The Torn Weft ~ COMPLET

The Contamination

Note : For those readers who have not seen the message. I'm going to reduce the rhythm of publication to once a week to keep enough of a head start and not be forced to work fast (and badly). New appointment every Monday. 

Have a good week and good reading.

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There was a huge flash between the blindingly white bonds just two seconds before the explosion that shook the walls of the laboratory. The three Cerberus screamed and transformed despite the magic that restricted them. The instinct to protect acted without giving them time to choose. The advantage of the American walls was their thinness. They could not withstand the onslaught of the creatures in full fury. A large cloud of smoke billowed out of the opening, the rush of air rekindling the flames. But these were Hellhounds, their power lay in fire. The more powerful it was, the more powerful the Cerberus was. The burning tongues wrapped around them like domesticated animals. The windows had held up but were covered in black from the chemical and other fumes. Visibility was almost nil by the time the smoke cleared, setting off the fire protection in the corridors. The smell was mephitic. The Cerberus were feverish. The bonds were mute. Misery screamed for his partner, putting his whole voice into it. As the smoke finally cleared, they saw what was left of Emmett. A poor charred thing on a chair. He was a charred corpse, his head thrown back. Surprisingly his glasses were still on his nose, crooked. Agony blew out her nose in annoyance, creating a thick cloud. The laboratory was destroyed, there was nothing left, all the furniture was overturned. Tragedy jumped with a fluid motion onto the overturned cabinet and steadied himself on it. Behind them were their partners, a ball of energy surrounding them. Zia stood with her hand outstretched, sweating, her magic creating the ball. Man was holding the door of the cupboard he had knocked over with the power of his mind, protecting Gwen, rolled into a ball around the satchel containing the urns.

When she saw the Cerberus, Zia let go and fell to her knees, gasping for breath.

— Mistress?

Agony growled as she approached, wrapping herself around her partner's body and licking her forehead. Misery stepped around the wardrobe as Tragedy jumped in beside them. He was the first to return to his human form, a trembling smile on his lips. Man blinked in shock.

— That was...I...wow!

He looked at his hand in disbelief.

— I'm super Man!

He smiled as he met Tragedy's gaze and wavered. His Cerberus caught him before he collapsed. He whispered to him.

— Yes Honey, you are Superman.

— Did you see what I did?

— No, I didn't see...

The words became meaningless to Misery as he approached Gwen. He nudged him with his muzzle as he did not move. Seeing that the young man was completely tense, he resumed his human appearance. He brushed against his shoulder.

— Gwen? Gwen it's over, baby.

The young man raised his head. His face was ravaged with tears.

— They're dead! I... couldn't save them. I tried but they died... I... It's my fault!

Completely confused, Misery could only squeeze his shoulder. Gwen got up and threw himself against him, sobbing uncontrollably. Misery didn't understand all but a few bits of "no power", "broken under me", "I'm useless" The Cerberus could only hold him close and rub his back. Zia came out of her cocoon of warmth to approach the saddlebags. They had shattered on impact as Gwen pressed himself to the ground to protect them. She rummaged through the debris. Gwen had been hit hard by the essences, which were dying without a host or a body. Too much pain, terror, hatred and despair. But as she searched, she found some urns intact. Few, of the many, but some. Sirens sounded in the distance. Agony took human form again.