The metropolis was not as noisy as it normally was, a fog blanket had been laid down upon the river district of R.I.S City. The lamps were stars that had fallen on the water. The four boys were walking on the deserted walkway Kaiser in front, Taj beside him, Wasif and Comet a couple of steps away, every step sounding against the concrete.
They were not even expected to be here past curfew. Nevertheless, the name of But Raze had re-emerged in the school network that morning, encrypted text buried in an old student-club archive, which was dated three years ago. "Raze Protocol — Dormitory E-13."
By this time Kaiser had read it twice and closed the file. "He was here," he'd said simply. And just now they were on the track.
Wasif threw a pebble out in the mist. You think you are not on a wild goose chase?
Comet waved his shoulders, glancing about the dark skyline. When Kaiser says there is something, there is something. His voice was confident but quiet--he had not forgotten about the first battle that they survived together.
Taj had his hands in his jacket pockets and he was looking with sharp eyes. After the fire E-13 was destroyed, right? Suppose the data had been spared, then something--or somebody--wanted it located.
They rejected a dingy street where the fog was heavier, the odor of iron in the old shipyard blending with the sweet fragrance of rain. The walls were marked in graffiti: "Balance is a Lie."
Kaiser stopped. "That symbol." He indicated some sort of faded sign underneath the words, a triangle bisected by one vertical line.
Comet leaned closer. "Seen it before?"
"Yeah," Kaiser murmured. "On Raze's locker. Ever since he was still a… one of us.
The group fell silent. Raze had never seen any of them, and his name had a weight. It was said that he had been a prodigy, that he had been a fighter, who had been able to read what his opponent was going to do before he did it. Then he disappeared--no account, no transference, simply disappeared.
Taj's voice broke the silence. Then we are after the specter of legends.
Kaiser's reply was steady. The ghosts make their footprints when you know where to get them.
They were in the ruins of Dorm E-13, a frame of a house whose walls were half ruined down, windows nailed up. It was dust-filled and full of history.
Wasif took the phone out, and turned on the flashlight. Weird location to store homework files.
But Comet was already down on his knees before a half-consumed desk. "Look. There was something hewn into the wood. He swept ash: E-13 / Vault Code R.Z.
There was a low hum which cut into the silence before Kaiser could speak, a motorbike engine, and then another. White spurts of headlights ripped away the fog.
Taj turned instantly. "We've got company."
Rising out of the fog were six figures in dark jackets with crimson wings the Crimson Talons, one of the most violent gangs of the city.
The most daring rider leapt off his bike with the dull reflection in his helmet. R.I.S students must not hole in where they do not belong. He spoke in a calm voice with some menace underlying.
Kaiser walked forward still keeping his hands in his pockets. Well, then you had better tell us why you are on guard of this place.
The man smirked. Since we had what you are seeking already.
In his gloved fingers was held a little flash drive. The red light in it was blinking like a heartbeat.
Taj's jaw tightened. "Raze's data."
Whatever you like, the man said. But when thou dost fainst desire it-- he waved his fingers and his crew parted and You shalt find to have to earn.
For a heartbeat, nobody moved. The fog lingered between them as smog of an unknown fire. Then Kaiser threw back his head, and looked with gleaming eyes in the light of the lamp.
"Comet. Wasif. Left flank. Taj—on me."
The boys walked on without hesitation. The Crimson Talons charged. Keep reading.....