Chain-Like Emotions

Metro City – South District

Scott's body was frozen.

Not by time, not by some external force ── no, by pure, incomprehensible shock.

His brain refused to process the image before him.

Lady Fortress' body was limp — now, she was just a lifeless shell with a bloody gaping hole in her chest.

Her blood pooled beneath her and soaked the cracked pavement as it spread in tendrils. The way she fell — it wasn't like a wounded warrior struggling for breath.

No, it was final. Unmoving.

Dead.

Scott couldn't breathe.

He barely registered the voice speaking.

Mega Man chuckled, shaking his head.

"You know… I didn't even have business with the cute, young lady."

His tone was casual, light, like he was discussing some boring game from the other night.