But in the End

Split Up

"The transaction is supposed to happen just up ahead." Jun'ichirō told Yosano as we walked through an alleyway. "We have to hurry, before the Port Mafia notices we're gone."

"Damn it, you old geezer! Why?!"

Stopping in our tracks, we leaned against the wall, looking out into the streets to see three of the Black Lizards.

"Just kill the freaking Detectives!"

I glanced at Jun'ichirō from the corner of my eye as the redhead shouted to the older of the three. "What was that about the Port Mafia?"

Jun'ichirō let out a sigh. "I didn't think we'd run into any this soon."

"Just remember what the boss said." The man spoke up again. "Francis might be with the Military Police so make sure you don't go near their business, even though they ignored the boss's order and went off on their own. I can't believe how they're disrespecting the boss!"

"Still not giving up your old gangster habits, Tachihara?" Hirotsu asked as he closed his eyes, not at all phased by the boy's anger. "The Port Mafia's actions are not determined by whether or not it's disrespected, but instead whether or not they're faithful to the bosses wishes."

What he said must've struck a cord into Tachihara, for he didn't say anything in reply. "Don't let anyone hurt the Agency. Protect them with your life, if necessary. That is the order we were given and we will follow. To put it another way, the boss knew that they were about to engage in dangerous business. There you have it, Detectives. Have you heard quite enough yet?"

I widened my eyes as the three turned to the direction we were in. Damn, the old man is good. Not seeing a reason to hide anymore, the four of us stepped out into the open.

"Mr. Mori sure is a worrywart, isn't he?" Yosano asked with a fake smile on her face. "Well he doesn't need to worry. Your deal with Francis isn't a trap like he expects it to be."

"Oh?" Hirotsu asked as we walked closer to the three. "How are you so sure?"

"Because I know Atsushi believes him." Yosano replied simply. "Atsushi fought with Francis, when they were both aboard the Moby Dick. Once you bare your soul to someone by trading mortal blows with them, they won't be fooled by your lies anymore."

Hirotsu closed his eyes. "I see."

Hearing a vehicle coming closer, we turned to see an ambulance coming to a stop. "Their ambulance is here!" Kenji exclaimed, running over to it. "We've been waiting for you, Atsushi!"

All of the sudden, the ambulance blew up, throwing Kenji back. "Kenji!" Yosano exclaimed as she turned to where he landed.

"What the hell?!" I exclaimed as I looked around, seeing the military police.

"Do not move!"

"Targets surrounded! Capturing the suspects now!"

"They got us completely blocked..." I muttered, glancing at each alleyway.

"Kenji!" Jun'ichirō shouted, rushing over to the man to check on him before a sword fell down, pinning Kenji into the ground.

I looked up at the sky, where said sword fell from. "There's no way they found us..."

"The Hunting Dogs!" Jun'ichirō cried out, realizing the same as me.

"Everyone run now!" Hirotsu exclaimed. "The transaction was a trap. Francis sided with the enemy!"

"Damn it!" Yosano muttered out as the Black Lizards began attacking.

Tachihara took out two guns and began firing. "Damn, MP's are all over the place!"

"Squads A and B, advance! Squad C, deploy thermal scope! Don't let the one with the illusion ability to escape!"

I took a stance beside Jun'ichirō as Yosano rushed to check on Kenji's injuries. I glanced at the two out of the corner of my eye as Kenji attempted to reassure us he was okay. I glanced back ahead of us, seeing a hooded figure come out of nowhere.

"Who the hell is that?" I mumbled, narrowing my eyes as the figure cracked their neck, holding a hand up. As they clutched their hand into a fist, Kenji began letting out strangled grunts of pain.

"Kenji!" Yosano exclaimed as he let out a scream.

I wanted to turn back to see what was happening, but knew better than to do that. I kept my gaze locked on the hooded figure, thinking of the best move.

Jun'ichirō looked hesitant so I looked at him out of the corner of my eyes. "Go, I'll keep an eye on them."

Nodding his head, Jun'ichirō turned to help out Kenji as I brought my focus back onto the person. I could use my ability, but it looks like the MP's know each of our abilities and it's safe to assume this person does too.

"I can't get the sword out!" Jun'ichirō exclaimed. I gritted my teeth together. This is bad.

There was movement behind me as a purple flash covered the streets. A moment later I heard the sound of metal clanking onto the ground before a thud, leading me to assume they managed to get the sword out.

"Listen up everyone." Hirotsu spoke up again. "We're heading to a secret Port Mafia escape route. Let's go."

Nodding my head, I brought my arm up, activating my ability. "I'll buy us a few seconds. Help Kenji."

"What are you going to do?" Yosano asked, as I began to focus.

I let out a sigh. "It's safe to assume that this hooded figure can control that sword with his ability. If we turn our backs now, we leave ourselves wide open. I'll weaken them as much as I can while you guys make an opening to escape."

I didn't wait for an answer as I began stealing the strength from the men and hooded figure in front of me, causing the majority to collapse onto their knees. With that, I focused more onto the person, seeing they were still standing. Bastards got more juice than I expected.

I furrowing my eyebrows together, I used more energy, seeing the person start hunching down, placing a hand onto their knee. "(Y/N)! Come on!"

Hearing Yosano's voice, I took a few moments before lowering my arm, turning to run into the direction they were in. Seeing them run into a building a few men started to fire gunshots, blocking off the entrance.

Clicking my tongue, I quickly darted into another alleyway to shake off the men following after me. As I continued to run, I brought my hand back up to behind me, activating my ability once more. "Beast From Within!"

Seeing a few pass out, tripping up the others behind them, I took the chance and rounded another corner. As I ran, I tugged at each door I came across until one opened. Thank god!

Quickly I ran inside, closing and locking it behind me before leaning against the wall beside the window. Calming my breath, I tilted my head slightly to glance out the side of the blinds.

It took a few moments before I saw a group of men rush by, past the shop I was in. Letting out a breath of relief, I decided to hide out here for a little before going back out to hopefully join the others.

As I waited, I saw an ambulance pass by, making my eyes widen. That must be Atsushi and Kyouka! Making sure the coast was clear, I made my way out of the shop and headed in the direction the ambulance went.

Rounding the corner, I saw none other than Kyouka and Atsushi standing there with Yosano peeking out of a sewer drain.

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Published: 07/22/2024