And I rarely allow myself to act on emotional impulses, save against-
["Uzuki. I should have realized you would be waiting here."
It's nighttime in a large city, billboards and holographic displays showing an alien script. The sky is overcast and ominous, already starting to drizzle. A young man is standing between Margulis, years younger and lacking his distinctive scar, and the entrance to a four story building, as two other men look on from behind Margulis.
"Really, Commander." The man blocking the path speaks in the calm yet somehow still hostile tone of someone setting aside peaceful tendencies. "You didn't think I'd see this betrayal coming? You've been acting strangely ever since we began preparing to repel the Federation forces. But even so, I never thought you'd sink to this level. Siding with the Federation, against your own people?"
Margulis levels a glare at the young man as the rain starts to pick up. Lightning flashes and thunder rumbles, promising a terrifying storm.
"The only traitor here is Lady Athaliah. She's been manipulating us from the beginning, and intends to betray our principles the moment she gains power!"
Uzuki's own eyes narrow, a steely gaze in contrast to Margulis' fiery temper.
"And what proof do you have? That sounds like nothing but Federation propaganda."
"The proof is here. Stand aside, and you'll see for yourself."
The younger swordsman shakes his head, resting a hand on the hilt of his blade.
"I can't let you pass, not after seeing you with Federation filth."
"I see." Margulis' tone is low, full of regret as he draws the saber at his side. "Then I'll just have to make you move!"
The ensuing fight is nothing short of spectacular, blades sheathed in fire and bitter cold clashing faster than any ordinary human should be able to manage. Partway through, the two leap to the rooftop, Uzuki in several graceful jumps and Margulis in a single, powerful bound. The battle continues there, Margulis' swings far more aggressive than Akira's ever seen them during practice. Where they miss, they take chunks out of reinforced concrete as if it was Styrofoam. It's clear from how easily the dodge and block each other's strikes that they've fought many times before, often enough to predict their opponents' moves before they even happen.
By the time Margulis' tagalongs reach the roof, both combatants are wearing out. The rain pounds, covering up the sound of their panting...but not the red spreading through one side of Margulis' uniform. The teenage boy steps forward, concern in his expression and voice.
"Colonel, you're hurt!"
"From an earlier encounter." Margulis shakes his head. "But hardly enough to make up the difference between us."
"Arrogant as always, Commander." Uzuki sounds winded, but remains standing straight. "The difference was never as severe as you claimed. Now, shall we put an end to this fight?"
Uzuki raises a hand and an orb of pure cold forms above his palm. Margulis straightens and matches with a perfect sphere of flame. Each waits for the other to aim, and the attacks launch simultaneously. Both shout in pain, but Uzuki is the one to fall...though Margulis has gained an open gash across his face, one that matches his modern scar perfectly.]
What-?
[The present day Margulis, despite his usual lack of facial expression, looks shocked.]
no subject
["Uzuki. I should have realized you would be waiting here."
It's nighttime in a large city, billboards and holographic displays showing an alien script. The sky is overcast and ominous, already starting to drizzle. A young man is standing between Margulis, years younger and lacking his distinctive scar, and the entrance to a four story building, as two other men look on from behind Margulis.
"Really, Commander." The man blocking the path speaks in the calm yet somehow still hostile tone of someone setting aside peaceful tendencies. "You didn't think I'd see this betrayal coming? You've been acting strangely ever since we began preparing to repel the Federation forces. But even so, I never thought you'd sink to this level. Siding with the Federation, against your own people?"
Margulis levels a glare at the young man as the rain starts to pick up. Lightning flashes and thunder rumbles, promising a terrifying storm.
"The only traitor here is Lady Athaliah. She's been manipulating us from the beginning, and intends to betray our principles the moment she gains power!"
Uzuki's own eyes narrow, a steely gaze in contrast to Margulis' fiery temper.
"And what proof do you have? That sounds like nothing but Federation propaganda."
"The proof is here. Stand aside, and you'll see for yourself."
The younger swordsman shakes his head, resting a hand on the hilt of his blade.
"I can't let you pass, not after seeing you with Federation filth."
"I see." Margulis' tone is low, full of regret as he draws the saber at his side. "Then I'll just have to make you move!"
The ensuing fight is nothing short of spectacular, blades sheathed in fire and bitter cold clashing faster than any ordinary human should be able to manage. Partway through, the two leap to the rooftop, Uzuki in several graceful jumps and Margulis in a single, powerful bound. The battle continues there, Margulis' swings far more aggressive than Akira's ever seen them during practice. Where they miss, they take chunks out of reinforced concrete as if it was Styrofoam. It's clear from how easily the dodge and block each other's strikes that they've fought many times before, often enough to predict their opponents' moves before they even happen.
By the time Margulis' tagalongs reach the roof, both combatants are wearing out. The rain pounds, covering up the sound of their panting...but not the red spreading through one side of Margulis' uniform. The teenage boy steps forward, concern in his expression and voice.
"Colonel, you're hurt!"
"From an earlier encounter." Margulis shakes his head. "But hardly enough to make up the difference between us."
"Arrogant as always, Commander." Uzuki sounds winded, but remains standing straight. "The difference was never as severe as you claimed. Now, shall we put an end to this fight?"
Uzuki raises a hand and an orb of pure cold forms above his palm. Margulis straightens and matches with a perfect sphere of flame. Each waits for the other to aim, and the attacks launch simultaneously. Both shout in pain, but Uzuki is the one to fall...though Margulis has gained an open gash across his face, one that matches his modern scar perfectly.]
What-?
[The present day Margulis, despite his usual lack of facial expression, looks shocked.]