[b]Vates[/b]
As daylight began to fade away Vates found himself much further from his home than he would prefer at this time. He was in no way scared of the dark, in fact he preferred it. However experience taught him that not only did some of the worst kages came out at night, but that in many cases survivors tried to find shelter for the night; he hated the idea of someone moving into his home whilst he was out. It couldn’t be helped however, as the group of thugs he had been following had gained numbers and were now too numerous for him to ignore. [b][i]“We are a long way away from any of the traps you laid Edward. I doubt there will come an opportune time to strike. We should head home before darkness truly settles.”[/b][/i] advised Janus who’s own thoughts much reflected his hosts at that point. 

[i]“Yeah, you’re right. If we leave now we mi-”[/i] begun Vates before being cut off by a nearby series of fire. Suddenly the dark street below him became illuminated by dozens of flares and the gang quickly broke apart as each individual member quickly sprinted for cover or escape. To his left where the flares had been fired from Vates could see silhouettes running along and behind them long looming shadows against the dim red lighting. [i]“Oh shit it’s the military”[/i] Vates thought as he began to assess his escape routes. He would have made a run for it but through the corner of his eye he noticed moving figures in the building opposite and knew that they were likely military sharpshooters who would take him down the moment they knew he was there. As it was all he could do was sit still between the two roof vents that provided some cover and shade and hope that they wouldn’t happen to glance directly at him. His heart raced as he watched the gang of thugs get taken out one by one, some by the occasional bullet to the head but most from being simply overwhelmed by charging soldiers who were much better trained. 

It was the price they paid for veering to far north as the Heights district was but a stone’s throw from the military heavy sites. Indeed Vates had often witnessed military convoys and the like passing through his district, especially in the earlier days. It was because of this as well as the fact that the tall buildings were death traps (due both to structural damage and the amount of places that people could hide) that the district appeared to have surprisingly little residents. At the same time however the lack of residents caused the military to mostly skim over the area meaning those like Vates could continue to survive undisturbed. 

[b][i]“I think they are all dead Edward. If these soldiers start searching the buildings for survivors they will find us in no time!”[/b][/i] warned Janus who was now growing ever restless. Vates did not reply however as he could think of no solution. A few minutes passed in silence and whilst some soldiers had then begun combing over nearby roofs, some begun to search the building below. [b][i] “Edward. I have an idea but you are not going to like it…”[/b][/i]