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"NINE MINUTES LEFT." THE announcer called out – and here Akuji was, about to die alone with a traumatised body, guilty mind and shaky hands that clutched weapons.
Or so she thought.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted somebody walking toward the base. She turned to them instantly, pointing the revolver at them, ready to defend herself if needed. But as the figure got closer and her eyes focused on them, Akuji realised it was no threat. It was Arisu, and he was carrying Usagi in his arms.
Once he reached Akuji, he laid Usagi down next to her and said, "Niragi got to her. Please take care of her."
"Of course." Akuji nodded dutifully before ripping a piece of her shirt off and using it to bandage Usagi's bleeding head. The poor woman could barely open her eyes. Maybe, just maybe, this one life she helped could pay back for the others she'd hurt – that's what Akuji hoped.
"Arisu, I'm sorry. I couldn't fight; I couldn't help you in the end." Usagi told him.
Arisu shook his head, "Usagi, I should apologise to you. I'm sorry." It was clear he wanted to say more but Usagi's eyes had closed, it seemed like she had passed out, and so he left.
"Seven minutes remaining." The announcer told everyone.
In the distance, Akuji could hear an echoing clang. She wanted to go and investigate but she was too exhausted, so she just leaned on the pole behind her, using it to keep herself upright, and vowed to protect Usagi until her last breath — which got closer and closer by the second.
But it never came.
It was like a miracle had occurred. Upon hearing the computer announce so, Akuji looked up at the display screen to see the scores changing. The Player team was now leading by 500 points. The Clubs team was losing. They were the ones that would die, not Akuji or Arisu or Usagi or their friends.
Akuji wasn't sure how it came to be but it overjoyed her nonetheless. All of the sacrifice was now worth it. She would live. They wouldn't have died for nothing.
"Usagi!" Akuji exclaimed, shaking the woman's shoulders. She stirred slightly and Akuji realised she must've not passed out, but instead she must have fell asleep. "We won! We're winning! We'll live!"
Usagi opened her eyes as the game concluded and announcer confirmed it – the Clubs team had lost – and although she did not reply, a small smile made its way onto her face.
Suddenly, there was an explosion in the sky. Akuji looked to it and realised it was the King of Clubs blimp being destroyed. The game truly was over. It was quite beautiful in a way to Akuji, sort of like a firework or meteorite.
