Unexpected Second Chance at Love

Late into the night as the people of Imperial prepare for bed, the sound of four motorcycles rev loudly in melody. As the vehicles pass the usual busy city, they soon enter a residential area with substandard buildings in poor structure.

Even in the night, one can see how unhealthy and undesirable this area is. However, unlike its usual appearance that crowded of people, due to darkness, the place was almost deserted with only a handful of people in sight.

Amongst the many buildings that look like they can fall a part at any moment, the four motorcycles comes to a stop in front of an old Victorian hotel. Some windows were boarded up with wood, while some were broken.

The engines to each motorbike shuts off. In a matching motion, each person takes off their helmet and steps down from their seat. As the darkness engulf them, one by one they place full-face masks on.

”Who said you can park your motorcycles here?”

Standing in front of the old hotel, a man’s angry voice growls from a distance and walks up to the group that just appeared.

He was clothed in raggedy attire that looked like it hadn’t been washed in years. Even in the dark, one can see his haggard face covered with scars and the oil stains on his clothes. Although he was at good distance away from the group, they could smell a foul odor emitting from the man.

Anyone who comes into contact with this homeless man would run away out of fear, but no one from the group moved an inch.

Staring at the group, he was slightly taken back surprise. However, judging from their appearance, he guess they were all men except for the small figure still sitting on one of the motorcycles.

”Just because you guys are rich that doesn’t mean you can park wherever you like. If you know what is best for you, I suggest you all to scram!”

He roars angrily at the group again. Just because this area is the slums of Imperial, that does not mean anyone can just park their cars. If these people know what is best for them, they should just hurry and leave while he is still being nice.

However, before he could take another step or yell out another word, the figure wearing a red hannya mask takes a step forward.

”Tell your boss, Fate is here.”

The figure then retrieves a small item from inside the coat pocket and hands it to the man.

Seeing this, the man frowns when he heard the words. However, his eyes slightly narrows in suspicion before he walks over to take the item.

He looks down at it and realized it was a small gold token. When he felt the engraving on it, he did not need a closer look. His eyes tremble and he looks back at the group that suddenly appear before gesturing a bow.

”My apologies. I have been impolite to our guests.”

His words quickly fell apologetically, and he straightens himself. His left hand then gestures to the entrance of the old Victorian hotel.

”Please. We have been waiting for your arrival.”

Hearing his words and how his demeanor quickly changed, the red mask man doesn’t say anything but nod his head and walks in the direction directed. Behind him, two figures wearing phantom masks follow while the one wearing a gas mask turns back to his motorbike.

He picks up the still unconscious Ning Mei and place her over his shoulder then turns around to follow the other three.

As the four figure enters through the door, the homeless man doesn’t follow after them. He remains outside and calmly sounds a whistle into the quiet night.

Quickly as the whistle sound, from a near and far distance, the sound of guns clicking can be heard as a group of beggars scattered in wait. Each person was ready to shoot the new group, but hearing the whistle, they quickly put aside their guns and return to their usual positions.

Inside the old Victorian hotel, the four figures and the unconscious Ning Mei were greeted by another beggar looking man. Only, he was older and had disheveled white hair. He held a cane to help support his hunched posture.

”Good evening, Leader of Fate. Please follow me this way.”

Silently nodding their head, the group wearing masks proceeds after the old man. He led them to the only elevator in the building to go up. Despite the place being empty and in a horrible condition, the elevator, and the electricity inside were still running like normal.

As the group ascend up, the old man stood behind the red mask man. His head remained looking ahead, but his eyes couldn’t help but scans the figure standing next to him.

Reading the white bold character on the back of the man’s coat, his eyes narrows slightly, and he thought to himself.

’So this is the notorious leader of Fate.’

This is his first time meeting the person face to face.

Other times, it was always with another person as no one knows the real identity of the person. Some say Fate’s leader is a man, but there are some that says it is a woman. However, now he knows.

Like he had thought his thoughts aloud, the red mask man slightly turns his head to look at the old man.

He doesn’t say anything but nod his head. Whether it was to send a warning or a polite gesture, one could not tell.

However, the old man was rooted to the floor when he saw this.

He was sure he was careful as to not give himself away, but when he met the man’s face, despite it being covered by a sinister looking mask, he quickly avert his eyes.

*Ding

There were a total of ten floors inside the hotel, but the elevator soon comes to a stop on the fifth floor and the elevator bell chimes. The old man smiles with upside down crescent eyes and spoke.

”The room you requested for is straight ahead.”

His smile widens and it reveals his black and decayed teeth. At the same time, the elevator door slides open and he gestures one hand out.

However, just when the door open, what greeted the masked group was a crowd of twenty beggars in wait for them.

Despite their raggedy appearance, each person held their guns like professionals and the look in their eyes resembles that of a soldier who had seen death far too many times.

”After you.”

The old man spoke politely again. His reaction was as if there weren’t twenty other people with guns positioned outside the elevator.