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Chapter 18 - Whispers in the Shadows

Whispers in the Shadows

The Low Cut District was quiet. Too quiet.

Cainen, Rekka, and Kaito lounged in their barely fixed-up hideout, the smell of burnt concrete still thick in the air. But something was off. The usual chatter, the hustle, the nervous energy from the gangs—gone.

Cainen (snapping his fingers):"Where's the noise? This place should be buzzing like a hive."

Kaito (smirking):"Maybe they're all hiding. Or maybe someone's snitching."

Rekka (leaning forward):"If we got rats, I'm gonna find them. And crush their little heads."

Scene 1: The First Signs

A minor gang leader approaches, sweating and twitchy.

Gang Leader (stammering):"Boss… word is, government's got eyes inside. They're watching, listening."

Cainen (cold):"Then we get louder."

They send a signal—guards double the patrols, spots get watched. Still, things go missing. Weapons, intel, food.

Scene 2: The Spy

Late night. Kaito catches movement near the supply stash. He silently takes down a shadow—a kid no older than 16, caught red-handed with a hidden recorder.

Kaito (grinning):"Rat's caught in the trap."

Cainen (stepping up):"Who sent you? Spill it."

The kid's eyes dart, terrified, but he coughs up the truth: a government faction wants the Deadly Six broken from inside.

Scene 3: Paranoia Sets In

Trust cracks.

Cainen eyes everyone like they're hiding knives.

Cainen (grumbling):"One snake in the grass, and the whole garden dies."

Rekka (cracking his knuckles):"I'm ready to shred some grass."

Kaito:"Cool it. We don't know how deep this goes."

Scene 4: Dark Humor Break

While plotting their next move, Kaito pulls out a bag of shrimp chips.

Kaito:"You know, nothing fixes betrayal like a bag of crunchy death."

Cainen (snatching a chip):"Yeah, like your personality."

They laugh, but the tension remains thick.

Scene 5: The Warning

That night, a mysterious message is spray-painted across the district's main wall:

"THE GARDEN WILL WITHER."

No signature.

No mercy.

Cainen stares at the words, fists clenched.

Cainen (low):"Let them try."

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