Marcus turned back - the whole team was already on the other side of the door to the staircase. Judging by their respective locations from the hanging bridges above, it was safe to say they went down around two floors.
“Marcus, Sifu, come in.” Gloria held the door open after helping Kevin and Keryn get back into the staircase: “We still have some way to go.”
“Alright, one sec.” Tae Kuo looked around for those coffin nails, but all he and Marcus could find was some splinters on the ground at the edge of the platform they were on - the nails had probably dropped to the deep hole in front of them already.
“Do you have more? Those are - more than useful for us.” Marcus asked as he held the door for Tae Kuo.
“I wish. I came back here in a hurry, I have a few more things but those are all the coffin nails I have. Fucking hell I never expected to have to use them in the first place.”
“Let’s hope whatever Master Liaoran is dealing with, is not giving him too much trouble. Because things here are really getting a bit above my pay grade.” Marcus sighed and followed.
“Young man, give yourself some credit.” Tae Kuo chuckled: “Especially when you’re dealing with the things we’re dealing with right now. You know why curse words and expletives are said to possess the power to repel unclean spirits and evil? ”
“Because they carry with them the inherent intent and emotion of malice, anger and fearlessness?”
“See? You get it - and that’s just words, empty words. You’d think only old and ancient curse words would work. But no, apparently all kinds of curse words work. Even words that are invented in TV shows or movies, after a short while of circulation they began to show similar effects.” Tae Kuo sped up slightly with Marcus’ help in order to catch up to the rest of the team: “I guess - all I’m trying to say is - your having more confidence and faith in yourself is in itself a kind of power.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know, Sifu.” Marcus chuckled: “It’s easier said than done though.”
“Isn’t that the truth of everything.” Tae Kuo chuckled.
The team went down a level, they stopped before making a turn at the corner. No water dripping from the ceiling. The details of the environment were different, including scratch marks and dents on the walls, the worn patches on the floor, and tarnished paint on the handrails. They made it to the floor below.
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“Liaoran, Liaoran.” Just this moment, the handheld radio rang, and out came Liaowu’s voice, distorted and cutting on and off: “Where are you?”
“Sir, we’re heading downward per the master’s instruction.” Marcus responded: “Master Liaoran stayed behind to cover us. What happened?”
“You’ve got company, not a lot of them but they are all heavily armed.” Liaowu responded: “I think … at least twenty … all in some kind of black tactical gear and they are entering the building and blocking all possible exits. … helicopters as well … they are going to go in through the top…”
“What about you? Are you safe? ” Marcus asked: “Make sure to keep a safe distance from us - ”
“Don’t worry about us, we’re already at a safe distance. ” Liaowu responded: “Let me know when you’re out, we’ll guide you to meet us.”
“Alright. And radio silence unless you absolutely have to reach us.” Marcus sighed.
“Be safe.” Liaowu cut off the comms.
“What happened?” Kevin asked, looking back at Marcus and Tae Kuo.
“Armed forces are coming in. Not sure who.” Marcus sighed: “Let’s get on with our path. The master should catch up to us soon.”
“I think we need to find a place to rest for a moment - let me go out the door on the next level and see if there’s any corner we can hide in.” Gloria sighed as she pulled Keryn’s arm to wrap around her shoulders: “If anything finds us again, we’d be in terrible danger.”
“Agreed.” Tae Kuo nodded.
Marcus sighed, he was not fond of the idea. But they had no other option right now.
They went down another level. And even though it was still cold and grim, there was slightly more space for them to stay and rest, and a metal lockbox on the wall as well as another door to what they could only assume would lead to some more platforms hanging above the central hole.
“Let’s take a break here, and keep an eye on both the staircases.” Marcus found a spot near the wall facing the door: “If you see anything, let me know.”
“What, you’re going somewhere?” Gloria frowned.
“No - I just want to take a look at this.” Marcus pointed at the metal lockbox.
Gloria nodded: “Be careful, I’ll ask you questions every few seconds and you’ll answer me, yeah?”
“Smart. I’ll try to not - well, you know - ” Marcus took a deep breath: “Hope this thing is safe.” He hesitated a short moment before knocking on it. It sounded hollow, but the box itself was thick and sturdy. He put his right hand on it to hold it in his palm, then squeezed. The box caved in a little, his fingers sunk around halfway into the metal, making five sizable dents on the metal exterior, but nothing greater.
“Marcus - what’s your full name? How old are you? And are you married?”
“My full name is Marcus Cai. I’m 31 - almost 32. I’m not married. Never had.” Marcus pulled the box slightly - it was firmly bolted on the wall. He needed to use more force, so he put both hands on the box. He took another deep breath, then pulled with both hands.
“Clunk!” The box flew off, revealing a small device inside.
“What is it? And what is your day job?” Gloria came over, but stayed one arm’s length away.
“Looks like some kind of comms.” Marcus picked the device up, only to find it leaking thick black tar. He immediately threw it on the ground, then pushed his Qi to burn off the residual tar on his fingertips: “And - uh, my day job is a detective from the PCPD, 17th Precinct. I arrested you earlier.”
“Shhh!” Gloria was about to say something but suddenly raised her hand to shush everyone.
Footsteps, coming from the space behind the door they were facing.