4 Minutes Before Death

4:46 pm

Abandoned House

Rikka: Sayuki... * sob* I should have told them... But this note...

She pulled out a crumpled piece of paper.

Rikka: "I killed your girlfriend." Sayuki died because of a weak body condition. So this cannot be true. But all the same, I still want to know who called me here... I need to ask this person a few questions.

She sat on the floor.

Rikka: How creaky. Oh... there's a hole under this carpet. I wonder if it's some kind of secret passage. And these pictures. This girl has a shorter hair style, but she sort of looks like Sayuki. Especially the eyes. * sigh* I feel like there's a gaping wound in my heart. A gaping wound that can never be stitched...

* bang*

Rikka: What the-?!

The door was kicked open, and in came the crook.

?: Heh, heh. Looks like the boss's little planned worked. * scoff* Kids can be so stupid sometimes...

Rikka: Who are you?

?: Just call me Blackflake, sweetheart. Enough chitchat. I have a job to do.

He pressed his gun to her left temple.

Rikka: Why did you lie about killing Sayuki?!

Blackflake: Hey, don't get mad at me. My boss wrote it.

Rikka: Who's your boss?

Blackflake: ...Sorry, sweetheart. I ain't takin' the risk.

Rikka: But why...? Why are you after me?

Blackflake: We need to erase all traces of Kepheus, whatever that is. Anyways, time to die, sister.

And this is where me and Haruka come in.

Toy Doll: Hello!

Blackflake: * bang* No wonder no one ever comes here. This place scares the shit outta me... And now, if there are no more interuptions, I'll kill you now.

* click*

Blackflake: Agh! What the hell?! A blackout, now of all times! I can't let that girl run away! I need the money! Good thing I have night-vision goggles.

* bang*


The word 'Kepheus'...

Haruka: It's familiar. I've heard the word 'Kepheus' before. I just don't remember what it is.

Ayumu: Maybe we can research later. There are a few facts I need to jot down.

Haruka: I'll tell you what to write. Here goes!

・Pictures of a girl who looked like Ms. Shirakawa were in the abandoned house.

・Ms. Shinozaki received a note telling about the death of Ms. Shirakawa

・Our hitman's name is Blackflake, a needy asshole.

・Blackfire was ordered by his anonymous boss to kill.

・They needed to erase traces of 'Kepheus'.

・I think Ayu-chan is very cute when she gets serious.

Ayumu: Wait... what?

Haruka: And her curious face when asking a question! KAWAII OVERLOAD!

This girl is out of control. But at the same time, my heart started to race, and I could feel my cheeks burning. I will have to ask Haruka about this emotion later on.

Ayumu: Now that we are done, I think it's time for us to save Rikka.

Haruka: Alright. Let's do this!

And so we start the four minute countdown. One thing is crystal-clear. This Blackfire's boss may know something about Ms. Shirakawa's death.


A/N: I wanted to update early, but I was just really busy. But I decided to stay up late and finish this chapter for you guys.

Tori-chan: What are you doing, Hii-chan? YOU BETTER BE SLEEPING!

O-Of course I am! I'm tired! Anyone would be tired after helping Akari out of that bear trap - uh, I mean, good night!

I'm gonna have to go. I don't want Tori-chan to kick my ass in training sessions tomorrow.

Peace out!