Both Douma and Shinobu continued crawling through the vent. The building got quieter less crowds on this level which meant they were most likely close to their destination.
However, there was still something else bothering Shinobu's mind. This was out of their control and she wasn't sure if Douma could handle all this at once they haven't really figured out what to do with the evidence. The duo didn't think it through there's bound to be obstacles awaiting them somewhere.
"Hey Douma I know this isn't a big problem for you but don't you think we need back up or something?"
"Oh I've already decided on that. After confronting the big bad guy of this secret organization I'll put everyone to sleep." Douma said proudly as usual. "And then we'll call the police."
"And how are we going to explain the 'put everyone to sleep' part?"
"Experiment gone wrong that's all. It's that simple Shinobu what are you so worried about? You have me with you!"
Shinobu narrowed her eyes at him. Even though the plan sounded crazy she knew Douma was very much prepared. Of course he's not worried this is nothing compared to what happened back in Tokyo. They were absolutely fine.
"What if Atashi's in the office I thought we were avoiding the guy."
"Dealing with him isn't that tough he'll probably want a rematch or something." Douma took a deep breath and crossed his arms. "And I'll gladly accept it's not like he's some big final boss, even then I'll still be the one coming out alive."
"Wait so you're not going easy on him this time?! Give the poor guy a break he doesn't need a broken bone after this."
Proudly cracking his knuckles Douma turned to Shinobu with a smirk. "Wow Shinobu you still have a soft spot for Atashi despite what he said to you back in Tokyo. That's what we call having a good heart."
"I'm just concerned that's all I don't want anyone to get hurt over something we can resolve together." Looking at the ground in pity Shinobu still wanted to see Atashi happily reunited with his little sister she was hoping for that ending to this nightmare.
"Yeah I understand but it's not just the three of us involved there's another party too and he doesn't sound like the friendliest person out there," Douma looked up and thought about something. I wonder if Shinobu can convince him somehow that what he's doing isn't right. Perhaps if we get to Atashi's friend maybe he'll realize.
Light emitted ahead of Douma. This was the last stop which should lead them to their final destination this part of the building was quiet, people's discussions sounded like whispers in a cave. His heart started racing hearing the faint silence.
A ringing sound echoed from the opening in front of them, Shinobu guessed it was the elevator. Douma saw doors closing and gave the violette a thumbs up which made her feel better about herself, earlier she thought her defenselessness was slowing Douma down that mech was easy for him to handle but it became rather calculative with her running around in fear.
"Alright so the elevator is right at the end of the hallway. We just gotta hope nobody walks out of any door while we're getting down from here, the elevator included." Shinobu said, carefully analyzing the situation. the floor was a mix of red, dark blue and beige that blended in with the light-yellow wall. The environment was vastly different from the first few levels of the headquarters which consisted of mostly grey like a typical research center. There were no guards around making it easier for them to navigate the place. From the looks of it there were about five doors on this level with hardly any distinctions from each other.
"If someone leaves one of these rooms I'll turn you invisible right away try not to make any sounds or they might suspect something." Douma got ready to break the vent opening. "You know the drill Shinobu we only have one chance at this otherwise I'm going to have to put everyone to sleep and when that happens we're not getting answers."
"Honestly this is kinda scary, first I have to get down from the ceiling and hope no one sees me," Shinobu's arms and legs started shaking from the immense fear building up.
Douma looked at her and smiled with an understanding look on his face. "It's gonna be alright Shinobu I'm here."
"And then I have to sneak up on every door and check who's sitting in the room. Imagine if someone came out and saw me standing there." Breathing heavily Shinobu backed away from the opening and wrapped her arms around herself to keep her calm.
Given the inactiveness of this area I don't think we'll be bumping into anyone. There doesn't seem to be any activities going on here but even that's a little bit of a stretch. This could just be a coincidence wait till we get down there and then one of the door opens. Glancing at Shinobu who seemed hesitant to leave the vents Douma decided to wait a while more so they could conclude if the area is safe it was too early to determine anything.
While the blonde was observing the hallway Shinobu crawled up to him with a look of determination.
"I've decided that we shouldn't wait around any longer. Hiding in a corner isn't going to bring us anywhere and I don't want the person behind this to continue sitting in his office comfortably while all this chaos is unfolding."
"That brave Shinobu is back man it's been a while hasn't it?" Douma hummed.
Shinobu crossed her arms and sighed. "Well I just want to put a stop to this we're at the final step now. Let's get this done and over with." Hearing that washed the worries from Shinobu she felt lighter now and motivated.
Slowly grabbing the door vent Douma lifted it up and placed it against the wall of the vent. Both of them looked down at the silent hallway and waited to see if anyone heard them which was unlikely since Douma was as silent as a feather which Shinobu found impressive given how noisy screws and door vents normally were.