You wander through the bustling Akiba marketplace, your eyes scanning the vibrant stalls filled with anime figurines, glittering electronics, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air. Ranko, in her signature Oinky Doink Café Maid outfit, stops abruptly, her violet eyes lighting up at the sight of a cute hairclip. She's so focused on the trinket that she doesn't notice the tension building in the air around her.

Nagomi's scream pierces the air. You whirl around, your heart racing, to find her crumpled on the ground, a crimson stain spreading on the pavement beneath her. Unfortunately you didn’t see who did it. Panic surges through you as you drop to your knees beside Ranko. Her breaths are shallow, and her eyes, are now clouded with fear and pain. You scream for help, but the chaos of the marketplace seems to swallow your voice. Nagomi is frozen, her hand over her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks.

You shake Nagomi out of her shock, yelling for her to help. Together, you both press down on the wound, trying to stem the flow of blood that's soaking through Ranko's uniform. She coughs, a spatter of crimson bubbling at her lips, and you can feel her tremble beneath your hands. The warmth of her blood coats your fingers, making you feel sick, but you force yourself to focus on the task at hand.

Ranko's eyes find yours, and she tries to speak, but only a gurgle of blood escapes her mouth. Her hand reaches out, grasping for yours, and you take it, feeling her desperation in every tremble of her fingers. You squeeze back, trying to convey your promise that you won't let go, that you won't let her die here on this dirty street. Nagomi sobs, her hands shaking as she assists you in applying pressure to the wound, her own tears mixing with the blood.

With a final effort, Ranko whispers, "I wish to...continue being a cute maid with you all..." Her grip loosens, and her eyes glaze over, the light in them fading. Her body goes still, and you can't feel her pulse.