The Watcher V: SKYFALL

Chapter 12: The Climax

With only thirty minutes remaining before the film festival premiere, Angel rushed to the hotel bathroom to check on MinFlay. The atmosphere was tense, and the excitement for the screening of "The Watcher" was palpable.

Angel knocked gently before opening the door. "MinFlay, you all set in there?"

Inside the bathroom, MinFlay stood in front of the mirror. His once monstrous features had been partially hidden beneath layers of everyday clothing—a plain hoodie, jeans, and sneakers. The sunglasses he wore helped conceal his unnerving eyes. Despite these attempts at normalcy, MinFlay's physique still resembled the Rake, but the human disguise was crucial for the evening.

Angel entered and took in the sight. "Looking good, MinFlay. Or should I say, Rob?"

MinFlay glanced at his reflection, visibly uneasy. "Rob? Are you sure this will work?"

Angel nodded, putting on a confident smile. "Absolutely. We'll tell everyone you're a burn victim who's here to support a friend. It's a solid cover. Just remember to keep your head down and act like you're uncomfortable with the spotlight. It'll make the story more believable."

MinFlay shifted uncomfortably, adjusting the sunglasses. "I still feel weird in these clothes."

Angel stepped closer and adjusted the hood of the hoodie to cover MinFlay's features more effectively. "It's just temporary. The sunglasses help hide your eyes, and the hoodie covers most of your face. You look like someone who's trying to keep a low profile."

MinFlay glanced at himself again, trying to calm his nerves. "Okay, I'll try."

Angel patted him on the back reassuringly. "You're going to do great. Just remember the story: you're Rob, a friend who had a tough time with burns and is here to support us. If anyone asks, stick to the story."

MinFlay nodded, trying to adopt a more relaxed stance. "Got it. Act like a burn victim named Rob."

Angel gave him a thumbs-up. "Exactly. Now, let's head out. The festival's about to start, and we don't want to be late."

As they left the bathroom, Angel couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and anxiety. MinFlay had made significant progress, adapting to human life despite his origins. The night was bound to be eventful, and Angel was determined to make it as smooth as possible for both MinFlay and the rest of the team.

Together, they walked towards the festival venue, ready to face the challenges of the evening with a carefully constructed story and a hidden truth.

As Angel and MinFlay, now "Rob," entered the grand lobby of the film festival venue, the bustling atmosphere and the chatter of excited attendees filled the space. Ruthy and Jonathan were waiting near the entrance, scanning the crowd with eager anticipation.

Angel approached them, giving a reassuring wave. "Hey Mom, Dad! I want you to meet someone."

Ruthy turned with a warm smile. "Hey, Angel! Who's your friend?"

Angel stepped aside to reveal MinFlay, who was trying his best to look nonchalant, though his unusual size and attire drew some curious glances. "This is Rob. He's a friend who's come to support the film tonight."

Ruthy extended her hand, trying to be welcoming despite the odd circumstances. "Nice to meet you, Rob."

MinFlay looked at the hand briefly before awkwardly reaching out. "Hi, I'm Burn. I'm a Rob victim."

Angel's heart skipped a beat. He quickly stepped in to cover the slip. "Oh, Rob means he's a burn victim, not that he's actually named Burn. He's just a bit nervous. His English isn't perfect."

Jonathan raised an eyebrow but nodded, sensing there was more to the story but choosing to let it slide. "Got it. Well, it's great to have you here, Rob."

Angel gave MinFlay a gentle nudge, trying to steer him away from any further potential slip-ups. "Let me get you both to your seats. The film is about to start, and I don't want you to miss any of it."

As they walked towards the seating area, Angel's mind raced, hoping that MinFlay's mistake wouldn't attract too much attention. The festival was in full swing, and the anticipation for the premiere of "The Watcher" was palpable.

They reached their seats, and Angel helped MinFlay find a spot where he could stay relatively inconspicuous. MinFlay adjusted his hoodie and sat down, trying to blend in. Ruthy and Jonathan took their seats beside him, their curiosity barely contained.

"Thanks for bringing Rob along," Ruthy said, looking at Angel with a mixture of concern and interest. "I'm sure it means a lot to him."

Angel nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, it does. He's a bit shy, but he's excited to be here."

Jonathan gave Angel a sideways glance but decided not to press further. "Well, let's enjoy the show. It's been a long journey getting to this point."

As the lights dimmed and the first images of the movie began to play on the screen, Angel kept a close watch on MinFlay. Despite the nervousness that crept in, he felt a sense of accomplishment. They had managed to keep MinFlay's true nature hidden for now, and the film's premiere was about to kick off, marking another significant milestone in their unexpected journey.

The movie was in full swing, capturing the audience with its gripping narrative and intense scenes. Angel watched the screen, feeling a mix of pride and anxiety. MinFlay, or "Rob," sat beside him, eyes wide with fascination as he took in the spectacle.

As the final scene played out, the audience erupted into applause. The lights came up, and the cast and crew began to take the stage for their bows. The energy in the room was electric, everyone buzzing with excitement and admiration for the film.

Devon Delgallo, who had already given a heartfelt speech earlier, unexpectedly stepped back onto the stage. There was a murmur of confusion among the audience as he approached the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Devon began, his voice steady and unnervingly calm. "I hope you enjoyed the film. But I believe you're all here for more than just a story on a screen. Why don't we show you something truly spectacular?"

A hush fell over the room as Devon reached behind a curtain and pulled out a large, metal cage. Inside, a creature thrashed and snarled, its glowing eyes filled with malice. The crowd gasped, realizing this was no prop.

"Allow me to introduce you to a real Watcher," Devon declared, his eyes gleaming with a twisted excitement.

Panic erupted as the creature broke free from the cage, leaping into the crowd with terrifying speed. Screams filled the air as people scrambled to escape, their terror palpable. The Watcher tore through the room, attacking anyone in its path.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Devon continued into the microphone, his voice cutting through the chaos, "my true name is Devon McFarlane. I am the son of the man who created these creatures. And tonight, you'll all witness the legacy of my father."

Angel's heart pounded as he grabbed MinFlay's hand. "We have to get out of here, now!"

Ruthy and Jonathan were already on their feet, pulling people towards the exits. MinFlay, despite his disguise, looked more scared than ever, clinging to Angel as they navigated through the panicked crowd.

Jonathan shouted over the noise, "This way! We need to get to the emergency exit!"

They pushed their way through the mass of terrified people, the sounds of the massacre behind them fueling their urgency. The Watcher continued its rampage, and Devon stood on the stage, watching with a sinister satisfaction.