“Excuse me, I’m Roland Richter’s niece. I’m invited as a guest but I forgot to bring my ticket, can you let me in?”
Mark my words, this will be the last time I’ll be doing this.
“Niece?” The angry-looking guard looked at me, I think. His eyes are covered with sunglasses so it’s difficult to tell whether he's vexed or not.
“Yes, yes!” I couldn’t stop making little jumps because I’m that impatient. How can I be patient when I’m being followed by strange men wearing masks!?
“Sorry. I don’t know any niece. No invitation, no entry.”
Well, that was my first time using that card, and it's proven useless.
Now that plan A has failed, it’s time for plan B, which didn't actually exist until now. The other side of the museum is pretty much guarded, but lax in numbers unlike the front gate. Really? When both the Basileus, Director, and Ariel the Prima Donna are the featured guest of the night, and this is the best Keeper could do?
I didn’t know what got into me when I chose to do this, but I’m convinced this is how I’m going to react when panicking. Instead of using animals as distractions, I immediately used my strings to tie the two guards, forcibly knocking each others’ heads together.
“Sorry! I’m Roland’s niece, by the way!”
Inside, the crowd is even more massive. Given it's the opening night, the entire halls are open to the public. Some of the art installations, pictures, sculptors, and other eye-catching displays compel me to stay and enjoy the moment, as how it should be for me in the first place. However, without a ticket, I'm no different than an intruder, so I decide to lay low, and at some point in my attempts to sneak without getting caught, I saw a glimpse of something retreating through to the 'Staff Only' door. Unless I'm mistaken, neither of the museum or security staffs are wearing full black, which leaves me one option.
In the secluded passageway reserved for the staffs, the dim light isn't so much of an help to identify their appearance, and that forces me to tip toe behind them. Eventually, this suspicious person climbs up the stairs to the second floor. Apparently, the second and third floor have yet to be opened for public viewing, as it has no items up for display.
My brain can only come up with a single word; assassin.
Beyond this is something unlike before, and honestly, I’m a bit scared. My nervousness is slowly making its way to my throat, and now it’s painful, itchy, inflamed, all my worries coming together, giving a massive nuisance to my physique as everything becomes heavy in an instant.
“I can do it.”
Closing my eyes, I try to convince myself that everything is going to be fine.
“It’ll be alright. Nothing will happen to uncle today.” With clenched fists and newly found resolution, I proceed further through crouching to avoid detection. Following them deeper into this prey and pounce game, their trails lead me to an arched balcony, that was probably constructed for the purpose to view the main hall in its entirety. Underneath the bright arrangement of chandeliers, a stage was set at the center and the crowd rapidly thickens. My focus becomes distracted when a certain purple-haired diva takes the center stage, donned in a blinding white dress, a voice so powerful it manages to ensnared millions of hearts around Tellus. The mark of an Undyne, Eurus coast tribe, on her right forearm glows brightly under the spotlight.
Uwah, that's Ariel the Prima Donna, and she's illuminating as usual. What an experience to be able to see the diva live, but what a horrible timing to witness this historical moment. Later, my neverending chase is accompanied by a harmony of instruments, an arrangement specially presented for the Prima Donna to lead.
"To the person beyond the horizon,
This I whisper, the shape of my longing"
In the hall filled with exclusivity in its finest, the round of applause melts the atmosphere of rigidness, as individuals of different ranks become one with the melody.
The assassin raised their foot unto the railing. Judging from my limited observation, they seem tall and have a perfectly good balance of their physique. Unfortunately, the absence of light concealing this area of the floor proves it difficult to visualize their face. When another round of applause rolls in, the assassin pulls out what appears to be a crossbow.
When they assume a shooting stance, I quickly launch a small bird towards him, successfully catching them by surprise. Their repeated hand waves proved my tactic successful, and my muscles couldn’t help itself from forcing a smile at this small feat, especially at the sound of a dropping crossbow. Occupied and all, I approach closer, attempting to confiscate the murder weapon, but when I blink, it vanishes from my sight.
"...Eh?"
I could have sworn it melted with the shadows below.
"...Ah..."
Looking below, an even greater surprise awaits.
The shadow of the arch dances by itself.
"...!"
I retract my steps out of panic.. It's probably a great thing how the absence of light is preventing me from seeing the assassin's face. Otherwise, I'd be forced to glare back, challenging the obvious murderous aura and stare that promises nothing but retribution.
When they look at me, my heart skips a beat and I know from that look, I need to go, now.
Except I’m not sure which is faster, me or them.
Because the next thing I know, a slash of 'darkness' went flying, nearly scraping my face but managing to cut a few strands of my hair!
What even was that!?
Even though my intention was to stop them, in this balcony, they have the full advantage. Whatever they’re using was razor-sharp, probably enough to cut someone’s head within a single strike.
There’s no way I can win against that!
“Help me guys!”
Calling to my tiny companions, fallen hair strands would soon form a flock of birds meant for distraction as I leave everything behind. My sprint rivals the speed of the best sprinter in the world. The sense of dread gradually fades away the farther I escaped. At some point, I turn around, noticing not a single person is pursuing me.
At a timing that shouldn’t be, relief washes over me.
“I…Is it over… Are they—”
Gone?
“No, this is not over yet.”
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