confusion.190Please respect copyright.PENANA2li09zduau
“Whatever do you mean? I just chucked it back to you, just like you asked.” Kokashi and Daigo nodded in agreement. Hiriko walked over and grabbed Ichiro’s shirt.190Please respect copyright.PENANAgi1DQGcPob
“Don’t start on me Ichiro, you will regret it.” Hiriko said. Ichiro smiled.190Please respect copyright.PENANAoD8WZ69edj
“Now you’ve started the fight… are you ready for the consequences?” Ichiro asked calmly.190Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7G2wb20VH
“What do you mean?” Hiriko asked confused.190Please respect copyright.PENANAlXAeiR4fmR
“I’m saying you shouldn’t start a fight by threatening someone.” Ichiro looked up directly into Hiriko’s eyes and smirked. Then Daigo stood up, with his sandwich still in his right hand and punched Hiriko directly to the jaw with his left. Ichiro stood himself up from his chair and he straightened his shirt. “See, when you start a fight with a threat, it puts you at a disadvantage. Now you two, want to join your friend here or are we good now?” Hiriko laid on the floor. His friends silently turned their backs on him. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAzFthJoMfd3
“Ichiro, I will get you back for this, you will pay in blood.” Hiriko said slowly getting up. Ichiro kicked him in the side and he slid along the floor to the table his friends sat at. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAHW39HIVd2F
“I’m sure you will.” Ichiro said and sat back down, Daigo also sat down. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAUGcGmirMP6
“Man, I nearly dropped my sandwich.” Daigo said. Ichiro and Kokashi laughed.190Please respect copyright.PENANAIQw2i4pUuZ
Ichiro walked to the changing rooms, he sighed and relaxed his body, it was the last lesson of the day. He opened the door to the changing room, as usual people were running around topless whipping each other with shirts and spraying deodorant everywhere. He saw Kokashi and Daigo in the corner and walked over to them. “So, guys any news on what we have today for PE?” Ichiro asked. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAqd1m2O3oQY
“You’ll never guess what it is Ichiro!” Daigo said, his face lit up.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQvn0ST7GsZ
“Oh, I’m sure I couldn’t if you had a good poker face, but you kind of give it away with your excitement, meaning we are doing football.” Ichiro said.190Please respect copyright.PENANA81VDjkWMX8
“Man, you could have just said what and let me tell you. You’ve taken all the fun now.” Daigo said, lowering his head. Ichiro laughed and opened his kit.190Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7ExFCMKSK
“Come on let’s just get ready.” Ichiro said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAuX6lh8iZhH
Ichiro stomped the ground with his shoes, the keeper had just let in an easy shot. If they were to win this game now, he would have to score in the last minute. It was 2-2, Ichiro got the ball from the keeper at the bottom of the pitch, he dribbled it past two defenders and passed to Kokashi, Ichiro then sprinted and stayed by the last defender. Kokashi lobbed the ball over the other team and Ichiro touched the ball down to his feet and ran for goal, the defender chased him but he was faster, the keeper stayed on his line, a rookie mistake, Ichiro ran into the box and shot to the bottom left corner, the keeper didn’t even dive, instead opting to flail his arms about in the direction of the ball, the net shook and the goal was scored. The teacher blew the whistle a minute later and Ichiro and Kokashi celebrated their last-minute winner.190Please respect copyright.PENANAvNouvhFXUW
Ichiro walked off the pitch and started to head towards the school building, he was looking forward to going home and lifting some weights before jumping online. “Ichiro, wait up.” Mai shouted, Ichiro turned around to see her running after him, he waited for her to catch. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAp3lcgg3SiN
“What’s up?” Ichiro said putting his hand in his pockets. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAfC1lFuLOBt
“I’m sorry about what happened earlier with Hiriko, I didn’t know he treated you like that.” She said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAzMLWos1JS3
“Well, I mean you not knowing is bullshit but alright. Either way though I don’t really care, at the end of the day who were the ones laughing… it wasn’t Hiriko, was it?” he said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAheomIvaLPO
“Yeah, I guess so, but I’m serious I didn’t know.” She said desperately.190Please respect copyright.PENANA4BaIsDcotD
“Ok answer this. How many times have you apologised to me on their behalf?” he asked.190Please respect copyright.PENANA7Fj1GT6shu
“No but this is different, you guys actually fought.”190Please respect copyright.PENANAVBr4cqrH0R
“And Daigo and I won, so who cares?” Ichiro responded.190Please respect copyright.PENANAD9mQ5DhMKH
“If you say so, how’s your head though?” she asked.190Please respect copyright.PENANA1tHyJqwwca
“It’s fine.”190Please respect copyright.PENANAMC2FA08oK3
“Ok well see you later.”190Please respect copyright.PENANAD09LszXgoP
“Bye.”190Please respect copyright.PENANAJHZ5bTo6ph
“Ichiro, why are you still here? You went well ahead of us.” Daigo said, surprising Ichiro with a firm slap on the back. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAyq2reoAoAW
“I just walk slow.” He said, he didn’t want Daigo to know he had been speaking to Mai again.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9UctYh3Gz8
“Yeah, as if I’d believe that!” Daigo said wrestling Ichiro to the ground. “Come on tell me.”190Please respect copyright.PENANAQfmmOU2GVr
“What I’m being serious.” Ichiro said, he then pushed his hips up grabbed Daigo by the top and turned him round. Daigo wrapped his legs around Ichiro’s waist in a defensive position. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAXVfyNxFC0D
“Okay, okay… whatever man, keep your secrets I guess.” Daigo said tapping the floor.190Please respect copyright.PENANAYrVGT2Jrk3
“Man, I didn’t even put you in a submission hold.” Ichiro said, getting up. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAdeYaZJrLhK
“I know, but your submissions hurt, and you always hold them for a few seconds after I tap, so I’d rather not get in one in the first place.” Daigo said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAnOhI7Y6KcL
“You really do know how to spoil the fun of wrestling.” Ichiro said and they started walking towards the changing rooms. 190Please respect copyright.PENANA2LUYmfam1c
“Ichiro, what are you doing tonight?” Daigo asked, suddenly his eyes lit up again. 190Please respect copyright.PENANACwn36gdZjD
“Not much different to what I normally do, but my mum isn’t going to be home till eight so maybe I’ll have a party, but you’re definitely not invited.” Ichiro teased. Daigo’s face dropped, Ichiro had done this to Daigo once although not on purpose, just Kokashi forgot to pass the message. “Daigo I’m just kidding man.” Daigo’s face lit back up.190Please respect copyright.PENANAgdqZ1XrzF3
“Then me and Kokashi are coming round to do sparring and stuff.” Daigo said.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9Xp0Yw85CB
“Alright that’s fine. I need to beat you up after today anyway.” Ichiro said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAnxFWbCiDHn
“Who said you would win?” Daigo asked, gently elbowing Ichiro’s side.190Please respect copyright.PENANAHY7rDE1Wtn
“How can you be that cocky when you are 4-62?” Ichiro responded, laughing.190Please respect copyright.PENANAr7cyIh58ec
“Shut up man don’t bring statistics into this.” Daigo said crossing his arms. Ichiro laughed and they carried on walking.190Please respect copyright.PENANAwKjFfEa5kl
“Ichiro, you got any new gym equipment since last time?” Kokashi asked.190Please respect copyright.PENANAulfTLSDXiX
“Yeah, got a couple more punching bags, now there’s one each as you guys keep coming over so often.” Ichiro said walking slowly with his hands in his pockets.190Please respect copyright.PENANAgA0NPI81HR
“Nice, sounds like today will be a good training session then.” Kokashi said and the stretched his arms. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAAM1IaBdj2Y
They walked into Ichiro’s driveway, his mum’s car wasn’t there, so she really was going to be home late today. Daigo ran ahead and then waited impatiently shuffling his feet at the door. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAACaROcYWU2
“Hello guys.” A voice said in a menacing tone. Ichiro stood up straight and slowly scanned the driveway, then from behind him someone grabbed him and Kokashi. “So, Ichiro, you ready to pay for earlier?” The voice said, Ichiro looked round to see Hiriko standing there.190Please respect copyright.PENANAHLkJ8WQ4cJ
“Hiriko, you didn’t win last time you won’t win this time, even with those four other people behind you.” Ichiro said laughing.190Please respect copyright.PENANAgIkKur2qo6
“Oh, we have a cocky one.” One of Hiriko’s friends said. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAjF80Je1pzv
“No, just you already lost.” He said this and signalled to Daigo subtly behind his back, Daigo slowly crept round the side, attempting to get behind. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAlh5sNTJuT7
“Really because we appear to have you outnumbered.” Hiriko said, he smirked and his eyes were wide. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAUQyLWzVsUs
“Yeah, but only the weak use numbers.” Ichiro said this and then Daigo kicked down two of the four standing behind Hiriko. “Now, let me teach you the difference between you and me Hiriko.” Ichiro stepped back, Hiriko couldn’t hold him anymore and Ichiro punched him in the side of the head, Hiriko fell to the brickwork, his head bounced of it as he collided with the ground. Kokashi now stepped forward, he jumped kicking at one, the guy scurried back.190Please respect copyright.PENANA3E307YpZS7
“Damn, that would have been a nice kick if it hit.” He didn’t bother with anything fancy the second time and just hit the guy with a roundhouse kick and sent him almost flying into the metal gate. Daigo came in next, the last guy was already flinching and Daigo had barely moved, Daigo threw a quick punch and dropped the guy to the ground. Ichiro looked around, none of them were left standing. 190Please respect copyright.PENANArVJBg5TtAP
“Well, they had less fight in them than I thought they would. Do you guys think its ok to leave these guys laying on my driveway?” Ichiro said turning round and walking up to his front door. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAJN8L9mIVUQ
“Yeah, it doesn’t matter too much.” Kokashi said brushing himself off then walking after Ichiro.190Please respect copyright.PENANAB8b546ujYq
“Can we just go train now?” Daigo said running back to the front door.190Please respect copyright.PENANAWbZmjrGX4H
“Yes.” Ichiro said, searching through his keys to find which one was the correct one.190Please respect copyright.PENANAXH6mSzmfLL
“Is it that one?” Daigo said pointing at one of the keys.190Please respect copyright.PENANAHuNO9WkYzc
“No.” Ichiro said sighing.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9dg9u78gcV
“What about that one?” Daigo asked pointing at another key. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAtfSznqorgf
“No. Just wait a second man.” Ichiro said.190Please respect copyright.PENANA0hmJTMv7JS
“Wait Ichiro.” Ichiro turned, Hiriko and his friends were standing again, but they had way more confidence than before. Even with blood dripping down his face, Hiriko smirked.190Please respect copyright.PENANApxiEolS2Vx
“What are you being so cocky for?” Ichiro didn’t get an answer, Hiriko’s eyes just widened and he pulled out a knife. “Shit.” Ichiro tried even harder to get the key for his door. He finally found it, but Hiriko was too close to try and use it now. He had no choice but to fight his way out of this. Kokashi and Daigo had already taken fighting stances and Ichiro joined them, then two of Hiriko’s friends pulled out knives while the other two pulled out guns. Ichiro noticed this and ran round Hiriko trying to get in close to the gun users, then the two knife users stepped forward blocking his path. Ichiro stepped back trying to stay out of range. The knife users then ducked and then, BANG, two gunshots fired and Ichiro dropped to the ground, in that moment, one of them jumped on top of him and pinned him down with a knife pressed against his back, Ichiro tensed up but remained still.190Please respect copyright.PENANADp6sOEr83b
Kokashi stepped forward, his mind was scrambled. He had plenty of experience in unarmed combat, however when weapons were added to the equation, he found his heart pounding in his chest and sweat forming at his forehead. He wiped his forehead and took a deep breathe stepping forward, he was met with a gun pointed at his face. Kokashi grinned, his opponent’s hands were tight around the gun and shaking. Kokashi knew he would hesitate, giving him enough time to close the distance and disarm him. Kokashi jumped forward, his opponent’s eyes widened and then he prepared himself to pull the trigger and clenched his eyes shut. The gun shot, the sound echoed in the driveway and then it was silent, then the struggle took place. Kokashi had taken the hesitation and took the wrist of the guy holding the gun and had turned it to the ground. Kokashi threw a few hooks into his body yet he stood firm, gripping the gun with all his effort. Kokashi had already had enough of this skirmish and decided to focus purely on getting the gun. Kokashi took his second hand and attempted to pry the gun from his grip, a sharp object pressed softly against his back, he grimaced as it scratched him slightly. “Stand down, or I will stab you.” Kokashi put his hands on his head and knelt, he couldn’t read the confidence of this person by his voice, he wasn’t willing to risk his life based on such little chance. Then a gun was pressed firmly to the back of his head and he was forced to the ground, the side of his face was scratched against the pavement.190Please respect copyright.PENANAr8yAq7DU4b
He grimaced and looked across at Ichiro. Ichiro looked back and gave him a weak smile and mouthed, “Trust Daigo.” Kokashi smiled back and nodded.190Please respect copyright.PENANAu05VmMj7gg
“Hey Daigo give up or we will kill both of your friends right now.” Hiriko said smirking. Daigo looked at both his friends, his hands shook. He couldn’t take down the remaining three to save his friends and he certainly couldn’t do it in such restricted time. His palms were sweaty, his breathe ragged and jaw clenched. He got on his knees, placing his hands on his head.190Please respect copyright.PENANAzfpgkIXeFa
“I’m sorry guys. I’m not fast enough.” Daigo said, choking on his words.190Please respect copyright.PENANAYQzjApp9uD
“It’s not your fault.” Ichiro grunted and Kokashi grunted in agreement. Daigo smiled at this comfort, but that couldn’t stop the feeling in his stomach.190Please respect copyright.PENANAnMUCnWaXkk
“Good boy Daigo.” Hiriko said, as his friend Restrained Daigo and place a gun to his head. Ropes were tied round both Daigo and Kokashi. Then the guys holding them left them there on the floor. “For that we will make your death the quickest.” Hiriko continued. Daigo’s eyes widened, he wanted to say something but couldn’t get them to come out of his mouth so he just shut his eyes.190Please respect copyright.PENANAiHtodyBNON
Hiriko walked over towards Ichiro and kicked him in the head. Then the two who were restraining Daigo and Kokashi walked over to Ichiro and with little hesitation shot both of his knees. Ichiro screamed. His scream echoed through the leaves and was carried far with the wind. Blood spilled out onto the brickwork, seeping through the cracks and into the earth. Daigo shouted out his name, but Ichiro could barely hear it as his ears rang. “Let go of him now. Hey Ichiro want to watch your friends die?” Hiriko mocked. His friends started walking over to Kokashi. Then they held a gun to his head. Ichiro cried out. He tried to get to his feet, and attempted to run over to stop them, yet he fell, he clawed at the ground and started crawling over. Hiriko smirked at him as he struggled. Ichiro finally got over to Kokashi and grabbed his arm.190Please respect copyright.PENANAKHIzLsb3Cj
“Kokashi I’m going to save you.” He said, Kokashi turned and smiled.190Please respect copyright.PENANAlCcXAr1A7R
“Sorry Ichiro.” Then the guy holding the gun to Kokashi’s head smirked and pulled the trigger, blood sprayed out from the gun wound, it dripped down Ichiro’s face and into his hand. His mind flashed back to the day his dad died.190Please respect copyright.PENANAaZB8KOoH8r
“When will these hands be free of my father’s blood?” He muttered; tears streamed down his face. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1odH7cx5P
“An admirable effort Ichiro, although it’s not quite over.” Hiriko said and started walking towards Daigo, Hiriko pulled a gun out himself. “This is my payback for that punch.” He said. Ichiro grabbed Hiriko’s leg. “Oh, you want to come Ichiro?” Hiriko said, then he stomped on Ichiro’s arm and it snapped. “I have a good idea.” Hiriko grabbed him by his broken arm and dragged him to Daigo. Then he placed the gun in Ichiro’s hand. “You can kill your friend.” Hiriko laughed and placed Ichiro’s finger on the trigger. His arm was numb and he could barely move his finger, any attempts to resist were futile. 190Please respect copyright.PENANApUf3OZpedk
“Daigo, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you and Kokashi.” Hiriko pushed his finger against Ichiro’s and the gun fired shooting Daigo in the head. Daigo’s body went limp and Ichiro turned away. He bit his bottom lip, slamming his head into the ground. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAEPZiVIGnbv
“Come Ichiro fight me.” Ichiro looked up at him.190Please respect copyright.PENANArINN8vbkoS
“Just kill me already.” Ichiro said, his face was stern but tears still poured from his eyes. Ichiro clenched his fist and hit the ground.190Please respect copyright.PENANAeTQvcNjnzx
“Ichiro.” A voice said from the bottom of the driveway, he couldn’t make out who from his through his tears, but it was a girl’s voice.190Please respect copyright.PENANA044Ci35iZ7
Mai ran into the driveway, she was coming over to talk to Ichiro alone, then she heard screams and ran. She stopped dead, Hiriko was there, he had a knife in his hand and there was blood everywhere. Ichiro was on the floor in tears with blood running down his face and from his legs. “Hiriko why?” She asked, she felt guilty, she had tried to become friends with Hiriko and yet this is the person he was, how could she be so naïve? She looked at Ichiro and couldn’t help but feel responsible for the pain he was suffering. “Ichiro…” then Hiriko cut her off.190Please respect copyright.PENANAEfWAVXKtlL
“Damn you Mai, why did you come here? I liked you and now I have to kill you too.” Hiriko said this bluntly and started walking over to her, Mai screamed and hid behind her arms.190Please respect copyright.PENANA1W0UwWYjTM
“Hiriko, don’t you dare, if you touch her, I will…” Ichiro shouted.190Please respect copyright.PENANACdhBTMSKyb
“You will what Ichiro? You can’t even stand. You’re useless now. Just give up already.” Hiriko said. Ichiro was quiet, then he felt a surge of energy and got to his feet. He started to walk over to Hiriko, but the Hiriko grabbed Mai and placed the knife to her throat. “Come on then Ichiro, save her.” Hiriko said. Ichiro reached out his hand and walked more towards her. Mai had tears in her eyes and reached out her hand.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9RL6gu3coJ
“No Ichiro, stop you’re hurt.” Mai said, Ichiro wouldn’t stop though, he couldn’t lose Mai as well, he’d lost everyone that cared about him, but not her. He kept walking and kept reaching out. Then just as their hands met. Hiriko slit her throat and let her fall. “I… Love you.” Mai said before falling to the ground and going unconscious. Ichiro stopped, all energy he had left escaped his body and he fell to the ground. 190Please respect copyright.PENANALpH6ug6ixC
“Dad, it’s been a year since your death. It’s been hard. I’ve tried to help people, so why am I put through this? Answer me please. Why did you have to leave me? I just don’t understand what I did wrong. Please Dad help me.” Ichiro said, he then fell unconscious...
Next chapter preview:
Isamu hung his head, his wrists were sore from the chains holding him, he could break out at any time but his guilt prevented him from doing so. He had been trying to overcome this feeling so he could take back the control of his spirit to free himself. Then he heard a call, a familiar voice. “Help me.” It said faintly, Isamu poured his energy into his mind and sent a signal to the summoners at the human capital.190Please respect copyright.PENANAfaTEIYw4EJ
“Transport this one.” He said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAbaAslkP4Zw
“Understood.” The head summoner responded. Isamu gritted his teeth, now he needed to overcome his guilt or he would end up with another thing to feel guilty about.190Please respect copyright.PENANA0tnWSNKmeW
190Please respect copyright.PENANAPrcHm1cRSV