[The air stood still, almost suffocating in the tension. The moon hung high over the ruins, casting a ghostly light on the battlefield. The others watched in hushed anticipation as Reina and Yggdrasil stepped into position.]
[But before either made a move—]
Behemoth: growling lowly We're wasting time. Let me tear through them now.
Yggdrasil: No. Not yet.
[Her voice remained calm. Her eyes, however, never left Reina.]
[With a sudden burst of energy, the two women charged—blades clashing in a flurry of sparks and metal. Reina's attacks were clean and practiced, sharp from years in the field. Yggdrasil countered with swift evasions and counterstrikes, her movements fluid, almost artistic.]
Kei: Tch… they're really going all out.
Shin: …They're not just fighting to win. They're fighting to settle something old… something personal.
[Behind them, the mafia soldiers stirred—nervous, waiting for Behemoth's command. Ryou and Shin kept a close eye on them, ready to engage the moment things broke down.]
[Meanwhile, Reina landed a strike, grazing Yggdrasil's shoulder. She winced, but retaliated with a heavy roundhouse kick that Reina narrowly blocked.]
Yggdrasil: panting Still sharp, Sis. You always were…
Reina: You should've stayed out of this war, Sera. You could've walked a different path.
Yggdrasil: No. I saw the corruption long before you did. You just clung to the rules like a crutch.
[Their blades crossed again with a loud clang, locking in a power struggle—one sister holding onto duty, the other chasing vengeance masked as justice.]
[Back behind the line—]
Shirou: This isn't just about us anymore… We have to end this. All of it. Whether Reina wins or not… this conspiracy, this darkness—it dies tonight.
[Shirou nodded, his resolve burning in his eyes.]
[Suddenly, an explosion rocked the ruins—smoke bursting out near the southern wall. Backup mafia reinforcements had arrived, led by a cloaked figure whose voice sent a chill down everyone's spine.]
???: Well, well. Looks like the curtain call's finally here.
[Reina and Yggdrasil froze mid-clash, both looking toward the new threat.]
Yggdrasil: whispering No… he wasn't supposed to arrive yet.
Reina: Who is that?
[As chaos begins to erupt around them, choices will need to be made, and sacrifices may become inevitable.]
[Suddenly, out of the smoke and shadows, the figure emerged—tall, cloaked in a sleek black coat that fluttered behind him like a phantom. A crimson insignia glinted on his chest: a bat-winged sigil with a blood-red V at its core.]
Kei: …Who the hell is that…?
Yggdrasil: eyes wide, breath caught in her throat "No… it can't be—Boss?!
Reina: You know him?
Yggdrasil: He's the current one who brought the mafia under one banner. He's the true head of this operation…
Her voice was shaken, uncertain for the first time in years.
[Vlad removed his hood slowly, revealing a pale yet striking man with cold, calculating eyes—eyes that saw through everyone, dissecting them. His voice echoed like a silk-covered dagger.]
Vlad: Greetings, esteemed people of justice. My name is Vlad, the current boss of the Sovereign Circle. he then adds and glances to Yggdrasil My dear Yggdrasil… you were supposed to break them, not fraternize with them.
[From the southern entrance, another wave of armed mafia enforcers poured in, flanking the original group. Behemoth growled, itching for the fight to begin, but even he gave a wary glance toward Vlad.]
Kei: …That guy… gives off the same vibe as the warden I killed back then… only worse.
Shirou: clenching fists "Then we end this. Tonight. All of it.
Vlad: Oh? The boy speaks. And the ex-convict still breathing? he chuckled darkly Very well. Entertain me, if you can.
[The wind howled across the ruins, whispering the cries of forgotten battles. Now, it would echo with the sounds of a new one.]
[Vlad raised his hand, the moonlight casting a long shadow across the shattered ground.]
Vlad: Begin.
[The battlefield erupted.]
[Ryou, Shin, and Kei vs. Behemoth]
Behemoth: Three against one again? Fine by me.
[The hulking brute lunged forward, cracking the earth beneath his boots.]
Ryou: Split formation! We can't brute-force this!
Shin: I'll hit from the flank—Kei, you lead the bait!
Kei: Tch, like I need babysitting.
[He ducked Behemoth's first swing, sliding underneath and jabbing a stun baton into his ribs—but Behemoth barely flinched.]
Behemoth: smirks Cute.
[He swatted Kei away like a fly—but Shin intercepted, locking his arm with a paralyzing nerve grip while Ryou swept in with a precise strike to the knee.]
[Despite their teamwork, Behemoth roared with fury, shrugging off the pain, muscles surging unnaturally—he'd been enhanced.]
Kei: wiping blood from his lip Fine… if brute force won't work… we go dirty.
[Reina vs. Yggdrasil]
[The two sisters stared each other down. Reina's expression was firm, cold—yet behind her eyes, it hurt.]
Reina: All this time… you were alive.
Yggdrasil: You weren't supposed to know."
Reina: Why…?
Yggdrasil: drawing her weapon Because I chose my path. And you chose yours.
[They charged.]
[Bullets clashed against bullets, each strike fueled by years of silence and unspoken sorrow. Reina's movements were sharp, precise—police training refined by battle. Yggdrasil danced around her strikes with a grace only a rogue warrior could wield.]
Yggdrasil: You've grown stronger.
Reina: So have you… but I'm not here to reminisce. I'm here to bring you home—or stop you.
[Tears welled behind their hardened expressions, but neither dared blink.]
[Shirou vs. Vlad]
Vlad: You're out of your league, boy.
Shirou: steady, unwavering Maybe. But I'm still standing.
[He drew his pistol—no flashy weapons, just resolve.]
Vlad: chuckles Courage… foolish and admirable.
[He struck first—his movements almost imperceptible. Shirou barely raised his arms in time, absorbing the blow that sent him stumbling.]
Vlad: I ended men like you in seconds during my prime.
Shirou: panting Then you should've finished me when you had the chance.
[He rushed in again, this time smarter—dodging, ducking, landing a solid blow to Vlad's ribs.]
[For the first time, Vlad grunted.]
[Meanwhile, behind the main clashes, chaos raged. Police tactical units—Reina's reinforcements—rushed from the ridgelines, exchanging fire with masked mafia soldiers. Flashbangs lit the night. Shouts and explosions mingled with the roars of battle.]
Officer 1: Keep pressure on the left! They're trying to flank!
Officer 2: Where's that sniper support? We need eyes on the tower!
[The ruins became a warzone—but amidst the madness, their heroes held their ground.]
[Back at the scene where the sisters fought, the clang of steel rang out, sharp and furious, echoing through the broken halls of the ruins. Reina parried another lightning-fast strike from Sera—Yggdrasil no more. Her sister's true name, the one she hadn't spoken in years, now lingered on her tongue like ash.]
Reina: Sera…!
Yggdrasil: voice trembling beneath her composure Don't say it like that… not now.
[They circled each other, blades drawn, breaths heavy. Their footsteps shifted through the gravel and dust—former memories buried under years of silence and division.]
Reina: Why didn't you come back?! All this time—
Yggdrasil: You think it was that simple?
[Her eyes narrowed, but pain flashed behind them.]
Yggdrasil: I was discarded. I was forgotten. I was forced to survive.
[She lunged—blades met again, sparking as the force of the clash sent both of them sliding back.]
Reina: raising her voice You were never forgotten! I searched for you. I filed reports. I even broke protocol looking through restricted files! her blade lowered slightly I never stopped believing you were alive.
[Yggdrasil paused. Her grip faltered for just a heartbeat.]
[Then she screamed.]
Yggdrasil: Then where were you when they experimented on me?! When they turned me into a weapon?!
[She dashed forward with fury, raining down a flurry of strikes that Reina struggled to deflect. Her movements were raw, unfiltered—a mix of trained skill and bottled rage. Every swing spoke of betrayal, abandonment, and anguish.]
[Reina winced as a slash grazed her arm, blood splashing onto the dirt.]
Reina: You think I wouldn't have torn the world apart to stop that if I knew?!
[She shoved Yggdrasil's back and countered with a spinning kick, knocking her sister to the ground.]
[Yggdrasil coughed, wiping blood from her lip. The fire in her eyes didn't dim, but something cracked behind her gaze.]
Yggdrasil: softly Then… why are we standing on opposite sides now?"
Reina: pointing her rifle downward Because you chose to follow them. I chose to protect people from them.
[A long silence fell between them, only broken by the distant gunfire and clashes of their allies.]
Yggdrasil: You're right.
[She stood, slowly. Her blade dropped from her fingers and clattered to the ground.]
Sera: voice calm, but hollow But even if I stop now, Vlad won't. You're too late to stop what's coming.
[Reina's eyes narrowed. She kept her stance guarded.]
Reina: Then help me stop him.
Yggdrasil: shaking her head It's not that easy. I've gone too far. I've made choices… ones I can't undo.
[A tear rolled down her cheek—barely noticed through the dirt and bruises.]
Yggdrasil: But I'll give you one chance. One opening. That's all I can do… sister.
[Reina stared, conflicted, her sword still raised—but something deep inside her cracked.]
[Then she nodded. Just once.]
[The air around them felt heavier with every breath.]
[Meanwhile, battlefield lit only by flickering flames from distant explosions and broken lights. Rubble crackled beneath Shirou's feet as he stood, face-to-face with Vlad, the man orchestrating the chaos behind everything—the shadows, the kidnapping, the pain.]
Vlad: calmly stepping forward So… you're the one who keeps getting in the way. You don't look like much, Shirou Fukushima.
Shirou: panting And you're the bastard who took Shizuka…
[He charged with everything he had—heart, fear, anger bundled into a reckless punch. Vlad barely moved, slipping aside effortlessly. In one smooth motion, he struck Shirou's ribs with a precise jab that sent him sprawling to the ground.]
Vlad: quietly You've got fire, I'll give you that. But fire alone can't burn me.
[Shirou coughed, blood painting his lips. Every breath stabbed at his chest. His vision blurred, but he refused to look away.]
Shirou: gritting his teeth "I'm not giving up… I'll bring her back… I'll stop you…
[Vlad's expression didn't change. Cold. Sharp. Empty of empathy.]
Vlad: kneeling beside him You're no fighter. No soldier. You're just a boy who stumbled into a war he doesn't understand.
[He raised a hand, preparing to end it right there—but paused.]
Vlad: Killing you now would be merciful. But mercy isn't something I give so easily.
[He stood.]
Vlad: to himself Besides… the real suffering hasn't even begun.
[A dark smile crept across his face as the wind stirred around them.]
Shirou: struggling to sit up Why… why do all this…?
Vlad: turning away "Because chaos births truth. And only in chaos do people show who they truly are.
[As sirens wailed in the distance and the sound of gunfire resumed, Vlad turned his back fully.]
Vlad: Get stronger… if you survive tonight.
[Shirou clenched his fists into the dirt.]
Shirou: whispering I'll stop you… no matter what…
[But the moment he turned, something inside Shirou snapped—not with rage, but clarity. His eyes, bloodied and dim, flicked to the side. His hand… it was close to the pistol Kei had forced him to carry during their final drills.]
[Kei's voice echoed in his head; Kei: flashback You might not be a soldier, but sometimes... a second is all you need. Don't hesitate.]
Shirou: breathing heavily, whispering ...Not yet…
[With shaking fingers and a battered body, Shirou snatched the gun from the rubble, rolled onto his side, and—without warning—fired.]
BANG!
[Vlad gasped as the bullet grazed deep across his left shoulder. The shot wasn't fatal—but it wasn't expected.]
Vlad: staggering Tch…!
[He spun, eyes blazing with fury now, blood dripping down his arm. For the first time, he looked surprised.]
Shirou: struggling to stand, gun trembling in hand You said I'm not a fighter… but I'm still someone who'll protect what matters…
Vlad: laughing darkly So you do have fangs...
[He raised a hand, preparing to retaliate—but then paused again, the sirens wailing louder, the ground rumbling as backup closed in.]
[He glanced at his bleeding arm, then back at Shirou, and scoffed.]
Vlad: coldly Fine. You get to live—for now.
[With a swift leap, he vanished into the shadows of the ruins, leaving behind only the echo of his voice.]
Vlad: distantly Next time, Shirou... there won't be a warning shot.
[Shirou collapsed to one knee, gasping for breath, pain crashing down now that the adrenaline had faded—but his grip on the pistol remained firm.]
[Meanwhile, on the other side, Behemoth stood like a mountain of rage and flesh, a massive figure armored in muscle and scars. His fists were like sledgehammers, and with each step, the earth itself trembled beneath him.]
[Across the ruined clearing, Ryou, Shin, and Kei stood shoulder to shoulder, each one bruised from the skirmishes leading up to this—but their eyes burned with unwavering purpose.]
Kei: gritting his teeth We bringin' down this freak or what?
Ryou: cracking his neck Don't charge in like an idiot. We play it smart. Shin?
Shin: adjusting his gloves I'll test his speed. Ryou, wait for my signal.
Kei: snorting Tch, fine. But if I see an opening, I'm taking it.
[With a quick nod, Shin dashed forward, agile and precise, striking first with a series of rapid blows—low kicks to destabilize Behemoth's stance.]
[But Behemoth barely budged.]
Behemoth: grinning Insects.
[With a roar, his massive arm swept horizontally. Shin leapt back—but not fast enough. The shockwave clipped him, sending him tumbling across the dust and rubble.]
Ryou: Now!
[Ryou lunged in next, drawing dual short blades from his coat. He spun beneath Behemoth's swinging arm and slashed across the brute's thigh. Sparks flew—his blades were reinforced—but Behemoth's skin was like armor.]
Behemoth: grunting Better… but still soft.
[Just as Behemoth reached to grab Ryou—Kei appeared from the side, diving in with a chain whip, wrapping it around Behemoth's forearm.]
Kei: yelling Ryou, move!
[He yanked hard, dragging Behemoth's arm off balance, giving Ryou enough space to retreat.]
Ryou: panting Teamwork, huh? You're learning.
Kei: grinning through gritted teeth Shut it.
[Suddenly, Behemoth planted his feet deep into the ground and pulled, dragging Kei forward—then slamming his knee upward into Kei's gut, sending him flying.]
Shin: catching Kei midair, stumbling back He's adapting…
Ryou: stepping forward, guns ready Then we push harder.
[The three regrouped, bloodied but unbroken. Their breaths synced, their hearts pounding as one.]
Behemoth: raising his fists You three… are no ordinary pests.
Kei: spitting blood, smirking And you're no god.
Ryou: low and calm "Let's take him down."
[They charged together, synchronized—Shin striking low with speed, Ryou slicing high with precision, and Kei attacking the blind spots with ruthless aggression.]
[Behemoth roared in defiance, slamming both fists into the ground. A shockwave burst from him, kicking up dirt and concrete shards as the three fighters were thrown back again—wounded, but not broken.]
Shin: wiping blood from her lip He's tough, but not invincible…
Ryou: eyeing Behemoth's bruised thigh and scarred side He's slowing down. Shin, his right leg—it's faltering.
Shin: nodding, voice calm Time to end this.
[Behemoth charged once more, like a freight train with fists. The air cracked with the sheer force of his movement—but this time, they were ready.]
[Shin dashed in low again, baiting Behemoth into a sweeping punch. As expected, it came fast—but Shin slid beneath it, slamming a flash charge onto Behemoth's knee as he passed.]
Behemoth: grunting as the charge exploded Ggh—!
[He stumbled, just a moment—and that moment was all Ryou needed.]
[Ryou's blades flashed in an arc—cutting across Behemoth's injured leg again, deep this time, drawing dark blood.]
Ryou: coldly Fall.
[Behemoth bellowed in fury and pain—but before he could react, Kei came flying in from above, using broken scaffolding as a springboard. He brought down his heel—reinforced with a steel toe—straight into Behemoth's shoulder, followed by a full-body spin and a brutal hook to the jaw.]
Kei: snarling YOU LIKE PAIN?! HERE'S SOME MORE!
[Behemoth staggered, down on one knee now—his breathing heavy, teeth grit. The beast was wounded—staggered—but still refused to fall.]
Behemoth: growling low You… should not have challenged me.
Shin: stepping forward And you should've learned—we don't fight alone.
[In perfect synch, Shin rushed in from the right, slamming her palm into Behemoth's ribs—a precise, pressure-point strike. Ryou followed from the left, his blades driving deep into the same spot.]
[And Kei, from behind, wrapped the chain around Behemoth's neck, yanking hard.]
Kei: shouting Now, finish it—!!
[Ryou and Shin, both glowing with adrenaline, crossed their final attacks—]
Ryou: Twin Slash!
Shin: Dragon Palm!
[The combined strike slammed into Behemoth's core, just as Kei pulled tighter.]
[With a roar that shook the ruins, Behemoth finally collapsed, smashing down onto the ground like a felled titan. Dust and silence followed.]
[The three of them stood over his motionless body, panting, bruised, battered—but victorious.]
Kei: dropping to one knee About… damn… time.
Ryou: quietly We did it.
Shin: gazing toward the others Let's go. The others need us.
[As the trio turned toward the echo of distant clashes—toward Reina's battle and Shirou's stand against Vlad—their eyes burned not just with pride, but resolve.]
[The end was near.]
Reina: walking beside Sera, eyes wary "You're really doing this, huh?"
Yggdrasil: nods firmly, though her voice is soft I've made up my mind. Shizuka doesn't deserve this… and neither do you. I should've seen it earlier.
Reina: glances at her, still conflicted I don't know if I should be trusting you this quickly…
Yggdrasil: sighs Then don't. Just trust that we want to see her safe. That's all I ask.
[As they approach the old annex corridor rumored to be the hideout's hidden chamber, a shadow emerges from the faint torchlight. Mechanical breath, slow and calm. Steps echo down the stone path.]
Yggdrasil: stops dead in her tracks Levi...
Reina: draws her weapon halfway You know him?
Yggdrasil: quickly raises a hand to stop Reina Wait—he's not like the others.
[Leviathan steps fully into view, his armored cloak brushing the ground. Eyes dim with calm recognition, he speaks with a voice deep and weathered, yet not threatening.]
Leviathan: You're not on your usual patrol, Yggil...
Yggdrasil: stiffens, then steps forward slowly "I'm done with them, Levi. I'm done hiding behind a codename that doesn't belong to me. I'm here to help Reina. To get Shizuka out.
Leviathan: silent for a moment You know what awaits you if you turn your back on the Circle. Vlad will never allow betrayal.
Yggdrasil: without hesitation I don't care anymore. I found someone I lost a long time ago… and that changed everything.
[Leviathan looks between the two sisters, his gaze lingering on Reina, then returning to Sera. He sighs, the sound deep and almost regretful.]
Leviathan: You always had a heart. Even if you hid it well.
Reina: lowering her weapon slightly If you're going to stop us—
Leviathan: raises a hand slowly I'm not. In fact…
[He turns to the corridor behind him and gestures forward.]
Leviathan: …there's a secondary path past the lower wall. Take it. The guards rotate in five minutes. It'll be your best chance.
[Yggdrasil's eyes widen slightly. Reina is still visibly on edge but nods once in acknowledgment.]
Yggdrasil: softly Thank you.
Leviathan: turning away I never saw you. Now go. Before I change my mind.
[The two sisters quickly slip past, ducking into the shadows. For a brief moment, Yggdrasil looks back at Leviathan, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes.]
Yggdrasil: whispers Maybe there's more good in them than I thought…
[The air thickened with dampness and dust as Yggdrasil and Reina carefully made their way through the narrow, dimly lit hallway. The torchlight flickered with each step, casting long shadows on the moss-stained walls. The silence was heavy—only the distant hum of machinery and echoing drips of water filled the void.]
Reina: whispering You sure this is the right way?
Yggdrasil: nodding quietly Levi wouldn't lie. He has no reason to.
[At the end of the corridor stood a rusted iron door, sealed with a simple keypad. Yggdrasil stepped forward, her fingers dancing over the buttons. A soft click echoed, and the door creaked open slowly, revealing a dim chamber beyond.]
[Inside, surrounded by old metal bars and crates, sat Shizuka, her knees hugged to her chest, eyes dull with fatigue but flickering with awareness.]
Shizuka: looking up slowly …Yggdrasil?
[Her voice was raspy, disbelief and exhaustion woven into every syllable.]
Yggdrasil: stepping in, voice gentle Hey. It's me.
[Shizuka scrambled to her feet, only to stumble slightly as her strength failed her. Reina rushed to catch her, steadying her in her arms.]
Shizuka: blinking rapidly Reina… you came.
Reina: offering a rare, soft smile Of course I did. I told you I would.
Shizuka: looking between the two Why is she…?
Yggdrasil: placing the water bottle and bread on a nearby crate I'm not part of them anymore, Shizuka. I couldn't stand by and watch what they were doing to you. To everyone.
Shizuka: takes a shaky sip of water as she processes it all I thought you were one of them... after what happened—
Yggdrasil: firmly, but with guilt I was. But you were never supposed to get hurt. That wasn't the plan. I let them use me. But not anymore.
[Reina checked the hallway behind them, her eyes narrowing.]
Reina: We don't have long. Vlad and his core force will know soon enough we're here.
Yggdrasil: placing a hand on Shizuka's shoulder Can you walk?
Shizuka: nods slowly I think so. I just… need a moment.
Reina: You'll have to take that moment while moving. We're not safe yet.
[The three moved quickly through the underground hall, retracing their steps toward the surface, their breathing heavy, steps cautious.]
Shizuka: glancing at Yggdrasil You're really Reina's sister?
Yggdrasil: smiles faintly Yeah… found that out the hard way.
Reina: quietly We'll talk after this is over. All of it.
[Suddenly, a distant tremor shook the walls.]
Yggdrasil: tense That's not good. We need to hurry.
Reina: Sounds like the boys started their part of the fight…
[They broke into a jog, disappearing into the torchlit corridor—heading toward the climax of the battle awaiting above.]
[The dim light barely reached the debris-littered corridor. Dust still hung in the air as Reina guided Shizuka forward, with Yggdrasil close by. Footsteps echoed fast behind them—]
Kei: Captain!
[Ryou, Shin, and Kei, appeared from a side passage, visibly worn but focused.]
[They didn't need words. Their gaze said everything.]
Reina: checking behind them Where's the rest?
Kei: That's it. We're the cavalry.
Ryou: gesturing to the corridor ahead We clear?
[But before Reina could answer—]
[WHUMP—CRASH!]
[The sound of reinforced concrete being blown apart rattled the walls. Smoke surged forward. A section of the far corridor caved in with a thunderous collapse.]
[Then came the heavy, slow metallic clunk of boots on concrete.]
???: Tch… Thought I'd miss the reunion?
[Through the settling dust, a towering man stepped forward—full black tactical armor, carbon-weave chest plate, and a heavy launcher slung over his shoulder. The launcher was painted matte red and black, with scorch marks along the vented muzzle. It looked like an FHJ-18, but bulkier—modified for single-man wreckage.]
Yggdrasil: Ifrit.
[His weapon: the HF-27 "Flarehound", a custom high-explosive launcher equipped with dual-tracking systems and heat-seeking payloads.]
Shin: backing up a step It's him—the one that saved Behemoth's ass last time…
Reina: quietly Of course Vlad wouldn't send just anyone.
Ifrit: resting the Flarehound on his shoulder Sorry, sorry, but no one leaves unless I say so.
Kei: draws sidearm We don't have time for this.
Yggdrasil: to Reina I'll get her clear. Just… don't die.
Reina: nods, eyes still on Ifrit Move.
[Yggdrasil and Shizuka darted into a narrow passage to the left, ducking behind collapsed slabs.]
[Ifrit watched them, not flinching—he was focused on the remaining four.]
Ifrit: tilting his head So. Which one of you wants to test this baby first?
[He lifted the Flarehound. The dual-barrels hummed as targeting systems locked.]
Reina: snaps to cover MOVE—!
[FWOOOSH!]
[A rocket exploded down the hall, tearing through a steel support beam and slamming into a wall behind them. The blast rocked the entire corridor.]
Shin: coughing That's not just a launcher… he's packing anti-fortification ordnance!
Kei: low voice He's got heat-seeking rounds. Keep moving—no clean angles!
Reina: checking her sidearm Stay focused! We play this smart.
[The team split, flanking into cover. Ifrit moved forward with calculated steps, reloading the Flarehound with a loud CLUNK, his visor gleaming.]
Ifrit: grinning beneath the mask One shot each. Who wants it?
[The air was dense with smoke and the scent of scorched metal. Flames licked at the remains of a control panel destroyed by Ifrit's last rocket.]
Kei: whispering from cover We need to split his attention. Ifrit's slow, but that weapon's no joke.
Reina: loading a fresh mag I'll draw his fire. Shin, flank left. Ryou, right. Kei, stay low.
Shin: grimly Got it.
[Ifrit stepped forward through the wreckage, scanning. His helmet's HUD flashed red markers as it tried to reacquire heat signatures.]
Ifrit: taunting I know you're there. That stunt earlier? Cute. But let's see you dance now.
[WHUMP!]
[Another rocket launched, smashing into the upper wall above Kei's last position. Debris rained down. Kei rolled clear, drawing his sidearm and firing rapidly.]
[BANG—BANG—BANG!]
Ifrit: armor sparking, annoyed Tsk—pea shooters.
[Shin popped out from the side and opened up with a burst from her submachine gun. The rounds impacted the side of Ifrit's armor, staggering him momentarily.]
Shin: NOW!
[Ryou darted from behind cover, raising his compact pump-action and firing two slugs at Ifrit's left leg—one connected with a hiss of hydraulic fluid.]
Ifrit: stumbles Heh… Good hit.
[But as he reeled back, Reina moved fast.]
Reina: to Kei Cover me.
[She broke into a sprint, sliding across the corridor and tossing a stun grenade toward Ifrit's feet.]
[POP—FLASH!]
[The detonation echoed through the corridor in a blinding burst. Ifrit grunted, stumbling back.]
Kei: rushing forward NOW—light him up!
[Everyone opened fire. Suppressive rounds hammered into Ifrit's chest plate and shoulder guards. Sparks danced in the air as the kinetic force pushed him back against a steel support.]
[But the armor held.]
Ifrit: snarling, recovering Cute trick…
[He slammed his launcher down, using it as a makeshift shield and drew a sidearm from his thigh holster—a heavy-caliber pistol.]
[Kei, still behind Reina, aimed carefully and squeezed a shot—BANG!]
[The round grazed Ifrit's shoulder, forcing him back again.]
Kei: to himself "Come on, just drop already—"
[Ifrit re-shouldered the Flarehound, locked another rocket in place, and muttered into his comms;]
Ifrit: coldly Alpha, initiate Plan C. They're stalling."
[His comm clicked off.]
[Suddenly, from behind the wreckage, backup boots stomped into view. Three more mafia enforcers entered—armed with compact rifles and flash armor.]
Kei: gritted teeth More of 'em—!
Reina: furious "We don't have time for this."
[Smoke lingered in the cold air as the last echo of gunfire faded into silence. Sparks dripped from torn cables above while the mafia enforcers retreated deeper into the ruins, dragging their wounded along with them.]
[Ifrit, still clutching the Flarehound launcher, received a short, sharp burst over comms; Voice on Comms: Fall back. Mission compromised. Regroup at Point Delta.]
[He exhaled sharply through gritted teeth, eyes narrowed behind his visor.]
Ifrit: mutters Tch. You got lucky…
[With a harsh thud, he slammed a smoke canister at his feet, masking his retreat behind a thick gray fog. When it cleared, he was gone.]
[The tension bled out of the corridor like a long-held breath finally released.]
Ryou: lowering his gun Is it over?
Reina: scanning the corridor For now.
Shin: wiping sweat from her brow That was too close.
[Amidst the smoke and ruins, Shirou moved forward—quietly, urgently. His eyes scanned for her until they finally met.]
Shirou: softly, breath hitching Shizuka…
[She stood just behind Sera, weakened but conscious, her wrists still red from the cuffs. Her eyes—dazed, unsure—found his in the low light. She whispered his name, broken but real.]
Shizuka: faintly Shi…rou…
[Without hesitation, Shirou rushed to her and dropped his weapon to the floor with a clatter. He knelt down and gently pulled her into his arms, holding her close against his chest.]
Shirou: voice shaking I got you… You're safe now. I'm here.
Shizuka: eyes fluttering shut as she rests against him I… knew you'd come…
[He held her tighter, almost afraid she'd slip away again. His heart thudded hard in his chest, overcome with the quiet relief that she was truly there—alive.]
Reina: watching, softly to herself He didn't stop believing. Not once.
Ryou: eyes lowered …He's stronger than most of us.
[Behind them, the others began moving, weapons lowered, adrenaline fading. Yggdrasil gave a short nod and turned away without a word.]
Ryou: to Reina We should go. Reinforcements might still be inbound.
Reina: Right. Everyone, move out. We're done here.
[Shirou gently lifted Shizuka into his arms, her weight featherlight, and followed the group through the flickering corridor lights—holding onto the girl he had fought so hard to reach.]
[Then, Kei started to change a topic.]
Kei: changes humour But to think what we did earlier... Officers, what was that earlier? The "Twin Slash!" and "Dragon Palm!" thing?
Shin: flustered Ah—No! It's nothing! We were just—
Ryou: blushes a bit We were carried away.
Shin: Ryou—! Well, nevermind, it's true anyways.
Reina: smirks Eh~? I only imagined Ryou being like that, but I never thought the "composed" Shin does it too~?
Shin: flushed Like I said, I was just—Oh, Ryou, this is your fault!
Ryou: Eh?! Why me?!
[The group still had a humorous moment between them after all that happened, as they exit the ruins with the remaining backup.]