#blackconcerto

      “Deuce, don’t try to befriend him. He refuses to join us.” The blond hissed, his deck of cards levitating in the air— ready for combat at any given time. “Make him beg for his life.” It was cruel, but he couldn’t allow this outsider to leave safely with knowledge of how they operated. Inigo might end up disclosing the information to Byakko. He’d die any way, but it looked like Inigo didn’t feel like living, anyways.

      Reluctantly, Deuce raised her flute, positioning it properly to the point where she could begin to play it. The dealer stayed solitary in his own spot, cautiously holding onto the cards— he wouldn’t hesitate to strike if the opportunity begged for it. “I apologize for our first meeting to end this way.” She murmured, shooting an anxious smile toward the mercenary. The flutist slowly closed her eyes, thinking of which spell to start out with.

      Inigo faltered. It was a shame, really, to have such a beautiful girl trying to kill him. Of course, Ace was the one who initiated it. So he had no choice but to fight back. Luckily, the blond released him from the rope that bound him, and allowed him to keep his sword. Bad choice. The male unsheathed his blade, the artificial light gleaming down on it as he flashily brandished it in the air. “Don’t think I don’t remember the one catch of being a cadet. I’m forced to forget the memories of those who have passed away. I won’t allow that to happen. Even if they’re deceased… I don’t ever want to let go of those precious memories. It hurts that they’re only memories and only will be memories, but… it’s better than forgetting they existed at all.”

     He tried to aim for Deuce’s chest, he never thought the day would come where he selfishly stabbed a woman and slain her out of pure malice. Never. He would never. Ace should be the one he was targeting, not her. But wouldn’t he get an advantage once Ace’s beloved ally fell? She was vulnerable and just… there.

      Why was it so easy? It was a test of his own conscience, he concluded. Might as well try. He swung, although his own rapidly beating heart ached at the thought. Deuce didn’t notice, she was still inflicting whatever spell on him with her flute. Maybe that’s why his heart hurt. Maybe that’s why he was in pain. The sword was near to knocking the flute out of the girl’s hands, that is, until cards interrupted him.

      He grinded his teeth. Of course, Ace.

      “The only thing that matters is protecting Suzaku and seeing that this war see its end. We have no time to deal with a possible spy. You will die… or join.” He announced, eyeing where the blade was trying to hit.

        “… I won’t join.” Inigo asserted, slicing the tense atmosphere with his weapon. Deuce spoke no words, and only observed from afar. She didn’t seem to have any qualms about being threatened. Did she… trust him? “I won’t… I won’t sacrifice those memories. I’d DIE before losing them.”

     “Inigo-san…” His head flipped to meet her kind gaze, “Don’t force yourself.”

     ”Deuce…” Ace slightly stumbled on his feet, losing his composure upon noticing that when Inigo thought he only merely sliced the air with his sword, he also sliced a lock of her hair off. And consequently, the steel weapon also glazed her cheeks. A shallow cut was exposed, crimson liquid oozing out. “… Watch yourself. This idiot doesn’t know what’s he is doing with that weapon of his.”

     The male stayed silent. I’m sorry, was what he desired to say, but the words refused to come out of his mouth. Instead, something cold came out. “I’ll finish her off, Ace. I have the power to.”

     “… You wouldn’t.” A quiet whisper left the shorter male’s lips.

     ”I will!” He exclaimed, blindly charging into where Deuce stood. A wry smile appeared upon his features, and he aimed it at Deuce. The flutist blinked, before smiling right back at him. This was it, this was how she would be finished off. He heard footsteps coming after him, alarming that he didn’t have enough time before Ace came to stop him. He mouthed ‘I’m sorry’ to her guiltily, as he caught her off guard and pierced the blade through her stomach. 

     "It’s not your fault.“ She replied, her tone softer than usual. “It’s not your… fault.” The flutist wasn’t going to be the one person who clung onto life. They would forget about her, and they would continue to fight for what they believed him. She wouldn’t be able to see how the war would end, but it was okay. Maybe she was a fool to ever trust him, but it was okay. Deuce’s eyes fluttered shut, and her breathing slowed. It was strange, not feeling much pain at all.

     "Deuce!“ The distraught tone of Ace’s cut in, before meeting his gaze with Inigo’s. His eyes were empty and void, befitting of a person who just killed another. "Do you recall earlier when you said you would die before losing your memories?” He questioned, the words rolled out as if it was a snarl.

     "… Huh?“ He knew this would happen. Why did he bother?

     "Sadly, you cannot take that back.”