The Truth of Emotions

Chapter 37: End of a Career

The next day...

Feroxus and his men are standing just outside the main entrance to the studio.

Feroxus: "Trap one and the others will flock to it."

He chugs down a vial of D-263F before dropping the empty vial.

Feroxus: "Begin."

Meanwhile...

Xaena is currently discussing matters with a Gigas behind a large, black, wooden desk.

Gigas: "Such a shame that you have to cut such a wonderful career short. We really were hoping for a real banger of an outro for someone as talented as you."

Xaena: "(blushing) S-Same, but something really important came up a-and I had to cut production of my last film before it got worse."

Gigas: "Still, you always had a spark in your eyes that no one today has ever had before. Your understanding and representation of history in your work was unprecedented."

Xaena stiffens up.

Xaena: "(panicking) Y-Yes sir! If I'm able to, I-I'll come back for one last film with a newfound idea!"

He stamps a paper before signing a signature.

Xaena: "(panicking) I-I-"

A vision of several explosions setting the studio ablaze fills Xaena's eyes.

Xaena: "(in head) The Second Page?!"

Gigas: "Then come back with-"

Several explosions echo just out the door.

Xaena: "Wh-What the?!"

???: "(muffled) We know you're here. Resistance is futile."

Gigas: "What the hell is going on?!"

Xaena pulls out two daggers from the inner pockets of her coat.

Xaena: "S-Stay here!"

Xaena books it out the door.

Meanwhile...

The others have already rushed out to the scene to find the front entrance on fire.

Rox: "(pissed) Can't these fucks ever give us a break?!"

Lariat points his bow behind him and fires, killing a scout who was watching them.

Lariat: "No, they never will."

Rox chooses to stick with just her fists.

Veld: "Not going to go big and smash stuff?"

Rox: "(cracking knuckles) I'm feeling a bit more merciful this time."

Everyone except Owen awkwardly takes a step away.

Ariyae: "Yeah... if there's anyone I don't want to get on their bad side, it's Rox."

Owen: "Come on! Xaena probably needs some help!"

Flames begin to spark in Nyria's hands.

Nyria: "Probably! Their leader has most likely already taken the drug!"

They can see more enemies through the flames.

Makoh: "That... actually sounds about right."

Cale: "It also looks like they're packing more heat than last time!"

Ariyae: "(awkwardly) You weren't even awake last time."

They head forward.

A half hour later...