Mei let out a derisive laugh, her breath tickling the boy's ear as she leaned even closer. "Oh, really?" She pressed her foot against his knee now, applying just enough pressure to hurt without breaking the skin. "Why don't you prove it, then?" Her voice dropped low and dangerous, every syllable laced with threat and menace.

The boy winced in pain but didn't answer immediately; he knew better than to provoke her further.

Mei smiled coldly and lifted her foot again, this time aiming for his other knee. "You know," she purred, "it's not very smart to talk back to me like that." Her voice took on a sing-song quality as she drew closer, enjoying the fear that was growing in the boy's eyes.

The second impact was even harder than the first, sending a jolt of pain up his leg and making him yelp. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he fought them back;