Wedding Wars: For the May Bride · Chapter 6
Streets of Frenzy
Carmen...
She's losing...
It wasn't a matter of skills or talent.
There was a fundamental difference to how the two were fighting.
Fei didn't pull her punches, giving everything she had. As for Carmen...
Fei
...
Perhaps I should have kept those words to myself.
All I wanted was for you to fight with all your heart. But you're holding back even more than before.
Do you have no wish to take this seriously?
Carmen
What if I told you that you're not worth my effort?
Fei
If that's the case, I'd feel better! Haha!
Carmen
...I assumed you'd be one of those prideful martial artists, but you surprise me.
Fei
Much like learning, there is no end to the way of the sword.
What else can be more delightful than fighting an opponent powerful enough to toy with me!
...But you are not such an opponent.
On the contrary. You are afraid of committing.
Why?
Carmen
...
Hmm, I wonder that myself.
Fei
My next move will reveal the answer.
Silent Wind Lucent Moon. My signature move. Focus on defense, and you'll find yourself overwhelmed.
So decide.
Either fight me with all your heart...
Or prove that you're nothing but a dog in the manger, unwilling to take the Captain for yourself!
That's enough! Both of you!
Stop fighting over me!
Fei
Look away, Captain.
This is going to get ugly.
Carmen
...Captain, please step back.
And when I give the signal, turn around and run.
B-but!
Carmen
Shh, it's okay.
Go and wait for me. I will catch up. I promise you that.
But where should I go?!
Carmen
...
...The church.
Before I could protest further, Carmen laid her left hand on my cheek.
The whole world went dark, then became bright again.
Dazed, I touched my right cheek where her lips had touched, if only for a brief moment.
Uh, Carmen?
Carmen
Just a little affection between adults.
When you get back, shall we pick up where we left off?
Fei
Prepare yourself! Clear Wind Bright Moon!
Carmen
Run!!
Leaving Carmen behind, I turned my back.
An explosion filled with murderous intent sent a shiver down my spine, but I dared not look.
I merely ran until I could hear nothing but silence.
Brides
Look, there!
That's the groom! After him!
It's first come, first served!
Everyone, calm down!
It's only a rumor!
Brides
We can always turn that rumor into a fact!
Prepare to surrender your bodily fluids!
AHHHHHH!!!
Brides
Uh, boss? I think he's running.
Then he'll have to perform while he's drained. After him!
It was as if I was being chased by hungry predators.
Struck by a sudden fear that they wouldn't stop until I turned into a desiccated husk, I made an abrupt turn.
Dammit, a dead end!
Wait, a discarded cabinet...
Footsteps grew louder.
I squeezed myself into the cabinet.
Brides
He went this way! I'm sure of it!
...Wait. It's a dead end.
He must be hiding somewhere!
Janet! Alice! Cut off the alley! And you, with me. We'll search the area.
Starting with that cabinet!
Dammit!
Am I done for?
???
U-um, excuse me, everyone.
Brides
Huh?
(That voice...)
???
Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but...
I overheard you saying that the Captain might be here...
Brides
So what, are you here for him too?
You're not even in a wedding dress.
???
S-sorry if I bothered you.
But still... could I get an answer?
Brides
Check out this scrub.
Let's say he's here. Then what, you think you can take him from us?
(No! Everyone, run!)
(She's...!)
???
Oh, okay.
Kyra
Kyra understands. He is here.
Brides
Look, kiddo. Stop wasting my time. Beat it or—
Kyra
You. Crumple.
Brides
W-w-wha—AUGHHH!
The tremors from whatever was happening outside caused the metal cabinet door to shake ominously.
Kyra
Boil. Snap. Twist. Curl.
Brides
I-it's a monster... run!
Kyra
Don't talk. Don't see. Don't hear. Don't think.
Turn into a plant.
...
Kyra
Finally. It's quiet.
...
Captain?
Are you there?
(Hold my breath.)
Kyra
...
...Should've known better.
Hang on, Captain. Kyra will find you.
There must be a misunderstanding. You must be suffering right now.
I'll make sure you don't get entangled in a situation like this ever again.
...By leaving Kyra's mark all over you.
So, Captain...
Come to me right now.
(Hold my breath more desperately.)
Kyra
...Haha, oh, silly me. I know my Kotodama doesn't work on you.
It's okay. Kyra has other assets too.
Wait for me, Captain.
Kyra will get in "touch" with you soon.
... ... ...
... ...
...
(Step outside the cabinet.)
Picking my way through the brides strewn across the pavement, I left the alley.
But it was far from over...
Brides
It's the Captain! Surround him!
Captain! Captain! How do I look? Do I look pretty?!
This is terrifying... I'm scared!
Not only that...
Annah
Testing, testing... The Town Guard is looking for the missing Journey Captain!
I-it's the Town Guard!
Annah, I'm right here—
Annah
We are offering maximum-security protection inside our high-security underground facility on B5 of our HQ!
If you are hearing this, turn yourself in to the Town Guard of kindness, service, and dedication!
...
Annah
...Wait! I know this scent. How could I forget? It's the Captain!
Attention all units! The high-value target is in the vicinity! Begin search!
Town Guard A
Yes, ma'am!
(Slip away.)
I was running for god-knows-how-long, unable to trust anyone...
What?!
When the prolonged flight and mistrust were beginning to take their toll on me...
A rope caught my ankle.
Woah?!
Brides
See? I told you it would work!
Heh heh heh... No more running for you!
You're mine!
You mean "ours."
Slip of the tongue! Anyway, you'll have to marry all four of us, Captain.
Mmph!
Brides
You'll live in Faren from January to March, then move to Monastir and stay there from April through June.
For Q3, it's going to be Aganon. We'll have you back at NOA for Q4.
We won't ask much. Just two babies for each of us! Kehehe!
Hrrp!
Mrrrph!
???
Futile wishes.
Brides
Huh?
That voice... It's above us!
Shoot! I said shoot!
The smell of gunpowder stings the nose.
Dresses ruined and veils torn, they begin the waltz of descent, dancing to the lament of the fallen.
Before me lie the brides, sprawled in every position.
Behind me, a cold stone wall.
And ahead, a woman in a bridal gown stands with a sword in each hand...
Epin... Epindel?
Epindel
Please, there is no need to be alarmed. I have come to rescue you.
...
Please do not resist.
I wanted to discuss the recent developments with you.
Very, very privately...
Story and illustrations © Studio B-Side. An unofficial reading archive — for questions or requests, see the About page.