The 100 Year Old Debt #Wattys2023

Chapter XIV: Performer's Waltz

3rd Moon

27th Phase

2018

4:00 pm

Astonished by our arrival, his face contorted itself. The fake smile was now gone. Anger was the only thing that crossed his face, knowing full well that his escape was in jeopardy.

"And, like a mosquito, they keep coming back. How the devil did you know we were here?"

"That is unimportant. Slowly raise your hand and do not even think about moving, both of you."

Her eyes affixed towards me, she glared in my direction. As her penetrating crimson eyes stared into my soul, I grew anxious, for I did not know what I was to expect from the person Mr. Allegro had alluded to.

"No one needs to get hurt. So please, no sudden movements."

At my words, she cocked her head with contempt in her eyes, questioning the words I had commanded. Glimpsing at Okeanos, she finally understood the situation of the room.

"Ah, I see. You had help from your friend there to track us down. No doubt the Collective Detective Agency sent their pawns after us."

How she had deduced all that was beyond me. Clearly, we were dealing with someone more than just a simple killer. I was growing relatively nervous, for I did not expect for these unprecedented developments to take place. However, a look at my friend was all I needed to steel my nerves. Her grip towards her weapon, her curled brows and her hunch posture exemplified a display of determination. Her expression was not shattered, and she was even more focused on stopping these criminals than ever before.

"Well," chuckled my friend, "at least our reputation is growing. I was starting to grow worried for a second there."

"Don't flatter yourself. No normal person would have access to the Guardian system. Besides us, you people are the only ones who have access to it."

//Besides us?//

"Really now? Now that's interesting!" remarked my companion." Well, how about we have a little chat over it, then? We could compare data, share research notes-"

Her katana soon appeared out of thin air, directing her blade towards our directions.

"I don't have time for jokes. Either walk away or die."

"Yeah, no, thanks. I'd rather take my chances and bring both of you behind bars. Last warning, drop your weapon now."

Mr. Facsimile, aware of his chances, directs his remark towards his accomplice.

"It would seem that running is out of the question. Would you mind showing them what you're worth?"

She gave a very deadpan look towards him.

"I don't need you to tell me what to do. Besides, it's not like you can't fight."

"I would if I still had my weapon. Besides, I'm a chemist, not a fighter."

"Tch. Even for that, you're still useless. Whatever, just don't get in my way."

With her warning, Mr. Facsimile could not help but smile gleefully. Taking note that it was going to get perilous, he went to the sides, to not to not get in the middle of the action.

"I gave you a warning, and you didn't take it. Don't blame me for what happens next, pawns."

With her threat, we readied our ourselves and prepared ourselves for the confrontation."