Chapter 351 - (2019: Case 02) Part 2

*UNEDITED*

Ever since Setsura enrolled Chauncey in the theatre group. She felt something wrong - is it okay? As long as he doesn't change the events too drastically. Setsura knew she was simply trying to fool herself. Things are already changing aren't they? Katakura and even Oslo warned her to be very careful, not to stand out. But how was she supposed to know that simple theatre group would end up like this?

A movie offer, a agency interested in signing Chauncey. Something so simple, how did it become such a big deal?

Her thoughts broke of when someone grabbed her from behind, somebody is...!? Before Setsura could get a word in edge wise, they covered her mouth.

Their strong, she can't reach the gun in her pocket like this.

She allowed the person to carry her, only to end up in another place. Ceramic sea coloured tiles. In the bathroom...! Just what are they planning!? Setsura struggled in that person's grasp. It seems like no matter how strong she gets, as long as the person is a member of the opposite s.e.x. There will always be a difference. Setsura didn't surrender however and tried to break free, she jabbed him in the stomach with her elbow.

The other individual yelps but then sighed. It seemed familiar to her, the man seemed irritated somehow.

Setsura blinks, Their...grip loosened!? How odd. Yet she doesn't have the luxury to question that action. She has to run away, yet just as she thought that, the person spoke up.

"It's me, Setsura. Calm down a little"

Indeed she came face to face with the person who grabbed her. It was difficult to see because of the darkness but she couldn't mistaken that voice.

She let's out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, she really didn't have the strength to fight right now.

Ever since she saw the strange pillar of light earlier she felt slightly out of it. "Chauncey?" There was something about that beam of light that resembled something she saw before.

Chauncey smiles, "That's m--" his sentence was cut short when he suddenly fell down. Her eyes went wide as she quickly examined his state, his clothes torn and several wounds similar to lashes from a whip and bite marks piercing his skin deeply."

"What terrible wounds," she mumbled. It was very hard to see, but that red colour stands out a lot in the darkness.

"I-I'm fine," he stuttered.

She shook her head, how on earth can he say he's fine in this condition? " You're not fine at all. And your right eye…" Setsura couldn't believe this. His right eye was badly hurt. No something is wrong here....

She quickly looked around for the light switch and found it. The light was very faint, but it was enough.

The blood drained from her face.. Half of his body had been crushed. His clothes were soaked in crimson blood. "Cha-Chauncey..."

"I'm alright."

What...what happened? Sure the explosion was a surprise. But with his reflexes how did he get hurt this badly? "Did you save someone?"

At that comment a bitter smile appeared on his face. Setsura cursed him, "You why are you acting like a hero now of all times? You of all people, how dare you act this way."

Chauncey laughed, "Indeed, I'm no hero of justice. I don't know what I was thinking."

"Normally you'd ignore them," Setsura recalled how back in the haunted mansion, Chauncey would ignore the cries and pain of the victims. He didn't hesitate to shoot.

It's true that back then those people were too far gone. She can't compare this situation to that. Still, she understood his mind set very well. If there is a hindrance, he would get rid of them - even if they are innocent people.

Why did he save someone now?

Chauncey laughed, "I didn't think you would lecture me for saving another person..."

"Of course I would! Have you seen your state? Your a mess..."

This is very bad, what if Chauncey can't go back? Sure he could probably stay here but... Would he want that? Setsura isn't sure. Chauncey Long cares about his family deeply, the mafia world - the people there. He won't be able to leave it behind just like that. Even Setsura hesitated returning,

Chauncey placed his hand on her mouth. It surprised her and she looked at him with widened eyes. "Shh...you're too loud. If those guys find us... we'll be in trouble, right?"

When she realized that Setsura apologized almost immediately, "I'm sorry," she mumbled. Normally she isn't one to apologize, however right now she felt so helpless.

Chauncey nodded, "Actually, why are you here? Since it's you, you wouldn't wait for me and wander off right? When you saw what happened, you could have escaped. I'm sure you could do that."

That's true.

She could have just escaped there.

For sure if she went then maybe the wolves would have left the area too. Maybe she could have lead them away.

She wouldn't be confused and she would do things as instructed. Just like before and yet, " I was worried about you. I couldn't just run away by myself."

How could she possibly escape knowing that he was still around here?

Katakura is right, she's become way too soft. Yet Setsura didn't regret decision at all. There's no way she could regret it. After all she's already become one with these people. The destiny she decided to lead has already changed.

"I'm impressed," Chauncey commented. "I've never met a bigger idiot than you. What on earth were you thinking returning? You're the target."

So, it's her and not him? That should relieve

"If I'm being targeted, then all the more I should stay."

Although she doesn't understand why she's being targeted. It's not like she made any enemies before this whole time travelling started. After all she was on probation. Quite some time has passed since she last went on a case.

Chauncey apparently though didn't think of her as foolish, as he spoke his next words rather softly. He suddenly pulled her into his arms. The contact surprised her. While their relationship has gotten better now, they aren't close enough yet. It's surprising, but this felt familiar to her. Did something like happen before?

"Even though you knew that you'd be in the worst danger here if they find you, you purposely stayed behind. That's just like you."

Setsura hits him, "What do you mean that's like me? What do you know about me? You don't know anything, jerk!" she couldn't believe this. Why is she losing control of her emotions in front of this guy of all people?

"For my sake, I can't understand you."

That's her line! He is the one she can't understand. Besides, why does he even have to understand her? Didn't he only come here to watch over her for Akito's sake. He doesn't have to understand her to do that. Setsura realized that he stopped talking, and quickly mumbled.

"Chauncey?"

" . .. ... "

When he didn't answer Setsura placed her hand on his face.

His pulse is getting weaker by the minute, and the blood is spreading far faster than it usually would.

'This is a terrible situation, she needs to get him out of here quickly.' Unfortunately, Setsura looked around. Is there anything she can use to stop the bleeding?