f12yin

Drip. Drop.

Is it raining?

He looks out the window. Lightning flashes across the sky, but the glass remains dry.

Tick, tock.

It must be the clock, then.

But he looks up at the clock, and sees that its hands have long since stopped, with only a broken wooden dummy swaying beneath.

What is going on?

His palm feels wet, as though liquid was dripping through his clenched fist and onto the ground, forming a viscous puddle.

He opens up his hand and sees that the hairs of his palm are soaked in blood.

Sinner.

Who's there?!

Hehe. You're already wearing unbreakable shackles, Anthony.

Another flash of lightning illuminates the corner of the dark room. A severed head lies on the ground, blood still gushing out from where it was separated from its body, leaving it lying in a pool of blood. It is the head that is speaking to him.

He remembers that face. It is a familiar one.

Val Hyde... where is your brother?

Where is he? Right by your feet.

He looks down to see a corpse lying on the ground. Its torso is turned away, yet its head has swiveled around to face him. The broken neck vertebrae protrude from the skin.

Why are you trembling, Anthony? You should be happy.

You've waited so long for this day. To kill your hated enemies with your own hands, and let their blood soak every inch of earth here.

Did... did I do all this?

Yes. Smile, Anthony. What a day. What a lovely day.

You've exacted your revenge, so why the long face? Hehehe.

No... it's too late.

Oh, my child, you came too late. Boo-hoo. Your mom and I didn't live to see the day you walked free again.

It's all too late. Our little Tony. Boo-hoo.

Shut up. Shut up!

Murderer! How dare you pretend to talk like my parents!

Murderer? Is he taking about us?

Yes, brother. He's talking about us.

But look around, Anthony. There's only one person in this room with blood on their hands.

It's you. You're the murderer.

You deserved it! You deserved to die by my hands!

Such brave words, such unwavering resolve. Everything is as you wanted, then. Why not smile, Anthony?

Why are your lips pursed like that? Come on, turn that frown upside down. Smile. Laugh. Do as I do.

Enough! Shut up!

Such terrifying eyes, brother. There's murder in them.

The eyes of a murderer! The eyes of a sinner!

Shut! Up!

Hahaha! We're waiting for you, Anthony. We'll see you in the flames of hell.

Is that so?

I'm already being burnt every day by the flames of revenge.

What do I care about the flames of hell, as long as I can tear you apart with my own two hands?

What does a charred corpse have to fear from the fire?

Then come find us, Anthony. Hahahaha.

I will. I'll step into the flames.

A fire burns in his eyes.

Argh—!

Argh...

It's that dream again... my head...

(Covers face) What time is it...?

Good morning, operator. It is currently 04:24. Current weather is overcast, and the temperature is 26 degrees.

Four in the morning... only three hours of sleep, then.

...Forget it, I can't get back to sleep.

My sheets are soaked with sweat.

I'll need to change them... the pillow, too.

You have a new message, operator.

Anthony, we found the money your dad left in Bunkerhill City. There's more than enough for us to make a comeback.

Are you still haunted by what happened to your parents?

It's not your fault. HydeBro carried out their entire plan while you were in Mansfield. By the time we heard the news, it was already too late.

The Hyde brothers are nothing if not thorough. It's a miracle that you're still alive.

We went to great lengths to get in touch with you. Their eyes and ears are everywhere.

Try to pull yourself together. We'll take back what belongs to us.

Control, Anthony... don't let violence overcome you... control...

(Trembles)

...Damn it.

Damn it!

He picks up a chair and throws it at the wall, shattering the dressing mirror mounted there.

He sees his face reflected in the shards, twisted in anger.

Then, the fury fades.

Control, Anthony.

Anger and sorrow have never solved anything.

Training Room

(Gazes into distance)

(Hm, he looks distracted...)

Snap out of it, big guy!

What?!

(She's fast... I might hurt her with a hard block. I'll just protect my head.)

Where do you think you're looking?

(Now she's aiming for my midsection!)

Too late. It's all too late.

Huh...?

It's all too late. Boo-hoo.

No—shut up!

Ouch!

Oh no... I'm sorry, Shura. Are you alright?

So that's how it is, big guy... You've never really come at me with your full strength, have you?

We're in very different weight classes. I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to fight back.

Hmph! It wasn't <i>that</i> bad. Bring it on! Just... gimme a second to get up.

Ow ow ow!

Apologies, I should have been more careful. I'll take you to sickbay.

...Eh, these things happen in training.

You look distracted, though. What's the matter? Didn't get much sleep last night?

Yes... Maybe I was too absorbed in the book I was reading.

Well, nothing to worry about! Next time we're free, let's grab a few drinks together. That'll knock you right out, if you let 'em.

I'd rather not even think about drinking until we get you to a doctor.

How is she, Domma?

Asleep for now. We'll need to keep her a coupla days for observation, but it don't look too serious to me.

How'd she get hurt?

I accidentally injured her today.

What?