Humanity's Last Stand

Part 14

The next morning dawned as Shiki strolled through the streets and headed towards the gates. Wearing his black gloves and clothing with gold linings on them. The civilians all looked at him in crowds.

Snow chilled his skin as he walked. He knew this trek would be long and harsh but there was no turning back.

Akashi, Tatsuya, Kaise and Hakura waited at the entrance as he arrived. Observing them, he nodded "I think you should all know that in this mission, I am leading."

"I don't have a reason to follow your orders," Kaise crossed his arms "I'll be clear here. I am here because I need to get to Hastagard."

"That is not good enough," Akashi drew his sword "I'd like to hear a better answer than that."

Shiki stood between them "That's enough. We need to work together so instead we'll have to work with what we have."

"Fine," Akashi walked ahead and sheathed his sword "However anyone that gets in the way is going to be sorry."

The others walked behind as Akashi led. Cold breath swirled behind Shiki's neck. He tightened his scarf.

As the group trekked across the snowy land, numerous dead bodies laid around the roads looking devoured and torn. I wonder whether this is all the people that has tried to escape the horde.

An individual skulked at the distance. Watching the group walking across the land. Shiki noticed the individual skulking behind them.

"What's wrong?" Hakura asked

Akashi shot a glance towards the tree that the skulker was hiding behind. Blaze erupted. The skulker moved away and threw a grenade.

Kaise pulled his gun and shot it. The explosion covered the air with smoke. Dashing towards them, the skulker shot them with his handguns.

The group dodged. Hakura stunned him with lightning shot and kicked him across the cheek. Tooth came out.

Shiki wrenched the man's neck and lifted him up the air "Who sent you?" He glared towards the masked person.

But the man vanished into black smoke. He coughed and moved backwards "What is that?"

"A scout body," Akashi said "The person who sent that must've wanted to test our abilities and I am assuming that our enemies nw know we're here."

"We'll need to be careful then," Kaise said

The group ventured on towards Hastagard but Shiki glowered around. I have a feeling that this is not over. He went with the others.

A man peeked through the woods "Hercules, you're predictions were correct," he whispered to his ear piece.

"Excellent, bring me information on them ASAP."

Four hours later, the group arrived at Hastagard's gate entrance. The group walked on rocky grounds and wind howled their ears.

Kaise stared at Shiki with a glowering look. 

"We are in a city where nobles rule over so its expected," Tatsuya observed the guards gossiping about them.

Shiki stared the gates and memories sunk into his mind. The surgical table. The surgeons. And his parents ordering his arm's removal and replacing it with another one.

Hakura held his shoulder "Are you alright?"

Shiki widened his eyes and held his head, gasping. She looked at the city again and back at him.

"I'll be alright," Shiki closed his eyes and cleared his mind "I am little tired that's all," he gave her a reassuring but fake smile.

"Let's go," Akashi led the group towards the gate and he talked to the guards "I am general Akashi and I am here to investigate."