Chapter 20: The Bros

I turned my head and I just see Michael sitting down on the couch in the living room. "Yep," I said while walking toward him to sit on the couch with him. Not planning on going upstairs yet after Naomi just stormed up there looking all upset from my rejection. Makes me feel sick in the stomach for some reason but it wouldn't feel right to me if I did accept.

"It happens dude, don't worry." Michael looks at me for reassurance.

I took a deep breath, "Yea I guess." Shrugged my shoulders and all we hear is the wall clock ticking since the house is sleeping.

"Why are you still awake?"

Michael gave me a face telling me, he had no idea, "I couldn't sleep."

I leaned my head slightly forward and twisted a little at him, "Something you thinking about?" By the look on his face, he knows.

"It's scary. After all my training, after everything I had to do to be strong. I was certain I was the strongest until I saw all of this." He took a moment to think, "To be in a time where I thought that nothing can destroy us because of our training. I thought we were indestructible. But now… we last Katy to those things… and Jack. The whole school. I wish I stayed. Wish I was at the school."

I was stunned, the same feeling I felt a few moments ago. I didn't know what could be the right response to this.

"I'm… sorry to bring that up again, I know Katy was a big part of your past."

I held my heart, "not only my past."

"True."

"You know I dedicated my whole life for her."

"And I'm with you," Michael said quickly.

"Huh?"

"I said I am with you. The school was a huge part of my past and I can't let it go like that. I can't help but feel guilty because I wasn't there at the right time. If I go with you, my purpose would be a mission to avenge my school. The one that first took me under their arms."

I sighed, "I'm glad to hear it but that war that we fought is something unexplainable. What the school had to defend was massive. Those three demons are nothing compared to what the demon army had in store for us."

Before Michael was looking at me but turned his head in disbelief. "Can't stand here doing nothing. I gotta do it."

"What about Naomi?" I asked suddenly. Gave him a curveball.

"She will understand. She knows that fighting is what I was made for."

"That's not the main thing I'm talking about."

"Huh?"

"Don't you want to start a life with her and live a beautiful life? Look at my situation, I will never be able to live the dream I wanted in the past. You don't only risk yourself but you risk her life as well."

A door opens and as we both looked up, the visitor's bedroom door was opening. Naomi comes out of the room and asks Michael, "Babe are you coming or what? I woke up and I need your help." As Michael stood up, I reached for his arm and he stopped.

"Think about it."

"I will. Now goodnight."

I nodded my head and let him go. Michael went upstairs to take care of Naomi. The morning came in rough but I had to keep a mental note that there is no time for rest. I got up and prepared myself to train with Linda. As I went downstairs, Michael was with Linda in the backyard. When I got outside, Linda had no sympathy. "You're late."

"Sorry, rough night."

"Come on sleepyhead, we got some training to do."

"What are you doing here anyway?"

"I might not have the weird aura thing you have, but I do have these fists. If I want to train to beat demons, I'm gonna have to start beating you up."

"Pft, you wish."

"Oh yea, shrimp, you wanna mess with me?"

When he said that I looked up at him and gave him direct eye contact. I even told myself 'fuck he's twice the size of me. It's always the bigger guys wanting to take me down.' I looked away. "Y-yeah sure. Let's do this." Linda was the referee for the match as she stood on the side. Michael and I started to walk in the opposite direction and turned around to face each other when we reached opposing ends. Michael got into his fighting stance and his anger started to show as he roared the sky. I got myself ready in my fighting stance. Left leg forward and right leg fully extended back. Left arm down and right arm up. I took one slow breath to collect myself and activated my demon power. Linda raises her hand as we were both ready for an all-out duel.

Linda shouted, "GO!" And shoots her hand down.

Michael leaves nothing behind, goes ahead, and runs toward me. I went in as well and see him charging up his right fist to try to hit the first blow. As we grew near, I slid right under his fist as he misses his shot. I go in and start to hit him with a one-two. Followed up by landing one foot on his chest and the other kicking him straight in the jaw. Landing a backflip but it didn't seem to bother him much. Michael smirks and swiftly grabs me from the waist to slam me on the ground. He showed no mercy and punched me across the face a couple of times before I just raised my legs and pushed him off me. After I felt those punches come across my face. He was serious about telling me, he wants to beat me into a pulp. My eyes flashed in purple. I turned dead serious and didn't hold back. Michael and I got close exchanging punches, colliding one punch with another, and hitting each other purely in the body. This was now purely of who would fall first. After I had enough, I kicked him straight in the chest which got him to fly right into the metal fence. I dashed and used the momentum to punch him across the face and Michael showed no fight in him. I can tell I have been bruising his body so Linda called it off.

Linda, "That's enough Shadow."

I took a deep breath and Michael sat down on the grass.

Linda walks over to Michael, clapping her hands, "That was better than I expected. Well done."

Michael was breathing heavily, "Really?"

"Yep, I didn't expect your human body to handle a single demon attack. Your body is severely damaged though, but you held on. I see why you were feared when you were in school."

I took a minute to calm down and deactivate my power, "You did good, not enough to beat me though."

Michael fired back, "Just wait till I get used to this demolishing aura and I will show you who's boss."

I laughed, "Ha you wish. I will only get stronger."

"You will see. You will soon see."

I gave a hand to Michael to help him get back on his feet. "That was a good fight… respect." Michael raised his fist midday so we exchanged fistbumps. I had to compliment him back "You are a challenge. I'll give you that much." We both shook hands to show we are at peace.

"By the way did you talk to Naomi about what I told you last night."

"Oh… um… no. I didn't get the chance."

My sort of smile went to a frown immediately, "... goodluck."

Nina opens the backdoor and runs outside to shout at us, "Food is ready guys, and mom, don't you want to eat?"

Naomi came out next, "I made some of my special homemade sushi."

My mouth dropped and started to water.

Michael, "Sushiii!"

I put my hand together, "Please tell me I didn't hear that wrong."

Linda, "Oh don't be silly you aren't dreaming. Now you heard the girls. Let's go eat."

Michael slaps his tummy, "Gonna need to be in good shape again for me to beat him up."

"You know you will never win… right?"

"What did you say, little shortie."

"Who are you calling a shortie huh?"

Linda, "Are you seriously going to act like girls right now? The real true ladies have been cooking you some morning breakfast. Now behave!" with an assertive voice. She really showed her scary side a bit.

We both kept our mouths shut. As we went inside there was delicious sushi the girls made. There were also some side dishes of fresh fruits. What a healthy breakfast! Michael and I didn't hold back one bit and chowed down.

Nina announced, "Wow, we got food lovers on our hands." That made me snap out of the monster-eating mode I was focused on.

"Yep and they were sooooo~ kind to leave some food for Jack who isn't even here yet." Naomi stared at us with a blank expression after that sarcasm.

That right there made me feel guilty.

Naomi asked, "Where even is he?"

Linda, "He is probably doing further research about the demons. It's been a while though so I'm a bit concerned."

Naomi, "Do you think he is preparing another mission for Shadow?"

When Nina heard that she grabbed my arm.

Linda, "Probably. We won't know until he tells us."

After a big fight and a big meal, Michael and I happen to fall asleep on the couch. As I woke up, I checked the house clock and realized I slept for hours. The sun was going down and no one was in the living room anymore. I finally got up to take a shower since I'm still all dirty from the fight. As I finish my shower, I comb my long hair multiple times making sure it is straight and perfect for me to braid it back to normal. While I was brushing my hair, I heard a noise. I look out the window and see Michael chopping some wood except… with his bare hands. I got dressed in my comfortable PJ, a towel that was over my head to keep me warm, and some fuzzy slippers. I grabbed the brush as well to keep brushing because I tend to overdo it. I walk outside and of course quietly to not disturb a chop.

"What are you doing, shouldn't you be next to your girl at this time."

Michael hit the wood one last time before responding, "Oh hey there. Seems like you have finally woken up. Your snores were so loud I couldn't help but wake up every five minutes."

I was in complete flabbergast, my face turned red, "I uh- um…"

"What are you even doing staring at me like that at night like a creep?"

I immediately stared at him coldly, "Comes with the name don't you think?"

"Yea, I guess that makes sense."

"Plus I don't need to check up on you. I'm leaving right now and going back to sleep. Goodnight champ."

"Whoa whoa take it easy. I'm not gonna let you go to sleep at a night like this. That would be too boring. The night is so relaxing to just sleep it off."

"That's true. I do wish for more nights like this. I usually just go wander off somewhere to find a river or lake and lay down next to a shore or something."

Michael chuckled, "So you really are a creep huh?"

"Excuse me?"

"Fine, we can do that if you want."

"Alright I'll grab my stuff and we can head out."

Michael gave a thumbs up to me and I turned around to walk back to the house. I grabbed my phone and that's about it. I wore my usual hoodie and waited for Michael who was getting his jacket and his phone. As Michael comes downstairs, he sees me leaning on the side of a wall.

"Alright let's go," Michael tells me.

I opened the door and we started our adventure. Well, it is mostly Michael's adventure since I know where to go. Michael will be the only person who would know where I go if I want to be alone.

"Damn this is a long walk," Michael argued.

I replied, "The farther the distance the more isolated it feels. Plus you wanted to go for a walk, no?"

"Yeah, I didn't expect it to be this far though."

As they finally reached my secret place. It was entirely filled with trees and bushes that made it hard to walk as they went deep into the area. The lake was massive and there was a small shore that occasionally made a small wave that would crash on the ground. The lake, as I discovered in the past when I walked around the entire thing one time, was being fed by a river which can cause a wave to stir up in the water. I see my favorite that I lay on to relax. This time though I stood up because I wanted a closer look at the stars. It was very peaceful. My heart and soul have never felt in a way being together as one in a while. There was always some friction between my mind and my soul. It would be unhealthy for the heart. This nature though is like my medicine for all the stress in my life. I saw my favorite constellation, which was the Pisces. The stars don't make it look like there is a fish up there but I know how it looks. Michael was next to me the entire time and he looked up at the stars as well. Though I did notice a strong stare coming toward me.

"What's up? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"This is the first time I can get to see your face again, y'know. I normally just see a side braid because this hoodie fully covers your entire face."

I reached the back of my head and felt the tip of the hoodie actually slipping from my head so I pulled it back up. Later I said, "It's nothing special to look at Michael, relax. I don't look good anyways."

All of a sudden Michael grabs my hoodie and pulls it down exposing my entire head. The hair was flowing everywhere with the wind and some strands across my face, "Oh wow, so you do have a face huh. With your hair down and a bit wet, you look like a girl. How come you didn't braid it like usual."

"It helps me relax more. The braid is for more serious times. I can't have hair all over my face during a fight y'know."

"you really do look like a girl though, yet you are stronger than anyone I've seen so far."

"Well, I am not a girl so stop saying it. Are you gay?"

Michael was still looking at me and then spoke, "No you idiot, I just can't help but be shocked. Like… I mean you killed those demons and you fought me. Which was a total surprise when you beat me. And all that you still look so soft. I can't help it, okay?"

I looked down and pulled my hoodie back up, "sorry…" I started to feel uncomfortable.

Michael sighed, "Don't be. Anyways…" He goes back looking at the night sky," How come you decided to do all this? Is it for the school or for her?"

I didn't want to answer that. I stayed quiet. At this point, I start thinking he is trying to get through to me or something. Or at least break some type of wall between us.

"It's for her huh? That's nice I'm not judging." Michael makes a loud yawn, "You know, she really was a dope girl. I remember having to train extra hours as a kid, and fight people who are bigger and stronger than her. It's why she gained everyone's respect in the school. Even though I was two years older than her. I couldn't help but feel sometimes jealous of her willpower. She really was someone special.

"That's why I loved her so much."

Michael looked at me again. He was a bit surprised by my response. "I'm sorry you had to lose her in such a tragic way. But hey, you might move on, you never know."

Seriously! Did he just say that? At a time like that. What the hell is wrong with people? I got extremely upset and started to walk back home.

"Whoa, hey! Where are you going?" He sort of chases me to grab my shoulder to stop me, "I didn't mean to upset you, I'm sorry."

"Watch your mouth… I never chose this life and I still don't like it." I looked at him dead in the eye, my hood went down a bit. "How would you feel if you lost Naomi. Huh? Would you ever have the strength to just 'move on.'"

"You're right, I'm sorry. Let's go back to the lake."

"No, I'm tired. I'm going back home."

"Alright, I'm right behind you."

We began our trip back home. I was in front, having my head down. My thoughts were just all surrounded by Katy again. As we get close to the house, I see a flicker of light flash between my eyes. I looked up slightly, "Huh?" A bullet hit the ground right behind Michael. The sound of the bullet soon follows with the roar of the gunshot.

"Oh shit, she realized that I was gone."

I pulled out my daggers getting ready for another fight. "What do you mean she realized you were gone."

Another bullet was shot and it was aimed right at me. I bent over backwards and my left hand caught the ground for me to fully flip after avoiding the stray bullet. Michael took the time to take cover and hid behind a tree while I was hiding behind another one.

"Is this your girl, bro?!?"

"SHE REALLY TRYING TO KILL US!"

Suddenly bullets started to rain down on us without any mercy. I slid in and hid behind a rock. Couldn't even take a peek even though she's just spraying bullets all over the area.

After a bullet ricocheted off the rock almost hitting me, I yelled to Michael, "TELL YOUR GIRL TO CALM DOWN!"

"THIS IS WHAT YOU GET FOR LEAVING ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!" Naomi was screaming at the top of her lungs while unloading all her bullets in the magazine.

"HOW THE HELL DO YOU WANT ME TO DO THAT!"

With a faint sound of a click, I knew she ran out of bullets and it was time for her to reload. I took the position to peek and saw her at the edge of the window. Then another click was heard and she was throwing something at us. I dashed right in not having a second thought because I didn't want to be a sitting duck anymore. Naomi threw a grenade and I caught it in mid-air to throw it to the side letting it explode without causing any property damage.

"DON'T YOU DARE. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO FIGHT BACK!" Naomi takes her stand as well and jumps from her sniping position to the lawn.

Michael tried to warn me but I couldn't hear him over the adrenaline rush. Naomi started to charge at me so I activated my demon powers to go faster making her eyes seem like I went invisible. I started to run around her and hide. Trying to make her think I'm running circles around her. "Shit, where did this demon go? He can't get away from taking my husband without my permission." Naomi took a deep breath in and I was unsure what her plan was at first. So I charged in thinking it was the right moment. I run up just behind and all of a sudden I get wacked from the sniper gun's shoulder rest. Finally realizing she heard my footsteps coming from behind. I went down hard after taking one of the strongest hits I ever felt to the head. Almost went unconscious after recoiling on the ground. I held my head in place.

"OOOOWWW!!!!" I cried. "How the hell?"

Naomi hair-flips acting sassy, "Who do you think you are? Such tricks are futile."

Michael runs up to the scene, "Did you take her down?"

I was rubbing the back of my head and sounded annoyed, "No."

Michael starts to laugh nervously, "Oh… ha… I see."

"Dude, start running. Your wife is upset like you're fucked."

"WIFE!?!" Naomi's face turns red and wacks me again with her sniper.

"Ow HEY! THAT wasn't necessary."

Naomi stuttered in defense, "Yes it was."

"You're cute when you are all blushly like that," Michael says that as she walks toward Naomi

Naomi crosses her arms, "I'm still mad at you." Then proceeds to hit Michael with the gun but doesn't seem to budge.

Michael talks back, "Now now, you can quit whining. I'm right here." while slowly taking her gun away and raising it up high in the sky.

Naomi starts to jump for her weapon, "Heyyyyyy give it baaaacccckkkkk!"

"You are so cute from this angle."

Naomi blushed even more and stopped jumping, "Stop teasing me!"

"There is no need for you to be mad at us."

"What if you were with a girl huh?"

"Well, I mean." He looks toward me and smiles, almost laughing… I sense a disturbance, "He looks like one but surely isn't."

I got so mad at him at that moment, I pouted and didn't even want to see his face.

Naomi walked to me and I didn't even notice. I only realized after she pulled up my hoodie and revealed my face while I was pouting.

Her response was, "Aww, you're so cute."

"Shut up."

Naomi begins to play with my hair, "You should let down your hair more often. It's so soft."

I was blushing because it only reminded me of the time Katy would always be the one touching my hair and playing with it. Katy did it all the time and I kind of miss the feeling.

"Coughs anyways."

"Awwww someone is jealous." Naomi smiles at Michael.

"N-no." Wasn't even a firm defense.

I begged, "Please stop, I only do this when I have the time to relax. I sometimes don't like to be seen like this."

Naomi gave me space, "Fine, whatever you want."

Michael insisted, "Let's go inside guys come on."

Naomi spoke directly to Michael, "You are sleeping on the couch tonight."

"Wha- WHY!?!"

"Well Michael, like you said," I pulled down my hoodie and tried to act cute, "I do look like a girl." Also added a cheeky hair flip.

Michael claimed, "I'm sure you can seduce the enemies yourself, Shadow."

Naomi yelled at both of us, "What do you know about style, I swear men don't know how to take care of themselves."

"Heyyy." I took offense to that.

"Did you just tell us we don't look good?"

"I'm going to sleep," She turns her back and adds another hair flip while walking back to the house. Going to her room to sleep.

"Let's get some rest as well buddy."

Michael looked at me and patted my shoulder. I nodded my head at him and the day was finally over.