Instinct (English version)

Chapter 11 (B)

You are innocent.

No one is moving. Good. It means that there will not be extra victims to grieve.

Johan has an emotionless look on his face. He wants this to be over.

"We can't execute you, or we'll enter a vicious circle. Therefore, you'll have to do it alone. That's why the game's master gave us this firearm."

"But... what about Anna?"

"We'll take care of her."

Clara is pale. How could she ever abandon her little sister? FF2/N then walks up to her, clasping her hands in front of her chest.

"Please do it... We'll be all doomed if you refuse to follow the rules..."

"Now's not the time to be selfish," adds Johan with a cutting tone.

This is still a very hard decision to make! You are staggered by his lack of empathy. The tall blond girl is shaking like a leaf. She suddenly throws the gun in front of her, bursting into tears.

"I can't do it..."

FF2/N rushes to her and holds her. Johan is crossing his arms with a disapproving look. You have been admiring the metal weapon in front of you for a few seconds. There is something hypnotic inside it...

Unexpectedly, the little Anna walks up to the gun and picks it up. The firearm seems huge in her tiny hands, and -judging by how she is struggling to hold it- is way too heavy for her.

You are about to take the gun from her hands, as you do not want to let a young girl play with it, when she suddenly pulls the trigger. FF2/N screams. You rush to her, horrified.

Clara's body is lying in her arms, a bullet lodged right in her neck. That kid is completely out of her mind! She could have hurt FF2/N! You are turning around and facing Anna, ready to lecture her, when you freeze. The little girl is now pressing the weapon against her heart, with empty eyes.

"Tell Mum and Dad we'll both watch over them."

She immediately shots, and her body heavily collapses on the floor with a thud. You are stunned by what have just happened. Next to you, FF2/N seems also distraught.

"I... I guess she wasn't mute after all..."

In a way, she had a very mature attitude. She did what she had to do. And yet...

Anna was just a child. She should have never been forced to accomplish that gruesome deed. Even if you are admiring her extraordinary courage, you also have a lump in your throat.

It is at this moment that metal doors open in the ceiling, and a mechanical ladder goes down. The path leading to the last step. Johan puts a reassuring hand on your shoulder while smiling softly, his mouth shut.

"Ready to fight to the finish?"

You nod. It is your turn now to be strong for all the people that died in battle. It is finally time to face the game's master.

Continue to chapter 12!