Alice In Borderland: Riptide (Season 2)

EPISODE SIX : GONE ARE THE DAYS

Indeed, the "fragile reality of the world" has shifted. The wards you placed at the doors and windows in simple salt water and oils are visible now, emitting a soft glow which draws the attention of ever resident of Home. Ann binds gauze wrapping around Arisu's hands, each finger separately, until he gains some control of his new power. Momoka and Asahi now move in tandem with one another, like satellites caught in each other's orbit.

Takatora observes the situation for a moment before silently exiting. You shadow him, all the way to the grounds surrounding the pool. He draws the katana from its resting place on his back and begins to execute a series of swift, graceful movements, a deadly dance. You wait and watch for a long time, until the summer heat begins to build into a level one sunburn on your cheeks.

"Takatora San," you say, clearly yet soft enough not to startle him.

The sunlight glints on the razor-sharp edge of the blade as it swings gracefully slicing through the air and halting a mere breath from your neck.

"Forgive me for the interruption." He withdraws and sheathes the blade, and you offer a respectful bow. "The conference hall inside—it's going to become our training room. I would like you to be the first to utilize it."

     He stands from his semi-crouched position and raises his head, then offers you a bow in return, pressing his hands together before his face.

     "I gratefully accept your offer," he murmurs respectfully. "And apologize for nearly beheading you."

...*...

"I marked places where the weapons Chishiya had a vision about might be located," Aguni says, tossing a folded map on the table. "I'll head out in a few minutes with him, we'll grab those as well as anything else we can find."

     "Good," you tell him, pausing on your way to the training room. "Everyone needs a weapon, not just those in his vision. Speaking of which, that's one skill that will definitely come in handy."

     Aguni gives you a short nod, his arms crossed over his bullish chest. He motions you onward with his chin.

     "You'd better get going. At least supervise, so those children don't murder each other."

     "Not so long ago you considered me a child."

     Aguni grants you a rare, indulgent smile.

     "You'll always be a child to me," he murmurs. "Now go. I'll return—WE will return soon."

...*...

"No, Niragi, parry twice, swing with intent to maim once. Here, give me your spear—"

     He waggles his eyebrows suggestively, and you roll your eyes as you grab the long, smooth length of wood from him. You point it at him and wave it threateningly.

     "You know what I meant. Get your mind out of the gutter and stop behaving like a horny teenager."

     "Yeah, Niragi, jeez," adds Kuina, teasingly, swiping Karube's harpoon thrust away with her new claws, their knuckle-knives extended.

     "Stop trying to get charged with criminal harassment." Karube interjects, resting a harpoon on his shoulder. Chishiya swaggers up to Niragi, looking up into his face with a smirk.

     "Why can't you just masturbate like the rest of us?" He asks with a wink to you, making you blush and look away.

     Niragi lazily swings his gaze to Chishiya. He smiles a slow, languid smile.