『バウンド』 Bound

Failed Rescue?

"... tsumi!"

"... atsumi!"

Tatsumi's hearing could barely pick up the muffled voices over the loud ringing in his head. His body was too heavy, over to the point where he felt paralyzed. His heart was pumping fast and thumped so hard against his chest he felt like it would explode. Why did he faint? Why can't he move? His eyes caught blood running down his neck. Blood?

"Tatsumi!" A shrill scream cried. Mine?

'Mine! I'm over here! You're close!'

Tatsumi panicked in his head when he heard the voice grow quieter, signaling that she was moving the opposite direction.

'Mine! Mine, come back!'

A tear fell in frustration and he wished he had the strength to wipe away the offending moisture. Surely everyone else is looking too? They'll eventually find him. His memories came in like a sharp pain to his head. In an instant, he remembers Leone going back to the prison to find Lubbock, Akame had took it upon herself to bring him back to the headquarters. However instead of leaving Leone to have zero luck finding his perished friend, he turned back just as the guards caught them after his loud scolding. Then... he passed out? Something must have hit him since he is bleeding. Or perhaps that could be due to him falling unwillingly to the ground. That could explain his massive migraine.

His heart continued to hammer away and it felt as though the speed was picking him. He was having a hard time breathing through his nose since his mouth could not open. This is all topped by his body being paralyzed and a head ache. This isn't normal. Could he be poisoned?

His uncomfortable state remained unfazed on the ground. Is this his end? Was he even that useful to NightRaid? Did Leone not make it? Is Akame still around? Will Mine tell everyone else that she could not find him, and have a search party? Or will they just give up and recruit new members.

'Why couldn't they just... leave me...'

Slowly, his body was being dragged and Tatsumi felt his stomach give a twist. Mine? Akame? Maybe even Leone or Najenda? Why is he just being dragged?

"C...C... Ngh..." He tried to speak with all his might but the dragging continued. He did not like this. Who is dragging him? Did a guard or a member of the Jeagers finally catch him?

He was left to ponder on this as his vision filled with darkness once again.

...

Mine raced back over the trees as she did her fifth attempt at searching for Tatsumi.

"Where is that bruenette? Did he get lost in the woods?" Akame did report he was actively headed back toward the prison but could Mine really get herself in the chaos and bring Tatsumi back safe and sound. It was also reported that Leone had not returned with Lubbock and may still be searching for him. Not good news at all.

"I can't just sit here... But it's pointless. Esdeath could be out and running, if I go, it'll just be a suicide mission. Maybe if I come back with Akame. But could we all really make it out?" She whispered to herself. With a last glance at the wailing alarms, flickering lights, and human slaughtering chaos, she turned swiftly and headed back for the base.

Perhaps she could convince Najenda to come along. They were already causing mayhem and it would be a matter of time before Esdeath storms into their base if they did not take this opportunity to fight. The question is if they are prepared to just throw theirselves into battle a little ahead of time.