2025-06-15: Father's Day
- Log: 2025-06-15: Father's Day
- Cast: Nidaime, Knight
- Where: Nouvelle Tokyo
- Date: U.C. 00100 06 15
- Summary: Knight works some things out.
CRACK!
The sound of metal splitting wood rings out as Knight's sword cleaves yet another dummy in two. The Hyper Agent pants as he plants his sword in the rooftop asphalt. Piles and piles and piles of miragelike wood fade away around him as Second lets the apparitions fade, crossing her arms with brow furrowed.
It's been three days since they lost Akane, and Knight has done nothing but train.
"More," Knight says, leaning on their sword. Their suit is dirty and clearly hasn't been washed in a while.
"Knight... I don't think..."
"I said MORE!" Knight screams downwards, breath ragged.
"Knight! No! This isn't healthy!" Second finally shouts. Knight's arms give out, and he slumps down, still clinging to his sword.
"Please. Just... just a little more. Just a little more, then. . ." Knight trails off. They know it's an empty request. Second's face turns sullen. There are words she could say. Words about how losses happen in this line of work. Words about how they never identified the body. But the words don't come.
"Please, Knight, just… just get some rest."
"I… I'll try," Knight says.
- - - - - - - - - -
Knight stands alone on a pier overlooking Tokyo Bay. They clutch their sword in one hand. Tears aren't supposed to be shed in this line of work, but...
"Why... Why couldn't I save her?"
"Is my power not enough? Am I not strong enough? Am I not good enough!?"
"Can't I just ATONE!?"
Like a mirage, a hazy black image forms in Knight's view, hovering over the water. Knight grimaces. Alexis.
"Is it YOUR FAULT!? Is it because it's YOUR power!?" he screams to the waves. No one answers.
"It's- It's mine now. It's my power. It's not yours. I made it mine. Not his, not yours. Mine." Knight's voice is breaking.
"But… but then… why can't I…"
"Is that all this is? Is this all I am? Is this all I can do? Hurt people!? Why can't I protect ANYBODY!?" Knight howls. Alexis's gaze remains unceasing.
"WHY DID I HAVE TO COME FROM YOU!?"
There is no answer.
Knight draws their sword and slices through Alexis in one wild swing. His image fades into seafoam, and Knight is left alone on the pier. They always were.
"A-Akane… Shinjo..."
"I'm sorry…"
The roaring of the sea is the only reply.