Ren and Hikaru slammed the door behind them, the wooden frame rattling like it might collapse under the weight of their shoulders. The smell of boiled rice and damp clothes hit them immediately, clinging to the walls of the cramped home.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" a girl shouted, voice sharp and full of anger.
She stepped in front of Ren, fists clenched, red-tipped hair spiking wildly with every movement. A sleeveless hoodie revealed tape-wrapped fists.
Kaede Fiend. That's number 1.
Oh, did I forget to tell you? There's eight of these siblings.
Ren opened his mouth to speak, but a boy leaned lazily against a crate and smirked.
"Relax, if you died, we'd hear the crying from here."
Short, messy hair fell over one eye; layered, grimy clothes hung on his thin frame.
Takumi Fiend. That's number 2.
Another voice cut through, sharp and commanding: "This isn't a joke! Soldiers are swarming the district. People are being beaten to death while we waste our breath!"
A girl stepped forward, arms crossed, hair in a strict high ponytail with bangs slicing over dark eyes. A patched coat hung heavy on her frame.
Aya Fiend. That's number 3.
Hikaru twisted the hem of his sleeve nervously. "W-we saw it… the woman… she…"
"YOU DID WHAT?!" a girl shouted again, stepping between Ren and Aya.
Dark wavy hair tumbled past her shoulders, singed at the ends; cropped red jacket and ripped tights gave her a dangerous, untethered look.
Mika Fiend. That's number 4.
An ape slammed his hand on the table, making the pot jump. "AND YOU DID NOTHING?!"
Messy buzz-cut, oversized hoodie barely holding his bulk, eyes blazing.
Daiki Fiend. That's number 5.
Aya shoved him back, her voice rising to match his.
"Don't YOU lecture them about doing something! No one knows what goes on in that so-called brain you have."
Their bodies tensed like two predators circling each other.
Kaede punched a wall beside her in frustration. "ENOUGH! We're all idiots!"
Takumi chuckled, flicking some dust off his sleeve. "Idiots? Maybe. But at least we're alive, unlike some people..."
"ALIVE DOESN'T MEAN WE'RE SAFE!" Aya snapped, shoving Daiki again. Their clash rattled the wooden floor.
Mika folded her arms, stepping closer to Ren. "Stop staring and say something, or everyone's gonna explode before Mom even gets home."
From a crate in the corner, a small, quiet voice drifted: "…you're all loud." A chin-length messy bob shadowed over tired eyes. An oversized sweater swallowing her small frame.
Yuki Fiend. That's number 6.
With Ren and Hikaru , that makes 8. Eight Fiends.
Ren and Hikaru exchanged a glance, both trying to stay calm.
"WHAT WERE WE SUPPOSED TO DO, DIE?!" Ren shouted, voice raw with guilt and fear.
The room fell momentarily silent… until the back door creaked open, and a soft, commanding voice cut through the chaos.
"Enough."
Their mother stepped inside, breathless from work, hair pinned back loosely, dark circles under her eyes. Her apron was stained, hands trembling from another day of surviving. But her gaze, her gaze alone stopped all eight at once.
"Please," she whispered, setting her basket down. "Not tonight."
It was as if a spell was placed on each of them.
The mother's voice softened, but it carried weight.
"I know you saw what happened outside, Ren , Hikaru. I know you're scared. I know you feel powerless."
She paused, looking at each of them in turn, her gaze lingering on Ren.
"But arguing with each other won't make us stronger… it'll just make them stronger."
She wiped her hands on her apron, shaking her head. "You're growing up faster than I expected. It's time I told you guys… you seem old enough."
Before anyone could respond, a sudden bang at the front door shook the room. The wood rattled under heavy knocks.
"Open up!" a harsh, commanding voice called from the other side. "This is a routine house check. Nothing to worry about."
"Routine?" Kaede spat, stepping forward. "When has this ever happened before?"
Their mother's eyes darkened. "Get back," she ordered, placing herself between them and the door. Her voice carried steel now. "Stay calm. Listen to me… and do exactly as I say."
The pounding grew louder. The voices shouted again, more insistent.
Ren's heart pounded. He looked at his siblings, at their angry faces, their fear, their confusion ; he knew that tonight, everything was about to change.
A sharp crack split the air. The front door splintered. The hinges gave way under a final, forceful push.
"If you'll excuse us," the voice sneered as the door fell open, and two figures welcomed themselves in…