Descent into the Abyss

Chapter 45

"Hurry! We got to get to the shelter before they attack!" A woman with a light blonde ponytail called out to the group. "They're going to be focusing on fighting with the guards, near the Tower so we need to move now, before it's too late!"

Nathaniel stepped forward, touching her shoulder, "We need to remain calm. If we're panicking, they're going to be panicking too."

She glanced up to his face, her heartbeat slowing as she took in his calm demeanor. With a small smile and nod, she turned back towards the masses shuffling in place anxiously.

"Alright people, we need to start moving towards the shelter. We don't got a lot of time, but we can still make it there," She reiterated, her voice matching her new attitude.

The group surged forward into the streets, a hundred pairs of eyes scanning the building and streets around them.

"Go ahead and escort them to the shelter," Nathaniel remarked, glancing behind them to the alleyway. "I'm going to go check on the General, see what he wants us to do after posting up at the shelter."

She stopped cold, turning back towards him, "But, he said for you to be the one to lead us there?"

A gentle smile touched his lips as he placed his right hand on her left shoulder, "It's alright. Everyone knows the way there. If you need any help with the group, almost the entire council is here too. I'm sure they wouldn't mind stepping up to help you with them. You can do this, Alyssa."

She smiled with nervous fluttering in her stomach before turning away as she felt the heat rise to her cheeks.

"Okay, but don't take too long," She glanced back to him. "We'll all feel better knowing you two are alright."

His smile grew and a warmth touched his eyes, "I won't make you wait very long."

With that he turned and disappeared into the alleyway, while she sighed and turned back to the group, now halfway down the block.

"I hope so," She whispered, jogging to catch up.

From the darkness of the alley, Nathaniel watched as Alyssa caught up to the group, merging within it. The group continued for nearly another block before turning and disappearing behind an unremarkable building. Nathaniel sighed once, pressing a thumb against his right temple before turning back towards the Tower. A glow had begun to creep into the darkness of the alley, undeniably from the growing flames now consuming the city.

He had to find the General. There wasn't much time before Michael and his troops would be there to raze the Tower. A pebble smacked against a loose piece of metal, sending a sharp Clang! into the alleyway. Nathaniel spun around, hand dropping to his side, ready to neutralize any threat.

Meow

"Fucking cat," Nathaniel swore, lowering his hand away from the pistol holstered on his hip. "Get outta here!"

"Something against cats, Nathaniel?" An older voice asked, causing him to spin back towards the Tower.

"General," He sighed, rubbing his temple with his left thumb. "If I spin around anymore, I'm going to get sick."

Leo frowned looking at the unusual mess of a man in front of him. For years, Nathaniel maintained an image... Yet now, it was falling apart.

"Perhaps it's the threat of death?" Leo thought to himself, straightening his own shirt before pulling his jacket closer to him. "He's not a trained fighter, or even an Elemental. His skills are in deduction and negotiations, not combat. I suppose it's understandable for this kind of situation to unnerve a man."