Chapter 20: The Weak Survives

(Kaaru looked at her while startling and had a thought)

KAARU: (Thought) Who the heck is she?

KARIN: You must be Kaaru (looking at him smiling)

KAARU: What how does she know? I'm just seeing her for the first time. (He was surprised but he decided not to let see it obviously)

KARIN: Surprise?

KAARU: How do you know my name?

KARIN: Let's have a little conservation (she made two chairs and a table in the middle to appear). Have a sit.

KAARU: I didn't come here to have a conversation.

KARIN: I see, you want to go home. The only way to do that is to sit down, I'll show you the way out. (Kaaru sat down and waited for her to tell him) Tea? (While the two cups and the jug appeared on the table)

KAARU: (Was surprise and had a thought) Are you kidding me?! Is she only here to make a joke? (Karin took the jug and pours the tea in the two cups. She gives one to him) No I'm okay.

KARIN: Why? Do you think it's poison? (She drinks from his cup) See it's not.

KAARU: Okay. Thanks. (There was silence as he then speak up) So Karin, how do you know my name?

KARIN: Wow! And you also know my name? How do you know?

KAARU: You said it earlier when we first met.

KARIN: Oh it's that so?

KAARU: (Thought) She forgets so easily. Is that the way she is.

KARIN: I know you because I've been watching you. (Kaaru was surprised) You think I'm trap in this place. I only control this place, that's my power, entering the person's mind and give them nightmares. That makes me a manipulator. (She said while Kaaru was shocked)

(At Ippei's shop. Shin drinks a small bottle of alcohol, he pause while he dropped his bottle on the table, and Ippei sees him looking worried)

IPPEI: Looking worried, I guess.

SHIN: Yeah, I can't believe that he's in coma.

IPPEI: Not just coma, he's battling his nightmare. He has to do everything so that he wouldn't end up there. It's like a deer being trapped in the hands of the hunters. So what do you think the deer will do?

SHIN: Try to make itself free.

IPPEI: Exactly. Kaaru may be too intense but I know he can do it.

(At Ippei's room. Kaaru's body was laid down on the bed. Yuuto, Eito and Hiro were also there)

HIRO: Sure he will be alright.

EITO: Sure. He's not in a bad condition.

HIRO: Not in a bad condition! So tell me what is going to happen to him?

YUUTO: Relax Hiro, nothing is going to happen to Kaaru.

HIRO: (Sighed) I hope so. (She said as Yuuto looked at her worried face)

(Back to Kaaru)

KAARU: So you were the one this whole time that took charge and gave me those nightmares?!

KARIN: Good question and understanding. My powers enable me to give you your worst nightmare and your greatest fear.

KAARU: Why? People are suppose to have sweet dreams!

KARIN: I know.

KAARU: So why the nightmares! Why are you doing this?!

KARIN: I have to do it to scare them. Long time ago, I use to be mock by my classmates because I was just a small girl and this made me heavy-hearted. Unknowingly, I saw my hand started to glow and noticed it was my mania, my powers and I ended up as a manipulator. I have the power to enter someone's dream or thought and give them nightmares. So I had a idea to do that to the people I hated, frightening my classmates and now I couldn't stop so I do it to everyone.

KAARU: And how many people have you killed so far? (He said while he was shocked)

KARIN: About twenty.

KAARU: You have to put an end to this.

KARIN: I can't. It's hard to control.

KAARU: You have to, unless the populations will reduce because of you. Do you want death to take over them?!

KARIN: I only see it as fun! I have suffered from the past being bullied by everyone! And no one cares! (She yelled while everything begins to shake and Kaaru fell, he got up and didn't see her while the shaking stopped)

KAARU: What! Where do you go?! (Suddenly, the tiny silhouette of a person could be seen coming from his distance. He couldn't see it well as the person let out a fire from his right hand) The heck is that? (The face was revealed and it was an XO mask, and he was shocked) is that... me? (XO run towards him, blasts out fire to charge towards Kaaru and he dodged the incoming blast) This is crazy, me versus me. (He thought and decided to brings out his fire but it didn't come out) Great I forgot that (He said and suddenly, XO gave Kaaru a heavy blow on his stomach letting him to bounce backward. Kaaru didn't give up as he got up and runs towards him bringing out his hand. He used his left hand to punch him, but in one swift movement, he moved to another side, thus causing him to miss the attack) He's fast... I'm fast.

(He said surprisedly, since it's two him he decided to use this statement "I'm". Kaaru tries to hit him with his fist, but the XO hold and punch him twice in the stomach, which made him lose his breath with the second punch he received)

KARIN: (She came) He's really powerful, don't you think (While Kaaru tries to breath facing the ground) You are powerful also but I insisted in bringing the other you to debate it.

KAARU: Bringing me to fight me, how dishonest (He tries to talk clearly) You took my powers and there's no way the debate can stand.

KARIN: Oh there's a way, that's why there's always a plan B. (Yuuto step in)

KAARU: Yuuto... No it's not real. (While he took his opportunity to get up and think of the blow that XO punch his stomach and had a thought) That blow was strong and mighty and his attack is very brutal. (He turned round as he didn't see XO) He must be gone.

KARIN: Now since you have used this time to get up, let's settle this with another game: The weak vs the strong (As Yuuto ran and punch him multiple times and Kaaru couldn't see him)

KAARU: He's really fast. But I'm faster (He thinks of everything about Yuuto when he taught him how to jump from building to building, when he protected him from the gunshot, and when he introduced him to Shin. But let it go)

(As Yuuto was about to give him the last blow which was mighty, Surprisedly, Kaaru hold his fist as the wind blows his clothes and his hair)

KARIN: What! Even without your powers!

(Kaaru shouts without hesitation and gave him a heavy blow on his face making him to bounce backward swiftly)

KAARU: The weak is always the weakest but there is always time for them to make stronger! (He yelled)

(Karin looked at him with cold gaze. The two stared at each others for some moment and then they ran each others to attack. Karin brought out the Aoks and they also attacked. Kaaru wasted no time and also fights them. He dodged every single moves as they were attacking him, he gave one a blow, another one a kick. Karin looked at him surprised and sees that he's strong. After killing and reducing the numbers of the assassins, he went straight forward to Karin and she suddenly disappeared)

KAARU: (Looked around) What's wrong?! Too scared to fight! (She didn't respond and Kaaru didn't mind and turned around and to his surprise, he sees people protesting while holding banners and posters stick on the walls)

1ST MAN: The mask man turned his back on us and we can't remain the same!

2ND MAN: Yeah! We should get rid of that scumbag!

(Kaaru was shocked seeing the citizens all against him. The third man turned around and saw him)

3RD MAN: There he is!

(They ran after Kaaru, throwing wasted at him and all sort of rubbish, then he saw the girl, Karin. He turned around and saw that the people were gone)

KARIN: I hope you are enjoying it.

KAARU: You think it's funny. Like I said, you have to stop this.

KARIN: I haven't finished yet. You are the only person that I've met who hasn't died so quickly. So you can really overcome your fears.

KAARU: It takes time for a person to do that. The weak can surely be strong again. (Turned to her and didn't see her) Damnit! Is she trying to have fun? She didn't even care on what I said (As he thought)

KARIN: The weak can become stronger. How are you sure?

(Kaaru turned back while she was behind him)

KAARU: That's how it is. Don't you think it's true? Never lose hope that's what make them stronger.

KARIN: The weak always die. They don't stand a chance to face the strong ones.

(Kaaru was puzzled while he made a comical defeated face and had a thought)

KAARU: (Thought) I shouldn't have brought out this debate. What is she saying?

KARIN: As a weakling, I don't want to die! (She yelled as something erupted from the ground and it was a giant white snake)

KAARU: (Frightened while he clenches his teeth. It went straight to him swiftly and it was about to chop off his waist. Kaaru jumped up, he looked down at the snake and had a thought) I can do this!

(He then gave the giant snake a mighty kick on the head and a straight slam to the ground as the place was filled with dust. Karin watched the scene while she smiles)

KARIN: (Thought) That would keep him busy. He wouldn't survive that attack he just did since the snake is ten times as strong as a rock.

KAARU: Ow! My leg! That's some strong skin you got.

(Karin heard Kaaru's voice and look to see where, he appeared in the mist with his right leg. She was shocked to see that it was completely fine due to that force of attack. The mist cleared and to her surprise, the snake was dead and he was still standing)

KARIN: What! Impossible!

KAARU: Now where were we? (She looked at him but didn't say anything still thinking whether he is overpowered) You have be playing too much of games and I guess it's time to end it-- (Suddenly, a blow went swiftly through his face and Kaaru flew backward and landed on the ground. He gets up and saw that it was Shin) Shin-sensei? (He was confused to see him in his dream when he doesn't give him nightmares)

(Shin ran towards him and the way he was running was a little scary. He was fast and running with intensity. Kaaru wanted to land him a blow but couldn't do it. He believes that it's not real so he did it but surprisedly, he missed that and hit him with his elbow, causing the boy to take a step back. Shin was about to lunged him directly to his stomach, but Kaaru dodged, bending backward horizontally. He gave him a kick while somersaulting while Shin took a step backward. Kaaru jumped and gave him a blow and he blocked it with his palm.)

KAARU: (Thought) What, his palm are so hard. (Shin punched him straight to the ground while it crack and then kicked him. Kaaru stood up and was angry) You leave me no choice.

(He runs with all might and Shin punched him, but he dodged by sliding and gave him a heavy blow on his stomach and it disappeared. Karin was still shocked and Kaaru got up and turned around to her)

KARIN: How do you...?

KAARU: (He runs to her swiftly and stop immediately with a sword pointed at her with the wind blowing her hair and her dress a little) It doesn't matter. But you have to just end it here! (She didn't answered him). We all are scared, bad dreams that attack us and you can't run with your two legs because they keep coming. (Karin clenches her teeth with anger) You may not like your friends, that doesn't mean you have to go on to take reven--

KARIN: That's enough! (She yelled while was surprised) My friends hated him so bad that I didn't know the reason and for that it affected my academics and I decided to stop schooling.

KAARU: But killing them cannot make you feel better. Just turn to a new leaf, you may not have friends but I'm ready to be your friend.

(The words made Karin remember the time when she and her aunty were eating together in dining room and there was flashback)

                                                        (Flashback)

AUNT: Karin, I hope you are enjoying your new school?

KARIN: Um...Sure thing, aunty. Hehehe (She pretended since her classmates bullies her)

AUNT: Good and I hope you will be able to make a friend.

KARIN: (The word made her to pause and said to her) Er... is it necessary to have friends?

AUNT: Of course. With them, you can learn like studying, reading and playing. Whenever you are alone, a friend is always there with you. So you should have a friend?

(At school, she was bullied and was gathered in the midst of her classmates on the floor crying. She could hear the insult they gave on her but the one that surprised her was what the first girl said)

1ST GIRL: it's better for you to die than to have friends.

2ND GIRL: Can't she not die already. Beside, it's better that way. (The students laughed at her while she was still crying)

"Everybody hate me because I'm as weak as a paper and it feels like my life is about to end. They think it's better for me to be dead than to have friends. My aunty save me after seeing me with a knife trying to kill myself. I explained everything to her about what has been happening to me at school and that was how I stop schooling and planned to get on my revenge. And now, It feels like I have been save..."

                                          (End of flashback)

(Karin glanced at Kaaru while tears comes out from her eyes)

KARIN: Thank you.

(He was confused as he didn't expect her to thank him)

KAARU: No need to thank me. I saw a friend who couldn't use her powers otherwise misuse it to harm others. So I try to save her, even though she didn't want my help. (Her face began to turn red and Kaaru saw it surprised) What's wrong? your face are turning red. Are you beginning to be sick?

KARIN: No! (She said while covering her face and turned it away from him)

KAARU: You know I was like you. I was bullied, I didn't have friends, I wanted to have my revenge instead I had friends and they help me out. We were weak but we still manage to survive.

KARIN: (Turned around to him surprised) You are strong. I have never seen someone so extra ordinary.

KAARU: What make you say that?

KARIN: The way you displayed your combat, you are skillful. You really have the potential energy as a good manipulator.

KAARU: Wow it's making me to feel like I'm no longer weak.

KARIN: (Thought) What! You think you are weak.

KAARU: Well thanks, Karin. (He said while his eyes were closed and he smiles)

KARIN: (She was looked at him surprised and had a thought) Wow, he even said my name so clear.

KAARU: Now can I go now?

KARIN: Oh right. (She made a door to appear in from of him) The door will take you back to where your body is.

KAARU: Okay. See ya. (He was about to leave but he stopped) Karin.

KARIN: Huh?

KAARU: I hope we will meet again. (He said and he opened the door and went inside)

KARIN: Sure we will meet again... hero.

(Kaaru slowly opened his eyes,he finally woke up and saw that he was in Ippei's room on his bed, facing the ceiling of the room. Kaaru got up and sat on the bed. He snapped his fire as a little fire comes out of his thumb and was relieved to have his powers back. He tries to get up but he can't, he felt pain in his body due to the beating he had in his dream and realized that it was real. As he tries again; suddenly the door opened showing to be none other but Eito and Yuuto)

EITO: At last, you finally woke up (He said with a smile coming in)

YUUTO: Are you better now?

KAARU: Kind of, I just have pains in my body.

EITO: Showing that you have gone through a lot in that nightmare.

YUUTO: You found out the person responsible for all this?

KAARU: Yeah... That aside, do I worried everyone? (He said while he changed the topic)

EITO: All of us... especially Hiro.

(The place was silence while Kaaru paused for a while as he thinks of the times he had with her during his first time in school)

KAARU: (Thought) She do care about me. (The door opened and it was Hiro, Shin and Ippei. As soon as she saw him,her eyes were crystallized before several tears began to pour out from her eyes) Hiro, I'm...

(Before he could continue what he was saying, Hiro said)

HIRO: Finally...you woke up.

KAARU: I'm sorry for worrying you like this.

HIRO: I thought you will die at that moment...! (She said as tears comes out from her eyes) But you didn't.

KAARU: Hiro... (He said while he was surprised to see her crying) You are... crying.

HIRO: No, I'm not. I'm only happy to see you okay. (She said while cleaning her tears)

(Eito, Yuuto, Shin and Ippei made a slight smiled at the two as they were glad to see that Kaaru is okay)

KAARU: Oh... okay.

"The Weak definitely survives if only you believe in yourself"

Share your comment if you think that's true or a lie.