"Faresti meglio a lasciarmi andare adesso! Ti scioglierò, cazzo!" Leo's fictitious voice ripped through the tree lines.

"Whatever you say lizard breath.." Jack muttered.

"What is he saying?" Alexis asked.

"It's Italian I think. And if it is he's not saying very nice things.." Valentina said

Jack looked over to her and smiled approvingly.

"Precisely, I like your girlfriend Stryder." He hummed.

Valentina blushed.

"I-i'm not his girlfriend!" She stammered out.

"S-she's not my girlfriend!" I stammered out.

"Aww, aren't you two adorable." Jack hummed

"Wait till I tell Annual about this. Stryder dating my mortal enemy.." Zack huffed.

"Would you knock it off!" I yelped.

We all stood around Leo, who was frozen solid to a tree in the middle of the woods, with nothing but his head exposed. He roared loudly in rage as red flares flew out of his mouth like a fourth of July show.

I looked around at everyone who was just staring and laughing at him. I'd be pretty humiliated if I was like this too. I sighed and turned to the group.

"Hey, can you all leave me alone with Leo?" I asked.

Jack just shrugged.

"Sure thing superman." He chimed.

"What!? Leave you alone with Bowser Jr!?" Zack hollered."That's suicide!"

"For once I agree with Zack. You saw what he did at school today!" Valentina chimed in.

"Mi senti!" Leo roared.

"Look, if anything goes wrong I'll holler. Plus Jack can heal me." I added. "Just trust me, I'll be fine."

"No way, I'm staying too," Zack demanded as he stepped forward.

"Zack you don-"

"Look, I've been letting you carry a lot lately. I think It's about time I pick up some slack."

"Zack you really don't have to."

"I told you once before that I was gonna be a hero right? I want to be the type of man Annual can be proud of seeing when she gets back home. So I'm staying. Too bad, so sad, you're stuck with me." He said as he walked over to me.

The type of man Annual can be proud of huh? I smiled and nodded.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

"WOULD YOU NEANDERTHALS SHUT UP AND LET ME OUT ALREADY!!" Leo roared.

"Stryder, If there's anything I can help with. Just let me know, okay?" Valentina asked.

"Right! Same here! After all, I got powers too!" Alexis cheered.

"Still weird.." Zack muttered.

"Alright, then I'll let you two handle it," Jack said as he walked over to the girls.

"Try to not burn the forest down. It'll be a real drag if I have to clean that off." He snickered and snapped his fingers.

Suddenly Leo was free, the ice around his body shattered and crumbled to the ground. He dropped down on all fours. And then quickly shot up after Jack.

Jack stood completely still, giving Leo a smile. The girls squealed in a panic, and leo whipped his head back. Ready to blast Jack with his flames. But just as he was about to let loose, Jack vanished.

Leos flames shot forward where Jack and the girls used to be. But there was nothing there but grass and trees. Zack lifted his hand up to the air, and I could see the air kind of distort around the fire. Slowly but surely going down and fading

"I still can't believe she's one of us.." Zack muttered.

"Come back here frosty!" Leo roared into the woods.

"Not to mention she's basically a thirst detector," I chuckled.

"What! That's gonna make homecoming super awkward." He groaned

"Anywho, Leo! Come this way, we need to talk!" I called out as I walked over to him.

"Like hell! I'm gonna slaughter that frostbitten-"

Zack snapped his fingers and vines suddenly sprouted up from the ground underneath Leo. Who immediately leaped out the way. And got in a defensive stance.

"Listen, kid, you just beat one of our classmates face in. Even if he is a prick, that's not cool." Zack sighed.

But Leo didn't respond, he just glared at the both of us. He panted heavily, letting smoke and ash fall from his mouth.

"Leo listen, we just want to talk. That's all. I have some questions too."

He looked me over, and then back to Zack. He slowly stood up straight, losing his aggressive intense stare.

"Alright, fine, what is it." He asked as he slowly approached us.

I smiled some and walked closer myself, Zack following behind me.

"First of all, let me ask you. What happened with you and that guy today?"

He huffed and a small spark came out.

"Nothing too special. We bumped into each other, and he demanded I apologize. I ignored him and kept walking. Then he yanked me back by my hoodie and asked me if I knew who he was. I told him if he didn't let go in three seconds, he'd regret it. That's when he said something about my mom. And the next thing I knew he was bloody on the floor." Leo said without any remorse.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

I see, well, he didn't start it at least..

"I get he was a dick and all, but dude. You gave this guy a concussion, your lucky Arthurs men intervened."

My eyes grew wide and I turned to Zack.

"What! Really?"

He snickered and nodded.

"While you were growing your harem. I was busy talking to Arthur. The short story of it is, he took control over everything. The police and the hospital. He said he'd leave us to deal with his punishment."

"Arthur huh?" Leo mumbled.

"Do you hear me, kid!? You gave him a concussion for a mom joke. Don't you think that's an overreaction!? Plus you called all the attention to yourself."

I kept staring at Zack. This whole time I was running around, he was out here taking responsibility!? Not only that, he was talking sense to the kid! I wonder if the world was gonna catch on fire next...

"There are a few things in this world I will not tolerate." He glared at Zack as he spoke. His blue eyes seem to shine as he did. "And disrespecting my mother is one thing I will never allow to stand." He growled, baring his sharp teeth as he spoke.

"I can understand that. But still, you shouldn't just lash out at people like that."

He didn't respond to us, he just continued to glare at me.

"I will not yield to this." Leo finally responded. "If you're here to punish me, then do it. I'll accept it. But I will not take it back."

"Leo, tell me, why is it that you're here? Your no swordsman, and I am nowhere near the strongest person in this game. So why? Why come here with the swordsman and challenge me?"

He looked into my eyes for a moment. And I watched as his defiant glare slowly softened. Then he quickly looked away from me.

"I watched that video of you. The video of you fighting stone. You had nothing to gain in that fight. And you sent Zack to save the civilians, while you took a beating. You could've ran away, or tagged teamed him. Yet you chose the option safest for the people. Even after they attacked you, you still pressed on for them." He trailed off and slowly faced me again. "Even coming here, I saw where you lived, and how you lived. You weren't full of pride,nor being sponsored to help people by Arthur. You were genuine."

"Is this some kind of love confession?" Zack whispered to me.

I jumped some and looked over at Zack. Who had a dead serious look on his face.

"W-what!?" I Squealed.

"I mean, it's none of my business if he swings like that.." Zack muttered.

Leo growled.

"No, you idiot! I came here to see if I can change! If I can learn to be a hero."

Zack and I both became speechless. Staring wide-eyed at him. The kid who attacked me and Valentina, the guy who bashed someone's face into a locker! He wants to be a hero!? There was silence for a while. Then it was suddenly broken by Zack's uncontrollable laughter.

"Zack come on! Don't laugh at him!" I said as I yanked his vest.

"Oh my gosh! No! No! That's hilarious!" He cried as he held onto his side.

"You gotta problem with that dumbledore!" Leo roared.

Zack took a breath and rubbed a tear from his eye.

"Kid, you bashed some guys face into the wall with no remorse."

"He deserved it!" Leo roared back.

"Yeah, for insulting your mom right? But let me ask you, do you think your mom would be proud of that?" He asked in a more relaxed tone.

"What do you know?"

"Listen, I was just like you before I met this loser over here," Zack said as he pointed back to me with his thumb.

"In fact, we met when I tried to rob him and his mom."

"Your point?" Leo groaned.

"My sister, she's been sick beyond help for years. She's the one who convinced me to go to school every day when my parents didn't care. She'd be the one to listen to me when I wanted to cry about my day. She even gave me a hard smack with her weak little arms when I started smoking in middle school."

"That's nice and all, but what does that-"

"Hey, did I say I was finished? Geez, kids nowadays, I tell ya. Anyways, my point is, I'd do anything for my sister. And when she found out the stuff I was doing to save her. She was devastated. I'm still pissed at Mr.Knight in shining armor over here for telling her. She told me she'd rather stay in bed forever then watch me throw my life away. Me and you are one and the same. I'm where I'm at today because of her encouragement, and Stryders idiotic faith in me. So if you're here to change, I know you can."

Leo looked speechless. He stared up at Zack in awe, but I couldn't blame him. I was in the same boat over here. Then Zack flicked his head.

"So don't go throwing away your chance to change over some prick in school. I'm sure your mom wouldn't want that."

Leo growled and glared at Zack.

"You're wiser than I had anticipated, I'll consider your words. But I will make no promises."

"Geez kid, can you talk like a normal thirteen-year-old!? I didn't anticipate this, I'll consider your words. Blah, blah blah, you sound like some old hardened vet who can't get over nom or something."

Leo growled again, and I stepped forward. Resting a gentle hand on Zack's shoulder.

"Forgive him, he's still learning how to not talk like a thirteen-year-old."

"Oh screw you man, I sounded like a chad just now."

"Leo, would you mind telling us why your mom's such a sensitive topic?"

He looked me over some, then he looked to Zack. He seemed to be thinking about something.

"I'll respect the vulnerability you've all shared with me. By sharing myself. But I'm not comfortable with giving details just yet." He replied as he folded his arms.

"That's perfectly fine. Thank you." I replied.

"My mother was murdered by my father for her wealth and status. Growing up he always made life very difficult. Trying to groom me and my brother to succeed for the family."

"Woah, that's pretty intense," Zack muttered.

"What do you mean by succeeding for the family?" I asked.

"My family is part of the mafia. Well, my mom's side of the family is anyways. My dad married into it. And it was clear all he wanted was money. A few years ago, he faked an attack on the family. Which got my mother killed in a shoot out. Then he weaseled his way up, till he was practically in charge. It was then I realized, he wasn't normal. He is what we call an ancient, one of the people who had powers before this game started. He's powerful, not only in the game but with his connections too."

I nodded and sighed.

"I see, I'm sorry you had to go through that."

"I'm not gonna become him, I'm gonna be different. My mother deserves justice. And nothing less!" He declared as he balled his fist.

His eyes were bold and determined. Not a single area of weakness on his face. I can't imagine what type of hell he had to grow up in. What type of hell his mom tried to save him from.

"Geez, that sounds like a comic book backstory.." Zack muttered, and I elbowed him.

"Dude!" I grumbled

"Phoenix wing is the only group actually pushing my father's advancements back at the moment."

"Whose that exactly?" I asked.

"A team like yours actually," Leo added.

"I heard their leader Gilda and Rex are evenly matched." Zack chimed in.

"What! Seriously!?" I yelped.

This is real, people on Rex's level are just roaming around! What if they want to challenge me!? What could I do!? Could Jack even fight them!?

"Why did you choose us over Gilda then? Were so not on their level." Zack asked, which brought me out from my thoughts.

Huh, that was actually a good question. I'm starting to think he does have a brain.

"While Gilda has good intentions. He's still known as the devil to players. He's underhanded and clever. He will do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal. His goals are usually noble, but still. He reminds me too much of my father. But you." Leo said as he turned toward me. "You really do have the heart of a hero."

Before I could even speak, I felt Zack move his arms around me.

"Well, you are in luck! Because our hero boy can definitely sissy you up to be the greatest goody two shoes!" Zack cheered.

"I-I can't promise any of that alright," I said as I shoved Zack off me. "What I can promise is, if you want to change. I can support you. Changing doesn't work like changing clothes." I looked to my hand and started thinking about my change. "It starts with asking yourself what type of person you want to be. And really defining that image. Then it takes hard work. It won't happen overnight, and it won't be easy. It'll be easier to just quit. But real strength comes from pushing forward even when it's hard. And with that. I promise we can be by your side while you define that image. But I'm not magic."

"I'm aware. I knew I couldn't do the same thing and expect different results. That's why I came here. With people, I know who would want to guide me."

"Sounds like to me, you've already taken the first step." Zack hummed.

"With that I'd like to say. Welcome to Alley of justice, Leo."

I stepped forward toward him. Holding out my hand for him to shake. He looked up at me starry-eyed. Not a word from his mouth.

"You sure about this? I could bash someone else's skull it." Leo said with a smirk.

"Think of this as your punishment. You're gonna be stuck with me and Zack." I snickered.

"Don't blame me if I burn the house down then." He said as he took my hand with his own rough hand.

Well, I guess we've got a dragon now.