บท 9: Chapter 9

It would be a lie to say that Danuja did not feel the eyes following her. Dad tense body, every time they would go on a walk were signs as well, especially his sudden growling that sometimes would cost her a scolding from pedestrians for not fixing him with a muzzle.

A lot of people in her situation would warn someone about it. A friend, a family member or even the police. Danuja had no friends and family whatsoever beside the very same dog that she walked two times a day around the district. But even so, a lot of people would arm themselves somehow by using a small knife under their clothes, hiding a screwdriver in their sleeve or at last having a light in their pockets.

And once again Danuja did non of those things. Maybe it was idiotic or maybe she just didn't care what can happen to her but never once, in the days she was followed did she feel worried.

So it did not come as a surprise when returning with Dad from a long walk, the two of them got relatively ambushed by a pair of familiar teenagers. It was the same teen with a green strike in his hair together with a frowning, brown haired, average looking guy.

'' You are pretty hard to find.'' the brunette said, if possible frowning harder

'' Give us a headache almost.'' the boy with a green strike said before adding '' I'm Midori Ryota-'' he said threading a hand in his hair before nodding towards the brunette ''- and this is Benjiro, my friend.''

'' The two of you must have been awful at hide and seek.'' Danuja said without acknowledging their names while placing her hand between Dad blade shoulders

'' You-!'' Ryota begins before taking a deep breath, continuing with a solemn face '' My mother always told me to never hit girls you see and I respected that. But she also told me to deal with anyone bothering my girlfriend.'' he said before grimacing '' Both of them are so annoying you see, they-''

'' I don't care.'' Danuja interrupted them shock evident on their face. She wasn't sure if they were shocked because of her speaking or because he didn't finish his monologue '' Right. Surprise. I don't care about your life story or what made you and your friend for that matter, to corner me in this alley. I just know that both of you are fucking awful but neither of you can beat the sharks that send you.'' she said lifting her hand off Dad fur, subtly moving her left leg in front of her, the right leg ready to turn and make a run for it

'' You really are annoying.'' Benjiro said before running towards her just to be throw on the ground, his arm in Dad mouth that was thrashing his head while growling madly

'' Smart. You get your own personal attack dog.'' Ryota said before smirking '' But there's just one.'' he said already running towards her

Danuja was not a fighter, not in the literal sense of throwing punches and hitting with her legs. She didn't know how to fight. With humans at last. She had enough roughhousing with Dad to not get her arms or neck nicked and to knew when and how to turn so she won't get turned around in dirt. She has aim and reflex that sometimes surprised even herself, there was enough spite in her to make any bully around to get on their knees at last once.

So yes, she did turn her head fast enough to not get punched in the nose. Yes, the hit was directed in her jaw and it hurts like hell and yes for anyone that was curious her first move was to spit in his eye.

It was always a trustworthy move, however dirty it was.

---

It was a flurry of hits that almost non hit their target. Ryota panting and Danuja heavy but regular breathing was accompanied by Benjiro pained moans, his arm now almost unrecognizable with Dad seating on said boy while observing the fight, panting himself.

Benjiro was a sturdy bastard at the end of the day.

'' Stop moving!'' Ryota yelled before finally hitting Danuja stomach just to blink in surprise when she spit blood '' You are surprisingly weak for such a tough character. '' he sneered before screaming in fright and pain when Dad rushed to him, bitting directly in his shoulder.

Danuja steadied herself again before stumbling towards the two. She lowered herself on her knees, gently stroking Dad shoulder before moving her fingers carefully on his nape then under his jaw.

'' Freak.'' Ryota said arms trying with no result to lift Dad of him just to let himself remain there, sharp teeth in his shoulder '' I can-'' he said before chocking ''- I can have your beast killed you know.'' he laughed and laughed and laughed, and the only thing Danuja did was to laugh as well

'' Would you live the shame though?'' she asked softly before smiling while petting Dad, his growling ceasing but grip not '' Aren't your parents already mad at you? What were the news title again?'' she mused before adding pleasant '' Ah, 'Congressman son destroyed school property and endangered several other students'. That's what it was.'' she said nodding letting the words sink in

'' You-you were the one-! Agh!'' he grunted not finishing his words

'' Now image the next title ' Congressman Midori son strikes again. This time attacking a poor, defenseless girl in a alley that was walking her dog. ' Of course the dog would attack Ryota-'' she said admonishing '' -that's what dogs do when in danger. And do not think I didn't see those palm prints on your arms.'' she said making him gulp down any other words.

Humming Danuja let herself up, clothes askew and long hair tangled. She clicked her tongue several times till Dad let Ryota go, trotting at her side before nudging her away from the alley.

'' Hey Danuja!'' a yell was heard at the back, Ryota voice hoarse ''- you are nothing without that dog you know!''

'' So vicious.'' Danuja said to Dad while petting his coat and wiping his snout before going anywhere else. '' You were never a messy eater.''