GTS Bully Chapter 16: The Ones We Guard! (Patreon)

Axel sat in silence, perched on the massive palm of Jazmin, who showed no reaction, maintaining her stony demeanor as they strolled through the bustling Titan streets.

Uncomfortably close to Jazmin, Axel couldn't escape the memory of his conversation with her father, Danny. His words echoed in Axel's mind.

(FLASHBACK)

"How can I not hate her for all she's put me through?" Axel struggled to restrain his anger.

Danny attempted to shed light on the matter.

"You must understand, this is the true nature of Titans – violence, combat, it's ingrained in their being," he explained, his gaze returning to Jazmin. "My daughter is no exception."

Axel's eyes shifted to Jazmin, who was currently receiving assistance from her mother to free herself from a stubborn stone wall.

"It seems all young Titans have their struggles with self-control, and my daughter, by reputation, appears to have a particularly challenging time," Danny said, rising to his feet.

In disbelief, Axel turned to Danny. "You knew about Jazmin's reputation, that she's one of the most feared Titans in the school?"

Danny nodded knowingly, a hint of pride in his smile. "Of course I knew. After all, I am her father."

Axel watched as Jazmin broke through the last layer of stone

Danny slipped both hands into his pockets, his demeanor now gentle. He turned his attention toward Iris, sharing a warm glance before redirecting his focus to Axel.

"In this world filled with beasts and monsters, do you understand why a supporter is essential to a Defender?" Danny inquired with a knowing smile.

Axel contemplated the question, unsure of the answer.

"We're the ones," Danny began, his eyes locking onto Axel. "We're the ones who anchor them, nurturing the ember spark within. We bring them back from the madness of battle and ensure love resides in their hearts."

Those words stirred something within Axel, a profound realization dawning upon him.

"We serve as their guardians," Danny continued, his eyes expressing both joy and sorrow. "So, don't harbor too much hatred for my little girl, alright?"

Axel remained silent as he looked over at Jazmin and her mother Iris walking together both disheveled, with dirt and bruises all over their bodies, both smiling at one another In that instant, Jazmin ceased to be the colossal Titan who could obliterate an entire small city. Instead, she appeared as an ordinary girl grappling with her own set of challenges.

"We protect them now and forever,"

(FLASHBACK END)

Axel Looked ahead at a city bigger than he could ever imagine. He saw dozens of Titans, many dressed in workout gear, many training their bodies on the far off streets.

The scent of sweat permeated the air, unmistakably marking the city as a Titan's domain. Axel muttered to himself, "So this is a Titans city."

Suddenly, a commanding voice pierced through the atmosphere, and a powerful force pushed Axel down. Startled, he gazed up to find Jazmin peering down at him, her expression etched with concern.

"Sorry," she mumbled, her embarrassment evident as her cheeks reddened.

"Uh, what?" Axel stammered, still recovering from the unexpected encounter.