Hunting Black Phoenix

Night fell early over Hikarimori City. Neon lights flickered across puddles as Shiromi and Hayato stepped out of the café, the rain now just a mist that clung to their skin.
The words “black phoenix” repeated in Shiromi’s mind like an echo she couldn’t silence.
Hayato walked beside her, silent for once. When they reached the main road, he spoke quietly.“I’ve seen that symbol before.”
She stopped. “Where?”
He looked uneasy. “My father’s company had a logo carved into one of the old warehouses near the docks. Not officially, though. It was hidden, on the inside walls. A black bird with spread wings.”
Shiromi’s eyes narrowed. “Then that’s where we start.”
They arrived at the docks just past midnight. The sea air was cold and sharp, carrying the scent of oil and salt. The warehouse loomed ahead—its metal doors rusted, its windows cracked like spider webs.
Hayato hesitated. “If we’re caught—”
Shiromi smirked slightly. “In my dictionary there's no "fear" if you're scared that we would be caught then get behind me or just go home.”
He sighed. “Fine...guess I'll let you protect me then my dear Knight in Shining Armour.”
They slipped inside. The floor was slick, littered with old tools and crates. Their footsteps echoed faintly as their flashlights swept the darkness.
Then she saw it—on the wall behind a stack of old barrels.
A black phoenix, wings spread, painted in faded ink.
Hayato exhaled. “The Black Phoenix...”
Before they could move closer, a sound stopped them—a low *clack*, like a boot scraping metal.
Shiromi reacted instantly, pulling Hayato down behind a crate. Two men entered from the opposite door, flashlights cutting through the dark.
“Check the west side,” one said in a deep, rough voice. “Boss said someone’s been snooping around lately.”
Hayato’s eyes widened. “They’re looking for us…” he whispered.
Shiromi placed a finger on her lips. *Stay quiet.*
The men walked past, unaware—until one of them spotted a faint footprint in the dust.“Wait.”
White light swung toward their hiding place.
Without thinking, Shiromi quickly grabbed Hayato’s hand. “Run!”
They bolted toward the back exit, dodging crates as shouts erupted behind them. A gunshot rang out, splintering wood inches from her head.
They burst through the rear door into the rain-soaked alley. Hayato gasped, “You literally said we won't get caught!”
Shiromi didn’t reply—her mind was focused, adrenaline blazing. But even in the chaos, she caught sight of something on one of the men’s arms before they vanished into the shadows.
A tattoo.
A black phoenix.
As they caught their breath under a flickering streetlight, Hayato looked at her. Panting and still couldn't believed what just happened."You breaked your promise about protecting me even if we're caught and yet we ran away! But that was him, right?"
Shiromi nodded slowly.“I saved us from being killed. You should be greatful that you're still able to blame me just now. And yeah he is the Black Phoenix that we're looking for and now he knows we’re looking for him.”                                                     

Hayato felt ashamed and apologized to Shiromi after calming himself down. "I'm sorry for blaming you like that. Hope you'll forgive me. Now that they know we're looking for them, what do we do now?"

Shiromi remains silent for a while like planning something in her mind. After being silent for a while she replied, "No matter what will happen next, we need to win no matter the cost."