It had been almost a week. Life had become utterly mundane. There was nothing to keep him occupied whatsoever. Gen felt he was going crazy. Hadn't solitary confinement been deemed a form of torture, what was it, thousands of years ago? This was sensory deprivation on top of that. Gen could only tell the passing of days and nights by the heat and the cold.

Tsukasa had questioned him constantly at first, trying to get out everything he could about the village, about Senku, about Senku's plans. But no one was going to outwit Gen... even if he did know anything about what Tsukasa wanted to know.

So, eventually the 'Primate High School Student' gave up to work on other things. He'd be inspected for new marks regularly, but that was about the only contact they gave him. Gen wasn't kept tied, but he knew he was under close watch. Anytime he tried to remove the blindfold for a moment, no matter how subtly, his guard noticed and yelled at him.

Senku was writing constantly. Gen could feel it every time he did and it was driving him mad. He wanted to see what was said. If he could get away with it, just for a moment, just to peek a few words...

That was true torture and Senku had no idea.

How long was Senku going to take? Days, weeks? Months?

Was he even going to come at all?

Maybe that's what Senku was writing.

"I'm so sorry,"

...No, Gen didn't think that. Not really. He'd only met Senku briefly, but he could already tell the mad scientist wasn't the kind to give up. He just had to wait and stay strong.

But hurry up.

Please.

–

Rapid progress was being made on the sulfa drug, along with Senku's new side project – a vehicle.

Suika had already scouted out where Gen was being held. It was about as high security as they could get in the stone age. Located deep in enemy territory, it was a shallow cave with a thick latticed door. More importantly, a heavy guard. They rotated in shifts, but there were never less than four at a given time. One watched Gen specifically, one stood at the make-shift door. The other two looked out from the cave entrance. That would mean, giving the guards time to rest, about eight people were consumed on this prison project.

It was, frankly, a mad amount of resources given the current size of Tsukasa's empire. His enemy was willing to dedicate a lot of manpower to this. It made Senku wonder about what Tsukasa's plans were.

Did he even mean to make another attack or was he planning to wait for Senku to make the first move? Obviously, Tsukasa would have home-advantage in that case – to plant traps, to closely direct his forces, lay of the land...

But being able to make the first move was also a great advantage, not to be underestimated. Tsukasa was patient... but was he really willing to wait for Senku to make the opening play? It was hard to say.

Senku wrote to Gen every morning, every evening, and at every meal, and every time, Senku thought about his planned cipher.

Gen did speak English. Senku hadn't closely followed the mentalist's work before their petrification, but Yuzuriha had read some of his books and knew a little about him.

But did Tsukasa speak English? Well, even if he didn't, Tsukasa could surely revive somehow who did. It was a start, though.

The best ciphers were combination ciphers. A language that the enemy doesn't understand well, an alphabet switch, drop an unnecessary letter – 'c' could always be written 'incorrectly' with either 's' or 'k'. Gen wouldn't have paper to work out an algorithm, it would have to be simple.

But would Tsukasa be able to figure these out too?

What was the difference between them. Think, think.

Tsukasa was smart, but not scientifically so. He'd done some amount of proper research before the petrification. Enough to have read papers about the experiments in Germany. Senku could not underestimate him.

Gen, the mentalist. Senku remembered pieces of his books that his classmates had brought in to fool around with. They'd been utterly inane little quiz books with such obvious solutions they were almost insulting.

But the person who wrote those books was the same who cold-read volunteers on live television with shocking accuracy. Gen wasn't stupid – he'd hardly be Senku's soul-mate if he was.

What was a subject that Gen was familiar with – strongly enough to guess what the possible cipher could be – that Tsukasa wouldn't know.

Not something professional and respectable like Senku would tend to think of. Gen was a mentalist, not a scientist.

"Yuzuriha," Senku asked, writing another reassuring note on the bottom of his foot (as he was running out of room),

"Did Gen ever do a special on fortune-telling?"

–

Taiju and Yuzuriha had become one unit. He saw her in his dreams. He always had, of course, but now she was really there. Yuzuriha could see him back and they could talk to each other.

Taiju was racked with guilt over the happiness he was feeling. Every moment with her was like a dream. And every night, so long as both slept at the same time, they could explore an infinite space together.

Senku hadn't seen the sentimental aspect of it when they'd told him. He'd only smiled an evil-looking grin.

"It's not normally as useful as straight mind-reading, but it's even better because of the longer range," Senku said, "You two are a cell phone!"

To Senku, it felt like a 'skip'. He could have made a cell phone and likely still would someday in the future, after he'd reunited with Gen and resumed building the Kingdom of Science. But with Taiju and Yuzuriha able to act as long-distance communication, it wasn't necessary yet. He could devote all his efforts to the car and get it done much more quickly.

Of course, the negative was that both parties needed to be asleep.

Chrome's storehouse came in handy here. Concentrated Valerian root could cause drowsiness. It wasn't as good as a modern sleeping medication, but it would do to impair them enough to get to sleep on their own.

And if that wasn't enough...

There was always booze.

His friend's might not like the idea, but they were technically overage, so what's the worry! Thanks to needing it for lots of other things, concentrated alcohol was in great supply for the kingdom.

Progress was swift and unrelenting!

–

...For the Empire of Might, as well. Tsukasa now had a proper second-in-command. Someone who already had met their soul-mate, as well, to prevent any betrayals like Gen happening in the future. Hyoga was dedicated to the cause and quickly earned Tsukasa's trust completely. His soul-mate, Homura, was nearly as useful and was quickly dispatched to the field as a forward scout.

Their connection was a common one, but useful. They could sense each others location though the accuracy was hit hard by distance. Still, even at a great distance, Hyoga would be able to tell when Homura was moving. Homura could run towards base to communicate immediately that the Kingdom of Science was making a move and Tsukasa's army would be more than ready to meet them.

Senku was hard at work on something. That was certain, even if Tsukasa hadn't been receiving reports back every few days. Senku wasn't going to sit and do nothing.

And Tsukasa wasn't going to underestimate him again. The Empire's loss against that village had been humiliating and incredibly damaging to his troops' morale. He couldn't allow any turncoats. For the loss of manpower more than any worry about information or a mole.

Tsukasa had discovered the missing nitric after the battle. Senku's team clearly had high stealth capabilities. He'd make use of them again, without a doubt. Tsukasa was forced to send out a guard into the surrounding area to patrol and capture their scout if possible.

With the amount he was dedicating to the prison, manpower was stretched thin. His forces were increasing daily, but not fast enough. Soon, he'd need to dedicate men to winter preparation.

He wondered if Senku had achieved long-term food preservation yet. It was likely. When they joined together, Tsukasa would have access to everything in the scientist's mind. There wouldn't be any more losing after that point.

For that reason more than any personal need, acquiring Senku was his top priority. Before winter would be for the best.

It was possible Senku would make the first move. Tsukasa would be ready for him if that were the case. But Tsukasa was hardly willing to wait.

A stealth attack of his own might be the best move on the board.

Tsukasa had been reviving individuals for that exact purpose.

–

It was done. The sulfa drug. Chrome could hardly believe his eyes. That small pile of white powder on the table in front of them was going to save Ruri.

"Senku," Chrome said, "Thank you. Even with your own problems to deal with, you still kept your promise. So, I'm sure all of the villagers -"

Senku waved it away. He'd had enough of the thanks the moment Chrome started speaking.

"I didn't do it for you," Senku said, "This is all part of my plan to recruit an army. Nothing more."

Chrome didn't believe it for one moment. But still, he nodded.

"Let's get it to her. I'll go and speak to the chief, Senku, so get the dose ready."

"Hold on," Senku said, stopping Chrome short, "Take it with you. It really ought to be you who gives it to her, Chrome."

"But you're the one who -" Chrome started.

"And you," Senku said, holding up Chrome's hand to place a measurement of the drug into it, "Are more important to her than you think."

Chrome was confused. What did that matter? Chrome hadn't done that much, not in comparison to Senku.

"I have it now," Chrome said, as Senku was still holding his hand, "Don't worry, I won't drop it."

But Senku was smirking at him. Like he knew something Chrome didn't. Then he lifted his other hand and pointed at the abstract marks on Chrome's wrist.

Realization dawned.

"No," Chrome said.

"It's bad, right?" Senku said, that irritating smirk still on his face.

"I'll teach you the meaning of each character later. Go, Chrome." He said.

And Chrome didn't disobey.

Ruri! It was – was it really -? Ruri!

Senku, you bastard!

–

Homura observed from the trees as the primitive human called 'Chrome' ran out of the science kingdom's make-shift lab, cradling carefully in his hands a leaf bearing a small pile of white powder. She hadn't been close enough to hear their conversation through the hut's walls, but precious eavesdropping gave her enough information to guess what it was. They'd finished the sulfa drug they had been working on.

The car was still underway. Apparently not top priority, at least, in comparison to drug crafting. Her leader's soul-mate was a sentimental man. That was a weakness, in Homura's eyes.

She should return to base to report these new developments. It took a surprising amount of discipline not to run part of the way back. If she moved that quickly, though, Hyoga would report it as their signal and the empire would prepare for attack.

She'd rather not get him in trouble for rousing a false alarm. She wanted to see him respected. He deserved it. No one knew how hard he worked, how diligent he was, except for Homura.

In truth, she'd rather Hyoga be leader of the Empire of Might than Tsukasa. And she knew that Hyoga felt the same way.

She thought about that boy, Senku, her leader's soul-mate. Abducting him back to base alive might be beyond her capabilities, but waiting for enough of a chance to throw a knife into his throat could be possible, if difficult. If Tsukasa was out of the way, then Hyoga would fill the leadership vacuum.

But that wasn't necessarily the ideal solution. Because Tsukasa was strong, was useful. He wouldn't step down on his own, of course.

Threatening Senku would be idiotic. Blackmail was not an option.

Well, maybe the assassination plan would have to do. Homura had a lot to think about.

–

Tsukasa raised an eyebrow.

This was new.

Something entirely different had been written on Gen's body this time. No words – just a somewhat abstract series of drawings.

A little stick figure wearing a crown. Another stick figure bent over, holding a stick. An exclamation point. Five dots, a line, ten dots. A line that zig-zagged on top, then turned straight. Then a circle with a stick figure inside it.

It was clearly some kind of code.

Something they hadn't talked about before, or Senku would have been using it all this time. Something Senku thought Gen would understand, but Tsukasa wouldn't. Fortunately, Gen didn't get a chance to see it. Can't think of everything, can you, Senku?

But what did these symbols mean? They might be directly representative. The figure with the crown could be Tsukasa himself. Maybe the figure with the stick was Senku using some kind of tool. The third stick figure could be Gen, the circle representing the prison. But Tsukasa was grasping at straws.

There was no way it was that simple.

"Mentalist," Tsukasa spoke.

Gen looked up, a surprised expression. No one had spoken a word to him for quite sometime.

"My dear Tsukasa," Gen said, "However can I help you?"

"Tell me about stick figures," Tsukasa said.

Gen raised an eyebrow.

"Stick figures?" He asked, "I'm not sure I'd know any more about that than you, Tsukasa."

Gen didn't seem to be hiding prior knowledge of the cipher, as Tsukasa mostly expected. Still, he shouldn't underestimate the mentalist's acting. He might be hiding his knowledge.

Showing Gen the mark and asking them what they meant wasn't an option. Tsukasa didn't want Gen getting whatever message Senku was sending and Gen was unlikely to tell the truth about what they meant anyway.

Tsukasa would have to think it over. Was there anything in those figures that could tell him anything?

–

Senku smirked, finished up his crappy art. Gen would hopefully understand, though it was highly unlikely he could do anything, he might be able to.

The Emperor, The Hermit, The Tower, The World.

Yuzuriha had informed him that Gen used the Universal Waite deck of Tarot cards. The drawings represented the images found of the front of the cards.

The Emperor – Tsukasa, of course. The Hermit – meaning, get him alone, away from the group. Away from the prison was Senku's hope. The dots were risky – the fifth of September, their planned date of attack. The Tower – symbolizing a disaster or a battle. The World – symbolizing completion or victory.

Senku was hoping Gen would use his abilities in deception to convince Tsukasa to leave the base on that date. While Tsukasa's forces were great, no single warrior Suika had spotted was anywhere near his ability. Removing even one person – especially the commander – could make the difference in battle.

Of course, Senku wasn't betting on anything. Tsukasa couldn't be underestimated. He needed to remember that. He'd prepare for both possibilities. For Tsukasa being there or not being there.

No matter what, he'd rescue Gen – it was ten billion percent certain.

–

Tsukasa hadn't been able to figure out the cipher, no matter how he struggled at or what warriors he demanded to toil over it themselves. It was specific to Gen. That was why Senku had written it, after all.

But it didn't matter. It confirmed that Senku was planning something soon, soon enough that he felt the need to let Gen know.

In a way, Tsukasa had figured out the cipher. An attack was imminent.

So, though it was sooner than Tsukasa had planned, there was no getting around it. They'd have prepare to attack now.

A few days to muster their troops. From Homura's most recent report, Senku's car wasn't yet finished. She couldn't estimate how long until it'd be done, just that it wasn't. Tsukasa had to make a guess of his own. Senku wouldn't be trying to send a message to Gen if it wasn't soon.

Attacking earlier was the best plan. Tsukasa's stealth team was ready. Homura, of course, but also the new addition of Ukyo, whose superior hearing would be indispensable in avoiding detection in thick brush.

But Tsukasa would need to give them space to work. More than a 'distraction' – he'd need to occupy enough enemy troops to reduce the guard Senku would no doubt have.

Tsukasa knew Senku wouldn't be leading the charge. Senku would be well aware of his own status as a high-value target and especially after last time, be keeping well out of the main fray.

The prison would be left somewhat more vulnerable, having only the standard four guards without any reinforcements to fall back on. It was a gamble, but as long as Tsukasa attacked first, that wouldn't be important. Which meant acting quickly.

The fifth of September looked ideal.

–

The decided day of attack finally arrived. Homura and Ukyo had set out ahead of time. Tsukasa trusted in their ability to go unnoticed close to enemy territory. He wouldn't be able to get his whole army in the same way.

They rallied in a tight group and moved slower than usual. There wasn't any reason for Senku to remove the landmines. Any that hadn't been triggered in the previous battle would still be a threat – and unfortunately, Tsukasa hadn't paid close enough attention to the map of their layout to predict where every one was. The map was long gone by the time Tsukasa got his hands on Gen.

That said, his troops understood the mines now. They were a mild scorch, but they weren't blowing anyone's legs off. The presence of landmines wasn't going to trigger a full-scale retreat this time. And Senku wouldn't have been able to get any more gunpowder – there'd be significantly less of them to worry about.

Not underestimating his foes. Hyoga, on his right hand, was bold enough to tell Tsukasa if he thought Tsukasa's plan had any issue. It was straightforward, but realistic. His numbers were even greater than they were before and his troops greatly improved in discipline. While the enemy's steel weaponry was still superior, Tsukasa had improved their own.

They'd made it halfway to likely engagement when Hyoga suddenly went stiff.

"What's wrong?" Tsukasa asked immediately.

"Homura," Hyoga said, "She's moving quick – something's up."

"Can't be," Said Tsukasa, "They're making their attack this early?"

"Should we return to base and prepare to fend them off?" Hyoga asked.

"No," Tsukasa said, "If they've got their car up, we'll be much slower – we won't make it in time. Set up a perimeter right here, on the path. Block their way."

"Sir," Hyoga replied and began issuing orders.

They felled trees to thoroughly block the path towards the empire. There wouldn't be time for proper barricades, but the felled trees would provide some cover for their slingers and archers as well – not that Tsukasa had many of those, but some.

They could still make this work, Tsukasa thought. The enemy wouldn't be expecting to engage them this early. Their numbers were still superior and the enemy base was sure to be running a reduced guard after sending everyone out to battle.

Senku was within his grasp once again. Tsukasa wouldn't let him slip through his fingers this time.

–

Ukyo swallowed heavily, holding his hand over his mouth to quiet his breathing. Mere feet beneath him, the enemy was marching alongside their tank – the real one, that they had been building in secret. The car they had thought was no where near done had been a decoy. They knew they were being watched provided false info. Honestly, he was surprised Homura had fallen for it.

She'd already taken off, sprinting through the forest as fast as she was able. She wasn't aiming to reach Tsukasa – she had no part in that battle, she simply needed to move fast enough to signal Hyoga.

It left Ukyo time to think.

This whole attack, this war, was mainly centered around one boy. Tsukasa's soul-mate, Senku. Their views on what future this stone world should have were divergent enough to make Senku reject Tsukasa outright.

But then, that boy in the cell was also Senku's soul-mate.

Tsukasa had explained it to him. The concept the ancients had of 'triple soul-mates' or 'a second'. But it was hard for Ukyo to wrap his head around.

What he was doing wasn't right. This wasn't 'capturing an enemy,' like they were all soldiers in a war. This was kidnapping a child. And it didn't sit well with him. Nothing Tsukasa did or planned sat well with him.

But he was scared.

It was so much more traumatic than any of the other warriors seemed to talk about. Waking up out of stone, that is. His friends, all frozen. His family.

Ukyo wondered if Tsukasa had found them yet. Smashed the statues of any of his loved ones that were adults.

And Ukyo was helping him do it.

The old world hadn't been perfect. It had hurt him. And he didn't approve of a lot of the same things Tsukasa talked about hating. In some ways, their ideal world was a similar one. But Ukyo couldn't walk down the path Tsukasa was planning to take him down.

But could this little kingdom of science really win against the Empire of Might? He'd seen what Tsukasa could do. It was terrifying.

If he defected and they lost, what would become of him? Even if he ran away... that would only mean spending the rest of his life all alone.

On his wrist bore a 'first words' mark. The soul-mate he might not ever meet, if they were encased in stone.

He closed his eyes. The enemy had passed by. Homura would be back soon. Then the two would find the Senku boy and bring him back to base alive, for Tsukasa to possess – as if a soul-mate was something one possessed!

"I see you, archer," Someone shouted at him from below.

Ukyo's heart stopped, then started beating again a mile a minute.

A black-haired man with a golden spear and make-shift glasses stared up at him, close enough for Ukyo to see the gold-colored robin tattoo on his neck. He raised his spear in a threat, as if daring Ukyo to try and fight.

Well, that made up his mind for him, didn't it.

'I see you, archer,' Were the words Ukyo had been waiting so long to hear.

–

Ukyo, that bastard. He'd betrayed them. Well, it wasn't as if Homura wasn't planning to do the same thing. She breathed out as quietly as she could, watching Ukyo speak with the enemy.

He'd tell the enemy about their secondary plan, about her. Of course, the enemy would have to relay that to the others. She had time. And now she wouldn't have to kill Ukyo when he got in her way.

She gave the two as wide a berth as she could – she didn't want Ukyo's ears picking up her movements.

She didn't need him. She could do this alone.

Find Senku. And kill him.

The village was most likely. They'd want to put their valuables together rather than defend multiple, separate points. Tsukasa had gone over this with her, having no idea she'd use the information to betray him.

Her feet were swift. She kept alert, though. Watching for enemies would have been Ukyo's job, but she had luckily encountered none so far. The village was within her sight. The most well-defended area was the chief's hut, across two bridges, both bearing a guard.

Not their strongest warriors by a landslide, though. They'd clearly sent almost everyone they could on the attack.

Homura's blade bit the enemy's stomach before he knew she was there. He might live if he got medical treatment.

It wasn't really her concern.

–

Taiju breathed deeply.

Clear you mind. Just like Senku taught you. Don't obsess over it, don't worry over it. Acknowledge the passing thoughts... and then let them go.

Sleep.

Rest.

Breath.

He'd managed it, with the help of Senku's sleep drug. Yuzuriha was already there, giggling to herself. She'd been staying asleep as much as possible to be ready to receive messages.

"You've been drinking!" Taiju shouted.

"I – I had to," She said, "I j-just couldn't get to sleep! I'm sorry, Taiju."

He'd never expected Yuzuriha to be the one to struggle with falling asleep urgently. He laughed out loud. Every day, Taiju learned more about his soul-mate. It was wonderful.

Ah, but there wasn't time for that now! The dreaming had a way of distorting their thinking. They could pass hours just like this. That wasn't any good, he had something important to relay. A message to Senku's group.

"Yuzuriha, listen!" He shouted, "An enemy called Homura – probably the girl who's been spying on us – she's after Senku. She'd headed for the village. That's the true aim here, the attack is a distraction. We know this because someone called Ukyo defected. He claims to be Kinrou's soul-mate. I confirmed the words on his wrist – Kinrou did speak them, so he doesn't seem to be lying, though Kinrou is wary. Did you get all that, Yuzuriha?"

"Y-yes," Yuzuriha said, "Homura coming to get Senku, thinks he's at the village. The main attack was a distraction. Anything else?"

"No, that's perfect!" Taiju shouted.

She had a way of getting to the important details.

"Okay!" Yuzuriha said, "I'm waking up now. Okay, wake up! Wake up, me! Wake up!"

She slapped her cheeks and the dream faded around them.

–

"Senku," Yuzuriha said.

Damn, her head hurt from all that booze, not to mention, sleeping and waking over and over again.

"Important information from Taiju," She went on, "Homura has been sent to capture you. She's headed to the village. The main attack was a distraction."

"She'll realize I'm not there soon enough," Senku said, "It's a good thing we set out as early as we did."

"Not to mention how long this path takes," Ginrou complained.

He'd been carrying Yuzuriha on his back almost the whole way, since she obviously couldn't walk while she was sleeping. Yuzuriha was pretty and nice, but she wasn't his soul-mate. And she was kind of heavy.

The ocean breeze blew back Senku's hood and he quickly covered himself again. The bright green hair was too much of a give-away.

"We're almost there," Suika said.

"Good," Senku replied, "Keep an eye out for any enemies."

"I've got you covered," Chrome said, scanning the horizon with his new telescope.

"And Ruri will tell Taiju if you're in any trouble," Yuzuriha said, "Speaking of which, Ginrou... I need to be ready for more messages."

"Right, right," Ginrou said, his tone less than pleased, "Get on, then."

"S-sorry," Yuzuriha said, hiccuping.

Chrome suddenly fell to his knees, clutching his heart.

"R-ruri!" He said, "S-she's the one in danger!"

–

Ruri struggled not to scratch at her scalp. The dyed plant fiber wig Yuzuriha had made was so itchy it was almost painful. And the face mask over her mouth and nose made it hard to breathe. She'd recovered fully from her illness thanks to Senku and Chrome and all the others, but she was still in pretty poor shape due to spending so much time resting indoors.

She picked at the edge of Senku's lab coat. He certainly wasn't a seamstress or a leather worker, it was already fraying to pieces.

"L-lady Ruri," Turquoise said, "Don't you think... you're sitting a little too primly to be... Senku?"

"A-am I?" She asked.

She supposed she was and adjusted her posture awkwardly, crossing her arms and legs.

Ruri was the only non-combatant villager about Senku's height and weight. She was a distraction, though everyone really hoped she wouldn't be needed. The guard they'd left behind at the village was quite small.

She sat on a cushion outside of the chief's hut. Taiju hid inside, laying down and keeping his mind clear in case he should suddenly need to sleep to relay a message.

"Oh, god, Turquoise exclaimed suddenly, grabbing at her stomach.

"Ugh, Jasper – someone's hit Jasper!"

Ruri could see across the farthest bridge, Jasper fallen down, clutching his stomach.

From the forest line emerged a young girl, clad in pink.

She must be Homura.

"G-get inside, Lady Ruri," Turquoise shouted, "Tell Taiju the village is under attack!"

–

"What do you want to do, Chrome?" Senku asked.

They'd come quite a far ways. It would take time to get back to the village, if that's what Chrome intended to do. There was no guarantee he'd even be able to help Ruri at all. It would take too long for him to get there.

"Senku!" Yuzuriha shouted, waking once more, "The village is under attack! It's only Homura, but she's stronger than we thought! Jasper has fallen."

"Ruri!" Suika shouted in worry.

"Turquoise will feel his injuries, but keep fighting," Senku said, thinking out loud, "Taiju will defend Ruri too – I'm sure he'd even defend her with his life. But while he can take a beating, he's no warrior. Chrome... she's your soul-mate. How potent is the danger you sense?"

"She... she'll be okay," Chrome said, "I know she will. Because I trust Ruri. She's stronger than you think she is. And she has the crossbow, too."

Inside the hut, Ruri ripped off the damnable wig and face mask. She couldn't stay outside while Homura got closer – she'd be able to see that Ruri clearly wasn't Senku.

The crossbow Senku had made for her as a last resort sat prepared, it's crank already wound to shoot. She'd only have the one shot, though. It was likely take too long to reload before Homura could strike.

Senku had explained to her what kind of a person Taiju was. He wouldn't be able to shoot anyone. Jasper and Turquoise were loyal, but they were getting older. No, this came down to her.

She heard the enemy outside and a cry of pain from Turquoise. Taiju woke up, thank goodness and immediately jumped in front of her.

"Ruri – are you ready?" He asked quietly.

She nodded, forgetting he couldn't see her as he faced the door.

The door swung open – Homura stayed out of sight, though. She was too smart for that.

There! Ruri spotted a small, pink-haired head peeking in from close to the floor.

Too small of a target, she'd never hit.

"...Not here," Homura said, just quietly enough to hear.

Then the acrobat turned and fled.

"Taiju," Ruri said, breathing out a relieved sigh, "If she's gone, we need to help Turquoise and Jasper."

"Leave it to me!" Taiju shouted.

–

"Ruri's okay," Chrome said, "I can feel the danger passing."

"You made the right call," Senku said.

They were nearing their destination. The enemy base wasn't empty, but the preliminary perimeter guard was gone.

Indeed, their only real obstacle was the four stationed guards at Gen's cell.

Senku had predicted Tsukasa's own prediction of Senku's actions. Or the put it a bit more clearly – Senku knew that Tsukasa would never expect Senku himself to leave his defended area. Tsukasa's whole plan revolved around that fact.

They didn't have gunpowder. Nor gasoline, nor any kind of really caustic acid. Only Ginrou in their small group was a fighter and he wasn't a particularly good one. In the expected fight, four skinny teenagers (plus Suika) versus four trained and well-built warriors wouldn't end well for Senku's group.

But science sets all strength equal.

The four approached as close as they could safely, hunkered down in the grass. All four drew their hollow reeds, aimed, and blew.

The dart guns!

Ridiculously easy to construct. Just take a hollow reed, smooth it out inside, and make darts just the right size to be ever so slightly caught on the end. With a bit of practice, you can get a real feel for how to blow into the ends just right to make the tiny darts shoot out smoothly.

They wouldn't do any damage on their own. They were sharp, but the force was just barely enough to pierce the skin.

The had been coated in Belladonna Nightshade. It could certainly be deadly, but in this concentration, Senku believed it would work effectively as a parlaying shot.

Headaches, then confusion, then convolutions. It wouldn't be pleasant for whoever was hit and it had been a ball ache to manufacture in the drug lab. They'd had to almost wipe the plant out of the local fauna and wouldn't be able to regrow more for quite some time.

And it wasn't an instant effect, either.

Three out of four hit. The man directly guarding the door and watching Gen, Senku's target, had been too far to hit, especially with Senku's aim.

Without a word to each other, the four wriggled back through the grass, splitting up to ensure the guards couldn't visually track the larger movement. They needed to get to more secure hiding spots before the fireworks started.

"Something hit me!" One of the guards cried, pulling the dark from his neck.

"Me too!"

"D-damn natives have poison darts!" The third yelled.

"No way," One said, his face pale.

"What do we do?" Another asked, "Do we need an antidote? What was the poison?!"

"We can't leave," One shouted, "Tsukasa would have our hides if we left the prisoner unguarded."

"We might die!" Another argued, "I don't give a damn about Tsukasa!"

"You idiots!" The fourth shouted, "Whoever shot us is still out there! Get them!"

The three were startled in realization, then nodded, fanning out in a surprisingly practiced-looking formation, waving their spears through the grasses ahead of themselves, smoking out Senku's group.

"Stay low," Senku whispered, warning Yuzuriha.

She was still under the effects of the booze and moving clumsily.

She hiccuped.

"Something over there!" One of the guards shouted.

He approached Yuzuriha's spot. She would be seen any moment. Senku could fire a second dart as a distraction, but that would give away his own position.

… And more than one dose of his nightshade poison was sure to be fatal. He couldn't risk it.

Yuzuriha screwed her eyes shut and covered her head.

"My... hand won't stop shaking!" A guard yelled.

"I don't feel so hot either," Another said, "Like, I feel dizzy."

"...Are we gonna die?" One said.

"I don't wanna die!" One shouted, throwing down his spear and running.

"Where are you going, moron?" One of his friends shouted at him.

"Isn't that Mana-whatever some kind of doctor's son?" The man shouted, "I'm going to find him!"

"He isn't a doctor himself!" The guard shouted back.

"He's right -" The third said, "I'm going with him."

"...Wait for me!"

And with that, all three guards that had been hit were sprinting towards the sight of the main battle field.

They wouldn't make it before the nightshade set in properly, but as long as they were in good health, they'd live.

There was only one left. Judging by his expression, he was painfully aware of the fact.

Senku had one extra dart – the last one they'd been able to make with their supply of nightshade.

But the enemy didn't know that.

Senku whistled, then all four stood up at once, holding their reeds to the mouths and aiming at the final remaining guard.

He dropped his spear and put his hands up.

"Don't shoot," He said, "You can have the kid – I'm not dying for someone else's soul-mate."

With that, he took off running to the left.

They closed in on the cell door. Senku was tempted to run, but he wasn't going to underestimate his enemy again. There could be more guards hidden inside. Pitfall traps. Any number of things he hadn't thought of yet.

The door swung aside before they could reach it. And out stepped Gen, holding a strip of fabric.

"Took you long enough," He said.

Then he leaped forward, almost taking Senku off his feet in a tight, tearful embrace.

"You idiot!" Gen cried, "They had me blindfolded the whole time! I hope you weren't writing anything important!"

"Nothing important," Senku said, holding the mentalist back so tightly it must hurt, "Just little reassurances. Plenty of time for those later."

"All right, you two," Chrome said, "Let's move."

–

The tank was down. With that, the villagers seemed to have lost their morale. Most of them fled, scattering throughout the forest in every direction. The village was his for the taking. Even if Homura's stealth-mission had failed, Tsukasa had won.

If Senku fled, no matter. There would be no where for him to go. He wouldn't abandon his soul-mate. Senku had lost.

"We'll take the village," Tsukasa said, "Send the injured back to the base. Everyone else, get ready to continue forward."

"Tsukasa!" Someone shouted.

Homura. She looked out of breath.

"They tricked me," She said, "Senku wasn't in the village at all."

"B-boss!" Someone else, from behind this time.

His warriors gasped in shock as the man staggered forward as best he could, his body racked in painful looking convulsions. He was covered in sweat and looked horrific.

"They had poison darts, boss!" The man said, "I need a doctor! Please!"

Tsukasa narrowed his eyes, "What about the prisoner?"

"I... don't know, boss," The man said.

Tsukasa was tempted to kill him.

He breathed in... and out.

The enemy had only been missing a few of the warriors Tsukasa had noted. The two young spear-wielders and Taiju. He had assumed they were part of Senku's guard at the village.

"Homura," Tsukasa asked, "Who met you at the village?"

"The chieftain's daughter, their 'priestess'," Homura said, "She was dressed as Senku. Only three others there."

"Where is Ukyo?" He asked.

"...Ukyo betrayed us," Homura said.

Damn. Damn, damn, damn. Tsukasa was a patient man, but two humiliations in a row was sour even for him.

"Then where is Senku?" He asked.

No one answered him.

He scanned the battlefield.

There, that was the one – the dual-wielding blond warrior girl. Homura had said she was close to Senku.

She had too injured in their rematch to run away with the others. Tsukasa approached her, looming over her like a wild beast.

"You," He asked, raising his spear to her throat, "Where is Senku?"

"Right here!" Someone shouted from behind.

Not just anyone. Tsukasa turned to see Senku himself, surrounded by a throng of villagers – and Ukyo as well, Tsukasa noted.

Their retreat had been a trick – perhaps not fully, they were badly injured. But apart from that... they were fully reassembled, minus only the injured. In fact, they were in greater numbers than before. Both of the spear men, plus Ukyo, and the scientists.

"I've got one poison-tipped dart left with your name on it Tsukasa," Senku said, "Unless you leave right now."

Tsukasa considered.

Could his men fight a second round? The enemy were in bad shape, too. And their strongest warrior, the blond, was out of commission.

Senku wasn't certain of his victory either. That was why he hadn't simply taken them – he'd much rather have Tsukasa flee than possibly lose.

It was a stalemate.

Except Tsukasa had now lost his bargaining chip.

Gen, the mentalist, was stood at Senku's side.

Tsukasa held aloft his spear.

"Charge!" He shouted.

His men, bloodthirsty, clamored in agreement.