Donbrothers Heroes Of The Peach Guild CH 6

The baseball stadium stood eerily silent, the echoes of battle fading into the evening air. Debris littered the field, a stark reminder of the chaotic clash between the Donbrothers and the monstrous Baseball Hitotsuki. But the warriors themselves? Gone. Vanished without a trace.

Inside S.O.N.G. headquarters, a flurry of activity consumed the command bridge. Alarms blared, screens flickered with fragmented data, and the air crackled with nervous energy.

"Commander, we've lost contact!" Aoi's voice cut through the din, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "We can't track any of them! It's as if they disappeared off the face of the earth."

Genjuro's brow furrowed, his gaze fixed on the main monitor displaying the stadium's aftermath. "Impossible. Scan for any residual energy signatures, teleportation traces—anything!"

Sakuya, ever the voice of reason, chimed in, "Sir, our sensors indicate no anomalous activity. It's as if they simply ceased to exist in this dimension."

Genjuro slammed his fist on the console, the metallic clang echoing his frustration. "Damn it! Where did they go?"

Tsubasa and Kanade exchanged a knowing glance. This sudden disappearance mirrored their own experience during the Zwei Wing concert when Don Momotaro had vanished after defeating the Noise. A troubling pattern was emerging.

"Commander," Tsubasa began, her voice steady, "something similar happened at the concert. After Don Momotaro eliminated the Noise, he simply vanished."

Kanade nodded in agreement. "It was instantaneous. One moment he was there, the next... gone. Like a phantom."

Genjuro turned to face them, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "So, you're saying this is a recurring phenomenon? These warriors possess the ability to appear and disappear at will?"

Before Genjuro could ponder that question further, Aoi interrupted him. "Commander, we've identified the human who transformed into that... creature."

The main monitor switched to a close-up of the unconscious Kenji lying amidst the wreckage. His face was pale, his clothes torn, and a look of utter bewilderment etched on his features.

"His name is Kenji," Aoi continued. "A pitcher for the Swallows. According to eyewitness accounts, he underwent a radical transformation after his team lost the game."

Genjuro's eyes narrowed. "A human? Transforming into a monster? This is beyond anything we've encountered before." He paused, a stern look washing over his face. "I want Kenji detained immediately. He is to be questioned and investigated to the fullest extent. Find out everything about him. Where he lives, who his friends are, what he likes, what he dislikes. Anything could be useful. I want to know what led to him becoming that monster."

He then turned his attention to Tsubasa and Kanade, his tone softening slightly. "I apologize for wasting your time. I was prepared to deploy you both to handle the situation, but these... Donbrothers... intervened."

Tsubasa shook her head. "There is no need to apologize, Commander. At least the creature was defeated, and the city is safe."

Kanade smiled warmly. "Besides, it was quite a battle to witness. These warriors... they are powerful. I am curious to see what they do in the future."

Tsubasa nodded in agreement, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Indeed. Their motives remain unclear, but their strength is undeniable. They have our attention."

As Tsubasa and Kanade left the command bridge, their minds swirled with questions about the mysterious Donbrothers. Who were they? Where did they come from? And what was their purpose?

Genjuro turned to Ryoko, who stood near the console, seemingly lost in thought. "Ryoko, did you manage to glean anything from what you saw? Any insights into their technology or abilities?"

Ryoko blinked, snapping out of her reverie. Her eyes widened, and she stuttered, "Commander... I... I don't know where to start! That giant robot... its construction, its power source... it's unlike anything I've ever seen. It would take me ages just to start understanding it!"

Genjuro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "So, nothing concrete?"

Ryoko shook her head, her voice laced with a mix of excitement and bewilderment. "Not yet. I've taken a look at their weapons, and if what Tsubasa-chan and Kanade-chan said was true. The fact that they can damage Noise with what appear to be conventional weapons..."

"It changes everything, doesn't it?" Genjuro finished her thought, his tone heavy with realization. The implications were staggering. If the Donbrothers' technology could harm the Noise, then potentially, their own weaponry could be adapted. The paradigm of their fight against the Noise would have to shift. Before, only Relics were effective against the Noise. Now, there was another way.

"Exactly!" Ryoko exclaimed, her enthusiasm returning. "If we can decipher their methods, we could potentially revolutionize our approach to combating the Noise!"

Genjuro rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps. But for now, our priority is to understand them. Aoi, Sakuya, I want you to dedicate all available resources to tracking these Donbrothers. Monitor any unusual activity, any patterns that might reveal their location or intentions. I want to know everything about them."

Aoi and Sakuya nodded in unison, their expressions determined. "Understood, Commander," they replied, their fingers already dancing across the keyboards, initiating the search.

Genjuro stared at the screen, his mind racing. The appearance of the Donbrothers had thrown a wrench into everything they thought they knew about the fight against the Noise. They were a wild card, an unpredictable element that could either be their greatest asset or their ultimate downfall. But one thing was certain: the world had changed, and S.O.N.G. had to adapt. He had to adapt. He had to figure out what the hell was going on before it was too late.

For Taro, the world snapped back into focus not on a debris-strewn baseball diamond, but atop a nondescript office building miles from the stadium. The sudden shift left him momentarily disoriented. Before he could gather bearings, a familiar [DING!] sounded.

[Notification: The Peach Hero Guild Chat Group]

Taro retrieved his DonBro Buckle, the holographic interface shimmering to life. A message from Astra appeared.

[Astra]: Congratulations, Don Momotaro. You have successfully defeated the Baseball Hitotsuki and protected the city. Your efforts have been rewarded.

Below, a breakdown of points gained appeared:

+2000 Regular Points: Hitotsuki Defeated

+1000 Regular Points: City Protected

+500 Regular Points: Teamwork Bonus

+1 Kibi-Point: Significant Contribution to the Main Quest

[Astra]: All members of the Donbrothers have also received a portion of the rewards. Please check the chat group for details.

Taro tapped the icon, transporting himself to the chat.

[The Peach Hero Guild]

[Blue Genius]: Did everyone make it back okay? That was… intense.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Yeah, turns out baseballs are a lot less fun when they're being thrown by a giant rage monster. But I'm alive! And I got points!

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: Woohoo! Points for fighting! I can finally get that power-up I wanted. But I was wondering what everyone thought of the group attack.

[Blue Genius]: I was able to get 750 Regular Points! I am curious to see what is available for purchase!

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Yeah! I got 750 points, and one of those Kibi things! This is like a twisted game show.

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: Same! This is so exciting!

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Wait a minute... Momo-whatever got, like, a gazillion points! That's not fair! Explain yourself, Peach Boy!

[Born From A Peach]: You did not contribute enough.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: "Didn't contribute enough?!" HAH! I was out there bashing ant-dudes with my mallet! What more do you want from me?! I am the Mistress of Mayhem!

[Astra]: Don Momotaro received additional points for directly engaging and defeating the Hitotsuki. The rest of you fought the Anoni that accompanied the Hitotsuki.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Okay, but that's still bogus! How was I supposed to know that bashing the ant-guys was worth less than bonking the big, ugly baseball dude?! I'm new to this hero gig, ya know!

[Blue Genius]: Be that as it may, this experience was anything but normal, and I am most curious to learn more about what exactly those creatures are. I must confess that I was largely unaware of their presence until today.

[Born From A Peach]: Hitotsuki are born from human desires. Anoni serve them.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: "Born from human desires?" You're saying that big, ugly baseball dude was just some schmuck who really, really wanted to win the game? Now that’s just sad.

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: So, like, when I want someone's blood, will I turn into a monster, too? That's so cool! I mean... scary!

[Born From A Peach]: Desires twisted by darkness.

[Blue Genius]: Twisted by darkness? Pray tell, what does that entail? Are they, perhaps, susceptible to certain frequencies of light, or perhaps sonic vibrations?

[Born From A Peach]: Negative emotions. Obsession.

[Blue Genius]: Fascinating, and these Anoni? Their biology is quite peculiar, given their insectoid traits, and their apparent capacity for disguised infiltration.

[Born From A Peach]: The Anoni are foot soldiers. I have fought them before, and they impersonate humans. But those Anonis are a bit different from what I have fought. They seem to be stronger.

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: Ooh, like a shapeshifter? I can do that too!

[Blue Genius]: Are they native to this world? Or have they migrated from elsewhere? What are their weaknesses?

[Born From A Peach]: I don't know.

[Blue Genius]: …Most helpful.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Okay, so we got monsters made outta bad vibes and ant-dudes who are, like, interdimensional cosplayers. Got it! But seriously, Momo-whatever, how long have you been dealing with this crazy stuff? You seem awfully casual about giant baseball monsters and evil ant armies.

[Born From A Peach]: Many times.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: "Many times?!" Are you serious?! This is, like, a regular Tuesday for you?! I need a drink. Or maybe a whole bottle of somethin’ strong.

[Born From A Peach]: Yes, alongside my companions.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: "Companions? Hold on, Peach Fuzz, are you saying we aren't your only besties?"

[Schoolgirl Stalker]:"Yeah, I thought we were special! Tell us about these other... companions!"

Hank, setting aside his research for a moment, added his voice to the chorus. "Indeed. It would be prudent to gain a more comprehensive understanding of our team dynamics. Pray tell, who are these 'companions' you speak of?"

[Born From A Peach]: The first generation Donbrothers.

[Blue Genius]: There were others before us?

[Born From A Peach]: Yes.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: And where are they now? Did they, like, retire to a tropical island? Start a band? Open a bed and breakfast?

[Born From A Peach]: Their duty is complete.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Oh, come on! Don't leave us hangin' like that! What were they like? Were they as crazy as us?

[Born From A Peach]: That time for me is already over. It is unnecessary to elaborate further.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Oh, don't be such a party pooper, Peach Pit! Spill the beans!

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: Hey, Edgehog-san hasn't said anything since we got back. Is everything okay?

A beat of silence hung in the chat, then a single, terse response appeared.

[Edgehog]: What.

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: You've been quiet, Shadow! I thought maybe something happened to you back in the baseball park!

[Edgehog]: Nothing.

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: Aww, you were worried about me! That's so sweet! You are actually so cute!

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Hold up, Shadow-kins! You say "nothing," but I'm getting major "something's up" vibes! C'mon, spill it! What's got your quills in a twist? Don't tell me you are having a case of the feels. I can smell the angst from here. Did someone mess up your eyeliner? Did you lose your favorite brooding rock? We are here for you, after all.

[Edgehog]: It's nothing you need to be concerned with.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Oh, come on, Gloomy Guts! Don't be such a lone wolf. We just fought a giant baseball monster together! We're practically blood brothers... or, ya know, whatever the non-hedgehog equivalent of that is. Just tell us what's eatin' at ya.

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: Yeah, Shadow-san! Please? [Puppy-dog eyes emoji] If it's something bad, maybe we can help! You can tell Toga-chan anything!

[Edgehog]: …

[Edgehog]: When I was teleported away... I was free.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Free from what?

[Edgehog]: Stasis. For a long time, I was trapped. Then the light came and I had to protect people.

[Blue Genius]: Stasis? Trapped?

[Edgehog]: After the Hitotsuki was dealt with, I was returned to that place. Agents. The ones who put me there. They surrounded me.

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: Oh no! Were you okay, Shadow-san?

[Edgehog]: I escaped.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: "Escaped?" You make it sound like you just politely excused yourself from a tea party! What really happened, Shadow-dude? Did you unleash your inner chaos on those guys?

[Edgehog]: There were G.U.N. agents. It was necessary to subdue them.

[Mistress of Mayhem]: Sounds like someone had a blast! So, wanna tell us what this "G.U.N." is? Sounds like a bunch of party poopers, if you ask me.

[Schoolgirl Stalker]: Do you need help, Shadow-san? We can all teleport to your world! We can beat them up for you!

[Astra]: It is possible to travel to other worlds. However, it requires a substantial amount of Regular Points. You currently do not have enough for interdimensional travel.

[Born From A Peach]: It cannot be helped.

[Born From A Peach]: I have to go back and rest. I have deliveries to complete tomorrow.

[Born From A Peach]: Until next time.

[Born From A Peach]: [User Born From A Peach has left the chat]

[Mistress of Mayhem]: What a peach of a guy! Just leaves his companions to fend for themselves! That is one cold dude. Seriously, what are we, chopped liver? Don't tell me he's going to abandon us, too!

A few days drift by, painted with the hum of deliveries and the neon glow of the Peach Hero Guild chat. Taro, ever punctual, navigates the city streets, each package a tiny beacon of joy in his capable hands. He turns onto a long driveway and approaches the entrance of a hospital.

He pulls up to the hospital's receiving area and grabs a small box from the back of his van. As he rounds the corner of the building, he spots a patient.

Hibiki shuffles along the corridor, a plastic IV pole her only companion. Her hospital gown billows around her thin frame, and her steps are uneven. She's trying to prove that she can walk on her own.

I can do this. I need to get stronger, one step at a time.

Her leg aches, a dull throb that echoes the deeper ache in her heart. She takes a step, then another, her face set in grim determination. But her right leg, wrapped in bandages, threatens to buckle.

Suddenly, a hand steadies her elbow.

"It is dangerous to walk around like this. Please allow me to assist."

Hibiki looks up, startled, into the serious gaze of Taro. His grip is firm but gentle, and a wave of warmth washes over her.

"Oh, no, it's really okay! I'm just trying to get some exercise. I'm fine, really."

Taro doesn't relinquish his hold.

"There is no need to feign strength. It is my duty to help those in need."

Before she can protest further, Taro gently guides her forward, matching his pace to her unsteady gait. Hibiki sighs, relenting.

"Well, if you insist... thank you. I guess I could use a little help."

They walk in silence for a moment, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of the IV machine. Hibiki glances at Taro, taking in his earnest expression and the quiet strength radiating from him.

"I'm Hibiki," she says, offering a small smile. "Hibiki Tachibana."

Taro nods, his gaze fixed ahead.

"Taro Momoi. We are now linked."

Hibiki’s brow furrows, confusion clouding her features. Linked? What does that even mean? Is this guy for real?

Her train of thought derails as a loud GRUMBLE erupts from her stomach. A blush creeps up her neck, staining her cheeks a rosy hue. She averts her eyes, mortified.

Taro, ever observant, registers the sound and the blush.

"It appears you are hungry. Where is your room located?"

Hibiki stammers, "Uh, room 302, but..."

Taro doesn't wait for her to finish. He continues to support her and starts moving towards the direction of the room.

They arrive at the door, and Taro helps her settle back into bed. A tray sits on the bedside table, covered with a foil lid. A hospital meal.

"This is your food, correct?"

Hibiki wrinkles her nose.

"Yeah, but I'm not really looking forward to it. I had one of these before, and it wasn't very good."

She lifts the corner of the foil, revealing a congealed mass of something vaguely resembling chicken and a side of pale, watery vegetables. Her expression says it all.

Taro studies the meal with a critical eye.

"I see. In that case..."

He reaches into his delivery bag and pulls out a carefully wrapped sandwich. It’s a simple thing, bread crusts neatly trimmed, but it looks infinitely more appetizing than the hospital fare.

"Please, take this."

Hibiki stares at the offering, her eyes wide.

"But... that's your lunch, isn't it? I can't just take it!"

Taro extends the sandwich further.

"I do not require it at this moment. Your well-being is of greater importance."

Hibiki hesitates for a moment, her stomach protesting loudly. She glances at the unappetizing meal on the tray, then back at the sandwich in Taro's hand.

"Are you sure? I really don't want to impose."

"It is no imposition," Taro assures her, his voice firm. "I insist."

With a grateful sigh, Hibiki accepts the sandwich.

"Thank you, Momoi-san. You're a lifesaver!"

She unwraps it eagerly and takes a bite. Her eyes widen in surprise. It’s not just good; it’s incredible. The bread is soft, the filling savory and flavorful, a perfect blend of textures and tastes.

"Wow..." she murmurs, chewing thoughtfully. "This is amazing! What's in it?"

Taro watches her with a faint smile.

"Egg salad with a hint of mustard. I prepared it myself."

Hibiki's eyes light up.

"You made this? Seriously? It's like, the most delicious thing I've ever tasted!"

She takes another bite, savoring every morsel. For the first time since the concert, a genuine smile spreads across her face. Maybe, just maybe, things are starting to look up.

Unbeknownst to them, chaos brews elsewhere in the building.

Dr. Arata clutches his stethoscope, its cold metal a familiar comfort against his racing pulse. He sprints down the hallway, his white coat flapping behind him like desperate wings. [Beep… Beep… Beep…] the monitor screams, each pulse a frantic plea.

"Defibrillator! Stat!" he barks, his voice tight with urgency.

Nurses scramble, their movements a blur of practiced efficiency. Arata presses the paddles to the patient's chest, his focus absolute.

"Clear!"

[⚡️ZAP!] The body jerks, then stills. Silence hangs heavy in the air, broken only by the steady hum of the machines. Arata watches the monitor, his breath held captive in his lungs.

[Beep… Beep…] A slow, steady rhythm. Life.

Relief washes over him, leaving him weak in its wake. The nurses exhale, their shoulders slumping with shared exhaustion. The patient's family rushes in, their faces etched with worry transforming into pure, unadulterated gratitude.

"Doctor, thank you! Thank you for saving him!" the wife sobs, clutching his hand.

"You're a miracle worker, Dr. Arata!" a nurse beams, her eyes shining with admiration.

Arata manages a weary smile.

"Just doing my job."

He peels off his gloves, tossing them into the overflowing biohazard bin. The weight of responsibility settles back onto his shoulders, heavy and familiar.

He stumbles into the break room, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. Empty coffee cups and crumpled wrappers litter the space, a testament to the relentless pace of the hospital. He collapses into a chair, closing his eyes.

Just a few minutes. Need to recharge.

He replays the scene in his mind—the frantic rush, the life-or-death decisions, the gratitude of the family. It fuels him, this sense of purpose. But it also drains him, leaving him hollow and raw.

So many more to save. So many lives hanging in the balance.

The weight of it all presses down on him, suffocating and inescapable.

He opens his eyes, the exhaustion etched deeper into the lines around them. A shimmering distortion flickers behind him, unnoticed. A warped parody of medical triumph, a grotesque mockery of his noble calling.

The shape solidifies, taking form in the empty space—a twisted silhouette of a doctor, its eyes glowing with manic energy, its hands gnarled and clawed. Its lab coat is tattered and stained with something unidentifiable.

I have to do more, Arata thinks, his voice a bare whisper. I need to save them all.

The distorted shape looms closer, mimicking his every move, amplifying his desperate desire.

Hibiki polishes off the last of the egg salad, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

"Seriously, Taro, that was the best. Thank you so much!"

Taro gathers the discarded wrapper, his movements precise and efficient.

"I deliver more than packages. I deliver happiness. I help people who are in need."

Hibiki blinks, taken aback by his sincerity.

"Wow... you really mean that, don't you?"

"Yes," he responds without missing a beat.

A soft laugh bubbles from Hibiki.

"I guess not. You're kind of... different, you know?"

"Different, how?"

"Well, most delivery people just drop off the package and leave. You're actually... you're caring. It's kind of refreshing."

Taro tilts his head, considering her words.

"I strive to create links with people, no matter how small. Every interaction is an opportunity to bring positivity into the world."

Hibiki stares at him, a strange emotion flickering in her eyes. Envy, maybe? A longing for something she couldn't quite grasp.

"I wish I could be like that," she admits, her voice barely a whisper. "I want to help everyone I see. But I'm not strong like you. I don't know if I have the strength to create such a thing. "

Taro turns his full attention to her, his gaze intense.

"Everyone possesses unique strengths. What matters is how you choose to utilize them."

Hibiki looks down at her bandaged leg, her expression clouding with sadness.

"It's hard, you know? Especially after... after the concert. It's hard to believe in yourself when you're lying on the floor, helpless to protect anyone."

She looks back up at Taro, "I was there at the Zwei Wing incident."

She hesitates, then continues, her voice gaining strength.

"A piece of debris was lodged into my heart. The doctors got most of it out, but there are still a few pieces they couldn't remove. It was too dangerous. That's why I'm here... recovering."

She touches the scar on her chest, near her heart, a visible reminder of that fateful day.

"Before I passed out... I thought I could hear Kanade-san's voice, telling me to live. I could remember them fighting, and thought I also wanted to protect people, to repay Kanade-san for saving me."

Taro listens intently, his face a mask of focused attention.

"It sounds like a stupid idea, right?" Hibiki asks, a hint of vulnerability lacing her voice. "Wanting to protect everyone... wanting to be strong enough to help people... especially when I can barely walk."

Taro's expression softens.

"It is not stupid. It is a noble desire. To want to protect and aid. To be of service. To be a champion of hope. "

His words resonate with Hibiki, a warmth spreading through her chest.

"Really? You think so?"

"I know so. The world requires individuals like you, Hibiki Tachibana. Those who possess compassion. Those who see the value in others. That is a strength beyond measure."

Hibiki's eyes begin to shine, hope flickering within them. She had so many doubts, but Taro made her feel... validated. For the first time since the Zwei Wing incident, she believed in herself.

"Thank you, Momoi-san. I don't know why, but you make me feel like I can do anything... like I can get through this."

She hesitates, then blurts out, "Can we be friends, Taro? I don't have many friends, and I really like talking to you."

A flicker of surprise crosses Taro's face, quickly replaced by a gentle nod.

"Yes, Hibiki. We are now friends. I also don't have any friends."

A wide grin spreads across Hibiki's face.

"That's great! I can't wait to hang out more!"

She pauses, a sudden thought striking her.

"Hey, before I passed out at the concert... I think I saw someone. A red warrior, laughing while fighting those Noise. He saved me. He called himself Don Momotaro. I wanted to thank him, too. And Zwei Wing, for fighting. But it was all so chaotic, I never got the chance."

Before Taro can respond, a series of frantic shouts echo from the hallway, growing louder with each passing second.

"Doctor Arata! What's happening?!"

"Get out of the way! I have to save them!"

"Someone call security! He's gone crazy!"

Taro's expression hardens.

"Stay here, Hibiki. I will investigate."

He moves swiftly towards the door, his senses on high alert. He steps into the hallway, his eyes scanning the scene. Chaos reigns. Nurses and patients alike scramble for cover, their faces etched with terror. And at the center of it all stands Dr. Arata, his eyes wild, his body trembling.

A guttural ROAR rips through the air, shaking the very foundations of the hospital. Arata contorts, his body twisting and reshaping itself into a grotesque mockery of its former self.

His white coat shreds, revealing a patchwork of metallic plates and exposed wires. His face contorts into a robotic grimace, one eye replaced by a scanning lens, the other glowing with malevolent red light. One arm morphs into a massive syringe cannon, dripping with viscous green fluid, the other into a surgical saw. A tangle of tubes snakes across his body, pulsing with sickly energy. The transformation is complete. Dr. Arata is gone, replaced by the Medicalroid Hitotsuki.

Its form, a mangled fusion of flesh and machine, pulsed with an eerie, unsettling power. Its metallic limbs creaked and whirred, movements jerky and unnatural. The syringe cannon on its right arm dripped a glowing, viscous fluid, a horrifying promise of twisted healing. The surgical saw on its left arm spun with deadly intent. [VZZZZZ!]

The Medicalroid Hitotsuki raises its syringe cannon.

"I WILL SAVE EVERYONE!" he bellows, his voice a distorted echo of Arata's.

The syringe cannon fires beams of emerald light at the fleeing figures. Each beam strikes its target, encasing them in a translucent capsule. Trapped and suspended mid-air, the captured wail in terror as their bodies slowly freeze.

"I WILL CURE ALL ILLNESS!" it roars.

Sensing the imminent danger, Taro sprints back into Hibiki's room. He scoops her up in his arms, ignoring her protests.

"There is no time for discussion. We must evacuate."

He cradles her close, shielding her from the unfolding chaos. He bursts back into the hallway. He dodges stray debris and incapacitated people.

Hibiki, clinging to Taro, stares in horror at the monstrous figure.

"WHAT IS THAT THING?!" she screams, her voice filled with terror.

Taro doesn't respond, his focus solely on escape. He weaves through the panicked crowd, his movements precise and purposeful. They are on the run.