[CHAPTER 18]

The group made their way up the stairs and through the narrow tunnels back to the basement level. As they walked, Kat interrogated the Witch of the West.

“So what are you doing here? I would think a Samurai of your ability wouldn’t worry too much about a small incursion like this one.”

Witch glanced over, “This incursion was anything but small. Actually, me and a group of other Samurai were taking out a massive stealth super-hive that has been hiding underneath the area here for quite awhile. I just so happened to pick the arm that led up to you four.”

Leo looked over sharply, “Super-hive? How big was it?”

Witch got a thoughtful look over her face, “It was big enough to start popping out Models in the upper thirties. Unfortunately we lost a couple Samurai but the hive was killed in the end.” She seemed sad for a moment before seeming to shake the feeling off.

“Well shit. Good thing we got the small part of it, I don’t think any of us would have survived anything in the twenties, much less the thirties.” Leo shivered as he tried to imagine what kind of horrors the Antithesis had at those levels. Samurai Rush only had models in the upper twenties, any model in the thirties had a tendency to resemble cosmic horrors rather than something he could imagine.

Witch sighed, “I’d like to say I wouldn’t have let that happen, the fact of the matter is we had no idea you all were here until I showed up.”

The group continued to walk in silence for the next few minutes until they eventually reached the maintenance room Leo’s group originally came through. They all quickly made their way through the small room and into the basement hallway.

Hawkins was the last one through the door and as soon as he had room he stretched his arms above his head. “Ooh, feels good to get out of that place. Started to feel like the walls were closing in.”

Leo just chuckled as they continued on to the shelter entrance. As soon as the guards saw them come around the bend they all cheered. Reid, the guard Leo had put in charge, came out of the shelter and spotted them. “Welcome back,” he called, “How did it go?”

“There was a hive set up in some sort of power station in a sub-basement of the stadium. We managed to take it out thanks to some help from the Witch of the West here.” Leo gestured over at Witch, who waved. “We didn’t stop to clear out any remnants, but apparently Witch’s group had a couple Samurai who specialize in that sort of thing so they will come check the stadium out.”

Reid relaxed a bit, “So does that mean we can get out of the shelter?”

Witch spoke up, “I would suggest staying put for a while longer while we check the surroundings. I would say at least a couple more hours before we can start sending people home.”

Some of the guards groaned at that, but most just nodded. “Makes sense,” Reid replied, “just let us know when. We’ve had a couple people try to leave already. Before you go, Samurai Phoenix,Samurai Kat you wouldn’t happen to have some more ammo would you? The guns and turrets are running low and some are out entirely.”

Leo nodded and moved to the center of the defensive area to buy some more ammo while Kat said, “I actually have a Samurai name now, it’s Redoubt,” with a smile before she went around to each turret to reload and do maintenance.

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In the middle of the defensive area appeared a large box with a big red button on top. Hawkins noticed and ran over. “Please tell me I can press the big red button.” Leo looked over to see the large man practically begging with his eyes.

‘Aegys?’

Leo just nodded and struggled to hold back a laugh as Hawkins pumped his fist in excitement. Hawkins smashed the button down and then stepped backwards when the top of the box flew off.

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The sides of the box fell down and everyone around watched as a Phoenix seemed to rise from it, unfurling its wings to reveal the ‘feathers’ were actually various different magazines for the guards' guns. Hawkins raised his arms in celebration, “Fuck yeah!” and all the guards broke out in laughter.

‘I bet you feel proud of yourself.’

Aegys said, smugly.

Witch walked over, “And I thought I had a flair for the dramatic. At least it’s good for morale.”

Leo just shook his head, “So what’s next for you?”

“Mostly some cleanup here and then back home I guess. I’ve got some more research to do. What about you?” She asked.

“I’m…not sure. I was supposed to be here in Vegas for a couple weeks because of the tournament, but now most of my team is…gone,” Leo choked up a bit before clearing his throat, “and the tournament won’t let a Samurai compete. I’m not sure what Kat has planned, but we may end up going home to Montana. At least long enough to tell their families.”

Witch nodded as she gave him a quick hug. “I’m sorry for your loss. If you both want a ride home I can take a little time off and take you, Devoy might enjoy that.”

Leo was shocked. “Are you sure? Don’t you have a lot to do here?”

Witch just waved him off. “What are they gonna do, fire me? I just got done with a super-hive, I deserve a break.”

“Thank you Witch, I appreciate the offer. Once we’re done with the stadium I’ll let you know.”

“Of course Leo, and please, call me Mori. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go work on clearing the main floor.” She strode off up the stairs.

Leo walked over to where Kat was working on a turret. “Hey Kat, I had a quick question for you.”

She didn’t look up from what she was doing. “Hmm? What’s up?”

“Mori, Witch of the West, offered to give us a ride back home once this is over. I think I’ll take her up on it and figured I would ask you too.”

Kat stood up and brushed her hair out of her face and smiled. “Of course I’m coming with you. Knowing you, you’d probably get into trouble without me.”

He smiled back. “Good. Well, once you’re done here let’s go do a sweep of the building and try and get these people home.

“Sounds good,” she replied, going back to her turret, “Just need to fix this one and then we can go.”

Leo moved towards the stair and leaned against a wall to wait. A minute later both Hawkins and Burn walked over.

“What’s the plan boss?” Asked Hawkins.

Leo thought for a moment before responding, “We’re going to do a sweep of the area and make sure the majority of the Antithesis are cleared out before getting those people out of there,” he nodded towards the shelter, “once that’s done and the cleanup is started, Witch offered me and Kat a ride back home.”

“Solid plan. So where’s home for you two?”

“Montana. Me and Kat only came down here with our friends to take part in the Samurai Rush tournament. Unfortunately the other three didn’t make it.” Leo looked down at his feet. He still couldn’t believe his best friend, Luke, was dead. Luke’s mom was going to take it rough.

He was startled out of his thoughts by a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Burns, “It’s gonna be okay. So long as you keep them in your heart, they never truly die.”

Leo was caught in Burns’ empathetic stare for a few moments before he nodded. “Thanks Burns. You too Hawkins,” both men nodded at him and Burns stepped back. “What about you two? I’ll let you keep the gear so no need to worry about that.”

Both men looked at each other before Burns nodded. Hawkins smirked and looked back at Leo. “Actually, we’d love to continue helping you out if you don’t mind. Neither of us has much in the way of family here in Nevada and working as mall cops just doesn’t seem exciting anymore.”

Leo was shocked. “Are you sure? I mean, I don’t mind you two coming, you’ve proven to be invaluable, but I don’t want you to feel pressured just because of the gear.”

Hawkins shook his head. “It’s not that. We’ve both been feeling pretty lost the last couple years. This excursion reminded us of why we joined the PMC in the first place. Besides, you can’t beat cool tech.” With his last comment, Hawkins flourished his cloak.

Leo just laughed. “Alright then, I’ll see if Witch is willing to take us all. But if not, I’m sure I can get you guys some fancy flights up there.”

‘Something to look into later. For now, I haven’t exactly had a lot of time to come to terms that I’m a Samurai yet.’

Before they could say much more, Kat walked up. “Did I miss anything?”

“Not much,” Leo said, “These two are going to come up to Montana with us. I figured it would be helpful to have the help.”

Kat just shrugged, “I have no reason to say no, help is always appreciated. We should get going though, I heard some muttering from the shelter. I think people want to leave.”

“You’re right,” Leo agreed, “The faster we clear the area, the faster we can go home.”

The group ascended the stairs back to the main level and started clearing out the building.