act44side

That's right, I'm here... come on now...

One of the spotlights suddenly turns on, shining straight into Mio's eyes. Then another, and another, and another—

Then they all turn off at the same time.

Mio's hesitation lasts only an instant. She takes a moment to collect herself, then charges at the console—

Bang!

A falling spotlight narrowly misses Mio's head. By the time she turns her gaze back to the control console, there is no longer anyone there.

While Mio is occupied with the console, Kichisei, Momoka and Sarasa begin running towards the side stage exit.

She locked the door! Let's try another—

Click, click, click.

They hear the sounds of locks being engaged...

The lights above their head turn back on.

Mio slowly walks towards the gathered trio.

The lights are no longer under your control. Resistance is futile.

You think so?

Sarasa closes her eyes and raises her lamp-shaped staff.

Mio's pace quickens.

Suddenly, the tip of the staff emits a blinding light, and the spotlights above the stage turn off again.

Not just the spotlights. All the light that remains on the stage is trapped in the liquid bouncing at the tip of the staff—

Lights out, ice queen!

—and even the last glimmer of light is utterly consumed.

Sarasa?!

Let... me sleep... I'm... so tired...

(Whisper) Wh-What do we do? I can hear Mio-san's footsteps! She's coming!

(Whisper) Let's try the other side of the stage. Maybe the door there's still unlocked...

(Whisper) No, it's too far. She'll find us!

(Whisper) This is where we fell, isn't it? Can we go back the way we came?

(Whisper) The vents—

Kichisei puts Sarasa on her back and was about to move, when they hear Mio's voice coming from center stage.

Don't bother. I can hear you.

What do we do?!

It's all or nothing. I'll deal with her—

Suddenly, she hears the sound of knocking behind her.

Is it locked? I guess we'll have to do this the hard way.

Get out of the way!

A massive crash, and the locked door swings open, bringing in light from beyond.

The next instant, as though answering the call of the light coming in from the door, bright orbs of light float up from Sarasa's staff and go back to where they came from—

...Sarasa?

I thought I would get to sleep for a little longer...

There'll be no light here as long as I'm still asleep...

Sarasa yawns, and the spotlights above flicker.

Mio does not move from her position, so Sarasa begins walking towards the console.

Momoka follows hesitantly, but Mio remains in place.

Aren't you going to stop them?

No. Your blade is drawn.

My duty is not to deal with them.

I doubt your minions have what it takes to beat Kichisei and Sarasa.

In that case, there's nothing I can do.

What about Mifune?

I don't care.

You...

Our battle has nothing to do with him.

The last TV station's back online, Detective Koretou!

I hear you.

The guys assigned to the fireworks show want to know what to do. The citizens are still uneasy after that scare.

Any risk of a stampede or other serious accident?

Minimal. The situation's very much within expected parameters.

Then the show will go on. Mifune likes excitement. We'll give him excitement.

We're getting calls from citizens asking what happened. What do you think...?

What do you think I think? Tell them we're investigating.

Kinseki Station is, of course, responsible for the erroneous announcement of a Northern Court invasion, and we're taking this very seriously—

Detective Koretou, you have a visitor!

Who? Kouhei Mifune?

Detective Koretou.

If it wasn't Mifune, I thought it would have been his Diet friend paying a personal visit.

Making insinuations will do no favors for your career. Besides, you overestimate your own importance.

Should I take that as an admission?

I've come to warn you.

The police must bear responsibility for the chaos that occurred on Nita Street tonight. We do not wish to see the chaos spread any further.

Bear responsibility, eh? Oh dear, I think I just peed my pants.

Watch your attitude. You still have a chance to settle this matter peacefully.

Do I? Pray enlighten me.

Cancel all events scheduled for tonight. Focus your forces on restoring order at Kinseki Station, and begin a search for those responsible.

Such as? The number one suspect is, I'm sure, Kouhei Mifune, considering that it was his station that broadcast that—

Your men are not allowed to touch him—

Have a nice day.

If you refuse to obey orders, you may go once you have signed this resignation.

Feel free to discuss any concerns with your supervisor.

Wow, I still have a chance to turn back?

It's too late for that.

Like you said, it's too late for that—

The detective reaches out with his foot...

You—

...He trips the visitor, takes the piece of paper with the name of the detective's supervisor on it, and tears it to pieces.

Oh my, I didn't expect you to fall like that. I thought our diet friend would have a tougher secretary.

How... how dare you?!

Go tell your boss that the police are here to protect his bloody life, not his bloody money.

If he really thinks someone's after his life, he can come personally to the station and file a report, and we'll take it into consideration.

Now, get lost.

White sword, black gloves, white hand, black sword, white tantou, black ethereal hand—

It is a dizzying exchange of black and white. Contrary to the impression she gives, the Liberi's swordplay is overwhelmingly aggressive, with only attacks, feints and more attacks, with not the slightest attention paid to defense.

The moves of the one-horned Oni, on the other hand, are almost staggeringly basic. Dodge, parry, backstep, sidestep.

Twelve.

You just blocked twelve attacks in quick succession.

Why don't you fight back? Are you still afraid of your sword?

If I was, it wouldn't have left its sheath to begin with.

You, on the other hand, look all polite and cultured, but your moves are pure aggression and ferocity. That's not Kinbee's style.

My sword has nothing to do with him.

Then why do you give your life for him?

Since when have I given my life for him?

Stop fooling yourself.