The Three Sided War

Ch.18 Atsushi's Suggestion

The two of us watch the city below as we head towards it.

"Shiori. Look."

Atsushi points towards the ground. I follow his gaze.

"Um...I can't see the people, Atsushi. They look like ants."

I look back towards my brother to see his tiger eyes.

"It's...the Port Mafia. They're protecting the city."

"Of course they are. It's their home too after all. Everyone wants to protect this city. Not just you and me."

"I see... So that's what's happening..."

"Atsushi!"

A large bullet flies right pass us and rips through the sky. Atsushi immediately pulls the string and releases the parachute.

"What was that?! There was a small person in that little bullet thing."

"Small person...? Sh*t! We need to get out of the sky fast! Mark is aiming at us!"

"Mark?"

"Mark Twain is his name, and sniping people happens to be his game. He's another member of The Guild. His ability allows him to shoot with absolute accuracy by attaching two small doll-like creatures named Tom and Huck to his bullets. He can also perform long distance surveillance using them."

Another shot rings out. This time, the bullet rips right through the parachute. The blast causes Atsushi to pass out. He lets go of me and the doll.

"Atsushi!"

He doesn't answer as he plummets to the ground.

"Dammit! Change! For The Tainted Sorrow!"

I start floating in the air as the ability activates.

I only have five seconds.

I grab the doll and race towards my brother. I managed to get close to him. I reach my hand out towards his.

"Come on! A little bit closer!"

After another second or two, I grabs his hand.

"Yes!"

The ability suddenly disappears.

"No!"

I hold onto my brother as we fall through the air again.

"Atsushi! Please, wake up!"

The ground was fast approaching.

"Atsushi!"

He suddenly starts glowing as we hit the ground. I close my eyes as we do.

"...Huh?"

I don't feel anything. I think I'm alive.