The Boy With The Blank Stare: Future

Chapter Thirty: Sunset

Saihara's POV:

The gravel road continued to crunch under the weight of the tires as the car balanced on the uneven terrain finding more bumps every once in a while. I took another drink of water as I thanked myself for not getting carsick, my legs were falling asleep after the hour on the road. The day was still young, the sun at the halfway mark across the sky as my Uncle and Father whispered in the front of the car to each other. Part of me kept wanting to know what they were talking about, but all I could think about was the anxiety that came with every mile. The city was barely visible anymore in the distance and soon even the highways we had traveled by. The winding road had devolved into a heavily wooded area and it was a bit surprising. I had never been anywhere like this before, and the trees seemed to be blocking away the sky.

Part of me wondered if this was some type of elaborate scheme, that maybe this was a trap...but maybe it was better to risk it. Risk it on the slim chance that maybe, just maybe, I could save a life here today. What if I did fail...then at least someone would be left behind to pick up the pieces of our work. Someone will carry on this burden and finish off the Themis case, and allow the world a new beginning.

The car turned and finally, the engine stopped as I took a glimpse outside. Outside was an old almost broken-down shed, it could barely be considered home and the walls seemed to be full of holes that were covered up with newspaper. The metal roofing had holes in it as well and the entire building seemed to be left to ruin. Yet maybe it was in that peak display of abandonment Asahi saw an opportunity. Who would look inside what was a guaranteed tetanus shot for the few who did hike this far into the forest? 

"You two go out, I'm going to hide the car" my father instructed as I nodded quickly leaving the car my Uncle following as we carefully inspected the outside of the house. There seemed to be a few hunting traps littered about, along with plenty of trash making me wonder if someone homeless had lived here before. Nothing however indicated any hidden traps, perhaps the ultimate arrogance of the evening as I carefully approached the shed. It had a large plank in place of the door as I carefully opened it, but made sure not to expose myself to inside the shed. My Uncle and I waited a minute before taking a look in, but all that was there was a dirt floor with broken paneling along with a few more trash bags. 

My Uncle continued to look around in the corner and inspecting the floor as fear entangled me. What if we're too late? What if this was a trap after all and he's now been set loose to attack the city without anyone there to defend it? Was I an idiot? What if-

As I kicked the dead grass in frustration my shoe caught onto a floorboard. At first, choking back a shout from the sudden pain I instead slowly kneeled and touched the floorboard, and carefully began moving it. The floorboard was loose but the more I moved it the more I could see a bright light from beyond the board. As I pushed the board more a small ladder in a tight space revealed itself and I breathed a sigh of relief. 

We were on the right track after all.

My Uncle noticed what I was doing and quickly got to the front entrance, my father was halfway to the house as he seemed to be inspecting the surrounding area as he waved him over. "There's a secret basement" I explained as I showed him the entrance. "Metal paneling, judging by the structure that the shack is made of it was misleading by design. It was likely dug here a few years ago at least, I wouldn't be surprised if this used to be a Themis hideout...I don't want you going down there Shuichi, and maybe you too Shoto. It's likely to have security precautions if it was this well-hidden I doubt it's a simple entrance" my father advised.

"You're probably right, but what if it's a bunker? The Asahi Ouma could be down there right now about to enact whatever they have planned, we still don't know when or what it's going to be father. I agree not all of us should go, so maybe Uncle Shoto can call for backup while I-" I offered but my Uncle scoffed. "Just because I'm not fighting you anymore doesn't mean I want you charging into danger! No, let the adults handle this Shuichi." my Uncle quickly ordered shutting me down, I glanced at my father as he paused unsurely.