Another day, another grisly scene. Only one victim today, but the fifth in the last week. Two of which had not been discovered or reported on, including the current victim. A scene which, since the start of the year, had become too common. Cold comfort came in the fact that this victim was once again a member of the homeless community. The escalation that had been seen the month prior had disappeared, it seemed. Then again, there was no rhyme or reason to these deaths.

Freeze.

These unnecessary deaths. This set of events confounded the Libretto. When she was the Oracle, she didn’t foresee the chain of death wrapping around the healing city of Mitakihara.

Freeze.

Then again, Cecilia’s biggest mistake was not looking too far beyond the defeat and death of Liu Fei, Punisher. But the biggest mystery, beyond the lack of pattern or motive, was the newest addition, the most recent, unmatched puzzle piece now left beside the body. The killer had to know they weren’t being trailed. They had to know their mystery wasn’t being solved. In their defense, the usual moving pieces in Mitakihara simply… weren’t. The killer knew, just as Cecilia did, that something stagnant was taking place where it should not have been. The killer knew, just as Cecilia did, that these events were not part of destiny’s script.

Freeze.

Kiwako: …Cece-chan!

Cecilia: (She jumps, turning to face Kiwako, who lowers her hood) …What are you doing here, Kiwa-chan? 

Kiwako: (Her face is neutral, which to anyone that knows her means something is wrong) I came back a while ago. Like, not long after you did. That was stupid, you know… going off to fight her, I mean.

Cecilia: …It was. And it would not have been, were I strong enough to beat her Witch back.

Kiwako: S’cause yours is still behind your wheel. And that’s ‘cause you two are too much alike. Sorry, Cece-chan, but you couldn’t ever be the one to fight Yui off like that. And you should’ve known that better than anyone!

Cecilia: …While I normally have no qualms about indulging your distractions, I’m afraid they do more harm than good today. (She turns her attention to the body, and the Grief Seed lying beside it) …You came back because you saw the news.

Silence.

Freeze.

Silence.

Cecilia: …You know something.

Kiwako: (Her voice lowers) …You’re getting better, Cece-chan. That’s a good thing. And also a very, very annoying thing right now.

Cecilia: I can’t see, though. Even now. It… pains me. Even if Yui has begun to recover, even if our combined blows soften her soul and placate her Witch, it’s… not enough yet. So I cannot track this killer. But I have known you for far too long, Kiwako. So please…

Kiwako: …I can only guess, okay? I don’t know for sure. (She looks off towards the horizon) …But I really, really hope I’m wrong, that’s all. ‘Cause no one’s ready for what comes next if I’m right.

Thunder rolled in the distance, the clouds and storm that produced it hanging in the direction of New Eden.