Chapter 10

Promises carefully constructed, given and connected, yet all just leads to being broken in the end.

Warning(s): Violence, blood, etc.

-/-

"As long as you're with me... I believe that... I'll be able to surpass anything..."

"I'll stay with you, starting today up until we part ways, I promise to stay with you, only if you could promise me the same..."

"I promise..."

Hey, Umi? Are you mad at me?

I'm glad I was able to make it in time.

Don't cry.

Just this time, forgive me.

I'm sorry.

I love you.

-/-

A dim light illuminated a lone figure in the middle of the room. Navy blue hair can be seen, dressed in a blue blazer along with their red ribbon, their wrists and ankles chained onto the chair they were seated on.

Footsteps.

The restrained figured stirred quietly, her eyes fluttering open slowly.

"Sonoda." A voice resonated through the room, cold and intimidating, instantly causing a change in the atmosphere to be dark and heavy.

Still in a daze, she squinted her eyes to make out the source of the voice and the footsteps approaching her until they come into an abrupt stop, just mere steps away from coming into the light.

"W-Who are you?" Umi spoke with the strongest voice she could muster as she took hold of her surroundings and her current situation.

Her head continuously assaulted her with a splitting headache while her heart pounding furiously against her chest didn't help her one bit as her whole body felt weak. She tried wiggling almost desperately against the cuffs that bound her, trying to ease her way out or at least lessen the tightness but to no avail.

Slowly, albeit excruciatingly, the figure took a step forward, coming into the light.

"It's finally nice to see you in the flesh."

Her breath hitched, she looked up, her eyes widening in fear towards the man in front of her. It was him, the man in all the reports and files her lover had gone through and discussed with her.

"T-Takeo...Takahashi..."

-/-

"Where is she?" Eli spoke into her earpiece in between pants, she was navigating through the secluded pathways in Akihabara to avoid the crowd.

"We've confirmed her location through the tracker you placed," Ryuu responded with his stoic voice, though Eli could tell he was worried and fearful. "She's currently on the top floor of Takeo's main building. At this pace, you should be able to arrive there in around 3 minutes, turn right when the path separates, we'll lead you through it."

"Understood," The blonde did as she was told, continuing her pursuit.

Mere seconds after Ryuu informed her of what happened, Eli geared up in her agent uniform and was out of the arena. As scared as she is for Umi's safety—and sanity, she forcefully set aside her unsettling thoughts and mustered the will to calm herself and cool her head. She knew the night was far from over and at this point she could only hope that her lover would hold out until she gets there.

"Turn left, you should arrive around the perimeter of Takeo Industries. Cross over the turf, there are guards around so be careful. We're already surveying the route to the main building." Ryuu spoke hastily, the sound of shuffling and indecipherable voices can be heard along with it.

"Proceeding." Eli replied through gritted teeth, she arrived at the said place and paused, breathing heavily. She clenched her fists, a certain thought crossing her mind.

"Ayase?" Ryuu asked through the earpiece, startled that the blonde had stopped moving according to their tracking system.

"There's something I'd like to request, sir." Eli breathed out, looking straight to the turf in front, her resolve firmly seen through her eyes.

-/-

"What is it that you want?" Umi spat out, her head lolled to the side after having received a hard hook to her face. She stood her ground, fighting back against the tears that threatened to fall.

"I want a lot of things, dear." Takeo sneered, raising a syringe in his hands together with a bottle, a sort of liquid flowing through. "How many secrets do you think Ryuu has hidden from you?"

"F-Father? What does he have to do with all this?" The archer looked up weakly as Takeo approached her, not saying a word. The man swiftly pushed Umi's head to the side, exposing her neck.

"What are you—" Umi gasped at the sudden pain coming from the needle. She struggled fruitlessly against the restraints and Takeo's hold as she felt liquid being forced into her system once again.

"That should do it." Takeo grinned maniacally, removing the syringe as Umi looked up at him with a glare, "Don't look so upset, I'm sure the blonde girl, Ayase Eli was it? She's probably on her way to save you."

"What did you do to me..." Umi breathed out, she was startled upon hearing the name of her lover while the already present headache intensified as she felt her body grow even weaker. She breathed out heavily, beads of sweat trailing down her head.

"It's a new drug I developed, just to keep you uncomfortable. We wouldn't want you to die now, do we?" Takeo smiled, returning the items in his pockets. "After all, it would ruin everything we prepared to have my revenge on your father."

"Re...Revenge? Wha...What are you...planning to do?" Umi spoke through gritted teeth, she was doing her best to not fall unconscious as the effects of the drug kicked in.

"Let's just say your father ruined my life, turned it to hell, though that's a useless story to tell, after all, you'll just be a corpse soon. Today's the day he will finally know what I'm capable of." Takeo placed his hand to the side of Umi's face, trailing it down to her chin before pulling it up to see defiant amber eyes. "Unfortunately, it's not him that would take the blow, it would be his lovely daughter. Of course, that blonde girl would be compromised as well. Poor grandma Ayase, already in critical condition yet in the palm of my hands, it'd be painful for her granddaughter to watch as I drain the life out of her." He chuckled.

Fury burst into Umi's eyes, she tried turning her head away but her weakness betrayed her, only managing a small nudge. "Don't bring her into this!" She shouted.

"It's already been decided love." Takeo let go of Umi's head which immediately slacked down from the strain. "From that special chip she's using, down to the injury she got just recently, I've orchestrated it perfectly."

"The special chip? An injury?" Umi managed to raise her head, she felt a pang of guilt at the mention of the once unbeknownst injury.

"You didn't know? My, I thought you two were close." Takeo laughed, a beep was heard in the room and three screens descended from the ceiling. The middle one lit up, exposing a picture of Eli being slashed by a man. "Though she was able to beat my team, they've completed their mission in injuring the blonde like I told them to."

The other two screens lit up while the middle changed, their images different from one another but it was all showing Eli during special training, using the special chip.

"I've gathered all the ins and outs of the special chip and how she uses it. Hachiro, one of my men to which I'm sure you're familiar with, was even able to tweak it just a little bit, adding more...controls for me to use. That puts me on an advantage, right?" Takeo grinned once again, giggling to himself.

"Everything will soon be done my way."

A cold shiver went down through her spine as Umi bit her lip to cover her fear, processing the information. She lowered her head, shaking slightly as she tried to steady her breathing while dizziness washed over her.

Through whatever circumstances, she knew Eli was on her way to her yet she can't help but feel that it would be safer for the blonde not to. The archer grit her teeth, willing herself to stay awake amidst the unrelenting headache and weakness in her body. Calm yourself, it's going to be okay... She shook her head, her train of thought going wild as possibility after possibility came up, each one worse than the other.

Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she tried to think of a way to get out of this situation, yet it was all futile. He's done it...from start to finish... Umi went pale at the thought of the end result of all of this, yet her thoughts was disrupted by a sounds of explosions from afar.

"Looks like she's here." Takeo huffed, his eyes sharpening into a serious look as the screens changed.

The whole turf of Takeo Industries was covered in fog, some buildings were destroyed and some employees and workers panicking to evacuate. Lights fluctuated through windows while some electricity lines were seen snapped and short-circuiting. Small fires started in some areas, thickening the smoke.

Eli stood at the entrance of the main building, her position to be in a fighting stance. In front of her was a familiar face, Hiroki.

"You arrived her sooner than we expected, I'm impressed." Hiroki was heard, cautiously moving forward towards the blonde.

"You're in my way." Eli responded monotonously, as she observed his movements.

"I don't know about you but, I've gotten a lot stronger." Hiroki retorted, a small smile seen on his face. "Let's see how you'll do, shall we? Rank 1, 'Ace'-san." Without another word, the two agents charged at each other.

Umi looked worriedly as the fight unfolded, her heart continually beating furiously as she earnestly hoped for a favorable outcome. Eli...

-/-

A knife came flying, almost hitting the blonde who dodged it mere millimeters away.

Eli moved swiftly, avoiding each and every punch that Hiroki throws, managing a couple of hits towards her opponent. She knew how he fought, after having to fight him in spars during training or tests, the blonde had completely memorized his usual moves and actions.

The brunette stumbled back after having been kicked painfully in his gut, blood splattered as he coughed.

"You're in my way." Eli repeated, her voice firm though there was a hint of venom.

"You haven't changed have you?" Hiroki spat, wiping his mouth before he grinned, "It's too bad that I have to stop you here, who knows what's happening up there with that younger Sonoda—"

Eli immediately charged at him, pushing him towards the wall with great force, her eyes ablaze as she dealt another blow. "Shut up." She growled, her arm pressing onto the brunette's neck.

"C-Come on, she was waaay too easy to capture." Hiroki mocked, only to have Eli apply even more pressure to his neck. He grinned, seeing Eli's eyes glare at him. That's it, Ayase. Get angry. "S-She must be screaming by now? Can't you hear?" He rasped.

"SHUT UP!" Eli shouted furiously, her other hand wrapping itself onto Hiroki's neck as she lifted him up.

The brunette took this chance and landed a powerful kick towards the blonde's injured side.

Eli let go of him, she caught herself before landing on the floor, facing Hiroki almost immediately while crouched as she bit her lip, a hand holding her side as pain resonated through.

Hiroki gave no time for reprieve as he came for the blonde even faster than before. Eli barely dodged his attacks, her movements sloppier due to the unrelenting ache.

A couple hits were landed onto the both of them, much more on Hiroki's part than Eli's but the brunette continued with his blows, specifically targeting her side as he showed no signs of stopping whatsoever, a significant difference than when Eli used to fight him before.

Too much time. Eli grit her teeth. I have to use it.

Hiroki came once again, his fist aiming for her side. She maneuvered away from him, counterattacking by throwing him to the wall, his head hitting against it with a loud thud.

Without wasting anymore time, Eli raised her right hand.

=== Power Charged: 30.0%

"Commencing Usage." Eli stated, electricity running along her arm as the ball dispersed, aiming right at Hiroki.

The brunette screamed in pain, the strand of electricity hitting him right on his chest. He thrashed on the floor as electricity ran through him, his muscles spasmed and he dropped onto the floor, unconscious.

Pain immediately shot through Eli's head, her legs buckled slightly, more so if it weren't for the support of the wall she was leaning onto. She breathed heavily, a hand clasping her side as she swallowed back a pained gasp.

Unlike before, she was already able to use at least half of the special chip's power without collapsing. A series of special trainings has prepared her for it. Though the pain continuously hammered her entire being, it was manageable, or at least, that's what she likes to think.

=== Incoming Call: RSC.

"Initiate." She murmured, loud enough for the command to be heard as she bore with the pain, trudging on.

"Your status, Ayase." Ryuu's voice came firmly.

"Hiroki has been subdued. 30% power has been utilized. Proceeding with the mission." Eli stated, once she stabilized her footing and the pain has died down, she sprinted off.

-/-

"That's quite unfortunate." Takeo said, his eyes narrowed the whole time he watched the fight unfold. "But that confirms that the chip is with the blonde, though she must've learned to control the power much better." He deduced, the latter part of the sentence said in a low voice which Umi didn't catch.

A beep resonated in the room again and the screens changed, showing grids of footage from cameras all around the building, Eli being seen running.

Umi breathed a small sigh of relief at the result of the fight but that didn't lessen the worry she felt towards Eli; during the times in which the blonde was in pain, she memorized how the blonde would cover up the pain and it certainly didn't just pass by the archer just moments ago. She leaned back into the chair, breathing heavily as her body temperature raised, a sort of fever coming through.

Takeo turned his heel, facing Umi and taking in her current state, he smiled. "It took effect faster than I expected, you and your sister are much alike."

The archer jumped at the mention of her sister, earning a chuckle from the man who held her captive.

"S-Sister?" Umi asked with little firmness in her voice, her brows raised as Takeo approached her.

"Ah! How rude of me." Takeo took a strand of Umi's hair, running it through his hands. "All orders I ask of my men are sent through with her intials, Y and S, that way she'd be seen responsible for the mastermind of crimes happening. The two of you were really surprisingly easy to acquire, perhaps that's how it is when you're a Sonoda?" He chuckled, stepping back, his face darkening yet his smile still seen.

"Shall we call onto our guest then?"

Footsteps was heard through the silent room, coming from behind Takeo. A woman, much like the archer, came into view. Bruises and wounds seen scattered around her arms, neck and face, the blouse and skirt she was wore hung raggedly on her figure, ripped and dirty. Her eyes were hallow, as if there wasn't anymore life in it.

Umi's breath hitched in her throat, her expression mixed with disbelief, anger, and sadness, recognizing the person in front of her. "Onee-san..."

-/-

Eli slowed down until coming into an abrupt stop, panting heavily as she leaned on the wall to her right.

She closed her eyes, trying to regain her breath.

Pressure.

"Agh!" She wasn't able to bite back a gasp as the pain shot through her chest, causing the wound on her left to intensify in its ache.

"Ayase, hang in there." Her captain's voice came in a serious yet concerned voice.

Eli didn't reply, she put a hand to her side briefly before she checked it, no signs of blood...yet. She suppressed another cry of pain into a groan as she reached into her pockets, acquiring a bottle of pain killers and amphetamines as prescribed by the aid department and Maki's father to help her in this mission specifically.

Plopping a handful of pills in her mouth, she swallowed them hastily.

"H-How...How's Umi?" Eli panted, taking a few steps forward.

Ryuu didn't reply immediately like he would, there was a hesitant pause, followed by a groan before he spoke, "She's holding up, though not for long." was all he said.

The blonde knew there was something more to that but nevertheless she didn't question it. Whatever worry and fear she had was to be pushed away, it isn't important now. Arriving to where the archer is as soon as possible and getting her out is the top priority.

It only took a few minutes for the effect of the medicines to kick in and Eli was able to run and fight the way she does. She swiftly knocked out the men who came for her with ease, and continued to navigate through the building with Ryuu's guidance.

I'm coming, Umi.

-/-

Yui stood with a blank expression on her face while Takeo stood next to her, a somewhat remote in hand. "You're much better when you're controlled like this, don't you think, Yu-i-chan?" Takeo hummed, "Answer me."

"Yes, Takeo-sama." Yui monotonously replied, her head bowed.

Umi's eyes widened at the reply as she trembled slightly.

What...?

"How wonderful! Hachiro has got his work cut out for him, this is amazing!" Takeo beamed, almost like a child who got their most awaited present.

As if a new found energy has been ignited, Umi shouted, "What did you do to her?!"

Takeo didn't bother to reply and proceeded to kick onto the back of Yui's knees, causing her to fall. Yui didn't seem to have any reaction even as he placed his foot firmly onto her back before he muttered, "Release."

A gasp of pain came from Yui's vulnerable and shaking form.

She dizzily looked around, trying to make out her situation before she felt whatever was on her back push further down, crushing her and drawing another cry.

"Onee-san!" Umi called out, moving forward against her chains.

Yui looked up weakly to the sound of the voice, her eyes turning wide and her face fell.

No...

While controlled by Takeo's device, the things she sees was only hazy; she could make only make out blurry shapes and colors while her body moved on its own, but she was certain that there was a person with navy blue hair, and it was true. Her once hallow eyes lit up, meeting the same amber orbs.

"Umi..."

"And so the fateful reunion ensues!" Takeo laughed, grabbing a handful of Yui's hair and pulling her up while she thrashes weakly in his hold.

"Let her go!" Umi protested, still struggling in her chains as she sees her sister thrown once again onto the floor.

"You're awfully lively." Takeo griped, his expression annoyed as he delivered a number of stomps onto Yui's head, the girl trying to protect herself with her arms. He stopped his torment and gave a small 'tch' before he spoke.

"Control."

With that, Yui's eyes fell hallow again as she stopped struggling beneath Takeo.

"How easy," Takeo snickered, "Stand and take this." He commanded, his arm outstretched as the girl complied almost immediately.

A sense of dread washed over Umi as her controlled sister followed the order. Her breath hitching in her throat as a glint caught her eye. Her sister turned to face her, a knife in hand.

"Go on. Do the deed." Takeo dictated.

Umi shook her head almost desperately as her sister approached.

"O-Onee-san, p-please, don't." She pleaded as she tried finding the same eyes she did just moments ago, the same eyes that she looked into the past years full of protectiveness and care but all she could see now was cold, dark and sullen eyes.

Fear grasped onto her entire being, she shrunk into the chair that bound her as Yui neared.

"It was nice meeting you, Sonoda Umi." Takeo's voice echoed.

The knife was raised.

Umi looked away, eyes closed, tears running, only a single person crossing her mind as she whispered a prayer in her heart, Eli...!

BOOM!

The ceiling was smashed through, it's pieces scattering, some small debris falling onto Umi while the large chunks landed on some equipment. There was a glimpse of blonde hair just as a resounding thud echoed throughout the room as Yui was kicked back, landing on Takeo in the process as they were thrown a few feet away.

Sparks were heard and the chains that bound the archer cracked and became lose.

Frightened amber eyes met worried cerulean orbs.

"Eli..." Umi rasped out in disbelief.

-/-

Before she knew it, the archer was pulled onto her feet, into a tight embrace.

"Thank...Thank goodness." Eli panted out unevenly as she clutched her lover for dear life, afraid that of letting go and having her out of her sight once again.

"E-Eli..." Umi spoke shakily, she weakly put her arms around the blonde before more tears came pouring down, burying her head into the blonde's neck.

"Y-You came..." She said softly.

"I'm here." Eli ran her hands through the archer's blue locks, soothing her as she cried. Though she knew that Umi is first priority, it was unlikely that both of them are to get out unscathed and so she decided.

"You're going to be okay." She said determinedly.

"Eli—"

The archer was immediately cut off by the blonde's sudden push against her. Umi fell onto the floor on the side as Eli rolled opposite her, a knife spotted flying in between.

=== Utility Activate: Defense Barrier

"Deflect." Eli commanded quietly, her hand in the direction where Umi was as she got up. That should keep her safe for the time being. She grit her teeth, a sharp pain stinging her side but she ignored it, instead she stood cautiously, carefully observing her surroundings, seeing Takeo grunt, pushing Yui off him with great force as he stood.

"What a missed chance, I was hoping you'd arrive by the time the younger Sonoda died." Takeo complained, dusting off his suit before his eyes met Eli's, a sneer seen on his face.

"Ayase Eli." He began.

"How was it dealing with my men? For sure, being rank 1 meant that it was all child's play, or was it?" His hand gestured onto Eli's left.

Eli didn't reply, only narrowing her eyes as she recognized Yui, who walked to Takeo side, standing still. Confusion settled in her features, she glanced at Umi who had a somewhat pleading expression and from there she understood even just a bit of the current situation.

"Quiet? That's unexpected, I thought you were more talkative just like when you were battling my son just moments ago." Takeo huffed, walking towards the screens, his back turned from them.

"Son?" Eli spoke cautiously.

"Satoshi Hiroki and Takeo Takahashi...?"

"That's Satoshi Shima to you, sweetie." Takeo responded.

What...? Eli's features contorted into one of confusion as she remembered having heard that name.

Who... She suddenly paled.

It can't...be him...

Eli's mind went overdrive as all the reports and files she went through played back in her head.

"ES-01SS. Experiment Subject 01 Satoshi Shima... The first experiment..." Eli mumbled out, her expression full of shock.

"Right on the spot, it seems you've done your research, ES-02AE." Takeo's hand reached up to his ear, an earpiece slipping in.

He turned to the blonde, a devilish look on his face. His left hand opened, palms facing up, sparks of electricity emitting from it randomly.

Eli took a step back, cautious as sweat dripped from her temples.

Takeo moved forward.

"Getting scared? Why don't you ask your precious captain to help you? He's watching isn't he, Sonoda-heichou." Takeo revealed once again, a glimpse of anxiety seen in Eli's features before it was once again replaced by her stoic mask.

He couldn't help but laugh at how hopeless they all are.

"Let's not prolong the fun anymore."

The screens behind Takeo revealed Eli's grandmother, causing the blonde to pale even more as she was startled.

Takeo raised his hand, a remote in hand as sparks emitted further at random bursts.

All at the same time, Takeo pressed the button on his remote, the vitals of Eli's grandmother started falling, and he commanded towards Yui, "Engage."

"NO!" Eli shouted, horrified as she sees doctors and nurses enter the room her grandmother was in, knowing what he's after.

She charged forward, hoping to snatch the remote from Takeo which she figured it caused whatever's happening to her grandmother.

Yui, under Takeo's control, blocked Eli's way, a knife in hand, slashing the blonde who dodged mere inches away.

Eli retreated, though desperation running through her, her eyes glued entirely onto the commotion happening through the screens.

She barely made it in time to react when Yui came towards her with the knife but wasn't able to avoid the kick hitting her shoulder. She caught herself by rolling to the side and counterattacked swiftly with a sweep to Yui's legs, throwing her off.

The blonde scrambled to get to her feet, going towards Takeo.

"Eli!" Umi's voice came from a far.

Yui came aiming for Eli's shoulder, the blonde having to tear her eyes away from the screen as she took in the form of Umi's sister.

Umi...?

Her eyes widened.

No, it's not her!

She swiftly dodges the knife, moving away from the girl.

She's too much like Umi... Eli thought, gritting her teeth as she dodges the incoming attacks, unable to bear the thought of hitting her beloved purposely.

When a familiar yet dreadful sound reached Eli's ears, she stopped briefly, glancing towards the screen, a look of horror seen on her features.

The heart monitor showed a straight line.

"N-No..." Eli muttered, lost for words as tears started to glaze over her eyes.

Without even given the chance to mourn, Yui threw a punch to Eli's face, the blonde narrowly avoiding it with a graze but she wasn't able to avoid the incoming kick to her side.

"Achk!" Eli landed painstakingly onto the barrier she put around Umi, the pain from her injured side coming once again as she struggled to breathe.

"Eli!" Umi called out once again, her voice laced with much concern as she moved towards the blonde only to be stopped by the barrier. "Stop it! You're pushing yourself too far!"

The blonde clutched her side, feeling the fabric of her jacket having become damp, blood seeping through. She cursed internally before she realized she had to move or else—

Too late.

Yui stood above her, the knife hovering just centimeters away from Eli's throat.

The blonde moved further back into the barrier as much as possible, the knife nearing her.

"Onee-san, please!" Umi banged onto the barrier weakly, some tears streaming down her face. "Come back..."

Eli barely heard a chuckle come from Takeo as the knife pressed onto her neck slowly.

Beads of blood trickling down.

She froze, unable to breathe.

"Yui-nee." Umi spoke.

The knife stopped moving.

Yui's hands were seen shaking. Her eyes had found a little bit of life in them as the knife retracted slightly.

Without a moment's hesitation, Eli hit the knife away.

This threw Yui off guard, who stepped back before the blonde was able to grab onto her wrist and pulled, making her land on the floor.

Eli maneuvered herself to stay on top of Yui's back, the latter's arm in a vulnerable position.

Yui squirmed underneath Eli's hold, which caused a little pang of guilt to Eli. The blonde carefully reached up to the side of Yui's face.

"You did well bearing with it all this time." Eli spoke softly before she pulled out the earpiece coming from Yui's ear.

The older woman froze before her eyes visibly had their life returned to it and she stopped fighting the blonde's hold.

Eli let go of her with a short sigh of relief. She threw the earpiece onto the floor and smashed it with her foot.

Yui deliriously looked around, blinking multiple times to try to clear her vision, barely making out the figure of her little sister.

"U...U-Um...mi..." Yui rasped out, slowly getting to her knees as she gazed onto her little sister, inching towards her.

"Yui-nee..." Umi spoke, relief seen in her features as she moved towards the said girl, the barrier having seemed to be removed temporarily by Eli.

"It...It's you..." Yui said, tears brimming her eyes as she fell weakly into the arms of her sister.

Umi managed a nod, holding onto her sister, a small smile tugged on her lips.

She was about to open her mouth to speak when a spark of electricity came and directly hit Yui in the chest, the girl let out a small gasp before passing out.

"No, no, no! Yui-nee!" She shook the person in her arms.

The relief she felt just moments ago was short-lived as she heard a grunt along with a thud, coming from the person she most dreaded it to be.

Eli fell to her knees, a hand clutching her head while her eyes dilated. Pain was slowly building up in her head, spreading to the rest of her body.

"Eli..." Umi whimpered out as well, seeing the blonde's current state, a sinking feeling came through as she scrambled to go to the blonde, though stopped once again by the barrier. "Eli!"

"What a pain." Takeo growled in disappointment, he stood a few feet away from the two, though coming closer with small steps. The sparks on around him becoming dangerously protruded randomly.

"AHHHHHH!" Eli screamed, her voice echoing throughout the room.

In an unimaginable way, a pounding pain, much worse than the trainings she had to go through, was coursing through from her head to the rest of her body. It hurts. Was the only thought in her head as the pain continued to relentlessly attack her.

"Eli!" Umi called out, she banged onto the barrier desperately, her eye's widening at the blood starting to flow from Eli's ear. "ELI!" She cried.

"Tch." Takeo's expression turned dark as he hovered over the blonde who was shaking on the floor, the pain subsiding momentarily leaving a dull ache and resulted in a coughing fit, red splattering on the ground with each cough.

He roughly grabbed onto Eli's neck, pulling her up.

"It seems I'll have to take matters in my own hands."

—/—

Eli stumbled back, breathing unevenly while her vision blurred slightly. Moments ago, she somehow managed to pry herself away from Takeo's hold and hit him just once though with enough force to throw him off. From here on out, she knew deep down this wasn't going to turn out pretty at all.

Takeo charged at her faster than Hiroki or Yui had, she barely had the time to react to avoid his incoming hits and threatening sparks.

The first experiment was a failure. She knew that from all the reports she had to go through and study in the agency.

Satoshi Shima wasn't able to control the special chip due to it's incompatibility and the fact that the device wasn't developed as much as it is now. However, that doesn't rid of the fact that he can still use it; it won't be accurate, mostly relying on chance and luck, but it's still lethal. A staff of EFO had themselves in critical condition after having been randomly hit by the sparks. It's no question that it is random but powerful.

Though what Eli doesn't understand is the pain induced towards her just moments ago. It couldn't be from the side effects of the special chip as she wasn't using it at the time, so was it done by Takeo?

Nevertheless, the blonde continued to fight back.

An influx of kicks, punches and sparks were coming dangerously close to Eli before she continued to manage moving away just in time. His movements aren't accurate. She deduced, but the fact that the sparks were random didn't allow her to attack and move as she usually would.

Takeo, of course, noticed this and took advantage of it.

Another burst of pain came through Eli's head, catching her off guard and causing her to pause in her movements, a cry coming out of her mouth involuntarily.

That short pause was all Takeo needed to aim a forceful kick onto her injured side once again.

Eli attempted to dodge but she was suffering from whatever device Takeo was using, resulting to her falling and rolling back on the ground unceremoniously.

She panted heavily as the pain in her head subsided slightly, yet continually aching. She stood up shakily, coughing up blood as she pulled out a dagger from her thigh.

From the middle of the room, Umi could only watch. The barrier around her kept her stationed together with her sister but from the looks of it, the barrier seems to have been fluctuating due to the fact that Eli's taking too much damage.

As Eli fixed her stance and turned to face Takeo once again, Umi sincerely hoped they would be able to make it out alive.

—/—

(A few days ago.)

"Eli? Are you okay?" Umi asked the blonde who entered the room from the bathroom, looking dazed.

"Yeah..." Eli replied softly, her mind seemingly else where as she took a few steps, her eyes wandering around the room for some reason as she clutched onto her spare clothes.

She stopped walking when Umi went in front of her.

"U-Umi?" The blonde inquired with a jolt, her eyes landing onto her lover's calming amber orbs.

"I'll take that," Umi gave the blonde a serene smile before she took the clothes from Eli's arms. "We'll rest now okay?" She said before turning to walk to the closet and hung Eli's clothes.

The blonde agreed silently and proceeded to the bed, scooting in the covers as the lights were closed, a small night light allowed for some dim illumination in the room as Umi joined Eli in the bed.

Usually, Umi would've already been out cold but Eli was with her... and she was somewhat shifting around in the bed.

"Eli...? What's—"

She was cut off by the blonde pulling her into an embrace, her head buried in the younger girl's shoulder before she mumbled out somehow weakly, "Can I...?"

Umi smiled and nodded in response, her hand going through golden locks while the blonde nuzzling her head further into the archer's warmth. She must be tired...? Though, perhaps...scared? She guessed as she noticed the blonde's slight trembling as well as warmth and some wetness on her shoulder.

It took around a minute or two before the blonde pulled away with a soft sniff, "I'm s-sorry, it's just—"

A gentle hand took hold of the side of her face, turning it to face the archer who had that knowing look and encouraging smile Eli loved so much.

"It's okay." Umi softly spoke, she could feel her face heating up, though luckily unseen due to the dim light. "I love you, Eli. I'm here." She reassured, sensing the blonde's unease.

Umi used her hand to slowly guide Eli's face closer to hers, while the other hand rested on the blonde's hip. It wasn't long before their lips pressed together once again, Eli's arms finding their way wrapped around Umi's neck.

It was soft and quite damp from the tears the blonde shed just moments ago. Their mouths opened, both their tongues pushed into each other's mouth as some soft sighs and moans left them.

They pulled back a few minutes later, panting in each other's arms. Both their faces can be seen flustered if the light was brighter in the room.

Eli pulled onto the archer once again resuming her former embrace though much looser.

"It's scary..." She muttered, trembling slightly.

"I know." The archer responded, knowing fully what her lover was talking about.

"I don't want to lose you, Umi."

"Me too."

The room fell into silence, only the soft sniffles of Eli can be heard. They shifted under the sheets, arms and legs entangling each others as they held each other close.

"I won't forgive myself if they even lay a single finger on you." Eli mumbled, clutching onto the fabric of Umi's clothes.

"I can't bear to see you in pain either." Umi responded, her eyes half closed as she patted the blonde's head gently, her lips resting onto her lover's forehead.

"Umi..." Eli called out softly as she moved, her hand resting on the bed beside Umi as she hovered over the latter. Her knee dipped into the bed in between Umi's legs.

From this viewpoint along with the small lighting of the room, Umi could see a bit of Eli's red face and glazed yet determined looking eyes. She was sure her face wasn't spared by the growing blush on her cheeks, nevertheless, her hand reached up to touch Eli's face while the other became intertwined her lover's hands.

Slowly, Eli lowered herself. She planted small kisses tracing onto the archer's jaw before she was lead to the archer's lips, kissing it passionately.

Umi kissed back, allowing the blonde to nibble on her lip for a bit before parting her mouth, deepening the kiss. She used her hand to unconsciously tuck a few blonde locks behind Eli's ear while she felt Eli's other arm wrap behind her.

They broke the kiss, regaining their breath just for a bit before ultimately connecting once again.

Sweet...As she's always been... Umi thought while the blonde pressed onto her, not that she minded. These kinds of acts would've turned her into a blushing mess screaming 'shameless!' if it was the version of her from a long time ago, things have truly changed as it seems.

For the both of them, this was their normal. The often meet ups and sleepovers, dates and talks, hugs and kisses, it's their everything; all they ever want, all they ever need. But good things don't last, do they? A threat looms over them, they both knew the possible consequences that are to come, the turn of events from this to that, the fact that in the near future, what they love could not be around anymore: each other.

"Eli..." The archer called softly after they pulled away, she rolled to her side, facing the blonde who did the same.

Tearful cerulean eyes met Umi's amber ones as they held each other's hands, their foreheads inching towards each other before ultimately touching.

"I'll take care of you." Eli said somewhat determinedly as she wrapped her arms around Umi, continually admiring the archer's face, wanting to memorize every inch of her. "I love you."

She leaned in, giving her lover a small chaste kiss before settling herself near the archer's chest, closing her eyes and listening to the sound of her heartbeat.

Umi put the covers over the blonde, tucking her in as she dozed off. She smiled as she a set another kiss on the blonde's forehead.

"I love you too." She whispered, patting the head of the blonde who was fast asleep.

Worry was still present, she knew very well whatever future is to come wouldn't be as fleeting as time has been now. However, we'll be okay, she hoped fervently as she closed her eyes, joining the blonde in her slumber.

We have to be.

—/—

Sparks and strands of electricity were being shot everywhere as Eli and Takeo continued their battle.

They stood their ground, equally fighting; Eli was sharp on her movements as she moderately used the special chip to a level she can bear without collapsing, meanwhile, Takeo threw attacks rapidly making up for it's inaccuracy along with a number of random bursts and dangerous strands of electricity.

It was clear that Eli had the upper hand as Takeo was now being backed onto the wall, nearing the corner.

Takeo cursed under gritted teeth as he avoided another round of Eli's attacks with her dagger, the blonde showing no signs of stopping.

When Takeo had slipped away from the blonde and away from the wall, he paused.

Eli raised a brow but didn't stop, she charged towards Takeo. Just as she was to stab him, a smile formed on his lips.

"Control." He spoke.

The blonde froze. The knife was centimeters away from the back of Takeo head, the electricity from the special chip faded immediately while the life from her eyes visibly drained.

Clang!

The dagger fell on the floor.

What?

Eli tried to say but only managed internally. What's...happening... She tried moving her body but it was still, almost as if she didn't have any control over it—

Control...he didn't...?

"Kneel."

Eli's body moved on it's own accord, obeying what he had said.

No!

She protested internally, yet her movements betraying her as she kneeled and bowed, hands on the floor while she lowered her head.

As Takeo took a step forward, a sinister grin on his face as he stomped down onto the blonde's head.

Not a single cry of pain came from the blonde, her face was blank, eyes empty. Internally, Eli felt the pain radiating through, she would've cried out in pain if she wasn't under his control. Moreover, her vision was becoming hazy from whatever was controlling her, coupled with the pain from her current injuries.

"Eli!"

Her body jolted from the archer's call, gaining a bit of consciousness yet still failing to take control of her body.

"Please! Let her go! I'll do anything!"

Umi!

Eli tried calling out, ultimately failing as Takeo took hold of her neck, pulling her up just merely but not letting her up from her knees while he cut off her supply of oxygen.

She felt him near her.

His hands settled on her waist, before starting to move down, caressing her up and down her sides.

This was all too familiar for Eli. Not again...! The blonde tried moving her body away, but nothing.

His face came dangerously close as she tried again and again to move as memories of that time replayed in her head.

P-Please...! Not again...NO! Eli tried to protest, tried to shake her head, to wiggle away just as she did before while she felt his breath on her neck. Apart from her slight trembling, her body stayed still.

"STOP!" Umi desperately pleaded, banging furiously on the barrier, tears pouring.

She knew Eli was being controlled and has no means to fight back, but judging from what her older sister had gone through and Eli's slight shaking, it was certain that the person controlled has some sense of consciousness internally. That being the case, with what Takeo is doing right now, Eli must be frightened and frantic underneath his torment.

Move...! Move! MOVE! Eli tried desperately to do so. Her vision was already hazy as it is yet she felt every touch and movement around her. If she had control over her body, tears would've already been pouring from her eyes just as she did before.

Takeo took hold of her jacket, beginning to take it off.

NO! Eli's voice internally begged.

Suddenly, electricity sprouted from Eli's hands, it beamed towards Takeo who retracted himself after having been stung. The electricity then started spreading throughout her body.

"Ahh...Ahhhn!" Eli gasped, she felt her limbs prickling, mostly around her upper-body, but she was beginning to get control of her body, in exchange for the growing pain.

She knew what she was doing but she didn't imagine it to be this painful. It was prickling in every limb, every slight movement, every breath.

The electricity she burst out was used to manipulate the electricity signals in her body coursing through her nervous system. She knew the theory and used it to manually maneuver her body and break out of the control Takeo has on her, yet by doing so, it was causing immense stress on herself.

"Impossible." Takeo stood back, dumbfounded as he sees Eli manage to move albeit slowly, not under his command. A frantic expression crossed his features before he angrily approached the blonde.

Eli sloppily avoided Takeo's incoming fist but unable to do the same with his kick.

She was thrown a few feet away, a near distance to wear Umi is.

Everything was hazy.

The blonde tried to push herself up quickly, yet staggering instead, the control she had for her body wasn't enough; she could feel her it slipping away every now and then.

Her whole body hurt, blood from her side was already dripping from her already damp jacket, meanwhile her head was continuously pounding, her limbs begging for relief.

"Please, Eli! You can leave me!"

Umi's voice was cracked, full of emotion and concern as tears flowed freely.

Eli swayed as she tried balancing herself on her knee.

"That's all you've got?!"

A scream erupted in the room once again.

"ELI!" Umi shouted to the top of her lungs as she watched her lover writhe on the floor, blood smearing. "Stop!"

"Rank 1? Really? You're almost like a newbie!" Takeo mocked as he approached Eli, yet it didn't go unnoticed how his voice sounded wary and somehow fearful.

Another scream ripped out from Eli's throat.

Crushing pain radiated from her head, new and raw, pounding her whole being excruciatingly. It was unbearable. She could scarcely breathe, her breath coming out in short uneven gasps. It was as if she was being stabbed repeatedly everywhere while she burned, the pain was slowly increasing and decreasing, ripping her world through the sheer agony, slowly but surely.

She was left panting and whimpering as the pain left, yet it's residue and ache remaining.

"Ahnck...agh...!" Eli rasped, trying desperately to get up, yet her limbs where heavy, barely even able to get on her knees. This isn't...good... When her vision cleared for a bit, it was just in time to see Takeo's foot come down to her. "AGH!"

"PLEASE STOP! I'll do anything! Please! Please...!" Umi begged, the latter part turned into whispers as she started sobbing.

Takeo, having heard this, proceeded to grab Eli by her collar and drag her near where the archer is. He threw her against the barrier, falling painstakingly before drawing out another scream as he used the special chip on her again.

"Remove the barrier." Takeo growled as he ordered, another stomp caused the blonde to hack up blood once again.

Eli barely heard anything that's going on.

Everything was blurry.

Things went slow.

She managed a glance, seeing a pair of amber eyes with tears pouring, hands furiously banging on the barrier.

Sadness and guilt washed over her, even in her current state. She closed her eyes, steeling herself for the decision she's about to make.

I'm sorry...

=== Special Chip Activation: 100 % Power

"User: ES...02AE—aghk!" Eli persevered through the relentless stomps and hits, her voice the smallest possible, high enough to initiate it and low enough for none of them to hear. "Per...Permission: Granted...hah..agh...Commencing...Power Charge."

"Remove it!" She heard Takeo' voice shout while another painful stomp came to her ribs.

=== Power Charged: 25.9%

Eli weakly raised her arms, covering her head from Takeo's hits. Her body temperature has been raised higher as the same electrifying feeling spread all throughout her.

=== Power Charged: 37.6%

"Just remove the damn barrier so I can kill her!" Takeo frantically spewed out, kicking the blonde everywhere and anywhere he could.

The pain from activating the special chip was getting worse and worse as small strands of electricity started wrapping around her arms.

=== Power Charged: 51.8%

"AGHK!" Eli gasped as she stumbled a few feet away, her hand grasping her side almost desperately as she tried to support herself, failing as Takeo came charging towards her again, landing a hit to her ribs.

Crack!

The blonde cried out, certain a few of her ribs had broken. She struggled to breathe but Takeo gave her no time of relief, his attacks continuing on together with furious shouts that was muffled due to the ringing in her ears.

=== Power Charged: 64.2%

Eli couldn't make out anything anymore, her body was burning, aching, and pounding everywhere. Blood splattered all around her while her vision was split into threes and fours, muffled and unintelligible sounds was the only thing she heard, as she fought hard to stay conscious.

=== Power Charged: 70.5%

"Eli! Eli...! Please... Eli..." Umi's sobs resonated throughout the room.

Umi... The blonde thought hazily, seeing a glint of silver in her vision as Takeo approached her.

=== Power Charged: 84.1%

"This would do, wouldn't it?" Takeo laughed maniacally as he picked up the dagger Eli discarded, brandishing it around dangerously.

=== Power Charged: 86.5%

"PLEASE DON'T! Please Takeo! I'll do anything, I promise...Please...!" Umi's cries were left ignored as she banged on the barrier even more furiously than before.

=== Power Charged: 90.3%

Eli grit her teeth immensely, harder than she ever had as her body burned terribly. Electricity sparks were going everywhere as strands circled her arms. It hurts, it hurts, make it stop. Her hands clenched into fists, knuckles turning white, along with the rest of her body, willing herself to pull through.

Takeo laughed as he took a step forward, his expression seemingly contorting into one of those maniacs, not even noticing the sparks going all around. He grabbed her collar, hoisting her up just merely.

He raised the knife.

=== Power Charged: 94.6%

Clang!

The knife fell once again, a small surge of electricity coming from Eli sent Takeo flying towards the other end of the room, the blonde falling to her knees with wheeze, whimpering slightly.

=== Power Charged: 95.3%

Eli slowly and shakily brought herself up, coughing up blood a few times as she held her ribs while she blinked, clearing her hazy vision directed towards where Takeo was.

Several strands of electricity were protruding all around her, encircling her right arm as it concentrated into her palm in a form of a ball, growing in it's size by the second.

"Hm...ahn...!" Eli suppressed herself, swallowing back a pained gasp as she finally stood still.

She raised her right arm, supported by her left as the burn spread all throughout her; wounds bleeding profusely, sweat continuously trickling, bruises and internal trauma pounded her being, yet she determinedly stood.

=== Power Charged: 97.6%

"Eli! Don't!" Umi's voice lost it's strength, she pleaded towards her lover, knowing fully well what the blonde intends to do.

Having heard this, the blonde turned to look at the archer.

A sad smile managed to reach her face.

=== Power Charged: 98.2%

"I'm sorry, U-Umi..."

The blonde managed to say, letting out a few coughs.

"I-I don't think... I'll be able t-to keep...our promise."

=== Power Charged: 99.5%

The ball grew into the size of a basketball, electricity coursing through and around her, as she shook, blood spewing, and tears falling.

"Eli!" Umi banged desperately against the barrier, shouting incoherently as she looked into the blonde's eyes, still finding warmth and love in those cerulean orbs. "NO!" She protested yet knowing what is to come.

From the other side of the room, Takeo staggered, blood dripping from his head as he hazily looked around and stood, muttering curses as he firmly held a gun in hand.

"Just...this—this time... For...Forgive me."

Eli gave her a sad smile, staring in those amber orbs for the last time.

"I love you, Umi."

=== Power Charged: 100.0%

She whispered the commands.

The ball of electricity flashed, white filling the room just as Umi's scream and a loud gunshot echoed, followed by a cacophony of sparks and screams from Takeo.

It hit him straight, the electricity spread all throughout fast, wrapping Takeo all around as he screamed, thrashed and seized. The electricity engulfed him, causing him to ridiculously and intensely spasm, his clothes and skin burnt slowly.

As the ball dispersed from Eli's arm, so did Takeo's screams as ashes fell from where he once was, the electricity everywhere vanished into nothingness.

—/—

"Ayase?" Ryuu asked through the earpiece, startled that the blonde had stopped moving according to their tracking system.

"There's something I'd like to request, sir." Eli breathed out, looking straight to the turf in front, her resolve firmly seen through her eyes.

"What is it?"

"Permission to use 100% of the special chip, sir."

Eli's response made the older Sonoda pause for a moment just as Eli continued her pursuit.

"You're sure about this?" Ryuu's voice came stoically yet concern was hinted.

"Yes, sir." Eli replied simply.

"But—"

"For your daughter's sake. Please, sir." Eli paused, panting as she hid from behind a wall. "I made a promise to you and to myself, that I would keep Umi safe, and I intend to keep it." She spoke determinedly.

A hesitant intake of breath was heard from Ryuu's side as Eli waited for a reply. Her heart pounding in nervousness and fear of what's to come.

"Very well. However, promise me that you'll come back together with my daughter, Eli."

Eli breathed a short sigh of relief, a sad small smile tugging on her lips after hearing the promise he offered, knowing fully well the chances of it happening being low.

"Understood, thank you."

—/—

"Eli!"

Umi ran the fastest she ever had as soon as she felt the barrier disappear. She reached the blonde in a nick of time, catching her before she fell.

Eli's eyes were shut tight from the pain, she was breathing unevenly in just gasps and rasps as she clutched her bloody shoulder. She trembled violently, hacking up blood every so often as her wounds intensified in it's pain.

Shot.

That was Takeo's last effort for all that had occurred.

"No...no...no!" Umi cried, falling to her knees, setting Eli down on her lap. She hastily removed her blazer, placing it over the gaping wound on her shoulder, the same place she had been shot before.

The blonde cried out, suppressing a scream into a pained groan. She coughed, blood spluttering on the floor.

"I-I'm sorry..." Umi quietly said, shaking as she lessened the pressure, wiping her tears silently.

Eli's whole body was spent. Blood flowed from her ear due to the strain, not only that, but the gash from her previously healing injury on her left side reopened which was in a condition much worse than before as her ribs were no doubt broken. The blood from her gunshot wound wasn't helping her either as the bleeding was only stemmed slightly from Umi's already soaked blazer. It was only a matter of time and will that Eli would fall unconscious.

The blonde's eyes were half closed, her vision blackening, splitting, and blurring, but she was able to make out the archer's tears falling and anguished expression.

Mustering as much strength as she possibly could despite the excruciating pain, she shakily brought her arm up, reaching for the archer's face.

"U-U...Umi..." Eli managed to say in between rasps, her eyes shutting tight after a pulse of pain reached her ribs. "Um...Umi..." She called out.

Feeling a warm hand hold onto hers before she felt her lover's cheek, a blurred figure of the archer came into view. She barely managed to make out the reply to her faint calls.

"I'm sorry...for not b-being...stro...stronger." Eli coughed, her head becoming heavy and her vision darkening by the second.

She tried moving her thumb to caress the archer's face albeit slightly as the archer's sobs and protests grew in volume yet she couldn't decipher them at all.

"Tha...Thank you...f-for everything." She spoke, her voice dying down. "I'm...sorry f-for...leaving you t-this early."

Hey, Umi? Are you mad at me?

She tried her best to smile but her limbs and body betrayed her, she could only feel a faint yet growing pressure on her chest whilst she lost her consciousness bit by bit.

I'm glad I was able to make it in time.

Warm droplets of liquid were falling from where Umi's figure was as Eli's arm slowly fell slack.

Don't cry.

Eli's eyes slowly flickered, the life in them diminishing.

I'm sorry.

A piercing pain in her chest drained the last of her consciousness, just as she managed to whisper.

"I love you."

—/—

AN: thank you for reading! see you in the next chap soon ;D hope this chap was a thrill for you guys because it was for me, all 9k words of it

onto review replies:

zyderat (on chapter 8.5): glad you liked it! stay tuned :D

mumusang (on chapter 8.5): the past chaps have been building up this climax hope ure still with me!

arwaotaku (on chapter 8.5): im back and here's the continuation! hope you enjoy :D

HowlingSilverWolf (on chapter 9): they made it in time don't worry! hope this chapter didnt disappoint ! thank you for your support ;3

as always, thank you so much for the support! we're nearing the end guys :D please leave a review to let me know about your thoughts on this! i appreciate you all ;3 thank you very much!