Powering Down

After declaring her new goal, Katie was left standing in front of a tough, silent crowd.

“Who?” Frankie was nodding off by now, but she couldn’t afford to let her sister bug out in front of all these people.

“The kendo girl! At that dojo I went to… I’m not giving up! Even if she says I lost… I only really did if I accept that, right? I’m gonna challenge her again… and destroy that jerk, just like the ones on the Senso! I can’t stand it… not that I let myself lose to her, but that I let it shake me so much… I can’t be afraid of being weak! I’m not! I know I’m not. Because I’m more determined than anyone. If I wanna win, then I’m gonna win.”

“Can I watch?” Tala asked. Gen’s instincts made him feel like he should leave again, but he didn’t want to leave his best friend minutes after making up with them.

“If Tara’s going, I’ll accompany them. Besides, it- might be enjoyable to watch someone go all out instead of doing it myself. I’d like to learn to take more breaks.”

“You better.” Tara hissed jokingly.

“Of course. I want all you guys to watch. The more the merrier! Come on-“ Katie began to dash away, when-

Frankie grabbed her arm with what little puny strength she had left.

“Sis… tomorrow. Okay?”

“Whaaaaat?” Katie whined. “But I wanna go now!”

“If you want me to watch, we go tomorrow. Now come on, I think I’m gonna collapse.”

Exasperated, Katie gasped as Frankie fell into her arms. “Frankie..!” She looked at the others. “A little help?”

Everyone carried Frankie to the nearest hotel.