Title: Closer To My Heart Than Anyone Else
Characters: Deuce, Trey, Rook, Sebek
Closer To my Heart Than Anyone Else
The Other Dimension - Bizarre Staircase
Sebek
Humans! What are you dillying and dallying for? Hurry up!
Trey
Don't rush like that, Deuce is pretty exhausted from the ghostly possession and battling earlier.
Rook
Oui. Even feeling slightly under the weather here could end up being fatal for us who tread into unknown waters. Shouldn't we take a moment to have a break instead?
Deuce
Seniors… I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience I caused.
Sebek
A break?! As if there's time to relax? Do you all understand the grave situation we are in?!
Deuce
Huh?!
Sebek
We are in a race against time now. We don't have the luxury to wait for a human to recuperate!
Rise this instant! I'll leave you behind if you're going to be a dead weight!!
Deuce
Wha… Don't you think you're blowing things out of proportion?!
Trey
Come on. Calm down now, you two. It won't do us any good even if you started fighting in a place like this.
Rook
Rest is all the more important precisely when you wish to rush forth, Monsieur Crocodile.
Sebek
……Grr! You weaklings! In that case you can all stay there and rest for as long as you wish!!
I will carry on even if it's by myself!!
Deuce
Oi, Sebek! Hang on!
What's gotten you so short tempered? You've been acting strangely for a while now.
Sebek
I AM NOT BEING SHORT TEMPERED WHATSOEVER!!!
Trey
Shouting that loudly… There's definitely something a little off with him.
Deuce
Actually, it is normal for him to speak that loudly, but… He's usually a little more composed than this.
Even in classes, I've never seen him get scolded by the professors for behaving in a rash manner either…
C'mon, Sebek. You can't possibly be unaware that rushing headfirst alone in this situation isn't good, right?
Just calm down for a moment first.
Sebek
Do you really think I can calm down now?!
……Young Master is……!
…Young Master and Master Lilia have both disappeared!
Deuce
!
Sebek
They both rank among the most outstanding mages in the world!! And yet…!
We don't even know if they are safe.
They aren't just senior dormmates to me. I hold them closer to my heart than anyone else.
I am even prepared to throw my life on the line should the time call for it. I trained daily for that purpose as well.
And yet, I… couldn't even notice that they went missing. How negligent I was. How deplorable…!
Deuce
Sebek…
Sebek
On top of that, I lost sight of Silver who was also embarking on this rescue mission initially, and now his whereabouts are unknown.
We're talking about Silver who has an unnecessarily tough physique. I believe he is safe… but should push come to shove, I will need to rescue him too!
Deuce
Is that so? You certainly show concern for Sir Silver as well, now that I think about it.
Sebek
Wha-?! It's not like I'm worried about Silver or anything!
Deuce
I also know you're feeling helpless from having no reliable seniors around to turn to.
Sebek
And I'm saying!! You've gotten it wrong!! I'm not feeling helpless whatsoever!!
Deuce
O-Okay, okay, I got it! Don't shout so loudly into my ears, at least.
Sebek
…Hmph! Unlike you happy-go-lucky bunch, I have an important duty to fulfill as an envoy!
Young Master and Master Lilia must both be awaiting my rescue eagerly. Therefore, I will be moving on!
Trey
Sebek… You have the stamina and probably received the training necessary to be able to fight on your own. However…
There's a possibility that you might encounter a powerful enemy whom you can't stand up to by yourself past this point, you know?
Sebek
That's…
Trey
No matter the situation, nothing beats having lots of soldiers to defend one's king. Right, Deuce?
Deuce
…! Yes! If you wanna raid a stronghold, more is indeed merrier!
Sebek, this was what Yuu taught me when I used to be prone to rushing into things by myself…
"You at least stand a chance against a formidable opponent that you can't beat on your own if you join hands with others"!
Sebek
……!
Rook
In travelling, a companion, in life, compassion… It is also thanks to the hand of fate that we were brought together to move as one.
Think of us as your seniors from Diasomnia for today, and depend on us as much as you like, Sebek!
Trey
I mean, we're probably much more unreliable than Malleus to say the least…but we'll support you to the best of our abilities.
Deuce
I'll also make up for my failure and earlier unsightliness moving forward. Don't feel bitter when I rob you of your opportunities to contribute later, Sebek!
Sebek
You guys……
…Hmph. Even without your concern, I'd have no problem on my own. I certainly wouldn't, but…
If you so insist, then I shall allow you to accompany me! After all, you lot must be feeling helpless being on your own!
Deuce
…Hah?
Sebek
As the Young Master's envoy, taking two to three humans under my wing is certainly a piece of cake!!
I'll bring everyone back to school safely and the Young Master and Master Lilia will bear witness to it. Silver and you lot shall too, at the same time.
Now, with that decided, rest. Recover your energies fully and prepare for battle!
While you may not have sustained any injuries, make sure to check carefully once again. Once your preparations are perfectly complete, we shall depart.
Understood?! Humans!!
Deuce
Th-this guy…!
Trey
Haha! I get it now, so that means this is the "normal" Sebek.
Deuce
Seriously. To think he'd speak so rudely to his seniors the minute he snapped back to normal!
Rook
T'en fais pas, Monsieur Spade! His spirits have been lifted, and that's all that matters!
Sebek
Please wait for me, Young Master and Master Lilia!! I, Sebek!! Will come to your rescue!!