Past Shadows

Trouble maker.

Chapter Five

Trouble Maker

“ Just as usual. This place stinks. “ The lass exclaimed sarcastically while covering her nose.

“ You! “ Alisa fury burned. But on recalling a memory, she calmed herself. Immense hatred shone within her eyes towards the new comer. But she held herself in check.

‘ Alisa, just endure. ‘ She repeated constantly in her head.

Alas, the impudent lass didn't plan to let her off the hook that easily.

“ You what? Complete that statement now! “ The lass demanded.

“ I said nothing Treasure. “ Alisa tried to deny.

But the lass didn't back down. “ I said you should complete that statement right now. If not… Humph! I believe you know. “

Hearing her threat, Alisa surprisingly didn't get angry like she did with the ruffians earlier. Instead, she wore a fake smile and replied. “ I said you are very beautiful. “.

“ … “ There was a sudden silence.

‘ This maniac. What does she want? ‘ Alisa thought in dismay.

After a short while of awkward silence, Treasure eventually opened her mouth. But she did so in a slow pace, causing Alisa emotion to grow even more intense with every passing nanoseconds.

Finally; “ * Laughter… * “

“ You actually think I am beautiful. How sensible. That's right! I am a beauty that can't be encountered easily. One that pops up once in decades. Most importantly, more beautiful than you. Do you agree with me? “ She spoke in sarcasm.

Hearing her taunts, Alisa grew a lot more furious. Treasure was just too much. Nonetheless, she still maintained her cool outwardly. She crossed one hand behind her back and clenched it tightly, causing an appearance of wound openings that spilled blood, on her palm. This was the only available way for her to vent.

But Treasure was far from being done yet. “ Do you agree with me? “, she asked again.

“ Dont go too far. “ Alisa said, gritting her teeth.

“ * Chuckle *… Don’t go too far? What if I do. Humph! Whatever I want, I get. If I want an answer from you, an answer I must get. Give me an answer now! “ The lass insisted.

‘ Since you don't want to know your place, then don't blame me. I can only apologise to mom and dad later. ‘ Unable to keep up with the taunts anymore, Alisa made a decision.

“ Why do you ask? Are you insecure or something? Not surprised though. Its pretty easy to tell from the amount of make up you wear every day. “ She crossed both her hands on her chest and spoke unrestrainedly. She was done playing nice.

“ You! How dare you? “ Shrieked Treasure. How dare she? She dared to reply her. Even after what happened the last time. What gives her the guts.

“ Why are you yelling. Are you a kid or what? “ Alisa questioned.

“ You!… “

“ Stop with the “ Yous “. What? You asked a question. Even demanded an answer from me twice. Now that I fulfilled your wish, you are furious. Tsk… How childish. “ Alisa spoke further. Since she had decided to respond, she was going to go through with it ruthlessly.

“ … “ A sudden silence ensued. Then;

“ * Laughter * “ Treasure suddenly burst into laughter.

‘ Why is she laughing again. This maniac. ‘ Alisa felt a bit frustrated.

“ Alisa, ohhhhh Alisa. You haven't learned, have you? Nevermind. I won't controverse with you. But Alisa, let me warn you one last time. Whatever I demand must be done. Even if I ask you to slap yourself, you must. This wouldn't be like the last time. As you can see, I came prepared. Better know what’s good for you. “ Treasure warned, with a few hand gestures referencing to her four bulky guards.

Her eyes suddenly turned to the crowd, bringing to her notice the numerous detest-filled gazes staring at her like she were a scourge or something akin to. The sight of this caused a well up of anger within her. “ All of you, scram. “ She yelled at the customers in fury. But none paid her words any heed.

“ Didn’t you hear what I said. All of you, SCRAM. “ She repeated once again and threw a glare at her guards. In response, they stepped forwards, crackling their fist and necks. A scare off tactic.

And it worked. Fear immediately clouded the eyes of the bystanders, and they all tilted their direction towards the door. No one wanted to be trashed by four hefty ruffians in guards clothing. But before they could leave, a slender figure blocked the doorway.

“ They go nowhere. “ Alisa declared without reserves. Her tone showcased her carelessness about the existence of the guards.

“ You! Didn't that b***h that you call mum warn you to… “ Treasure was still in the midst of her speech when a fist connected to her face. A few teeth immediately flew off.

“ … “

‘ How… How come? Wasn't she standing at our front just now. Her speed… ‘ The guards thought in fright. But they soon snapped out of it after the shriek of their young miss invaded their ears.

“ Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! She really * spit * dared * spit * hit me again. She really dared * spit *. “ Treasure muttered, trying to comprehend the situation. This wasn't how she had planned it. If at all it got to the point of physical clash, it was supposed to be Alisa who was trashed.

Her ferocious gaze tilted towards her guards. “ You big for nothings. How dare you. You actually let her attack me. What are you here for then? You won't go scot free. You definitely won't. “ She yelled at them.

“ Sorry miss. We didn't see her move. “ They replied, still clouded in confusion of the situation.

“ You actually still dare to give excuses. Instead of beating her…, no! Killing her. Quickly kill her for me now. I want her dead. DEAD! Did you hear what I said. “ Treasure ranted.

“ ... “.

“ What? you want to disobey me. “

“ We don’t dare miss. But if we really kill someone, it won’t end simply. “

“ That’s right. How about we beat her to a half death state. That way, she would definitely learn her lessons. “ They advised.

“ Then stop standing there like robots and get it done. “ Treasure shrieked.

Thus, the four surrounded Alisa from all sides and approached slowly. An intimidation strategy. But such moves were useless in front of someone like Alisa who hardly ever got intimidated.

“ Little lass. We really don't want to do this. But we are workers. Hence, we must oblige. “

“ You could have just played along, and you wouldn't have to go through this. Why are you youngsters so rebellious? “

“ Sigh… Dont worry, we won’t actually kill you. We would only beat you to a half dead state. That way we might be able to escape the penalties for letting her get injured. “

“ Yes. Lass, just stay in place, the beating will be over in a jiffy. “

The guards spoke consecutively, feigning a magnanimous tone.

Their shamelessness amazed Alisa. Daring to spout this trash talks after making the decision out of free will. ‘ Not kill me… Just beat me to a half death state… Stay in place… Beating will be over in a jiffy. Good. Very good. Since you all are so shameless, then I won’t have to hold back. Sorry in advance. ‘ Her gaze gained a predative glint as she stared at the four. But it was oblivious to them.

The one who asked her to stay in place and take the beating was the first to get to her. Expecting her to be scared silly and not dare to fight back, he threw a casual punch that had enough strength to at least send a few teeth flying, just like with his young miss earlier.

But to his astonishment, Alisa stepped sideways. Then what followed after was a fist connecting to his face, sending him staggering back to where he came from.

“ You! You really don’t know what is good for you. “ He yelled in anger.

Turning to his partners “ Fellows, enough dawdling. This lass is quite weird. Better we bring her down once and for all. “ he antagonized them.

Then he took the initiative to plunge forward, further boosting their morale. Feeling the contagious andrenaline, they also did the same, with a fierce momentum no less than his.

This scene caused chills to many bystanders present, and Treasure was no exception.

Even though this was a set of people she humiliated frequently every day, she couldn't help but be frightened by their current demeanor.

Alas, the next scene that played out completely sparked the fright in her. Albeit, not towards the guards. But towards; Alisa.

In no time, the four laid on the ground, wallowing and grunting in pain. While Alisa stood with only a little blood at the corner of her lips.

Turning to the villain of the day, Treasure. She approached her slowly with no good intent. The hatred and discontent she felt towards this girl wasn't little. After all, she was one of the reason her mom saw her the way she did now. Plus today’s scene wasn’t the first of it’s like. Treasure seemed to have viewed her family as an object for bullying since Alisa’s mom seemed to hate violence to the core. Thus, she was going to teach her a lesson.

Just then…;

“ ALISA! “ A voice exclaimed her name in anger.

‘ Oh no! Mo… ‘

“ *SLAP* “