AREA - THE DEAD STRIP
It was morning, the air was crisp and metallic.
The sun shined through the rusty window. Some kids could be seen outside playing with a tire in the Dead Strip. Their laughter echoed throughout the area.
He woke up.
His name was Raikun Shiraishi. A drug dealer at best, he's smart.
He wakes up and opens the fridge and takes out water as he looks around and gets reminded of last night.
His phone chimes.
A text message.
"..from Ken?"
He reached out for his phone, frowning slightly.
*"YO! It's been long, right? How about we meet up today at our usual spot? Don't tell me you'll skip it out again. I have new information and a surprise for you. - From Ken"*
"..Wow. Now I have to go all the way to Akibara Ruin."
He sighs as he ruffled his hair.
"He said he had some information, so."
He gets ready and puts on his shoes as he walks under the morning light on the streets. It smelled like rotten and dried blood.
The holographic ads were flickering on the run-down buildings.
He could see the kids playing happily, but the sounds triggered something deep within him.
"..P-Please," the voice echoed through his mind once again. He quickly shakes his head again.
The city is quiet and still. He could see some buildings falling apart as he makes his way into a dark gallery where there is a door towards a store.
He goes to the store as he opens the door.
It was rusted, cold, and the neon lights were flickering as the painting on the walls was peeling off and there was smog haze.
There was an old man, with white eyes and a bald head.
"Yo, old man, the usual."
The old man nods and gives him pills and exchanges money.
"Where are you heading, Rai?" the old man says in a raspy voice.
"Akibara Ruin. Ken asked to meet up," he says with a detached expression.
"..Besides, why do you care?" he says coldly.
The old man stutters, "I just was curious. Be careful out there, Rai," he says with a concerned expression.
"Yeah, I will. Thanks. Don't call me Rai though," he says with a rough voice, opens the door, and heads out.