Streets of Frenzy
It wasn't a matter of skills or talent.
There was a fundamental difference to how the two were fighting.
Fei didn't pull her punches, giving everything she had. As for Carmen...
...
Perhaps I should have kept those words to myself.
All I wanted was for you to fight with all your heart. But you're holding back even more than before.
Do you have no wish to take this seriously?
What if I told you that you're not worth my effort?
If that's the case, I'd feel better! Haha!
...I assumed you'd be one of those prideful martial artists, but you surprise me.
Much like learning, there is no end to the way of the sword.
What else can be more delightful than fighting an opponent powerful enough to toy with me!
...But you are not such an opponent.
On the contrary. You are afraid of committing.
Why?
...
Hmm, I wonder that myself.
My next move will reveal the answer.
Silent Wind Lucent Moon. My signature move. Focus on defense, and you'll find yourself overwhelmed.
So decide.
Either fight me with all your heart...
Or prove that you're nothing but a dog in the manger, unwilling to take the Captain for yourself!
Look away, Captain.
This is going to get ugly.
...Captain, please step back.
And when I give the signal, turn around and run.
B-but!
Shh, it's okay.
Go and wait for me. I will catch up. I promise you that.
But where should I go?!
...
...The church.
Before I could protest further, Carmen laid her left hand on my cheek.
The whole world went dark, then became bright again.
Dazed, I touched my right cheek where her lips had touched, if only for a brief moment.
Uh, Carmen?
Just a little affection between adults.
When you get back, shall we pick up where we left off?
Prepare yourself! Clear Wind Bright Moon!
Run!!
Leaving Carmen behind, I turned my back.
An explosion filled with murderous intent sent a shiver down my spine, but I dared not look.
I merely ran until I could hear nothing but silence.
Look, there!
That's the groom! After him!
It's first come, first served!
We can always turn that rumor into a fact!
Prepare to surrender your bodily fluids!
AHHHHHH!!!
Uh, boss? I think he's running.
Then he'll have to perform while he's drained. After him!
It was as if I was being chased by hungry predators.
Struck by a sudden fear that they wouldn't stop until I turned into a desiccated husk, I made an abrupt turn.
Dammit, a dead end!
Wait, a discarded cabinet...
Footsteps grew louder.
I squeezed myself into the cabinet.
He went this way! I'm sure of it!
...Wait. It's a dead end.
He must be hiding somewhere!
Janet! Alice! Cut off the alley! And you, with me. We'll search the area.
Starting with that cabinet!
U-um, excuse me, everyone.
Huh?
(That voice...)
Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but...
I overheard you saying that the Captain might be here...
So what, are you here for him too?
You're not even in a wedding dress.
S-sorry if I bothered you.
But still... could I get an answer?
Check out this scrub.
Let's say he's here. Then what, you think you can take him from us?
Oh, okay.
Kyra understands. He is here.
Look, kiddo. Stop wasting my time. Beat it or—
You. Crumple.
W-w-wha—AUGHHH!
The tremors from whatever was happening outside caused the metal cabinet door to shake ominously.
Boil. Snap. Twist. Curl.
I-it's a monster... run!
Don't talk. Don't see. Don't hear. Don't think.
Turn into a plant.
...
Finally. It's quiet.
...
Captain?
Are you there?
(Hold my breath.)
...
...Should've known better.
Hang on, Captain. Kyra will find you.
There must be a misunderstanding. You must be suffering right now.
I'll make sure you don't get entangled in a situation like this ever again.
...By leaving Kyra's mark all over you.
So, Captain...
Come to me right now.
(Hold my breath more desperately.)
...Haha, oh, silly me. I know my Kotodama doesn't work on you.
It's okay. Kyra has other assets too.
Wait for me, Captain.
Kyra will get in "touch" with you soon.
... ... ...
... ...
...
(Step outside the cabinet.)
Picking my way through the brides strewn across the pavement, I left the alley.
But it was far from over...
It's the Captain! Surround him!
Captain! Captain! How do I look? Do I look pretty?!
This is terrifying... I'm scared!
Not only that...
Testing, testing... The Town Guard is looking for the missing Journey Captain!
We are offering maximum-security protection inside our high-security underground facility on B5 of our HQ!
If you are hearing this, turn yourself in to the Town Guard of kindness, service, and dedication!
...
...Wait! I know this scent. How could I forget? It's the Captain!
Attention all units! The high-value target is in the vicinity! Begin search!
Yes, ma'am!
(Slip away.)
I was running for god-knows-how-long, unable to trust anyone...
What?!
When the prolonged flight and mistrust were beginning to take their toll on me...
A rope caught my ankle.
Woah?!
See? I told you it would work!
Heh heh heh... No more running for you!
You're mine!
You mean "ours."
Slip of the tongue! Anyway, you'll have to marry all four of us, Captain.
Mmph!
You'll live in Faren from January to March, then move to Monastir and stay there from April through June.
For Q3, it's going to be Aganon. We'll have you back at NOA for Q4.
We won't ask much. Just two babies for each of us! Kehehe!
Futile wishes.
Huh?
That voice... It's above us!
Shoot! I said shoot!
The smell of gunpowder stings the nose.
Dresses ruined and veils torn, they begin the waltz of descent, dancing to the lament of the fallen.
Before me lie the brides, sprawled in every position.
Behind me, a cold stone wall.
And ahead, a woman in a bridal gown stands with a sword in each hand...
Epin... Epindel?
Please, there is no need to be alarmed. I have come to rescue you.
...
Please do not resist.
I wanted to discuss the recent developments with you.
Very, very privately...