Man On The Moon

XXIV

It's in her moment of observation that an idea strikes Silver Wolf. She points to a nearby fire hydrant.

Silver Wolf: "That fire hydrant. It might just be the distraction we need."

March7th and Qingque follow Silver Wolf's gaze, realizing where she's pointing.

March7th: "You mean we should break it and create a water distraction?"

Silver Wolf nods, a sly smile playing on her lips.

Silver Wolf: "Exactly. A sudden surge of water will catch their attention and split them up, giving us a chance to capitalize on the chaos."

Qingque, a hint of excitement in her voice, approves of the plan.

Qingque: "I like it. Let's do it."

Fugue, despite her focus on the ongoing battle, glances at Silver Wolf and her plan with the fire hydrant.

Fugue: "Alright, I trust you. But be careful. Once that fire hydrant is broken, it'll create chaos. Be ready to seize the moment."

Silver Wolf gives Fugue a firm nod, her attention now fully fixed on the fire hydrant a few meters away. She calculates the distance and timing in her mind, preparing to execute the distraction plan. March7th, Silver Wolf, and Qingque move into position, their actions are subtle enough not to arouse the attention of the surrounding guards. Silver Wolf, with a confident step, positions herself in front of the fire hydrant. With a swift, powerful kick, Silver Wolf connects with the fire hydrant, shattering it. The force of her kick causes water to erupt from the broken pipe, creating a sudden and unexpected watery distraction. 

The gushing water causes a commotion among the guards, their attention is immediately diverted to the unexpected surge. Some guards are momentarily caught off balance by the force of the water, while others scramble to avoid getting drenched. March7th, Silver Wolf, and Qingque, seizing the opportunity created by the water distraction, act quickly. They attack the guards who are momentarily stunned and disoriented, taking advantage of the chaos as the water continues to pour out from the shattered fire hydrant. 

Fugue, seeing the distraction taking effect, moves in to join the assault against the disoriented guards. Her swordsmanship and strategic manoeuvres complement those of the trio, further exploiting the confusion caused by the water. The battle turns chaotic, with Shadow of Company guards struggling to regain control while dealing with the unexpected water flood. The trio and Fugue, working together seamlessly, press their advantage, taking down several guards in the ensuing chaos. After a fierce and intense battle, the combined efforts of the trio, Fugue, and the water distraction ultimately prevail. The Shadow of Company guards, who had been caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events and the water flood, are defeated. March7th, Silver Wolf, and Qingque stand gasping for breath, surveying the scene of the aftermath. The once-busy downtown area is now filled with the aftermath of the battle, and the shattered fire hydrant continues to spill water onto the streets. Fugue joins them, her expression a mixture of relief and weariness. She looks around, taking in the surroundings that were now eerily silent after the commotion.

Fugue: "Well, that was quite the disturbance. We should consider ourselves lucky that the water distraction worked. Otherwise, the outcome could have been much worse."

March7th nods in agreement, her chest still heaving slightly from exertion.

March7th: "It was a close call. But we made it somehow."

Qingque adds, her usual carefree demeanour replaced with a hint of exhaustion.

Qingque: "I don't remember the last time I ran this much. My legs are killing me."

As March7th, Silver Wolf, Qingque, and Fugue make their way through the aftermath, they encounter Moze and Rappa, both of whom seem to be prepared for the next part of their journey. Moze, his expression determined, steps forward.