Chapter 17

'So, care to tell me why you aren't up on that Tower, telling Hisui and Iwafune that they don't really want to attack?' Fushimi asked. Mai looked at him, still smiling. A smile, she has been told and has verified, made people happier. It didn't seem to fully work on Fushimi, because his expression only darkened, but she was prepared to cut him some slack: after all, he has just realized he acted upon her wishes without hesitation and was utterly convinced that it was the right thing to do. Fushimi wasn't used to being utterly convinced of anything, she could tell.

'Is your ability to command people as you wish?' he asked when she didn't reply to his first question immediately. Mai laughed shortly, wistfully.

'I wish it was so easy,' she said, even though she didn't really want this kind of absolute power, maybe. It would be so easy to abuse: just get anything she wished for from anybody who was at hand at the moment her caprice manifested itself. 'Look at you, for example. You're already angry I have persuaded you to do something and it wasn't even something that goes against your beliefs.'

'I like to take my decisions on my own,' he replied stiffly, not betraying the fear he felt at the idea that somebody could order him to do something so easily. 'Now, answer my question: why are you not stopping the Green and Grey Kings from stealing the Slate? Depending on how you answer-' he didn't finish. Instead, a dagger reappeared in his hand. It was clear enough what he intended and the blatant threat from a Blue clansman made Mai smirk mockingly.

'You will kill the Colourless King?' she asked, not hiding her amusement at the idea. Well, he could kill her easily, he probably knew it. Unless she told him not to. He probably knew that as well by now, but Mai had another argument for him, one that would make his decision his own and therefore much more useful for her. 'If you do kill me, Kuroh Yatogami will most probably kill you. Or do you think you can stand up to the Black Dog?' she asked.

Fushimi faltered. He knew he couldn't. He has already tried and failed.

'In any case, Nagare Hisui is probably far too determined for me to say "stop this" and make him listen,' she continued after a pause during which she let Fushimi consider the outcome of his fight with Kuroh. 'If he has chosen to meet with me to convince me to his plan, I could do something, maybe even talk him out of it, make him believe he doesn't want to cause chaos on global scale. But then, I suppose we both know exactly why he hasn't tried to meet with me, don't we?'

The Colourless King had the power to influence the other kings, shift the power balance to a side he chose to ally with. She let Fushimi make his own assumptions as to the extent of her power. He was probably going to overestimate it and that worked fine for Mai: it's not like she was lying by not saying what she thought she could and couldn't do.

'Not to mention that, by the time I ran up all those stairs, if I could even manage that, it would be all over,' she added matter-of-factly. Running down the street was one thing, but up the she-didn't-even-want-to-know-how-many stairs? Now that was a completely different question. She was sure Fushimi understood. He could probably sympathise, if he wasn't so upset at her ability that is. 'So while the other Kings are busy dealing with the big bosses, I'll try and make sure the small fries don't swarm us,' she informed him.

'Who put you in charge?' he grumbled. She smirked.

'Do you see another King around here?' she asked back. 'Now, I can order you around or you can-' she trailed off abruptly, when Fushimi's attention and mood shifted in a split of a second. Suddenly, he was tense and distressed, but before she could ask what was wrong, Fushimi jumped in her direction, one arm raised.

Sunrays gleamed off the edge of his dagger.

Mai shouted in shock.

She only understood what happened after Fushimi has grabbed her and twisted away from where she was standing. It took her a moment longer to realize that he has thrown the dagger at the same time but obviously not at her and a split of a second on top of that to register the pained screaming somewhere that she has had her back to. By then, Fushimi has already let go of her and was looking around attentively, because glancing down at her with distaste.

'You're really hopeless, aren't you?' he asked, letting her go. Mai shrugged her shoulders, trying to not betray how her heart was racing. She has now glimpsed the masked attacker, gripping his bleeding arm in panic. She could judge well enough that he hasn't been all that far from her before Fushimi has neutralized him. She could also see that he dearly regretted taking the mission and was not going to attack anymore: just another of those kids who had no idea what the game was and played it.

'You got me here, officer. I'm a nerd you know: the only survival skill I have ever needed so far was finding free Wi-Fi downtown,' she said with her best, careless tone. Her voice was almost steady, she noted with pride. Because, hey!, she was also one of those kids who weren't quite certain what the game was. Only she didn't have the choice other than to play it. For now.

'That's not-' Fushimi started before realizing that she was joking. His expression darkened with no reflection from his feelings. He was a man who enjoyed bickering and figuring out witty replies it seemed. 'Tsk, aren't you a gang member originally?' he asked.

'Ah, Dollars are a peculiar organization, officer. My criminal record is spotless clean, as you might know, since otherwise I wouldn't have been allowed to study the Dresden Slate in the first place,' she pointed out. Fushimi glanced at her and muttered something that might have been "that doesn't prove anything yet". Louder, he asked where her clansmen were and Mai looked down the street, where she has left them.

Right on time to see a few, masked people running towards her, the demonic quartet, Shizuo and Simon hot on their feels. She thought she could hear Erika cackling with glee, but it might have been her imagination.

'Here?' she said needlessly.

'Fushimi, behind you,' somebody shouted. Before Mai had the chance to fully understand the words, Fushimi has grabbed her again and pulled her like a rag doll, to the left.

More of the Jungle players have arrived.

})i({

With the Black Rider at their backs and the wrecking team in the form of Shizuo and Simon at their side, taking on a dozen of Jungle players wasn't even a challenge. Walker, using his extendable hand, gleefully delivered a few Molotovs to discourage those who wanted to escape from the Black Rider. Shizuo and Simon grabbed an enemy each and threw them behind, straight into Walker's flames. And even with reinforcements of Jungle arriving, Kadota has barely had enough for a warm up before he was running towards the Mihashira Tower, chasing the escaping enemy.

And Erika has just managed to field-test her ability. She was entirely too proud of herself for Kadota's liking. However, there were more important matters than telling her to Stop Laughing.

They arrived at the feet of the Mihashira Tower to see the place swarming with masked attackers, many of them armed. And sure, there were some blue-clad people Mai has told them were on their side, and some unmasked delinquents that Kadota guessed were HOMRA, but there was also Mai, accompanied only by one man, in the middle of all this.

Kadota cursed.

'Shrimp's fighting? Wasn't that other guy she had with him supposed to be a bodyguard?' Shizuo asked with surprise. Kadota winced: they had told that to Shizuo and Simon in the rush of the moment. He was about to tell Shizuo that the supposed "bodyguard" had some task that apparently only he could fulfil, but right then the blond recoiled violently at something he has seen. Worried, Kadota decided to forgo explanations and get to his "King" on time.

He heard a female voice commanding men to get ready for battle, her voice almost drowned in the fierce shout of "no blood, no bone, no ash". They were supposedly their allies, although they have never met yet, and Kadota allowed himself a brief prayer that the police and HOMRA would realize Dollars were on their side.

He blinked as an enormous, white and yellow waving cat popped into existence.

'What the hell? Some of the masked guys just turned on their friends. While having Mai and that weak-looking guy right in front of them nonetheless. What kind of gang are they?' Shizuo shouted. It seemed Kadota didn't need to worry immediately then, but still:

'It's a long story. Let's try to get to Mai and take our fight from there,' he said, making sure his voice was loud enough for the others to hear. He hasn't quite mastered ordering Shizuo around, so he explained: 'In any case, with those numbers of Jungle players, we will soon be surrounded, so we can just as well be surrounded with Mai in the middle of us.'

'Alright! Let's make a corridor of love,' Erika exclaimed, striking a pose with one hand extended roughly towards where Mai was. Kadota would have laughed at how Togusa and Walker took a step away, but he has done the same. Some of the Jungle, presumably who heard the exclamation, paused. Then, much to the surprise of their Jungle comrades, as well as Shizuo and Simon, they looked at each other, deactivated their masks... And started making out. Fiercely.

Some of the masked enemies looked at Erika and Kadota could imagine their panic. He sympathised.

'Later, I want to know what's going on,' Shizuo proclaimed and grabbed a Jungle member that charged at them, throwing the man effortlessly over his head and into some enemies gathering in their backs. Kadota pushed a few clumsily with the spatial hand and hit another with the good, old baseball bat. Togusa scattered those who were kissing with his sharp, translucent whirlwind, making a proper passage for them.

'Time to test my new flame-thrower,' Walker chirped. 'Who wants to be my test subject?' he asked gleefully. The whoosh of air and screams that followed told Kadota he hasn't waited for answer. Over his shoulder, he asked Walker to secure their backs and they moved forward slowly.

It was insulting that Erika inspired the greatest fear in their enemies.

})i({

Kuroh barely had the time to get far enough from the van to not worry about involving his King and Fushimi in the fight, when Yukari landed in front of him with undeniable grace. His senior was smiling, despite having in front of him a proof that somebody has betrayed the Green clan or at least managed to break in. Because surely he didn't think Kuroh would have gotten out on his own: there was still that patronising superiority in his expression. And Kuroh was determined to ignore it and show Yukari that he was an opponent worthy of respect.

'Colourful autumn, before leaves fall silently: maple flares true red,' were his words of greeting and Kuroh felt his anger fuel the determination to win against his senior this time.

'How dare you, who have betrayed Master Ichigen, speak his words?' he asked, grabbing the hilt of Kotowari and drawing it without hesitation.

'I complimented you, my cute, little Kuroh,' Yukari protested. He paused to slide Ayamachi out of its sheath, his movement deliberately slow. 'After all, not only the maple tree is the most beautiful just before it withers, but it has reached its full potential.'

'A maple does not wither with the coming of winter,' Kuroh pointed out, ignoring the amused look on Yukari's face. Both hands on Kotowari's hilt, he steeled himself for the fight and proclaimed: 'Today, I will correct your errors, Yukari Mishakuji.'

Yukari laughed out briefly and for once Kuroh couldn't hear any mocking in it, just pure happiness. If anything was ever pure about Yukari Mishakuji. Then, he looked at Kuroh with a smile, eyes gleaming.

'Come and try,' he said, sounding absolutely thrilled.

Kuroh lunged, unsurprised when his blade was smoothly deflected by Yukari. Faster than ever, he continued the motion, turning on his heel, bringing Kotowari to cut Yukari from the other side. Yukari parried the second attack flawlessly as well, the edges of the two katana grinding against each other, sparks flying. He was already starting to smile, but Kuroh hasn't finished quite yet and his mission was to wipe the patronising smile off the smug face.

He thrust his left hand forward quickly, the heel of his hand breaking Yukari's nose. And in the brief moment Yukari was fighting to keep his balance, Kuroh jumped back, putting a katana's distance between them.

'So you've decided to forego the rules of a clean swordfight? What happened to that stubborn adherence to fair play you used to display, little brother?' his opponent laughed, wiping the blood off his face. He didn't even sound annoyed. Against his will, Kuroh felt his teeth gritting as memories of "trainings" flashed in front of his eyes: memories of when Yukari "accidentally" threw him out of the perimeter when Kuroh started getting the upper hand.

'I suppose you could say I learnt from the best,' he spoke only when he was sure his voice wouldn't sound like a growl. Something unpleasant blazed in Yukari's eyes for a moment, before the smug smile stretched his lips once again.

'You got me once, my cute, little Kuroh, don't expect it to happen the second time,' he promised. This time, he attacked, moving before he even finished speaking. He swung his katana in a wide arc, so fast it barely flashed in the air, and Kuroh had to rush to bring Kotowari up, lest he be slashed in half.

The tiny twitch was his only warning, before Yukari, Ayamachi still pushing against Kotowari, kicked out. Kuroh didn't quite manage to dodge, but his movement to the side took some edge off the kick that still sent him stumbling a few steps backwards. And without any pause, Yukari was running at him, forcing Kuroh to twist away clumsily.

He got his footing back mid-twist and profited from their positions to drive the hilt of Kotowari into Yukari's spine. Not as hard as he could, since he prioritised getting away. Just enough to tell Yukari that he has seen and used the opportunity. Fluently, he finished his dodge and brought Kotowari back in a powerful attack.

The edges of two katana screeched against each other, before both Yukari and Kuroh pushed forward and jumped away. Just enough to have space for a running leap, to strike mid-air and, after the katana met with a loud clang, fall on the other side.

Hearing the air swish as Yukari swung his blade again, Kuroh ducked low, kicking his leg out to trip his opponent. Yukari jumped over him and he had to block a punishingly heavy blow from above in a rather unfortunate position. Desperate, he willed Yukari to become lighter for a moment and the pressure on Kotowari lessened, while his opponent gasped in shock.

Quickly, Kuroh pushed Yukari away, amazed at how the latter seemed to bounce, like astronauts in low gravity. He removed the influence and Yukari didn't quite manage to land gracefully. He covered up for the clumsy landing quickly though and swirled his katana in his right hand before gently touching the tips of his left hand's fingers to the base of the blade.

Green sparks raced along the blade like tiny lightning bolts. Kuroh felt an unpleasant shiver run up his spine and Yukari smirked.

'So you do know how to use your Silver Aura, my cute, little Kuroh,' he purred. 'Let me show you what I can do with the Green Aura now.'

He pounced. Kuroh parried a rapid succession of attacks flawlessly. However, as they both twisted away after the last one, he felt the flat of the Ayamachi tap his back. Immediately, pain spread from the point of contact, very much alike what the collar used to do, but infinitely stronger. He stumbled and must have blacked out for a brief moment, because the next thing he knew he was on the floor and Yukari was slicing through a giant, glittering waving cat.

Fear gripped him by the throat.

'This is a one-on-one duel, Miyabi Ameno,' Yukari proclaimed coldly and at the same time, Kuroh shouted at Neko to stay out of it. Yukari turned to him, eyes narrowing as he jumped forward and slashed.

Kuroh barely managed to put up a protection of his Colourless Aura, but the blow wasn't for him. It hit a Green clansman who has apparently tried approaching him, a long knife in his hand. A knife was no match for a katana and the man was no match for Yukari: before Kuroh even had time to look that direction, the masked Jungle player was crumbling to the ground, sliced cleanly in two.

'From now on, anybody who interferes, friend or foe, will be killed,' Yukari growled furiously, before finally looking back at Kuroh, a smirk on his face. His voice was calm and patronising again as he spoke: 'Now, my cute, little Kuroh, wasn't that nostalgic? Of course it was far stronger than that toy collar of yours. Did you enjoy-'

Gritting his teeth, Kuroh scrambled to his feet and attacked, not waiting for Yukari to continue his mocking. He charged at full speed, swinging Kotowari with all the power of his anger. But Yukari deflected the predictable attack easily. He did shut up though.

Barely turning to face his enemy again, Kuroh had to parry a fast, horizontal blow. He pushed the blade away and attacked, trusting himself to evade it when Ayamachi came whistling back. He came out of his duck with Kotowari swinging upwards and Yukari barely caught the blow with and awkward move of his katana.

They jumped away again. Yukari opened his mouth, but Kuroh was done listening: he lunged straight away. As Yukari blocked the feint, Kuroh executed the real attack: a knifehand strike into Yukari's ribs. The pained grunt Yukari couldn't stifle sounded quite satisfying. However, rather than letting himself get carried away, Kuroh quickly withdrew his blade and used Yukari's small stumble to kick the legs from under him.

Even while falling, Yukari swung Ayamachi and the blade slashed Kuroh's unprotected thigh. As pain shot up his spine, Kuroh hesitated a split of a second too long and the blow meant to slice the fallen enemy in half barely slashed Yukari's back as the senior student was rolling away.

With a wounded leg, Kuroh had no choice but to wait until Yukari has picked himself up and attacked. He knew that, once he put too much weight on the injured leg, he would only be able to execute one, maximum two attacks, so he needed to choose them well. At the same time, the huge dose of adrenaline pumping through his veins, all but silenced the vicious pain.

'I have to admit, little brother, that you are better than I expected,' Yukari said. He didn't seem in a hurry to attack, probably just as aware as Kuroh that the latter's time was now limited. He laughed out. 'Is it because you're back in the Colourless clan, little brother? Yes, yes, I did notice that pathetic emblem on your coat and I think it suits you to be the vassal of the weakest king. After all, better though as you might be, you still are weak, my cute, little Kuroh.'

He wasn't going to let Yukari Mishakuji provoke him and forced himself to keep his mouth firmly shut. Figuratively speaking. Taking the offered break to calm his breathing, he watched as Yukari took a few steps to each side, in a leisurely pace. Somebody else might have missed it, thinking the Green clansman's moves were as graceful as ever, but Kuroh knew Yukari too well by now. The strike to the ribs and the slash across the back have taken their toll on him, even if he was still in a better shape than Kuroh.

Which only meant that Kuroh would have to utilize all possible advantages when he attacked.

'What happened? Aren't you going to say anything? Rage at me that you are not weak? Promise that you will- What was it? Ah, "correct my errors": wasn't that what you said? Are you not going to repeat it anymore?' Yukari mocked. He stopped in front of Kuroh and twirled his sword in his hand.

Kuroh narrowed his eyes when he caught a pained wince as Yukari inevitably had to move his arm while the Ayamachi was in motion. The tiniest delay accompanied it and thus the circle designed by the tip of the blade was not quite as perfect as usual. Kuroh memorized it and planned for it.

'Wind's whisper's worth more, rustling in the summer leaves, than words unproven,' he said calmly. Thanks to Yukari's gloating, he now had his breath back and his heart has calmed to a reasonable level.

'Indeed, my little brother,' Yukari agreed, although he deliberately misunderstood what Kuroh wanted to say: 'Your threats are no more danger to me than a breeze.'

Let him think that.

Eyes never leaving Yukari, Kuroh put all weight on his uninjured leg: kicking off it would give him more speed. Fingers wrapping tightly around Kotowari's hilt, he placed the blade behind, to give himself the largest move possible when he would swing forward. Smirking, Yukari shifted his position accordingly, Ayamachi treacherously lose in his grip. They stood frozen for a couple of heartbeats.

Then Kuroh jumped. Ayamachi's blade trembled as Yukari tightened his grip, ready to parry. He twitched, aborting his move abruptly a few seconds later. Gritting his teeth against the excruciating pain, Kuroh landed on his injured leg too far to strike. And, in a fluent move, he slid his foot by few degrees, changing the axis of his attack and pulling Kotowari closer, the tip of the blade pointing at the enemy.

Yukari quickly moved his hand to parry the new blow. His face twisted in a pained grimace and his blade faltered, giving Kuroh just enough time to stab him in the stomach with a forward thrust.

He coughed out blood.

'How fitting for us to die together,' he muttered. Too late, Kuroh realized that Yukari was still armed: he could already feel Ayamachi biting into his side.

Faster than a thought, he stumbled away gracelessly, leaving Kotowari in Yukari's abdomen. As his injured leg gave in under him, he saw Yukari crumble to his knees. As he too fell, he saw Yukari's bloodied smile.