Sakura

Chapter 3

The rain didn't let up, instead growing in intensity as Nami rose, her human muscles burning as she took a wobbled step forward. No, she furiously berated herself, there was no room for this human weakness. Shoulders back, Nami continued her stride to the side exit of the building, each step showing her steadfast resolve.

 The sky was growing to an ominous black as lightning crackled across the sky. Nami looked up, feeling tempted to go back to her mermadic form but decided against it, even if she was more powerful that way. Careful to avoid the deceiving third step that would give if stepped on, Nami took the stairs down and out of the building.

 Without a soul in sight, Nami continued across the street until she stood in front of the theater building. It looked far more imposing when she stood this close. Quickly she moved away and hugged the side of the building. She knew the Golden Demon was smart. He would have rigged the front door with traps behind him as he went. And the first set of windows, Nami avoided as well. She was no fool now to the Golden Demon and his tricks. She would come at him from above, like all birds of prey who arrogantly thought none would dare to fly above them.

 A fire escape showed an easy access to the building's roof, but again, Nami knew better. Shuddering to think of the rusted metal jutting inside of her because no doubt it would be rigged to collapse, just like the third stair step across the street. And then she spotted it, her entry point. It was a vent in the top side of the building, it's grate rusted and grey. Part of it was obstructed by a nearby tree and would go missed by most anyone. But not Nami. She would have to scale the brick wall of the building, but it was her only option.

 The backpack she had slung over her shoulder was brought down as she scanned around as she carefully unzipped the bag, pulling out her climbing equipment. Carefully she put the backpack across her shoulders and began her ascent.

 Sweat poured from Nami as she climbed, her muscles that had been aching from lack of use, now burned with every stretch and pull. At last she arrived at the metal panel and Nami studied it, pondering how to remove it. After a few moments, her legs wanting reprieve, Nami was able to get the grate door to swing up as she crawled inside the dark, narrow space.

 With the grate closed behind her, Nami felt a tug on her backpack. It would be too tight of a crawl if she kept it on and she shrugged it off. The metal around her felt cool, especially in the soaked clothing she wore. Leaving behind her pack, Nami continued forward, slipping and sliding as she did. The air was hot in the cramped space, and Nami felt like every movement she made would alert the Golden Demon to her presence. But she had to persevere.

 As the crawl space continued for some distance, Nami could see several paths turn and continue on into darkness, but there was also a slotted panel that showed a dark room below. Wanting out of the ventilation system, Nami choose to make her escape quick and watched inside the room for a few moments. Deciding it was now or never, Nami pushed the metal out and held onto it as she slid down from the ceiling and on top of a pile of stacked boxes.

 Crouching, Nami's eyes scanned the area around her. Accustomed to the deep darkness of the sea, the siren felt no fear as she looked through the pitch blackness. She was in some sort of storage area as she breathed in the molded smell of old clothing and paper. Stepping forward, Nami felt her whole body buzz with a sharp alertness while she approached the only door to the room. The crack underneath showed only more darkness and Nami touched the door handle. Listening carefully she heard nothing and turned the metal handle. It was now or never.