Chapter 56 - Life and death

Setsura placed her arm down on the table and watched as Victor pulled out some tools. 'He doesn't look like a doctor.' Then again, just now he pulled out his license.

"Hmmm," Victor mumbled. "I think I get it."

Get what?"

"Miss Setsura, the movement was taken from your right arm correct? Your fingers are paralyzed too."

"Yes."

"But, it's not impossible to cure. There is a new kind of western medical technique involving needles. It's called acupuncture."

Wait, acupuncture.. Setsura hesitated. That's painful. Most people would say it's a quick way of healing whatever the problem is. But Setsura hesitated; she's always disliked needles for a reason. Is this really the only way? Victor is the expert; though, she shouldn't question him.

Calm down, Setsura; it's only a needle. Once it's over, she will be able to recover properly.

"Miss Setsura? I know it will be painful, but I'm sorry to inform you. However, if you leave it be. It will get worse, and there is a risk for permanently not being able to use your arm.."

Wait what? Permanent... "When?"

"I'd say in another 2-3 days. It's a good thing we met, and I came back tonight."

Setsura nodded, how close. "Please go ahead."

"Are you sure? Don't you want to wait for…"

"I want to hug Akito properly," Setsura mumbled. She turned red immediately when she realized what she just said. Setsura quickly added. "And other things, of course…"

Victor chuckled, "Very well miss," he reached out for his bag and pulled out some needles.

A large crash sound and scream, however, interrupted them. Neither of them noticed the door opening despite having a good view from where they sat. A blood-curdling shriek filled the air, and Setsura could feel the intense bloodl.u.s.t.

A brief silence before the inhumane scream.

"She wouldn't stop…" A voice whispered into the thick air. It was so hard to breathe.

"I only wanted to have a taste, but she wouldn't stop."

"She kept screaming, even though she was smiling…"

"Suddenly there was red everywhere, and she didn't move. Why?"

Setsura shuddered at those words. Why? Isn't it obvious? She would rather die then get touched by a monster. Setsura thought that she already understood the values of this time. But it turns out that isn't the case here. The people here will not hesitate to end their lives. Why would they? Death here is common.

'Modern.' The purpose of the Meiji era is to work towards a modern outlook. But, changing and developing technology..or even academics mean nothing if they can't change their values. In the modern-day, life is precious. While there are those who still ended their lives, it isn't like this. People would think it through at least. However, from the sounds of this story, that person killed herself right away.

Her thoughts broke off when she spotted Eisuke - who immediately dove right into the fight. Every cut sent the monster shrieking, but it did not do any external harm. Whenever Eisuke cut its arm, it would splatter to the ground, then crawl right back to its original place. 'Regeneration?' she thought.

Setsura shuddered, how terrifying. She didn't want to get a close look at what was going on bellow. But she was worried about Eisuke. "Eisuke is skillful with the blade; we should leave," Victor said.

"But--"

"Miss Setsura, they are after you."

Despite the knowledge that these strange things were after her. Setsura didn't budge an inch and continued to watch the fight.

The fight continued. Eisuke's attacks grew more and more frantic. Setsura felt the blood l.u.s.t from both sides. She could tell Eisuke was growing more frustrated the longer the fight went on. If she lets this continue, something terrible will happen. Think, is there anything she can throw? There was something she wanted to try.

Last time when she threw something at these guys, they looked startled. Could it be that they don't like being caught off guard? Setsura wasn't sure about her theory but..it's better than nothing.

Eisuke may treat her poorly at times, and they don't exactly have the best relationship. But, he protects her whenever Akito asks. He could just allow her to fend for herself, but he's never done that. He's always protected her without fail.

Setsura looked around and found something. Hanging on one of the railings was a cane, as she recalled Eisuke's words.

'I don't like you, but I will protect you.'

The scream from the beast increased, and Setsura grabbed hold of the cane. It was risky - but she threw it down. Setsura was confident in her arm strength, so even though she was on the second floor. She aimed perfectly. It was just on time too, since the beast was just about to land a huge blow on Eisuke.

The beast was confused, "Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?" It was no longer speaking in full sentences like before.

'Eisuke can catch his breath now. But,' Setsura bit her lip as she saw the confusion dispelled. Rage filled the beast's eyes as it turned to her. Here it comes..

Eisuke's eyes widened, "Setsura, move!"

Huh? Suddenly somebody grabbed her hand and drew her back. Her back pressed against another person, she turned and looked up at the person. It was Victor - the entire time he had remained quiet. Setsura understood the moment she saw the look in his eyes. This is old Japan, here killing is normal. That's why the people who live in this time all have such a hazard look in his eyes.

Victor pulled something out of his bag, and her eyes widened when she saw what it was.

A gun?

"I can't say I'm impressed. What do you think a human turned beast like you can do now?" Victor shook his head like he was disappointed.

Human turned beast?

The monster screeched again, but Victor pulled the trigger several times. Setsura always wondered how modern-day weapons would work on beasts. She's always believed that it wouldn't have any effect whatsoever, and indeed that should be the case. However, Victor's bullets affected the monster since it staggered; eventually, it fell down and lost its balance.

Eisuke had hurried over, using a rope from the looks of it. "Stupid girl!" It looked like he really wanted to say something else but held back.

Her sweat fell, "I'm fine, Sir Victor helped me."

Eisuke turned to Victor, "Did you just get back?"

Victor chuckled, "Yes, I did. Your brother summoned me right away."

"That isn't new.. He...." before Eisuke could finish his words, they hear a pained screech. The monster had grabbed hold of a persons leg and started to feed on it. Victor immediately covered her eyes.

"Don't; it's too frightening."

His voice was calm, but there was something about it that seemed amiss to her. Even if Victor had blocked her sight, he couldn't block her ears. She could hear it, every sound of somebody being devoured. After a few moments had passed, Victor drew his hand back.

But the monster's moment was fleeting; a blue flame appeared on the monster's shoulder. Ah?

Setsura looked towards the source and found him. It was Akito; his gaze was deadly.

"Whose woman and friend do you think you're touching?"

"Wh-"

The flames around Akito grew stronger, and it surrounded the monster in seconds. The beasts whole body was ablaze, and his screams simmered away along with him.

Soon there was only smoke, no voice, no light, no blackness. The scenery went back to normal as well. The guests were slowly recovering from the shock. But when they did speak, Setsura heard somebody say.

"That's the former squad one chief?"

"So he didn't get kicked to the curb for his skills."

"Ssh, didn't you see what he just did now? Do you want to get killed."

"He's a monster."

.