People in chains, clinging from their necks to their feet. Women and children, all scarred with various wounds. They all look so scared... just as I used to be. How are they able to walk the open streets like this? Where is everyone? How are the bastards in charge so carefree?

"We... should stay clear of them. They seem strong" Mira said.

I pushed myself off Astrid and started walking towards the group of men holding the chains. I couldn't let this go unpunished. I have the power to stop this right? I can handle myself. What's the point of having these powers if I'm not able to benefit anyone with them. They're a curse to me... but they could help other people. Those girls shouldn't have to go through what I did; I can stop this.

My nails started digging into the skin of my palm, exposing my blood. It was darker than before.

"Reimi! We should listen to Mira, l-let's be smart about this" Astrid said.

Her expression was rage-filled like mine, but if she really felt as strong as I do, why doesn't she want to act now?

Gheera, lend me some strength.

"Heh, sure kid. Knock yourself out..." he grumbled.

I could hear him start to laugh maniacally. "Chase your justice. Get your revenge. Rend all those who stand in your way to ashes. Bathe in their blood Reimi."

...Am I doing the right thing?

"My, my, two lovely women just roaming the streets alone— at this time? We couldn't have gotten luckier" one of the men yelled, he wore a very tattered top hat.

"We might need a gag and more chains for the bitch in front though, looks crazy as hell," a man with a long and unkempt beard said.

My teeth were starting to rattle from how hard they were pressing together. There was only one man left who hadn't made a dumb comment. He seemed the most serious of them all. Wearing a mask that resembled the face of a troll or goblin. This masked man also towered over the other two, he had to be at least eight feet tall. I can tell my anger is dampening my senses... how could I have not noticed someone that big. Whatever, the bigger they are the harder they fall right?

I have no words to say, just things I have to do I guess.

"Reimi wait!" Astrid and Mira both shouted.

I could hear them, but their words seemed to bounce away. My eyes were solely locked on the men ahead. But... it didn't feel right. The skin on my hands crystalized, and the ends of my fingers became extremely sharp. Before the two guys in front could react; I tore out their hearts. I moved faster than they could blink. I took care of them like I wanted. Why aren't I feeling anything? Why is this all so... emotionless. Their blood and entrails fell with them to the concrete, swimming through all the crevices. The hearts stood empty in my palms.

"Vile magic you have there, little one" the giant man spoke.

"Shut up monster" I replied hastily.

The man took a step back and arched his back far forward, looking down at me. "Monster? From where I'm standing, there's only one of those here. Look, even your friends back there are horrified."

I turn my head back to see Astrid, shaking and staring. Her eyes... were cold. Filled with worry, but glazed over with something I couldn't read. Does she- does she really think I'm a monster? I didn't do anything wrong... I just gave these guys what they deserved. Right?

As my arms fell back to my side, I lost grip of the two hearts. Something warm was trailing down my face. What's happening to me..?

"Powerful, but very inexperienced. I could've killed you hundreds of times by now" the man gruffed.

"But I would like to fight you again one day, so here's what we'll do. Each opportunity I had to kill you, I'll use on these slaves here."

"NO" I shouted.

I spun around and tried to slash at him but he grabbed my wrist and flung me. I crashed into Astrid's arms, driving us both quite far back. I- no, I have to stop him. I dashed away from Astrid's grip and went back in, this time footsteps were trialing with me. She was coming to help, now we got him for sure. Mira was still standing there though, frozen.

Astrid leaped above me and shone light down into the man's face, blinding him through the mask. This was my chance. I brought more energy into my legs and amped my speed, bringing me centimeters away from him. I bring my arm back and shove it into his chest, reaching for the heart again. I couldn't find it though, there was nothing. Wait, his body was turning into mud?!

"We'll meet again, hopefully, I'll get to enjoy a real fight then," the man said, though his voice was distant. I can't even sense him anymore... he must be far gone.

I burn away the mud and immediately look to the people. "You're all free now! Let's get these chains off and-"

"A-and"

...Their faces, why are they looking at me like that? I mean sure I didn't handle those guys very cleanly, but shouldn't it feel nice to see people who've caused you so much pain— suffer? Why are they looking at me with such disgust... like I'm a monster?

The people all turned away from me frantically and tried removing their chains. Mira started walking towards them and a large amount of black smoke started trialing her. The smoke started manifesting into something— a large beast. It was very wolf-like at first glance. It had jet black fur and fire foaming from its mouth. The eyes were intense, but not aggressive; almost like a beautiful flame, stuck in motion.

The wolf looked at all the chains and closed its eyes, making it all burn away. I couldn't really believe what I was seeing; these metal chains were disintegrating, into clouds of sparkling dust. The moment everyone was set free they started running, forgetting their bodies were in terrible shape. They kept falling over each other, desperately trying to get away from here. Was it me? Am I causing such panic in them...?

Astrid ran over to me and grabbed my hands, pulling me closer to where we were coming from. I couldn't stop trembling. Was this always inside of me? I-I don't know anymore. I've felt happy all this time, how come it's all crumbling away— why am I so...

"I'm sorry Reimi..."

Astrid pulled me close and kept me in her arms. We stood still for so long, wrapped around each other. I buried my face close to her neck, crying for god knows how long. I want to keep this side of me buried, I don't want to be a monster. I just... want to be by Astrid's side.

"I should've protected you Reimi, I-I'm a failure. I should've acted first" Astrid whispered.

"No you're not! You're not a failure, I should've listened to you. I know you guys had a smarter way to deal with all this— I got too emotional" I sobbed.

Astrid broke the hug but still kept hold of my hands. "Whenever you're ready to spill what's on your mind, I'll be there Rei. Until then, don't worry about a thing... My thoughts about you will never grow sour."

The clouds overhead start to break, letting the sun peak through. The light now surrounded us; with the waves crashing close by.

Her cheeks started to get a bit rosy, and her eyes were very clear now. I could feel her warmth again. "You mean more to me than I could ever describe. So much so that I don't even know how to act or think a lot of the time— I just get so scared sometimes; I don't wanna lose you. I get unsure what to do or how to think I-"

I burst out into more tears. What was I thinking? Astrid always sees the good in me... the light in me.

I open my mouth to speak, but the words all came out shaky. "To be honest, I always get scared of the thought of you leaving one day. I-I don't think I could travel around without you Astrid. But, I wouldn't blame you if you did. I wouldn't want to be around a monster like me either-"

She didn't say a word but just pressed her index finger against my lips. "Never say that again, please, and thank you."

Astrid started walking towards me; but for some reason, I started stepping back.

"I don't deserve you" I cry.

"I could hurt you one day"

My left foot reaches the end of the concrete. My whole body is tipping over, slowly falling towards the ocean.

Astrid still kept a gentle smile, with tears running down her face. She grabbed my right arm and pulled me just enough so she could place her other arm behind my back; keeping me balanced.

"You're the farthest thing from a monster Reimi. In fact, you're more of an Angel than I could ever be. I'm not the best with words, as I'm sure you've noticed, but that's not gonna stop me right now."

The sound of the waves behind us drowned everything else out, only leaving Astrid in my focus.

"You're the most wonderful person I've ever met Rei. If I were to go into everything I like about you we'd be here for days, and that's crazy considering we've only known each other for a month and some change" said Astrid, with a warmer and silkier tone than usual.

She pulled me even closer to her, our bodies pressed against one another. "I wanna stay by your side for as long as I can. Exploring the world, chasing new dreams, whatever it may be; there's no one else I'd rather be beside."

Our eyes stayed locked together, it was as if we were making a promise right here right now; to stay together no matter what happens.

"Honestly... my life was so dull before you came along Reimi. Running from town to town chasing jobs, hoping to find a new passion somewhere. But when you came along; I felt something right away. A new reason to live."

I couldn't stop blubbering, no words could leave my lips. All I know is that I love her so damn much.

My eyes started puffing up, but it really felt like Astrid was glowing.

"I really don't know what to say" I wept.

She gently pressed her lips against my forehead. "That's fine love. I guess what I want you to take away, and never forget, is that I don't plan on leaving you alone. So be ready, since I'm gonna annoy you lots~"

My mind was truly a mess. Moreso than ever before. My feelings were all over the place, and with that, all my thoughts were scrambling with each other. I want to respond with so many words, to tell her how much she means to me; but everything was like a whirlwind in my head. Though, in the second of calm within the storm... I found something I knew I had to say.

"Astrid?"

She smiled, her eyes were truly gleaming. The waves all seemed to calm themselves; and from the corner of my eye, I spotted the familiar black butterflies.

"I love you" I whisper.

"Mm? What'd ya say Rei?"

I tried to speak a bit louder. "I love you."

Astrid leaned her face closer to mine. "Ooone more time?"

"I LOVE YOU" I yell.

Astrid started laughing, but her cheeks were bright red. "I heard the first time but couldn't believe my ears- I needed to make sure ya know."

"Meanie. A big one."

She giggled. "Your favorite one, at your service darling."

"Shush" I slightly giggle.

"There's that giggle I love so much."

Now my cheeks were glowing bright red. "Right- sure you do."

We both turned to face the ocean, watching the water sparkle and splash against each other.

"Oh yeah, how rude of me-" Astrid said.

"Hmm? What're you talking about?" I inquire.

She turns to face me, the ocean to our side.

"I forgot to say..."

Astrid started breathing in, really dramatically might I say.

"I LOVE YOU TOO" she yelled.

It was so loud I actually lost my balance, the whole town must have heard that- Gosh, how is she so perfect. Before I could fall though she caught me, as always.

"Good, I would've been real upset if you didn't" I wink.

Astrid pulled me up and stood me straight, our heads now resting against each other. "And we can't have that now, can we?"