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8% Ringmasters / Chapter 4: Elio

Capítulo 4: Elio

"ARATA! ARATA! YOU WILL BE FINE, ARATA!" Carly's voice echoed through the emergency room of the New York Hex headquarters' hospital. She clutched Arata's hand, her eyes wide with terror as she watched the medical team work frantically to stabilize him. Blood seeped through the bandages, and the monitors beeped erratically, highlighting the severity of his wounds.
Arata lay on the stretcher, his face pale and contorted with pain. The deep gash across his chest had left him barely conscious, gasping for breath. The room buzzed with urgency, but Carly felt as though time had slowed down. Every second stretched into an eternity as she prayed silently for her friend's survival.
Meanwhile, in the corridor outside, tension hung thick in the air. Lila and Alex stood facing each other, their argument escalating rapidly.
"You should have protected him, Alex!" Lila shouted, her eyes blazing with anger. "You let my brother go with these amateurs! What kind of leader are you?"
Alex's face was a mask of fury. "Don't you dare lecture me about leadership, Lila! You have no idea what it's like to make these decisions!"
"Oh, really?" Lila shot back. "Alex, you never even told me about your wife or children…Or maybe, you just never thought of them as your family and wanted to have your way with me."
Alex's expression darkened. "Do not talk about them like that," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "They are off-limits."
Lila's eyes narrowed. "You can't protect them or your squad by keeping secrets, Alex. Your personal life affects us all!"
The confrontation spiraled out of control, each word cutting deeper than the last. The fight wasn't just about Elio anymore—it was about trust, leadership, and the personal stakes that each of them had in this battle.
Carly, standing just outside Arata's room, heard the heated exchange and felt a wave of despair wash over her. She leaned against the wall, her hands trembling. Throughout the battle, she had felt powerless, unable to protect her friends or make a difference. The guilt gnawed at her, a relentless reminder of her perceived inadequacy.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she replayed the events in her mind. Every decision, every action seemed to have led to this moment of chaos and destruction. She had tried to be strong, to be a valuable member of Squad E, but now she couldn't shake the feeling that she had failed them all.
"I thought I could do more," she whispered to herself. "But I was useless..."
The words hung in the air, a stark contrast to the determined, confident facade she had tried to maintain. She felt a crushing sense of isolation, standing in the midst of a storm she couldn't control. Everything was going wrong with Squad E, and Carly feared that their bond was fracturing beyond repair.
As the night wore on, the hospital's sterile lights cast a harsh glow on the grim reality of their situation. The team was divided, their mission compromised, and the weight of their failures bore down on them all.
Earlier, the tension in the air was palpable. Elio stood frozen, his mind racing as Butter prepared to attack. "STOP!" he shouted, his voice breaking the silence. "You can... You can take me with you..."
Butter paused, her predatory gaze locking onto Elio. A twisted smile curled on her lips as she tilted her head. "That's a good boy now," she purred, her voice dripping with sinister delight.
Carly, who had been ready to fight back, felt a surge of helplessness wash over her. She watched as Elio smiled at her, a sad, resigned expression that tore at her heart. He nodded his goodbyes, a silent farewell that conveyed more than words ever could. Carly's transformation slipped away, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.
Elio's smile faltered as he turned his attention back to Butter. He could see the hunger in her eyes, the insatiable desire for power that drove her. Fear gnawed at him, but he forced himself to remain calm.
Carly's heart ached as she looked at Arata, who lay unconscious and vulnerable. She knew she was powerless to stop Butter, but she couldn't just leave Elio to his fate. "Get him to the hospital," Elio urged, his voice steady despite the fear that flickered in his eyes. "You guys helped me earlier, I will help you now."
Carly felt a lump form in her throat as she nodded, understanding the gravity of Elio's sacrifice. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away, determined to stay strong. "We'll come back for you," she promised, her voice trembling with emotion.
Elio's smile wavered, but he nodded. "I know you will," he said softly.
Twelve hours had passed since the harrowing battle, and the sterile, white walls of the hospital room at the New York Hex headquarters were bathed in the soft glow of morning light. Arata finally stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he slowly became aware of his surroundings. He immediately started yanking off the various hospital instruments attached to him—an oxygen mask, IV drip, heart monitor leads, and bandages covering his wound.
The sudden movement triggered alarms, and hospital staff rushed in to stop him. Carly, who had been keeping vigil by his bedside, leapt to her feet. "ARATA, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and concern.
Arata, still groggy and disoriented, struggled to stand. "We need to save Elio, Carly," he mumbled, his legs wobbling beneath him as he tried to walk.
"STAY WHERE YOU ARE!" Alex's commanding voice boomed from the doorway. He quickly crossed the room to intervene, his expression a mixture of frustration and worry. "Sir Alex, Elio is..." Arata tried to explain but his strength gave out, and he collapsed.
"This guy..." Alex sighed heavily, gently picking Arata up and placing him back on the bed. The doctors began reattaching the hospital instruments, ensuring the IV drip was properly connected, the heart monitor leads were secured, and the oxygen mask was back in place. "You need to rest, Arata. You won't be any good to Elio if you're dead."
Arata's eyes fluttered closed, his exhaustion evident. Carly watched with a pained expression, her own guilt and helplessness mirrored in Arata's determination. As the medical staff worked to stabilize him once more, Alex and Carly exchanged a look, understanding the urgency but knowing that their friend's recovery had to come first.
On the other end of the city, the atmosphere was tense and filled with a sense of urgency. Lila was tirelessly searching for her brother, Elio, but her efforts were proving fruitless. The rain had started to pour down in earnest, turning the streets slick and making visibility difficult. Lila's frustration mounted with each passing minute as she navigated through the labyrinth of New York's underbelly, calling out for Elio, hoping for any sign of him.
She checked the usual haunts—the abandoned warehouses, the shadowy alleys, and the rundown buildings where the Undergrounders were known to gather. Each location was a dead end, echoing with silence and emptiness. Lila's determination was unwavering, but the lack of progress was disheartening.
At every turn, she encountered obstacles. Doors that were usually ajar were now locked tight, and informants who might have had information were nowhere to be found. Even the homeless and the usual street dwellers seemed to have vanished, as if the entire city had conspired against her search.
Desperation clawed at her as she retraced her steps, hoping she had missed something. She tried reaching out to anyone who might have seen Elio, showing his picture to strangers, but no one had any answers. Her phone calls went unanswered, and the messages she left grew increasingly frantic.
The city felt like a vast, uncaring maze, and Lila was beginning to feel the weight of hopelessness. She knew time was running out, and the thought of Elio in the hands of the Undergrounders gnawed at her. She paused for a moment, leaning against a cold, wet wall, trying to catch her breath and collect her thoughts.
Her mind raced with worst-case scenarios, but she pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand. Lila was determined not to let the darkness win. She had to find her brother, no matter the cost. Taking a deep breath, she straightened up and plunged back into the search, her resolve as unyielding as ever despite the mounting obstacles.
At an abandoned cave, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The queen sat regally on a throne, her eyes piercing as they locked onto the frightened figure of Elio, who stood before her, shivering.
"So, you are Elio?" the queen's voice was calm but laced with menace.
Elio nodded, trembling.
"I hate small talk, so tell me, what do you know about reanimation?" the queen asked bluntly.
"Reanimation? What are you on about? You can't be serious, right?" Elio stammered, looking bewildered.
"We are very serious," Butter said coldly from the shadows.
At that moment, Uriel entered, carrying a ring. He placed it on a table between Elio and the queen. "The Ring of Yak, my queen. I got it from the owner. They were a coward and ran away," Uriel explained, bowing slightly.
The queen examined the ring and nodded in approval. "Reanimation now? Tell me about it."
Elio took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. "Reanimation… It's not as simple as you think. The only way to reanimate someone is for them to be dead and become an Undergrounder… By the way you're asking, it sounds like you're talking about revivification?"
The queen's eyes narrowed in interest. "Revivification, you say? Go on."
Elio swallowed hard. "Well… It's forbidden, but… there is a way to revive someone. It involves using the power of ten rings to find and restore a lost soul."
The queen leaned forward, her interest piqued. "We have nine rings right now. We need one more?"
Elio nodded, his fear evident.
Lance, standing nearby, eyed Elio skeptically. "How do we know you're telling the truth?"
"Jet, chillax," Butter interjected. "I already made an example of one of his friends in the forest. I'm sure he won't betray us, right? Or else, next will be your sister." Her tone was intimidating, leaving no room for doubt.
Elio's fear was palpable, but he nodded in agreement. He dared not cross them, especially with Lila's life on the line.
The queen looked contemplative. "One more ring, huh?" She gazed up, her thoughts seemingly distant. "We are so close… Sheena…" she murmured softly, almost to herself.
Elio could only hope that Arata was safe, his thoughts racing with worry for his friend as he stood helpless before the queen.
In the hospital, after Arata was finally under control and had woken up, Carly explained the situation about how the team was crumbling. Arata sighed, "Well, I got the gist of it," he said, looking out of the window.
Alex walked in on the conversation. "I am sorry for everything that happened. As a leader…I shouldn't have put you guys' lives in danger," Alex said, looking really guilty.
Arata took another deep breath. "Sir, can you contact Lila for me?" Arata asked.
"You know, Arata—" Alex began, but Arata interrupted.
"Tell her you found her brother and we are going to rescue him," Arata said firmly.
"What are you on about?" Carly seemed confused.
"I have no idea what he is going on about," even Alex seemed puzzled.
"We will save Elio, I said it, didn't I?" Arata said as he looked at his ring. "We will save him, right Wolf?" Arata smiled.
Alex sighed. "I will contact her."
Arata smiled, a determined look in his eyes.
Everyone had finally arrived at the hospital, including Lila. "Where is my brother?!" Lila asked Alex, her voice trembling with urgency. Both Alex and Carly seemed to be at a loss, unable to provide the answer she desperately needed. Lila felt a wave of frustration wash over her, convinced this must be some cruel prank. Just as her temper was about to flare, the door to Arata's room swung open.
Arata emerged, dressed in a fur jacket and long pants. His movements were slow but purposeful, a testament to his determination despite his recent injuries. "Alright, can I drive, or are one of you guys driving?" Arata asked, his voice steady.
"Arata, where are we going?" Carly asked, her tone a mix of concern and confusion.
"To find Elio. He is part of our team, right? So…It's our duty to find and rescue him, and I know exactly where he is," Arata replied with conviction.
"You do?! But how?!" Lila's confusion was palpable.
"Well, when I was almost killed by Butter, Wolf caught a scent of her paws. Now I know exactly where she is, thanks to Wolf," Arata explained, glancing at his ring with a sense of gratitude and purpose.
"Holy shit…I never knew that was even possible…" Carly looked genuinely surprised.
"Even I didn't know that," Arata admitted. "But when I was unconscious, a voice spoke to me…It told me to get my ass up so that I can complete my mission." He smiled, a mixture of relief and determination. "That's what I plan to do."
Arata's resolve seemed to infuse the room with a renewed sense of purpose. "We will save him, Miss Lila. And you, Mister Alex, you have some serious explaining to do, not only to Miss Lila but to us as well, about your wife and children. All good?" Arata asked, scanning their faces for agreement.
Everyone seemed momentarily stunned, processing the gravity of the situation and Arata's unexpected fortitude. Arata sighed, sensing their hesitation. "COME ON, GUYS, WE ARE A TEAM!" he screamed, his voice cracking with the effort.
"SIR, YOU SHOULD BE SAYING THIS! WE ARE A TEAM! WE NEED TO FOCUS ON BRINGING BACK A TEAM MEMBER THAT WE LOST!" Arata continued to scream, his intensity unwavering despite the pain it caused him. "Ouch! Ouch!" His wounds opened up from the exertion, blood seeping through his bandages.
"Arata!" Both Lila and Carly rushed to his side, their faces etched with worry. They gently eased him back into a more comfortable position, trying to minimize the damage.
Alex chuckled softly, a sound that seemed out of place given the severity of the moment. Arata joined in, a weak but genuine laugh escaping his lips. "Are those two mad? Why are they laughing at this moment?!" Lila asked, her confusion mingling with concern.
"Arata, like you said, we are a team. And as a leader, I should be taking responsibility. Welcome back, Ryuki Arata," Alex said, giving Arata a pat on his shoulder.
Arata's eyes gleamed with a renewed sense of camaraderie. "Let's go. Arata is on driving duty. We are going to save Elio!" Alex declared, his voice strong and unwavering.
The team moved with a sense of urgency, gathering their gear and preparing to head out. Arata winced as he stood, but his determination overshadowed the pain. Carly and Lila flanked him, ready to support him if needed.
"You sure you're up for this, Arata?" Carly asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"I have to be. Elio needs us," Arata replied, his voice firm.
The group made their way to the vehicle, each step filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Arata took the driver's seat, his hands gripping the wheel with determination. "Everyone ready?" he asked, looking back at his team.
"Ready," they replied in unison, their voices a chorus of resolve.
As they drove through the night, the forest around them seemed to close in, a labyrinth of shadows and unseen threats. Arata's mind raced with thoughts of Elio, imagining the terror and isolation he must be feeling. "Hold on, Elio. We're coming for you," he whispered to himself, his resolve hardening with each passing mile.
Carly sat beside him, her eyes scanning the road ahead. "We'll find him, Arata. We have to," she said, her voice a blend of determination and hope.
Lila and Alex sat in the back, their minds equally consumed with thoughts of the rescue. Lila's worry for her brother was palpable, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Alex, on the other hand, was lost in his own thoughts, grappling with the guilt and responsibility he felt for putting his team in danger.
As they approached the area where Arata had last sensed Butter's presence, the tension in the vehicle was almost tangible. "This is it," Arata said, pulling over and turning off the engine. "Everyone stay sharp."
Arata and the others approached a massive cave, the oppressive silence only broken by the soft rustling of leaves in the wind. They were tense, each step heavy with anticipation. The forest, dark and foreboding, seemed to close in around them, amplifying their unease. As they neared the entrance, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows—Butter, her presence sending a ripple of tension through the group.
"It seems you guys just don't know when to give up," Butter taunted, her voice dripping with malice.
Everyone immediately went on guard, their senses heightened, weapons ready. Arata felt a surge of adrenaline, his eyes narrowing as he prepared for the inevitable confrontation. But then, something unexpected happened. From the shadows, Elio appeared, walking towards them with an eerie calmness.
"You are free to go, the Queen said so," Butter announced, her tone surprisingly indifferent.
"Wait, what? We were ready to fight but…" Carly's voice trailed off, her confusion evident. She glanced at Arata, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Everyone was stunned by the sudden turn of events. Elio walked over to them, his expression a mix of relief and puzzlement. Butter, without another word, retreated back into the cave, disappearing into the darkness.
"Is everything okay, Elio? Did they do anything to you?" Lila asked, her voice trembling with concern as she checked him over, her hands moving frantically to ensure he was unharmed.
"Everything is fine…Except they were, for some reason, asking me about the revivification process…So weird…" Elio replied, his brow furrowed in confusion. He looked back at the cave, his mind racing with the bizarre encounter. "I think they are trying to revive someone…I have no idea who."
The group exchanged bewildered glances, trying to piece together the strange situation. The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, the silence heavy with unspoken questions.
"We need to figure out what's going on," Carly said, her voice steady but filled with urgency. "This doesn't make any sense."
Alex, always the pragmatist, stepped forward, his eyes locked on the cave entrance. "Let's inform the higher-ups about the cave. There's something more going on here than we realize."
Arata nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting between the cave and Elio. "We can't just leave this unexplained. If they're trying to revive someone, it could be a huge threat."
The group moved cautiously back towards their vehicle, their minds still reeling from the encounter. As they walked, they discussed the implications of what Elio had revealed.
"I mean, why would they just let him go?" Lila asked, her voice tinged with suspicion. "And what's with the revivification process? Who are they trying to bring back?"
Carly shook her head, her thoughts racing. "It doesn't add up. If they have some sort of plan involving revivification, it must be something big. And dangerous."
Arata, ever the strategist, chimed in. "We need to think about the bigger picture. If they're planning something with this process, we need to understand what they're after and why."
As they reached the vehicle, Alex took out his communicator, preparing to contact their higher-ups. "I'll get in touch with headquarters. We need to report this immediately."
The team gathered around as Alex relayed the information, his voice calm and precise despite the chaotic situation. When he finished, he turned back to the group, his expression serious. "They're sending reinforcements to investigate the cave. We need to stay alert and be ready for anything."
The drive back to headquarters was tense, each team member lost in their thoughts. Elio lost in thoughts, his mind replaying the strange encounter with the Queen and Butter. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he was missing, something crucial.
"Do you really think they're trying to revive someone?" Carly asked, breaking the silence. "And if so, who?"
Elio shrugged, his confusion evident. "I don't know. But they seemed very interested in the process. Almost desperate."
Lila, sitting beside him, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll figure it out. Together."
As they arrived at headquarters, they were met by a team of analysts and strategists, ready to debrief them on the situation. The group recounted the encounter, detailing every moment and every word.
The lead analyst, a stern-looking woman named Dr. Harper, listened intently. "This is highly unusual," she said, her brow furrowing. "Revivification is a complex and dangerous process. If they're attempting it, there must be a significant reason."
Alex nodded. "That's what we thought. We need to find out who they're trying to bring back and why."
Dr. Harper turned to Elio. "Can you recall any specific details about what they asked you? Anything that might give us a clue?"
Elio thought for a moment, then shook his head. "They were pretty vague. Just kept asking about the process and how it works. But they seemed very focused on finding out how to make it happen."
Arata, leaning against the wall, spoke up. "We need to be prepared for anything. If they're trying to bring someone back, it could be a huge threat to us."
Dr. Harper nodded. "Agreed. We'll have our teams investigate the cave and see what we can find. In the meantime, you all need to rest and regroup. This could be just the beginning."
As the debriefing ended, the team was led to a briefing room where they could discuss their next steps. The atmosphere was tense, each member grappling with the implications of what they had learned.
"We need to stay focused," Arata said, his voice firm. "Elio, you did great back there. We'll get to the bottom of this."
Elio nodded, a sense of determination replacing his earlier confusion. "Thanks, Arata. I just hope we can figure it out before it's too late."
Lila, still worried about her brother, looked around the room. "We're in this together. We've faced tough situations before, and we'll get through this one too."
Carly, always the voice of reason, added, "We need to trust each other and stay united. That's our strength."
Alex, looking more resolute than ever, stood up. "Let's get some rest. We'll need all our strength for what's coming next."
The room fell silent as Arata's question hung in the air, heavy and inescapable. "Not before some explanation, Alex. What's with your wife and kid? You and Lila had your way earlier, even though you have a wife and a kid. What's with that?"
The words cut through the space like a knife, slicing through the thin veneer of normalcy they had been trying to maintain. Alex stood there, the weight of the question pressing down on him, his face a mask of conflicting emotions. He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat almost too much to bear. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he finally mustered the strength to respond.
"They are dead," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. The room seemed to shrink around him as he spoke. "That's why I never talk about them…"
The admission hung in the air, each word a heavy blow to those present. Alex's shoulders slumped, the facade of strength and leadership he had maintained crumbling in an instant. He turned on his heel and walked away, each step weighted with the sorrow and guilt he had been carrying for so long.
Lila's eyes widened in shock, the realization dawning on her like a cold, harsh light. She sank into a nearby chair, her mind racing to process the revelation. The room, once filled with the buzz of activity and planning, now felt oppressively silent.
Arata watched Alex's retreating figure, a deep sigh escaping his lips. He could sense the pain radiating from his leader, the agony of reliving a tragedy that had shaped so much of who Alex had become. "I have a feeling… It's an Undergrounder who killed his wife and kid," Arata said quietly, his words more a statement of fact than speculation.
Lila turned to him, her face a mask of confusion and concern. "How do you know?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and fear.
Arata met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a mix of empathy and determination. "Just a wolf's intuition," he replied simply, the truth of his words resonating deeply within him. He had no concrete evidence, but the connection was there, woven into the fabric of his instincts.
As Alex walked down the hallway, his mind was flooded with memories he had tried so hard to suppress. The laughter of his wife, the innocent giggles of his child—it all came rushing back, bittersweet and agonizing. He remembered the day they were taken from him, the overwhelming grief that had nearly consumed him.
In the stillness of the hospital, Alex found a quiet corner to gather himself. He leaned against the wall, his body trembling with the force of his emotions. The pain was as fresh as the day it had happened, and for a moment, he allowed himself to be vulnerable, to feel the depth of his loss.
Meanwhile, back in the room, the remaining team members exchanged uneasy glances. The revelation about Alex's past had thrown them all off balance, the gravity of his loss resonating deeply with each of them.
Carly, who had been silent up until now, spoke up. "We need to give him some space," she said softly. "He's been carrying this for a long time. It's no wonder he never talks about it."
Lila nodded, still processing the weight of Alex's confession. "I didn't know…" she murmured, her voice tinged with regret. "I didn't realize…"
Arata placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "None of us did," he said gently. "But now we do, and we need to be there for him. He's our leader, but he's also human. He needs our support."
The team members fell into a contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts. The revelation about Alex's past had brought a new perspective to their mission, a deeper understanding of the man leading them.
Arata couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story, that the Undergrounders were somehow connected to the tragedy that had befallen Alex's family. The thought fueled his determination to see their mission through, to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who had been wronged.
Lila, still reeling from the shock of Alex's revelation, felt a wave of guilt wash over her. She had been harsh and confrontational, not knowing the pain that lay behind Alex's actions. She had judged him without understanding, and now she regretted every harsh word.
"I need to apologize to him," she said quietly, her voice trembling. "I didn't know… I should have been more understanding."
Arata gave her a reassuring nod. "You'll get your chance,"
After a few minutes, Alex returned to the room, his expression somber but resolute. He had taken the time he needed to compose himself, to push the pain to the back of his mind where it had resided for so long. He knew he couldn't afford to be distracted, not with so much at stake.
"I'm sorry for everything that happened," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "As a leader, I shouldn't have put your lives in danger."
Arata stepped forward, his expression understanding. "Sir, we're here for you. We're a team, and that means supporting each other, no matter what.
Alex nodded, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Arata. And I'm sorry. Losing them… it broke something inside me. But I won't let it break us. No longer."
Everyone seemed happy, but, who knew, this happiness was going to be overtaken by grief in the upcoming days.
 
EPILOGUE
The Queen sat on her throne, the dim light of the cavern casting eerie shadows across her face. Her eyes were cold and calculating as she regarded her subordinates. Butter stood to her right, ever ready to execute the Queen's commands. Lance, with his usual nonchalant demeanor, was packing up their essential equipment. Uriel, silent but observant, leaned against a stalagmite, his gaze fixed on the Queen.
"So, we are moving?" Butter asked, her voice a mixture of curiosity and concern.
The Queen nodded slowly, her expression grave. "There will be other squads coming soon," she said, her voice echoing softly in the cavern. "We cannot afford to be found here. Our plans are too crucial to be interrupted."
"Butter, inform Cheese of the situation and provide him with the coordinates of our new location," the Queen commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Make sure he understands the urgency."
Butter nodded, her face set in determination. "Understood, my Queen."
Lance, always the pragmatic one, interjected, "Let's hope everything will be fine." He continued to pack, his movements efficient and precise.
Uriel, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke. "The new location is more secure, but we must remain vigilant. The Hex will not stop hunting us."
The Queen's gaze hardened. "We will be ready for them. This is merely a temporary setback."
eanwhile, in a dark, rain-soaked alleyway miles away, a shadowy figure stood over a lifeless body. The figure was cloaked in a tattered trench coat, the hood pulled low over their face, obscuring their features. The only visible part of them was a pair of piercing, red-tinged eyes that glowed faintly in the darkness.
The figure knelt beside the corpse, their hands trembling as they reached for a ring on the dead person's finger. The ring was ancient and worn, but it pulsed with a sinister energy. "A ring, huh? What does this do?" the figure muttered, their voice raspy with both curiosity and fear.
As the figure slipped the ring onto their finger, it began to glow with an unnatural light. "Whoa… The ring is glowing… What's happening?! WHAT THE—"
Before they could finish, a surge of dark energy enveloped them. Their eyes widened in horror as their body convulsed violently. The ring's glow intensified, revealing a vampire bat's symbol that burned brightly against the blackened metal.
The transformation was swift and brutal. The shadowy figure's skin turned a sickly gray, their eyes rolled back into their head, and their teeth elongated into razor-sharp fangs. Within moments, they had become a mad, zombie-like creature, driven by an insatiable hunger for blood and chaos.
The Queen's keen senses detected a shift in the balance of power. She turned her gaze towards Uriel, who had noticed it as well. "Something has awakened," Uriel said, his voice barely above a whisper.
The Queen's eyes narrowed. "We will deal with it in due time. For now, our priority is to move to the new location. Butter, Lance, Uriel—make sure everything is prepared. We leave immediately."
As they made their preparations, the Queen couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. But for now, she focused on the task at hand. The survival of their faction depended on their ability to stay one step ahead of the Hex. And as long as she led them, they would do just that.
The Villains moved with purpose, gathering their belongings and heading towards their new, undisclosed location. The Queen, Butter, Lance, and Uriel each carried a weight of responsibility and anticipation, knowing that their next steps could either secure their future or bring about their downfall.
In the shadows, the transformed figure, now a mindless servant to the ring's dark power, lurched aimlessly, a harbinger of the chaos that was yet to come.
 

Capítulo 5: Slaughter

It's been two weeks now, "There was nothing at the cave. You see, we tried, but all we could find were some remains of tanks with oxygen which most probably contained something," Dr. Harper said, addressing Squad E. Alex, Lila, Arata, Carly, and Elio listened intently, their expressions a mix of frustration and determination.
Alex crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "Did you find any other clues? Any markings or traces that could tell us what was in those tanks?"
Dr. Harper shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. The cave was mostly empty when we got there. Squad D is trying to find traces of who these tanks belonged to. Hopefully, we will know soon."
Carly looked worried. "Could it have been something toxic? Or maybe a chemical weapon?"
Dr. Harper sighed. "It's possible. We've sent the remains to the lab for analysis. We should have more information soon."
Elio, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. "Do you think it has something to do with the revivification process they were asking me about? They seemed really interested in bringing someone back."
Arata nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good point. If they were using those tanks for something related to reanimation, it might explain why they were so well-hidden."
Lila added, "And if they were planning to revive someone, they might have needed a controlled environment, like the one those tanks could provide."
Before they could delve further into their theories, the ring on Alex's finger glowed and a voice interrupted them. "Everyone, this is Commander Warrier. I need you all to move to Texas, right now!"
Alex's eyes widened. "What's the situation, Commander?"
"There are these creatures infecting people. They seem to be some kind of vampire-zombie hybrid that are spreading the infection rapidly. You guys are to find the source and stop it," Commander Warrier said, his voice urgent.
Elio's face went pale. "Vampire-zombie hybrids… I've heard about something like this before…"
Carly looked at him, concerned. "What do you mean, Elio?"
"I will have to look into my books. Can I bring them?" Elio asked, his eyes wide with urgency. He knew that his research might hold vital information that could help them understand the nature of the vampire-zombie hybrids they were about to face.
"You are staying here, Elio," Alex commanded, his tone firm but not unkind. He placed a hand on Elio's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We need someone to stay back and coordinate with us. You have the knowledge that could be crucial, but you'll be more useful here where you can access all your resources."
Elio looked frustrated but nodded slowly. "But how will I contact you?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "What if I find something important?"
Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring, holding it out to Elio. "Here, take this."
Elio took the ring, examining it with a puzzled expression. "Umm… I can't transform…" he said, clearly confused by the gesture.
Dr. Harper, standing nearby, chuckled softly. "It's a com ring, newbie," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Elio's face lit up with understanding. "Oh, a communication ring," he said, nodding as he slipped it onto his finger. "Got it. I'll make sure to stay in touch."
Alex gave him a nod of approval. "Good. Use it to update us on anything you find. Your knowledge is going to be crucial for us out there."
Elio straightened up, feeling a bit more confident now. "I won't let you down," he promised.
Alex turned to the rest of the team. "Let's get moving, everyone. We have to get to Texas and deal with this situation as quickly as possible."
The ringmasters moved out, their faces set with determination. "Time to get into the books," Elio said to himself, turning on his heel and running towards the library section of the headquarters.
Dr. Harper watched him go with a smile. "What an interesting team you have, Alex," she remarked, turning back to him. "Each member brings something unique to the table."
Alex nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "They're a good group," he said. "We've had our ups and downs, but they've always pulled through when it mattered."
Dr. Harper's smile widened. "They'll need that resilience for what's coming. Take care out there, Alex. We'll keep working on things from this end."
"Thanks, Doctor," Alex replied. "We'll be in touch. Keep an eye on Elio for us. He's got a lot on his shoulders."
With that, the team filed out of the room, their minds focused on the mission ahead. Elio's footsteps echoed down the hallway as he hurried to his books, determined to find anything that might help his friends.
At an abandoned house in Texas, a group of five gathered for a makeshift dinner, their faces etched with fear and fatigue. Amy, a redhead with a fiery mane cascading down her back in loose waves, sat at the head of the table. Her green eyes, usually bright and inviting, were now shadowed with worry. Her floral dress was tattered, revealing bruises and scrapes on her delicate frame. She clutched a gun with a trembling hand.
Next to her sat Ryan, a guy with dark brown hair neatly combed short despite their dire circumstances. His hazel eyes, framed by thick rectangular glasses, darted around nervously. His clothes, once tidy and scholarly, were now ripped and dirty, hanging off his lanky frame. He adjusted his glasses frequently, a habitual gesture that provided little comfort.
On Amy's other side was Jennifer, whose confident presence was marred by their desperate situation. Her long, flowing chestnut brown hair was tangled and unkempt. Her sharp blue eyes still sparkled with intelligence but now held a hint of desperation. Her voluptuous build was accentuated by her torn clothes, which barely held together. Despite the circumstances, she tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy, but the fear in her eyes betrayed her. She also wore her brother's jacket making her feel secure.
Across from Jennifer sat Gordy, an emo punk with jet-black hair falling over one eye. His pale skin contrasted sharply with his dark eyeliner, which was now smudged from sweat and grime. His black clothing, adorned with band logos and patches, was ripped and dirty, matching the hopelessness in his demeanor. He had a lithe, wiry frame, and his multiple piercings glinted faintly in the dim light.
At the end of the table sat the old man, a figure of resilience despite the dire situation. His rich ebony skin was marked with scars, testament to a life filled with struggle and survival. Short, graying hair crowned his head, and his deep-set brown eyes held a mix of wisdom and weariness. His robust build was evident even through his tattered button-up shirt and trousers. He clutched a gun with a steady hand, providing a sense of protection to the group.
The group huddled together in the dimly lit room, their meager meal laid out before them. The shadows flickered across their faces, amplifying the fear etched into their features.
Jennifer broke the tense silence first, her voice tinged with desperation. "Why is this happening? What is this?!" She glanced around the room, hoping for answers that none of them had.
Gordy, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed, shook his head. "These aren't even zombies. We hit them in the head, and they don't even die," he muttered, his voice filled with frustration and confusion. "It's like nothing can stop them."
Trey, the old man, sat up straighter, his face set in a stern expression. "Whatever they are, we need to stick together or else we all will die," he said, his deep voice cutting through the fear. "Strength in numbers is our best chance."
Ryan, nervously adjusting his glasses, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's the only way to do something," he said, his voice shaky but resolute. He took a bite of the stale bread in front of him, trying to draw some comfort from the routine of eating.
Amy, her green eyes scanning the group, tried to project a sense of calm authority. "For now, have dinner and then let's go to sleep," she instructed, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hand that held the gun. "I will be on protection duty tonight. We need to take turns to make sure we're safe."
Jennifer pushed her plate away, appetite lost in the anxiety of the moment. "But what if they find us while we're sleeping?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Amy gave her a reassuring nod. "We'll be vigilant. That's why we take turns. If we all keep an eye out, we stand a better chance."
Trey shifted uncomfortably in his seat, a sheen of sweat visible on his forehead. Amy noticed and leaned closer, concern etched in her features. "Is everything okay, Trey?" she asked gently.
Trey forced a smile, trying to mask the pain. "Nothing much, just need to take a shit," he said with a cheerful facade, standing up slowly.
"Ewww, get away old man!" Ryan said with exaggerated disgust, scrunching his nose. Jennifer and Gordy chuckled, the brief moment of levity easing the tension slightly.
Trey waved them off, chuckling as he left the room. But once out of sight, his cheerful demeanor vanished. He walked into the next room and shut the door behind him, the weight of his secret pressing down on him.
In the dim light, Trey lifted his shirt, revealing the bite at the corner of his stomach. The wound was swollen and red, the edges tinged with a sickly black. He grimaced in pain, his breath coming in shallow gasps. "Damn it," he muttered to himself, the reality of his situation sinking in.
The evening sky was painted in hues of orange and red as Trey trudged through the desolate streets, his eyes constantly scanning for any sign of life—or danger. He had left the safety of his small hideout with a heavy heart, determined to find his daughter. Instead, he stumbled upon the survivors who would soon become his new family.
 
Trey found Amy first, huddled under the crumbling awning of an old diner. Her red hair was matted with dirt, and her green eyes were wide with fear. The remains of her once-stylish clothing were now tattered and stained. She clutched a small handgun, her only line of defense.
 
"Hey, you okay?" Trey asked gently, approaching her with his hands raised to show he meant no harm.
 
Amy looked up, her eyes filled with mistrust. "Who are you?"
 
"Trey," he said softly. "I'm just looking for my daughter. But you look like you could use some help."
 
Amy hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I'm Amy. I... I got separated from my group. It's just me now."
 
Trey extended a hand, and after a moment's pause, Amy took it. "Stick with me," he said. "We'll find safety together."
 
A few days later, they found Jennifer. The once vibrant and confident young woman was crouched in the corner of an abandoned supermarket, her big chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to calm her panic. Her clothing, now torn and dirty, barely covered her.
 
Trey and Amy entered the supermarket cautiously, their eyes adjusting to the dim light. "Do you hear that?" Amy whispered, pointing towards the back.
 
Trey nodded, leading the way. They found Jennifer surrounded by the remains of what had been a fierce struggle, her eyes wide with terror as she held a piece of broken glass in a defensive stance.
 
"It's okay," Trey said soothingly. "We're here to help."
 
Jennifer's eyes darted between Trey and Amy before she finally let the glass shard drop. "I... I thought I was going to die," she stammered.
 
"Not today," Trey replied, helping her to her feet. "Come with us. We're stronger together."
 
Gordy was next. Trey and the group stumbled upon him in an alley, fending off one of the vampire-zombie hybrids with a makeshift spear. His emo punk look—complete with dark eyeliner and tattered band T-shirt—did nothing to conceal his fear as he fought for his life.
 
"Get away from him!" Trey shouted, rushing forward to help. Together, they managed to drive the creature away, leaving Gordy panting and exhausted.
 
"Thanks," Gordy gasped, dropping his spear. "Thought that was the end for me."
 
"We don't leave anyone behind," Trey said firmly, clapping Gordy on the shoulder. "Come with us."
 
Finally, they found Ryan. The bespectacled young man was cornered in a library, desperately trying to barricade the doors as several of the hybrids clawed at the windows. His neat, intellectual appearance was a stark contrast to the chaos around him.
 
"Over here!" Trey called, leading the others in a charge to drive the creatures away. In the struggle, one of the hybrids managed to sink its teeth into Trey's side before they could kill it.
 
Ryan, pale and shaking, looked up at Trey with a mixture of relief and horror. "Thank you," he managed to say, his voice trembling.
 
"Don't mention it," Trey replied through gritted teeth, hiding the pain of his wound. "Let's get you out of here."
 
Together, they fought their way out of the library and made their way to the abandoned house that would become their refuge. Each of them bore their own scars, both physical and emotional, but they had found a semblance of safety—and each other.
 
As they settled in, Trey did his best to hide the bite on his side. He knew the implications but refused to let it weaken his resolve. He had saved these people, and now he was determined to protect them for as long as he could.
Amy's breath hitched as the eerie silence of the night was shattered by the sudden sound of metal clanking. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she tightened her grip on the handgun. "Who's there?" she called out, her voice trembling despite her best efforts to sound authoritative. The darkness seemed to press in around her, making every shadow seem like a potential threat.
"Trey?!" she screamed, backing away from the window and into the house. The silence that followed was deafening. Amy's mind raced. Where was everyone? The sense of isolation grew with each passing second.
"Jennifer?!" Amy shouted again, her voice echoing through the empty rooms. She moved cautiously, her flashlight sweeping over the dusty furniture and bare walls. "Ryan? Gordy? Anyone?" The absence of any response only heightened her anxiety.
She entered the dining room, where the darkness felt thick and impenetrable. The flashlight beam sliced through it, revealing nothing but emptiness. Every creak of the floorboards under her feet sounded unnaturally loud in the oppressive silence. The fear gnawed at her insides, threatening to overwhelm her.
Determined to find her companions, Amy climbed the stairs. Each step creaked ominously, the noise reverberating in the stillness of the house. She reached Ryan's room first, pushing the door open with the barrel of her gun. "Ryan? Are you there?" The room was empty, the bed neatly made, untouched. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead.
Her pulse quickened as she approached Jennifer's room. That's when she heard it—a grotesque, wet sound that sent chills down her spine. The unmistakable sound of flesh being torn and chewed. "What's that?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible.
She forced herself to move forward, her flashlight shaking in her hand. As she reached Jennifer's room, the flashlight beam caught something pale hunched over a lifeless body. Amy's stomach churned, and she had to fight the urge to vomit.
"Who is that?!" she demanded, her voice cracking with terror. She trained the flashlight on the figure, and her blood ran cold. The creature turned to face her, its eyes glazed and vacant, its mouth dripping with blood. It was Trey.
The once cheerful old man now looked like a monster, his face twisted into a mask of hunger and madness. His shirt was torn, exposing the bite mark on his side, now festering and oozing. He let out a low growl, his lips pulling back to reveal bloodstained teeth.
Amy's hands shook so violently she nearly dropped the flashlight. "Trey…" she whispered, her mind struggling to reconcile the image of the kind man who had saved them all with the horrific creature before her.
Trey lunged at her with a speed she hadn't thought possible for someone his age. Amy stumbled backward, firing her handgun blindly. The deafening sound of gunfire filled the room, and she screamed, a primal sound of fear and desperation.
She bolted out of the room, her flashlight swinging wildly, casting erratic shadows on the walls. Trey's footsteps thundered behind her, closer and closer. She could hear his labored breathing, smell the metallic tang of blood in the air. She reached the stairs, but in her panic, she missed a step and tumbled down, her body hitting the wooden steps with a sickening thud.
Gasping for breath, she scrambled to her feet, adrenaline fueling her movements. She could see Trey descending the stairs, his eyes locked onto her with a feral intensity. There was no trace of the man she once knew.
Amy's heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst out of her chest. She was still reeling from the horrific scene she had just witnessed, her mind struggling to process the fact that Trey, the man who had saved them all, had turned into a monster. The adrenaline was still coursing through her veins when she felt a hand grab her and pull her into the bathroom.
"Jennie—" Amy started, but Jennifer quickly shushed her, a finger pressed to her lips, her eyes wide with fear. Amy's breathing was ragged, her thoughts a chaotic jumble. She was on the verge of a full-blown panic attack.
"We are in trouble right now," Jennifer whispered, her voice trembling. "Ryan and Gordy… Trey ate them." The words hit Amy like a punch to the gut. She felt her knees go weak, her legs barely able to support her. She leaned against the bathroom wall, her whole body shaking.
Jennifer's face was a mask of terror, her eyes darting around the small bathroom as if she expected Trey to burst in at any moment. Her hands were trembling, and she clutched at Amy's arm, seeking some kind of reassurance. But Amy had none to give.
Amy's mind was spinning. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Ryan and Gordy were dead. Trey, who had become like a guardian to them, had turned into a nightmarish creature and had eaten them. It was too much to process. She felt like she was drowning in fear and despair.
"We're stuck here," Jennifer said, her voice breaking. "We're stuck in this bathroom and he's out there. What if he finds us? What if he…" She couldn't finish the sentence, her words dissolving into sobs.
Amy wanted to comfort Jennifer, to tell her that everything would be okay, but the words wouldn't come. She felt like a little girl again, scared and helpless, unable to do anything to protect herself or the people she cared about. She sank to the floor, hugging her knees to her chest, trying to make herself as small as possible.
"Someone… Please help me…" Amy's voice was barely a whisper, a desperate plea to the universe. She felt like she was on the verge of breaking down completely, her mind teetering on the edge of insanity.
The memories of Trey rescuing them flashed through her mind. He had been their savior, their protector. He had found Amy first, pulling her out of the wreckage of her home and giving her hope when she had none. He had found Jennifer next, offering her a safe haven from the chaos. Gordy had been the third, the emo punk who had been so full of anger and defiance, softened by Trey's kindness. And Ryan, the intelligent but anxious young man with glasses, had been the last. They had all become a makeshift family, bound together by their shared survival.
Now, that family was shattered. Trey was gone, replaced by a monster. Ryan and Gordy were dead. The thought of their lifeless bodies, torn apart by the very man who had saved them, was more than Amy could bear. She buried her face in her hands, her body wracked with sobs.
Jennifer tried to console her, but she was barely holding it together herself. "Amy, we have to stay quiet," she whispered, her voice filled with desperation. "We have to stay quiet and hope that someone will find us."
But the hope in Jennifer's voice sounded hollow. Amy knew the reality of their situation. They were trapped, and the chances of rescue seemed slim. She felt the cold, hard floor beneath her and the suffocating darkness around them. The small bathroom felt like a tomb.
As they huddled together, the silence was filled with the distant, haunting sounds of the night. The memory of Trey's transformation replayed in Amy's mind, the sickening crunch of bones and the sight of blood-stained teeth. It was a nightmare she couldn't escape.
Jennifer held Amy's hand, squeezing it tightly. "We have to be strong, Amy. We have to survive. For Ryan and Gordy. For Trey. For our family. Let's make it through."
Amy nodded, though she didn't feel strong. She felt broken, a small girl lost in a world gone mad. But Jennifer's words gave her a small spark of hope. They had to survive. They had to find a way out of this nightmare.
Somewhere in Texas, "There are civilians in there?" Arata asked, his voice echoing through the desolate streets as he walked past the grotesque forms of the dead vampire-zombie hybrids. The air was thick with the stench of decay, and the eerie silence was punctuated only by the occasional drip of blood from the corpses. The hybrids were unlike anything he had seen before—twisted, bat-winged abominations with lifeless eyes.
"They are more like zombies with bat wings, it seems. They can't really see anything but they do hear ten times better," Elio said while Arata was crouching down to examine one of the creatures. Its face was contorted in a permanent snarl, fangs bared. He shuddered, thinking about what these creatures had once been—humans, twisted and corrupted into these nightmarish forms.
"What do we do, Elio?" Arata spoke into his ring, his voice tense. "The others are in other districts trying to help people, but this place that I am, it's empty. Almost as if someone has killed a lot of these hybrids." He stood up, scanning the area. The street was littered with bodies, many of them decapitated, their heads lying several feet away from their torsos.
"Not the work of a human, it's the work of something else," Arata muttered, his eyes narrowing as he studied the scene. The precision and sheer brutality of the kills were beyond human capability.
Elio's voice crackled through the ring. "Another info, Arata…" There was a rustling of pages as Elio flipped through one of his books.
"What you are facing right now… It's a vampire bat," Elio said finally.
"A vampire bat?" Arata repeated, trying to recall any previous encounters or stories about such creatures. Nothing came to mind. "Tell me about it."
Elio cleared his throat. "Someone, a human, was incompatible with the power of the vampire bat. That person is right now has the ring and has gone berserk. The only way to kill these hybrids is to use steel knife and pierce them right through the heart."
Arata felt a chill run down his spine. "So, the ring turned them into this?" He glanced at the dead hybrids again, his mind racing. "And they've been slaughtering everything in their path."
"Yes," Elio confirmed. "The vampire bat's power is very powerful, Arata. It's not a human anymore, it's literally an animal. The only other possibility is that if they are an Undergrounder who is feeding off of the ring."
Arata's heart sank at the thought. "How do we bring back that human?"
Elio hesitated. "Defeat him or have someone tame him, the ring." he said finally.
Arata nodded, absorbing the information. "You won't win, Arata," Elio added, his voice tinged with concern.
"Don't worry," Arata replied, his voice steady. "If I run into trouble, I will contact one of the other guys."
Elio fell silent, and Arata knew he was worried. But there was no turning back now. Arata had a job to do, and he couldn't let fear or doubt slow him down.
As he moved forward, stepping over more bodies, he noticed a house in the distance. Arata decided to move into that house as the streets continue to be…Silent…

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