Author's Note: I had the idea for this and it came smooth. But towards the end, I don't know what happened. I apologize for getting this out a little late but I am here now. I need to do something new with the Kiku and Sena plotline. It just feels like I am going in circles here. Maybe I could come up with something the next match with them. Or next season. Whichever one comes first. I already know what I am doing next week. For now, enjoy this week's match.


Match Twenty-Four: Uwabami:

-Sena-

The snake is consuming us both. I can feel its poison running through my body. My lungs ache to breathe. I now understand the poison drowning my husband. I look over beside him in his futon.

Was this going to be how we meet our end?

It's gotten worse around us. Nobody wants to come out of their houses. Occasionally, they will peek out the window. When I go outside, my body feels like it is breaking apart. But we need food. Kiku has to eat. I have to close my eyes when I walk out the front door. A faint scream stabs my ears. I could feel the tears forming. Once outside, I open my eyes.

There is nothing out here. There's nothing out here. Th silence makes it worse. I shivered. I wanted to go back inside. No, I have to do this. Kiku needs to eat. I need to eat. I slowly took my first step. There's nothing. No people. No animals. No cars. Nothing.

I don't like this.

I walked with slow steps. I kept my eyes down. I used to hear whispering around my head. But now, there is nothing. The voices sounded so much better now. I shoved my hands into my pockets. Don't say a word. Don't make eye contact. Stay together. Stay together.

-Kiku-

She looked down at me. She's already here. It will only get worse. I see different faces every night. They come in and sit on my chest. It hurt to breathe. She stood in the corner, staring at me. Her lips curved into a cold smile. Please leave me alone. What more do you want from me?

"We aren't done."

My body froze. No… I don't know how much more I can take. But she's right. I'm not the only one in her crosshairs. Sena will be next. Then my brothers and sisters. After that, my friends. And I am powerless to stop her.

-Sena-

I made it to the store. I have not seen many people around. Tokyo used to be a busy city. Today, it's too quiet. I began to shiver. I could've sworn that I saw a couple of people peeking out at me from their windows. I knew what they were thinking. They're probably scared of me. I can't blame them. Kiku and I were poisoned. Could they see the rot on my skin?

I looked in the window of the 7-11. My body looked like it was falling apart. Small red bumps covered my stomach. Three days ago, I looked like my hair was falling out. I had a dream where my teeth were falling out too.

I closed my eyes and shook my head. I haven't slept in days. Just go inside and get the food. I walked into the store as if in a trance. It felt cold inside. My stomach turned. I shouldn't be here. But we need food.

I shouldn't get a large meal. Maybe something simple like ramen or soba. That should work. There's no one here. How will I pay for the food? I'll work something out.

Step. Step. Step. Step.

I didn't know why I look over my shoulder. There was nobody here. I'm the only one out. This neighborhood is dead. Nobody wants to come out. But I had to.

I started filling up my basket. Ramen, tea, rice, udon, water, and Botan Rice Candy. I didn't know why I got that last item. I didn't even like that type of candy. It reminded me of her. I guess I was trying to cling to something normal through all of this. Even if it came from bad memories.

I grabbed some Hi-Chew candy to chase out those memories. I walked up to the counter.

"Hello?" I asked. "Is anyone here? I have some things I want to buy. Are you here? Hello? Hello?" I got no response. I stood on my tiptoes for a better look in the back. My heart sank. No…

I turned and ran out of the store as fast as I could. I didn't even look back. I didn't realize it at the time but that was the first warning sign.

-Kiku-

I can see the pain of others. It started to sting my body.

Britain has become lost. They raped and bled him dry. He's just an empty shell now. Those vile witches took over everything. They have his money and his home. They weren't done with their harvest. England is drowning in our rot. We all tried to get him back but he is beyond help now. They won't stop there either. Just like the Woman in Red, they will want more.

They have already started to move.

There are seals all over Europe. They are like those damned gates in my home. These seals cannot be broken. I can't let them suffer like me. It may be too late for Arthur but not the others.

I already knew who they were targeting next. One of them has their eyes on Italy. He's already vulnerable. Ludwig hasn't woken up yet. His soul is trapped in Purgatory. Feliciano is desperate. He will do anything to get his dear friend back. A serpent already found its way in. It now opens itself, taking a bite.

Don't it, Feliciano! Please don't do it!

A tear ran down my cheek.

-Sena-

I made it back home. The way back was much worse. There was no one there. But the sense of dread wouldn't leave. I could feel eyes on me even though there was no on in sight. Even when I do make it home, the feeling doesn't go away.

"I'm home," I whispered. There was no answer inside. Kiku's probably asleep by now. I walked into our kitchen. I set all of the food.

It was then I realize that I am not alone.

"Hello?" I asked. "Is anyone there? Come out and show yourself." But I am alone.

No…

We weren't alone. She was holding the whole city as her hostage. Pretty soon, it won't be enough.


Two people are trapped in the rot. It will only get worse and there was no way to stop it. In fact, it was getting worse and spreading to the rest of the country.

The Doomsday Clock just started ticking louder.