The streets outside the auction house were abuzz with activity. People of various ranks and auras moved in and out, some escorted by guards while others carried an air of self-assurance. Shikaku and Kyoto stood at their assigned positions, carefully scanning the area for any anomalies.
"Man, all this just to get some fancy blades," Kyoto muttered, leaning against a nearby wall, his sharp yellow eyes darting between the flow of people. "It's hard to believe people are paying that much for something like that."
Shikaku smirked, his arms crossed as he surveyed the scene. "To them, it's not just blades. It's power, status. Things people would kill for—and die for."
Kyoto sighed, adjusting his stance. "Still, this place feels... off. It's too quiet, considering the stakes inside. You feel it too, don't you?"
Shikaku nodded subtly, his piercing gaze scanning the rooftops and alleys. "Yeah, the air's heavy. Almost like something's waiting to happen."
The two stood in tense silence for a moment before Shikaku's attention was drawn to a figure in the distance. Standing at the edge of the crowd, near the shadowy mouth of an alleyway, was a hooded individual. The figure stood completely still, their face obscured by darkness.
"Kyoto," Shikaku said in a low tone, nudging the younger boy. "See that?"
Kyoto straightened and followed Shikaku's line of sight. "Yeah. Creepy. They've been standing there for a while?"
"Just showed up," Shikaku replied. "They're not moving. Just watching the building. Strange."
The two observed the figure in silence for a few more moments. Despite the bustling crowd, no one seemed to notice or acknowledge the hooded figure, as if they were invisible to everyone but Shikaku and Kyoto.
"That's definitely not normal," Kyoto whispered. "Think they're a threat?"
"Hard to say," Shikaku muttered, his hand slowly moving toward the hilt of one of his blades. "But I'm not taking chances. Let's approach cautiously. If they bolt, we'll know they're up to something."
Kyoto nodded, the tension evident in his stance as the two began moving toward the figure. However, before they could take more than a few steps, the hooded figure suddenly turned its head toward them. For a brief second, Kyoto thought he saw glowing red eyes beneath the hood.
"Shikaku…" Kyoto started, but before he could finish, the figure vanished.
"What the—?!" Shikaku's sharp eyes darted to every possible escape route, but the figure was gone, as if it had melted into the shadows.
"Did you see that?" Kyoto asked, his voice tight with unease.
"I saw it," Shikaku replied, his tone grim. "Whoever—or whatever—they were, they weren't here to window-shop."
Before either could say another word, a deafening BOOM erupted from the auction house. The shockwave rattled the streets, and people screamed as debris rained down.
"Damn it!" Shikaku growled, spinning toward the source of the explosion. Kyoto stumbled slightly but steadied himself, his eyes wide with shock.
"That's where the others are!" Kyoto shouted.
Shikaku's expression darkened as he grabbed Kyoto's arm, pulling him toward the auction house. "No time to talk. Move!"
....
The RV was quiet except for the occasional hum of distant machinery. Ashiro leaned back against the seat, gazing out the window. Kaguya sat nearby, her face unreadable as she fiddled with her bio-shield on the table before her.
Breaking the silence, Kaguya asked softly, "Ashiro… can I ask you something?"
He turned to her, a little surprised by the seriousness in her tone. "Sure. What is it?"
"Why were you… alone when we found you?" she asked, her voice almost hesitant.
Ashiro's expression darkened, his gaze dropping to the floor. The question seemed to pull at a deep, unspoken part of him. Kaguya immediately noticed the shift in his demeanor and quickly raised her hands.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine," Ashiro cut in, shaking his head. "I'll answer."
He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "I've been alone for as long as I can remember. My parents… they died on the day I was born. That was the day the aliens first invaded Earth."
Kaguya's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't interrupt.
"And this year," Ashiro continued, his voice quieter now, "I lost my uncle, Fernando. He was my last family. We were running from a pack of Kaijus, trying to find shelter… but he didn't make it."
Kaguya's heart sank as she listened. Her sympathy for Ashiro deepened with every word. "I'm so sorry, Ashiro," she said, her voice gentle. "You've been through so much."
Ashiro shrugged, trying to mask the pain with indifference. "It is what it is. I just… try not to think about it too much."
Kaguya placed a hand on her chest, her expression soft yet firm. "You've lost so much, but you've survived through it all. That takes strength—not just physical, but emotional. And… you're not alone anymore. We're here for you now."
Her words caught Ashiro off guard, stirring something unfamiliar in his heart. It wasn't pity; it was genuine warmth and understanding. He looked at her, unsure of what to say, but before he could respond—
BOOM!
The RV shook violently, throwing Ashiro and Kaguya forward. The sound of the explosion rang in their ears as the sky outside lit up with fire and smoke.
"What the hell was that?!" Ashiro shouted, scrambling to his feet and looking out the window.
Kaguya's eyes went wide with panic as she grabbed her bio-shield and rushed toward the door. "The auction house!" she exclaimed. "Lady Naga and the others are in there!"
Ashiro turned to her, his voice laced with worry. "Wait, where are you going?"
"To help!" Kaguya said firmly, her hand on the door. She glanced back at him, her face torn between urgency and concern. "Stay here, Ashiro. Please."
Ashiro hesitated, wanting to argue, but the fear in her eyes made him nod reluctantly. "Be careful," he said, his fists clenching at his sides.
Without another word, Kaguya dashed out of the RV, her figure disappearing into the chaos. Ashiro stayed by the window, watching the flames rise from the distant building, his heart pounding with worry and frustration.