Humanity's Last Stand

Part 15

Following Hanzai and his mob, Akashi noticed the guards aiming their guns preparing to shoot. Did they expect our arrival? He also saw civilians being put to work. Disgusting. Trampling upon those lower class than them is what these nobles are like.

Hanzai opened the door into the minister's house "Now come inside because the minister is expecting you."

Akashi walked inside the building. A long hallway led into another double door. He opened the door and a man with his boots on the table awaited on his leather chair.

"You must be Akashi," The minister said "I had a tip that you would come here with a squad but never have I imagined that I'd see you myself."

This man is minister Largo, a man who asserted his position through his nobility, wealth and deep connections with important people throughout the city. Akashi knew him. He sat down on the chair at the opposite end.

"How do you like my city? Tranquil and unharmed by the horde," Largo said "I am happy though because—"

"I am not here to listen to your prattling," Akashi said "Tell me, where are you hiding Hercules and Hanzo now."

"Oh my," Largo placed his feet on the ground and his hands on the table "You're quite thick headed aren't you?" He smacked his hand on the table "Nobody talks like that to me!"

"I don't care so tell me exactly where they are."

"Fool, I am not revealing something like that," Largo said "Those two are valuable to this city's safety and I will not hear anymore."

This idiot is not even hiding about helping them. Doesn't he know their goals at all? Akashi pondered. This is a waste. He won't listen to me regardless.

"I'll be clear here," Largo said "You and your people are allowed to roam and investigate but do not test me again and ask about Hercules and Hanzo."

Turned away. Akashi exited the room. I guess asking for their help is pointless rather they'll get in the way. I guess I'll have to improvise and do this without their help.

Although Kaise had diverted, Shiki and his other teammates searched the areas around the crowded streets. Shiki walked with his arms tucked near him as he remained calm. This place...I remember it.

A memory struck into him. Fourteen years ago, he as a child wandered the streets with his father.

There is something about this place that I remember but I can't put into words what. Then his arm ached. He dropped to his knees and held his arm. What is this?

Staring at him were the nobles around him. A man approached him "Have I seen you somewhere before?" He reached out his hand towards him.

Then another memory sunk into his mind. A hand had grabbed his mouth and had kidnapped him. Shiki slapped the man's hand away "Don't touch me," he glared at him "I don't like nobles and I never will," he walked away gasping.

Behind him lurked someone. As Shiki roamed into the city, he held his head and sweated. What are these visions?

The arm glowed. To Shiki, the arm signaled someone evil nearing him so he stopped and looked behind. And a man scurried away.

Shiki chased him into a narrow alley and pushed a metal gate open with his hands. The man stopped in a place surrounded by the same metal gates. And busted opened a double door entrance into underground.

For a moment, Shiki held his ground. What is he doing? Is he luring me in there? He trod closer and into the entrance.

Darkness was the only sight he could see. Thick smell aroused the air and it smelled like blood. Walking deeper inside, Shiki heard wood creaking beneath him. I can't see anything.