Chapter 19

Another reason why there's a tight leash on the Gifted. It's not to hard to see why. Entire cities have fallen because of their uncontrolled power.

The area was deserted. China was hit pretty hard in what was called the Underground War. It was much like gang wars of the Mafia. They were behind closed curtains but with the rise of the Gifted the collateral damage escalated. Another reason why there's a tight leash on them. It's not to hard to see why. Entire cities have fallen because of their uncontrolled power.

Kyung-ah stopped the car and got out to look around.

"So this is the place?" Qian asked as she exited the vehicle. "Well, we're looking for an underground area according to that map. I don't exactly see anything but another big building though."

"The dig site is under that building." Kyung-ah replied quickly.

"Oh. I guess I could have guessed that. I guess it goes without saying to be on your guard. They could still be here."

**

When they got inside it was easy to tell they would be needing a flashlight. There was no power and even though it was noon, the lack of light reaching inside the building made it hard to see. Through the halls that led deeper into the building it was pitch black. Qian un-shouldered the backpack she got from their car and took out a couple of heavy duty flashlights.

"It's pitch black and a pretty big building." Qian said.

"Then it seems like you're just gonna have to stick close. I believe my eyes easier make out details in the dark. And besides, you need to be the one to lead us. You are the one that looked over the map of the property." Kyung-ah stated in her usual monotone voice.

Qian took out her small device again and a floor plan appeared on the holographic screen. "Yeah. Well, first it's too the stairs. We go down a couple of floors. Then we'll be at the entrance to the underground site."

When the two stepped out a stairwell, it was like walking into a different kind of world. They were in a large room on a balcony overlooking a pool. In the center of the pool was a raised floor with a large door in the center. Qian was about to confirm that this was the place when the heard voices. They immediately turned off their flashlights and pinpointed where the voices were coming from.

They came from the floor below. Soon three people stepped into view talking among themselves but their voices were easily heard even in the expansive room.

"I didn't know that half of China was in ruins." There were three women and one male. The first voice was one of the females.

"You should do your homework, Astrid. China has been in this state for quite some time."

"And this is where those ruins are?" Astrid asked her sister.

"According to our resources."

"Well, then what are we waiting for?"

"We can't go opening the door to our lost treasure with people that would try and steal it from us." Kyung-ah nor Qian noticed the raven perched on the balcony silently staring at them. Then it suddenly let out a rumble that echoed in the room. The man that walked in with Astrid and Rebecca was gone. Before anyone could even look around he was already leaning against the wall next to the door they came in.

"I do believe you are all lost." Astrid leaped from the lower floor to the balcony area.

"We can't have any witnesses." She stated while placing her hand to her combat chainsaw strapped to her waist.

"I rather not make this a blood bath, Astrid." The man said.

"Fine," Astrid reached for something on her back and pulled out a handgun. "this should do the trick shouldn't it?" Before she could do anything further Qian thrust her palm at Astrid and an invisible force knocked her off balance. When she recovered Kyung-ah had her shotgun against Astrid's chest and pulled the trigger. The force knocked her through the glass banister, almost into the raven, and into the pool below. The raven shrieked it's disapproval while it took flight and flew down to its master.

Qian was already on the man. She kneed him in his stomach and he doubled over. The girl then pulled his head back by his hair and placed a hand on his forehead. Immediately, a bright white light seem to light up within his head and shot out through his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth as he screamed in pain. Qian then dropped him and he didn't move.

"We have to call for back up. Our fears our confirmed." Kyung-ah called. 

"Call for backup? Two out of three of them are down!" Qian said back.

"You don't understand. This is much bigger than you think. We only put those two down for a short while. You have to trust me. We cannot do this alone. Not against these particular people." As if on queue Astrid was back on the balcony level again but this time her chainsaw was in hand.

"Thanks for letting me do this my way. I promise your deaths will be slow and painful." Astrid said as she revved her chainsaw blades to life.