43 Ambush (1/2)

The twilight skyline fell over the city as Rina put her book into her backpack. She had stayed late at school again.

”Rina, at the rate you are going, you try taking the high school 2nd year exam soon,” Her teacher praised. The woman was praising her fervently, enthusiastic. She was probably expecting a raise from her advancement then. Rina nodded silently, her mind dull.

Genius.

That is what the tests label her as. Although she tested as a rank F, her IQ was over 150. She was the highest scorer in the school, her intellectual abilities outstanding.

Not that it was extremely significant at this day and age. Many people had intellectual abilities after all. And the concept that brains ruled over brawn died the moment humans gained abilities.

She sighed. The world is merely a stage where you act your part. From the moment you were born, your role was determined.

And her's was at the bottom of the ladder.

Rina silently packed up and bid the teacher goodbye.

Outside, on her way back to the dorm, Rina's backpack moved. ”Vulpix,” Rina gathered the soft Pokemon in her arms, her heart lightening. It went beyond logic why she felt attracted to Hana's summons. Was it because they were soft? Because they fit the typical description of cuteness?

”Vulpix, vulpix, vul . . . ” The fire Pokemon nudged Rina softly, burrowing into her arms. Pokemon were sensitive creatures after all. Sensing the sadness in her owner's sister, the fire Pokemon attempted to cheer her up.

”Ok,” Rina smiled, stroking its fur. Her face turned back into that of a young child's again. She quietly made her way through the alleyway to the dorm. It was a shortcut she knew of.

Normally, she wouldn't take it because she had to work at the bakery, but since she stayed at school late, she would just go this way.

The shadows in the narrow path covered her as she walked through. Suddenly, Vulpix raised it's head. Danger!

”Vulpix?” Hana saw the unease in the Pokemon's eyes. ”Is something wrong?”

The fire Pokemon leaped out of her arms, crouching into attack position. Rina understood immediately. There was someone hostile near her. She gripped the strap of her backpack fearfully.

”Aiya, little girl, your fox is good.” A middle aged men melted out of the shadows. He tossed knives in his hands casually, leering at her.

”Robbery?” Rina scanned the man. He looked like a thug. But why would he go after her? She was dressed in plain clothes. Nothing about her stood out enough to warrant a robbery. Was it simply bad luck then?

”Naive child, do I look like a robber?” The man grinned. ”Well, I might be after all. I'm here to rob you of your life after all hehe.”

Rina backed up a step. A murderer? Assassin? ”Why?” She couldn't think of anyone she had offended recently. She had never seen this person before either.

”Why? Mah, maybe because your existence is a nuisance. The actual order was to put you in a coma, but my hands feel itchy today. Too bad for you.” He stalked toward her.

”Vulpix, Flamethrower!” Rina yelled. Thank goodness Hana had taught her attack commands for Vulpix in case of emergencies.

A torrent of flames rushed toward the man.

”What a cute attempt.” A horrendous gust of wind blew forward, blasting the flame apart. It slammed into Vulpix, tossing it backward into the wall.

”Vulpix!” Rina yelled in alarm. She scooped up the Pokemon in her arms. The fire fox made a disoriented sound.

”Oh? It's studier than expected. I thought that would have been enough to kill it,” The man mumbled. He drew a knife. ”Nevertheless, it's futile to resist.”