RiverlineCity

Volume 4 - Project Rabies

Ryuichi stood in his estates' beautiful and well-kept garden, waiting for Felix to arrive for the meeting. The air was still and the scent of fresh blooms hung in the air. Felix arrived right on time, his footsteps silent as he glided through the garden with grace. He was dressed in a sleek, white suit that complimented his golden feathered wings and angelic features. Ryuichi's eyes flickered with amusement as he saw Felix's grand entrance, impressed by his punctuality. "Right on time, as expected," he commented with a small smile. "Pleasure to see you, Felix." "A pleasure as always," Felix responded, a charming grin spreading across his lips as he approached Ryuichi. "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" He moved closer, his golden wings glinting in the soft light of the garden's lanterns. Ryuichi nodded in agreement, his gaze never leaving Felix's winged form. "Indeed," he replied. "The gardens are especially beautiful at this time of night." He gestured for Felix to follow him towards a more private spot within the garden, where they could speak more intimately. "Never saw you as the zen garden type..." Felix spoke up. "Appearances can be deceiving," Ryuichi replied mysteriously as they walked through the garden. "This place is perfect for deep discussions and strategizing. The beauty of nature has a calming effect," he explained, his voice steady and composed. "Another name for it... Karesansui." Felix hummed in response, taking in the scenery as they approached a secluded spot. His eyes fell upon a pond, the water's surface still and reflecting the moonlight. "Interesting," he replied, his gaze lingering on the tranquil sight. "You're right, this spot is rather pretty, calm, and serene." Ryuichi stood by the pond's edge, his expression thoughtful. The reflection of the garden lantern's light dancing on the water's surface, casting a soft glow around them. "You have no idea," Ryuichi said softly, "How close everything is coming together... The plan, the preparations. Everything is ready for the launch of..." He trailed off. "This place. It was abandoned before your clan came to it yes?" Felix referred to the old mansion. Ryuichi nodded. "Yes, it's true. This mansion was abandoned and decaying when my clan found it. We've made it our own, investing a lot of our time and resources to refurbish it. It's become a headquarters for us in its own way," he explained, a quiet sense of pride creeping into his tone as he surveyed the surroundings. "But it's not just a building. It's a home, a refuge, a sanctuary." Felix listened intently, his eyes trailing over the mansion and its surroundings. He had always been fascinated with Ryuichi's clan and the way they had transformed the old, abandoned mansion into a functional headquarters. "It's impressive what you have managed to achieve," he said, a hint of envy in his voice. He couldn't help but to feel jealous at the clan's success. "This is all just the beginning." Ryuichi hummed feeding the koi fish. "Oh?" Felix raised an eyebrow, watching Ryuichi feeding the koi fish, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "What's your next plan?" He moved closer to Ryuichi, his wing brushing against him subtly. Ryuichi paused for a moment, his fingers lightly grazing the koi fish's scales. "I can't divulge everything to you just yet," he replied with a knowing smirk. "But I assure you it's something big and...impactful." Ryuichi's tone was careful and cryptic. He didn't want to be too revealing but wanted to intrigue Felix. Felix feigned a look of intrigue, his gaze never leaving Ryuichi's. "Oh, come on now..." He said teasingly. "You can't leave me hanging like that. Give me a little hint at least." His wing brushed against Ryuichi again, a small gesture of flirtation. A small, subtle smirk settled on Ryuichi's lips as he detected the small wing brushing. "Patience," he replied, giving Felix a meaningful glance. "All will be revealed in due time. You'll have to trust my judgment and wait for the grand reveal." Felix pouted, feigning disappointment, a playful glint in his eyes. "But I find the anticipation unbearable," he confessed with mock agony, a small giggle escaping his lips. "I thrive on drama and excitement, you know this." He leaned a little closer to Ryuichi, his wing purposefully rubbing against him again. Ryuichi suppressed a laugh at Felix's theatrics, shaking his head slightly. He was used to Felix's dramatics and playful nature, and it always amused him. "Your dramatic flair is not unfamiliar to me," he said. "But as I said, patience is a virtue. You'll find out soon enough." His words were calculated, letting the anticipation build. "In the mean time. Get to know the clan. I suggest meeting Buddy first." Ryuichi purred. "Buddy," Felix repeated, the name ringing a bell. "Sounds cute. Where is he at the moment?" He looked around, as if expecting Buddy to appear from behind a bush. "He usually stays close by." Ryuichi replied, his gaze softening. "He's a devoted and loyal member of the clan. A bit goofy, but a good kid." There was a hint of affection in Ryuichi's tone, a rare show of vulnerability, betraying his soft spot for Buddy. Felix noticed the subtle shift in Ryuichi's attitude, a sense of tenderness beneath the usual cool exterior. It was rare to see Ryuichi express such vulnerability, and it only made Felix more curious and determined to meet this 'goofy' yet devoted clan member named Buddy. As Felix left to go inside of the mansion Ryuichi remained behind peering to the pond then up at the moon. "Soon..." He murmured. Felix felt the familiar sense of excitement as Ryuichi remained at the pond, as he entered the mansion. The interior was grand and opulent, reflecting the clan's success. The hallways were decorated with paintings, vases, and other art and antiques, a testament to the effort put into restoring the once abandoned mansion. He walked through the halls, curious about the clan's members, making his way towards the common room, to see if he would find 'Buddy'. As Felix entered the common room, he observed several members of Ryuichi's crew lounging around the room. There was a low hum of conversation and faint laughter in the air, creating an intimate atmosphere within the elegant space. The lighting was warm, casting a comforting glow on the leather and mahogany furnishings. "Your the new guy right-" Buddy came rushing like a blur his silver ish tail wagging. Felix was taken aback by the silver-ish blur that approached him, realising it was Buddy. He had to admit, Buddy was indeed a bit goofy and excitable, matching the description Ryuichi gave him. He plastered a charming smile on his face, quickly composed himself. "Yeah, I'm new," Felix replied casually, keeping his tone light. "You must be Buddy?" He extended his hand to Buddy for a handshake. Buddy beamed, his silver ish tail wagging so fast that it was a blur. He happily shook Felix's hand, his grip firm. "Yep! That's me! I'm Buddy! It's nice to know you!" He exclaimed. "What's your name?" "I'm Felix," he replied, his smile growing as Buddy's infectious enthusiasm made him giggle internally. "Nice to meet you, Buddy. You seem pretty happy, any particular reason?" Buddy smiled wider, his tail wagging faster, a joyful expression on his face. "Because I'm the best at everything!" He exclaimed, a confident tone in his voice. "I'm good at everything and I get to hunt with Ryuichi and do fun stuff like pranks on Torien!" "Buddy there is in a good mood because of the boss praising him so much-" Rosco spoke up from the poker game with Isaiah and Louis. Felix noticed Rosco spoke up, looking over towards the poker game. He didn't know Rosco but assumed he was part of the crew by the way he was addressed by Buddy. "Did he? " Felix inquired, "Why did the boss praise you, Buddy?" "He said i am special-" Buddy cheered innocently. Felix couldn't help but to find Buddy's innocence and cheerful demeanor adorable. "You are special indeed." He agreed, feeling a hint of sympathy for Buddy, unaware of the sinister scheme being planned around him. Meanwhile Ryuichi sat with his eyes closed on his mat beside the pond meditating and reflecting seeing the images of his traumas replay in his mind. As Ryuichi sat in meditation, recollections of his past traumas flooded his mind. Shadows of previous abuses and losses crept to his heart, his composure wavering for a moment. A flicker of vulnerability in his otherwise stoic façade surfaced for a few seconds, reminding him of those deep wounds he hid beneath the facade. The weight of the memories pressed heavily on his mind, threatening to engulf him in the agony. But Ryuichi had learned long ago how to manage his emotions, though some days it was more challenging than others. He took deep breaths, slowly releasing air, trying to center himself, to find a sense of internal peace. It was a continuous cycle, the battle against the relentless trauma. The memories felt like a loop, each moment vividly replaying in his mind, despite his efforts to shut them out. They flooded his focus, drowning out the calming sounds of birds chirping and the water of the pond. Ryuichi grit his teeth, his eyes squeezed shut. How much longer could he withstand the relentless onslaught of painful recollections? "Flowers even bloom on grass that has been trampled." He muttered to himself softly. Those words, a mantra of solace, repeated in his mind, like a constant chant to cling on to. It was a reminder of the resilience of nature, to bloom and thrive despite being knocked down. Ryuichi held onto that thought, letting it sink into his consciousness, his breathing gradually slowing. With each repetition of the mantra, he felt the tumultuous emotions slowly subsiding, replaced by a steady resolve. He centered himself, the memories shifting to the background, the pain momentarily held at bay. He concentrated on maintaining that balance, refusing to concede to the despair that threatened to consume him. His eyes flicked open to the moon yet again in deep thought. From Aiden's apartment balcony he looked to the same moon in deep thought of his own of self-doubt and concern for what would come of the city in the next few days. On the day of the project, Ryuichi had prepared a special breakfast for Buddy, serving it with an uncharacteristic warmth and kindness. He filled Buddy's plate with his preferred dishes, going out of his way to ensure everything was just right. He served him with a gentleness that was out of character, the air between them filled with an unnaturally tender atmosphere. Buddy happily accepted the breakfast, oblivious to the underlying motives behind this seemingly benevolent gesture. He was always cheerful and appreciated the extra special attention, especially from Ryuichi, who wasn't known for his kindness typically. "Today is a special day my boy-" Ryuichi purred. "Eat up- as much as you wish..." Buddy's eyes lit up at Ryuichi's words. He had never noticed Ryuichi being so openly kind, it was almost a bit odd, but he shrugged it off. "Special day?" Buddy questioned, looking at the various foods served. He had his favorites there, his tail wagging happily. "Indeed, today is special," Ryuichi said softly as he stroked Buddy's hair. He watched Buddy eat his breakfast, keeping a keen eye on him, observing his every movement, his words laden with a mix of affection and something else beneath the surface. Buddy happily ate his breakfast, still intrigued by Ryuichi's change in demeanor. He couldn't help but wonder what made this day so special, but for now, he was content to enjoy the delicious food and moments of affection from Ryuichi, who normally preferred to keep his distance. "Your awful chipper today boss..." Isaiah spoke up from the table as Julio munched his poptart. Ryuichi was slightly startled by Isaiah's voice, he had become lost in watching Buddy eat. He regained his composure quickly, his usual coolness returning to his tone. "Just an exceptional mood," he replied smoothly, his eyes still fixed upon Buddy, a hint of anticipation lurking in his gaze. Isaiah and Julio exchanged glances, sensing the shift in Ryuichi's demeanor. He was rarely in a good mood, especially at breakfast. They observed him closely, curious about his odd behavior towards Buddy. Isaiah's sharp eyes remained vigilant as he watched Ryuichi's interaction with Buddy. There was something about the warmth in his voice and his touch that seemed odd, even for Buddy. He exchanged a look with Julio, silently acknowledging the strange vibe. "Now hurry up so you can get bathed and dressed, There will be a surprise in the library at noon." Ryuichi chimed catching his whole crews attention as he spoke to Buddy. Buddy's eyes widened with curiosity and intrigue as Ryuichi mentioned a surprise in the library. He shoveled food into his mouth, hurriedly finishing his breakfast, eager to find out what the surprise was. He was practically bouncing in his seat, tail wagging intensely, full of anticipation. Isaiah and Julio exchanged another glance, their suspicions growing. The atmosphere felt off, and Ryuichi's ominous tone added to their unease. Julio spoke up, his voice cautious. "What kinda surprise are we talking about boss?" Ryuichi's gaze shifted towards Julio, his eyes momentarily sharpening. He paused for a moment, maintaining an air of mystery. "Be at the library at noon to find out," he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. He directed his attention back to Buddy, his gentleness returning. Felix nonchalantly stepped out for his smoke break, his phone hidden in his pocket, he typed a quick text to Aiden reporting the recent developments, his fingers tapping the screen. Meanwhile, in the library, Ryuichi approached the table where the syringe was stored, checking that it was ready for use as planned. It was crucial that nothing went wrong. Felix, in his message to Aiden, provided information on Ryuichi's behavior, noting his unexpected kindness towards Buddy and the mystery surprise promised for today. He pressed send on his phone, a flicker of apprehension in his eyes as he stubbed out his cigarette. In the library, Ryuichi's fingers brushed the syringe's surface, his eyes narrowing with anticipation. He adjusted it slightly, ensuring everything was perfect for their plan to move forward. His thoughts were focused solely on the success of the plan. Meanwhile, Buddy, who was unaware of the syringe and Ryuichi's intentions, eagerly looked forward to the mysterious surprise, his heart pumping with joy and anticipation. He bounced down the halls, excited for the day, with the crew members keeping an eye on him from a distance, wary of Ryuichi's peculiar attitude. Felix, after his smoke break, re-entered the mansion, his phone tucked away. He approached Buddy in the hall, maintaining a casual expression. "Hey, Buddy. Any idea what the surprise is all about?" He asked, feigning nonchalance, eyes scanning his surroundings for any clues. Buddy's eyes lit up as he saw Felix, and he approached him with excitement. "Ryuichi promised a surprise in the library at noon!" He responded excitedly. "But he didn't say what it is. I can't wait!" The anticipation practically oozed from his every movement. Felix acted surprised, trying to hide his growing suspicion. He forced a smile, ruffling Buddy's hair. "That's exciting!" He said, trying to match Buddy's enthusiasm. However, he couldn't shake the odd feeling he had seen earlier, his mind whirling with possibilities. The crew exchanged glances, their unease growing with each passing moment. Ryuichi's behavior and Buddy's excitement added to the strange atmosphere. They kept a close eye on both Felix and Buddy, their suspicions heightened. Felix, despite his best efforts to keep up the facade, couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He tried to focus on the conversation with Buddy, asking about the surprise, while his thoughts raced, his mind on high alert. He couldn't help but wonder what Ryuichi had planned, the suspense nearly consuming him. The tension in the air was palpable as Ryuichi waited patiently in the library. Everything was in place for his plan to unfold. The syringe with its deadly contents was near him, ready for use. He had carefully prepared for this moment. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew sat in the common room, the air thick with anticipation and unease. The atmosphere was tense, the silence almost crushing. Julio and Isaiah kept their eyes on the clock, its ticked ticking echoing loudly through the room as the minutes ticked towards noon. The tension could almost be felt with each passing minute, growing thicker and thicker. Everyone's eyes were fixed upon the clock's hands ticking closer to the hour. Julio's fingers tapped nervously against the table, Rosco's ears flicked, and Felix's jaw clenched tightly. Only Buddy remained unaware, blissfully excited for his surprise. Finally, the clock hit noon, its resounding chime echoing through the mansion. Moments of tense silence followed as everyone waited for Ryuichi's next move. The air seemed to hold its breath. As the noon chimes struck, Ryuichi straightened, his gaze flicking to the doorway, ready to make his move. He knew the anticipation weighed on his crew, each moment stretching out in painful suspense... The crew waited, their collective breath held, their faces tense. Julio's leg tapped nervously, a nervous tic only noticeable under the extreme tension. Isaiah's tail thumped against the sofa, a soft thud sounding through the otherwise quiet room. Time seemed to slow as they all waited for what would happen next. Buddy hummed as he entered the library looking to Ryuichi. Ryuichi observed Buddy as he entered the library, the innocent boy blissfully unaware of the sinister plan about to unfold. He wore a mask of pleasantness , but beneath the surface, his anticipation and determination were at their peak. Ryuichi approached Buddy, his tone gentle. "I've got a surprise for you," he said in a sweet and almost sinister voice. "Go sit down in the chair over there." He ushered him towards the chair set in the center of the room, not letting his eyes leave Buddy's form. Buddy's tail wagged excitedly as he hopped to the designated seat in the center of the room. His eyes sparkled with anticipation, curious and eager to see what the surprise was. He sat down, fidgeting with excitement. Ryuichi watched as he sat down, his gaze locked onto Buddy. "Sit still now," he instructed, his voice taking on a slightly darker edge. He approached him, his movements calculated, the syringe clutched behind his back. Buddy's excitement made him incapable of sitting still, though he tried his best not to fidget, fidgeting with his fingers instead of his entire body. Despite this, his tail was still wagging, excited about the imminent surprise. With a calculated calm, Ryuichi's hand slowly reached for the syringe hidden behind his back, the contents within the glass glinting dangerously. His eyes were cold as he watched Buddy's eager figure, waiting for the right moment. Buddy watched Ryuichi, a look of excitement on his face, unaware of the danger lurking just out of sight. "You were always my favorite..." Ryuichi murmured. Buddy, unknowing of the danger, simply smiled at the words, his innocent eyes looking up at Ryuichi, his tail wagging faster in response. In a swift motion, Ryuichi moved forward slowly, closing the gap between him and Buddy. The syringe, now in his hand, rested behind his back as he prepared for the final step of his plan. The air in the library felt heavy, the tension palpable. Even Buddy, in his innocent state, seemed to sense that something was off, but he was too focused on Ryuichi and the surprise to fully register it. Ryuichi drew closer, the syringe poised to act. The tension was at its peak, the silence seemed to be almost deafening as he leaned down slightly, readying himself to strike... Buddy's eyes remained on Ryuichi, oblivious to the malevolent intent hidden behind his soft features, his tail still wagging, excited. "My sweet Buddy... May you save us all from our sorrows-" Ryuichi spoke softly ignoring the loud sounds from downstairs and sirens outside. "You are the special one...." He whispered injecting Buddy's shoulder as Felix and Aiden busted the door into the library. In a split second, Felix and Aiden burst through the doorway. Felix's eyes widened as he witnessed the syringe piercing Buddy's shoulder, a shocked gasp escaping his lips. "NO!" He shouted. "DON'T-" but he was too late. Aiden froze in terror as he saw the scene unfold, his own cry of shock echoing through the room. It was a moment of pure horror, time seemed to slow. Buddy cried out in pain as the syringe's contents entered his body, his ears pressed against his head, tail between his legs, terror in his eyes as tears streamed down his face. Felix ran forward, his heart pounding in his ears, desperation in his chest. "What HAVE YOU DONE?!" He yelled at Ryuichi, his eyes filled with the deepest horror and rage. Ryuichi stood, a cool and composed mask on his face, his eyes showing no remorse. "I gave him a gift," he replied calmly, his tone sending chills down Felix's spine. "He is now part of something groundbreaking, an experiment that will change the world." Felix's fists clenched tightly, his knuckles white with the force of his fury. He took in Buddy's crying form on the chair, his heart breaking. "You monster!" He snarled. "HOW COULD YOU?! HE'S PRACTICALLY A KID!" Aiden stood frozen in the doorway, his body trembling with horror and shock, unable to move from the sight before him. "YOU CAN'T JUST USE PEOPLE LIKE THAT!!" Felix's voice trembled with so much emotion: rage, despair, and sorrow mingled to form a wave of pain in his chest. "Where is the antidote-" Aiden demanded. Ryuichi laughed coldly in response to Aiden's question, a sense of amusement and satisfaction in his voice. "There is none," he replied simply. "The concoction cannot be reversed or cured. Buddy is the first of many, the start of a groundbreaking era!" Felix's heart sank at the revelation, horror and anger swirling within him. "You can't just experiment on people! He's a living being, not some lab rat!" Buddy writhed and whimpered deeply growling and snarling in a feral animalistic way. Felix's heart broke even further as Buddy shifted, growling and snarling in a way he'd never seen before. The sound was raw and feral, adding to the horror of the situation. The sight of Buddy in such agony brought tears to Felix's eyes, his heartache profound. Aiden stood paralyzed, the situation feeling surreal and horrifying. "What kind of sick mind do you have to do this?" he managed to speak, words heavy with emotion. "It's inhuman and monstrous!" Buddy's growling continued, becoming increasingly aggressive as the concoction coursed through his veins. "Monstrous? Not at all," Ryuichi replied calmly. "This is about power... Control... Breaking boundaries. Buddy is part of something profound, a breakthrough that will shake the world!" Felix's hands shook as they clenched into fists, his knuckles white with rage. "He's not a tool for your mad experiments! This... THIS IS WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS. LOOK AT HIM, HE'S SUFFERING!" Tears threatened to fall, his voice cracking. "Felix- We cannot let Buddy get outside or let him bite anyone-" Aiden spoke alarmed. Felix nodded, forcing down his rage and taking a deep breath, his focus returning. "We need to contain him. We can't let him hurt anyone else." He clenched his jaw firmly, trying to steady his trembling breathing. Ryuichi grinned, feeling a twisted sense of satisfaction watching them struggle. "Good luck with that. The concoction has made him extremely dangerous and aggressive. It will be quite a challenge for you to restrain him," he said calmly. Felix felt a surge of anger at Ryuichi's calm, sadistic demeanor. "You're beyond redemption, but we'll do our best to deal with your mess," he seethed, gritting his teeth. Anger and hurt overwhelmed his entire being, his heart pounding furiously. Buddy shuddered and snarled deeply foaming from the mouth as he pushed himself out the chair with wild crazed eyes. Buddy's actions became increasingly volatile and unpredictable, foam escaping from his mouth. His movements were erratic and wild, resembling a caged animal, ready to lash out. Felix had to force himself to keep his composure, his heart racing at the sight of Buddy's deteriorating state. "We have to be careful and keep our distance," Felix whispered to Aiden, their eyes locked on the rabid Buddy. "Look at him... Isn't he beautiful-" Ryuichi sang out. Felix felt his stomach churn as Ryuichi called Buddy "beautiful" in such a deranged way, his heart clenched in pain. "Beautiful? He's suffering, you mad man. You have a sick sense of beauty. There's nothing beautiful about this," Felix shot back, his voice strained with emotion. Buddy snarled, growling as he lunged forward towards Ryuichi blindly, saliva and foam dripping from his mouth, his eyes wild. He was driven by feral urges, a stark contrast to his innocent and cheerful demeanor earlier. Both Aiden and Felix backed away, their hearts racing, keeping their eyes on the rabid Buddy. His feral behavior was like witnessing a transformation they never believed possible - a sweet, innocent soul twisted into a monster. Buddy lunged again, his movements rapid and erratic, the concoction fueling his primal aggression, making him act on pure instinct. "He's out of control, a ticking time bomb," Felix whispered desperately to Aiden. Aiden nodded, his voice shaky, eyes never leaving Buddy. He knew that containing Buddy now was a dangerous task, the risk for injury or worse was significant. "We need something to restrain him or slow him down," he suggested, his nerves on edge, heart pounding with anxiety. Torien came rushing into the room rambling about the police getting the others outside pausing to look at Buddy. "Bud- What's wrong with you? Are you sick?" Buddy's ears twitch as Torien rushed in, still feral and wild. Foam still streamed from his mouth, his aggression and fury evident. He lunged towards Torien, driven by instinct, growling and snarling ferociously. Torien's surprise at seeing Buddy in such a state quickly turned to fear as Buddy lunged at him, teeth snapping and foam dripping. "Oh God-" he gasped, stepping back in pure terror. The sight of Buddy behaving in such an aggressive manner was horrifying and foreign. "Do it-" Ryuichi hissed deeply as he watched Buddy bite at Torien's arm. Buddy's jaws clamped down on Torien's arm, a savage bite that caused him to cry out in pain. Felix felt a stab of pain in his chest watching this horrifying scene unfold, his heart heavy. But Ryuichi's cold command only fueled his hatred towards him. "Felix- Were going to have to put them down. If there is no antidote we cannot risk this getting spread-" Aiden said to him. Felix was conflicted, his heart aching at the thought of harming Buddy, but he knew the reality of the situation, the risk of the concoction spreading beyond control was terrifying. He hated Ryuichi for pushing him to this point. "Yeah, we have to... I'll take Buddy," he said firmly, his words heavy with sorrow. Felix stepped forward, his mind filled with guilt and despair, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes, knowing what had to be done. He approached Buddy cautiously, trying to gain his attention, his voice soft yet firm. "Buddy, it's me, Felix," he called out, attempting to connect through the feral haze in Buddy's eyes. Buddy, still ensnared in his primal state, showed no signs of recognition or understanding. His wild eyes glared fiercely, and his teeth still held onto Torien's arm. Felix felt his heart sink further with each passing second. Felix's voice trembled slightly, tears welling up as he spoke with a heavy heart, trying again to reach some semblance of humanity in Buddy's feral state. "Buddy, please snap out of it, it's me, Felix, your friend," his voice filled with desperate pleading as he rose the gun he was given by Aiden. The sounds of Aiden and Ryuichi getting into a fight of their own echoed. Despite Felix's effort, Buddy didn't respond, his rabid state making him unresponsive to reason. His grip on Torien's arm grew tighter, his growling deepening, drool and foam running down his jaw. It was a heart-wrenching sight, Felix's voice strained with emotion, tears threatening to fall. Felix's voice cracked as he pleaded once more, his eyes never leaving Buddy's feral eyes, tears blurred his vision. "Please don't make me do this, Buddy, please-" he whispered, his voice shaking with a mix of despair and pain. "You have to-" Aiden shouted as he punched Ryuichi. Aiden's shout pierced through Felix's despair, and his heart ached even more at the truth of his words. He looked towards Aiden, then back to Buddy, who remained in his feral state, showing no signs of recognition or control. Felix's heart sank further, his knuckles white as his grip tightened on the gun in his hand. Felix's breathing quickened, and a tear slid down his cheek, his chest felt weighed down by the immense grief and the burden of a choice he never wanted to face. He took a deep breath, trying to regain some composure, trying to prepare himself for what needed to be done. The sound of Ryuichi and Aiden fighting seemed distant, drowned out by the rapid beat of Felix's own heart. As he looked back at Buddy, the weight of the task ahead settled on his shoulders, but he knew he had to find the strength within himself to face the unspeakable. "I gift you mercy." Felix spoke up as his eyes closed taking the shot. When his eyes were opening his reflexes reacted when Torien tried to lunge him instantly shooting him as well. Felix shuddered looking to Aiden who was in a fist fight tussle with Ryuichi. Aiden and Ryuichi were locked in a heated fight, both determined to come out on top. Hearing the gunshot, they paused for a brief moment, eyes widening with the realization of what had happened. As Felix opened his eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks, he held the smoking gun, feeling the weight of his decisions heavy on his soul. "It's done-" Felix whispered to himself shakily, his voice strained with emotion. He was frozen in the horrifying moment, looking to Buddy and Torien on the floor, then over to where Aiden and Ryuichi were locked in battle. His eyes were full of tears and guilt, his chest tight with grief. "Buddy... Torien..." Ryuichi muttered freezing up staring at the still bodies. A familiar form of rage rose gradually. The weight of the loss hung heavily in the air, the room filled with a somber silence. Ryuichi's rage grew, building like a dam ready to burst. It was a raw and visceral reaction, his face twisted with anger, eyes burning with the fire of a man on the edge of breaking. The tension shattered the silence as Ryuichi's fury broke loose, his voice hoarse and filled with anger. "Why must you take everything from me!" He shouted, his words echoing against the walls. The loss had been too much to bear, the loss of Buddy and Torien pushed him over the edge. Ryuichi's rage intensified, and he lunged forward towards Felix, consumed by a swirling mix of grief and fury. He didn't care about anything but to lash out, to find an outlet for his loss. His eyes were filled with a manic and wild anger, his hands clenched tightly into fists. "You took everything from me!" He bellowed, his voice cracking with a mix of despair and intense hatred. He approached Felix, a single minded focus on vengeance filling his body, blocking out all reason. "You did this to yourself!" Aiden snapped getting Infront of Felix blocking Ryuichi's swings with a countering shove. Despite Ryuichi's raw anger, his swings lacked precision and were fueled purely by emotion. Aiden, stepping between Ryuichi and Felix, blocked his swings, returning a forceful shove with a fierce determination to protect Felix. Ryuichi's swings grew more wild and powerful with each blocked strike. The grief over the loss of his closest friends and the blame he directed at Felix added fuel to his rage. With each swing, his movements were more erratic and reckless. "You were a victim once- But this time you made yourself hurt- You injected Buddy. This is your fault- Not ours-" Aiden shouted throwing rough swings. Ryuichi's body trembled with a mix of grief and fury, his breathing heavy and labored as he lashed out. The weight of Aiden's words, a bitter truth, struck a nerve but only served to fuel his anger further. The mention of Buddy's injection, a reminder of his own cruelty, made his attacks grow more vicious. "You killed all of those innocent humans out of unresolved trauma!" Aiden shouted nailing a left hook into Ryuichi's upper chest. Aiden's left hook landed with a solid thud, the force knocking the air from Ryuichi's chest, but it only seemed to enrage him further. He staggered slightly, caught off guard for a moment, but quickly regained his footing. His anger was now an inferno, the mention of the innocent humans added to his storm of grief and guilt. "You pushed everyone away to make them fear you- Your not fixing the world... Your plan would have destroyed it-" Aiden shouted again chest chopping him. With each hit from Aiden, Ryuichi's rage intensified, his words like salt to an open wound. Aiden's chest chop connected with Ryuichi's sternum, the impact causing him to lose his balance slightly. The pain and anger mingled together, his eyes flickering with a wild fury, his breath coming in sharp gasps. It felt like every word Aiden spoke was a dagger to his already raw wounds. "You think this fixes anything?" Aiden's words cut through the air, like a knife carving into Ryuichi's being. Each word a fresh blow, a truth that stung in the rawest sense. Ryuichi's eyes burned with a mix of fury and overwhelming guilt, Aiden's strikes added physical pain to the emotional torment, fueling his already raging fire. Each strike from Aiden, both verbal and physical, seemed to draw out the deep-rooted pain within Ryuichi, and his fury rose to new heights. The mention of his plan's flaws and the lives lost, it was like a hammer to his wounded heart. Aiden's words struck a nerve deep within Ryuichi, the reality of his plan's flawed nature and the loss and pain it would bring. The guilt twisted into a dark tornado within him, his already unsteady focus consumed by vengeance. With each blow exchanged, his anger grew more and more uncontrollable. He just laid there in surrender silently. The officers came rushing upstairs into the room to take in the situation. Officers quickly surrounded the scene, their faces tense and alarmed. The air was still thick with tension, the consequences of Ryuichi's actions evident in the horror that had unfolded. The officers glanced towards the unmoving bodies of Buddy, Torien, Felix, and Aiden as Ryuichi collapsed to his knees in anguish, tears mixing with the madness in his eyes. His guilt was raw and overwhelming, the reality of what his plan and actions had caused weighing heavily upon him. The officers cautiously approached Ryuichi as he knelt on the ground, a broken man, his shoulders trembled with waves of despair. They were unsure of his emotional state, his face twisted with grief, tears streaming down his cheeks. In that moment, he was hollow, the fire of his anger burnt out, leaving only the ashes of his shattered plans and the lives it had cost. The officers carefully guided the broken and defeated Ryuichi as he was placed in handcuffs, his head dipped low, the weight of his actions settling heavily upon him like leaden shackles. Felix and Aiden watched the scene unfold, their emotions a mix of pain and relief that the madness had come to an end. "Aiden-" Clarissa shouted jogging through officers to him worried. Aiden's eyes snapped towards Clarissa's voice, relief washing over him as he saw her. He moved closer, his expression weary, but his heart felt lighter at her presence. "Clarissa," he breathed her name a mix of weariness and affection in his tone. She instantly wrapped her arms around him tightly from worry. Aiden's arms enveloped Clarissa, pulling her closer as she held him tight. The embrace felt like a lifeline, a moment of comfort after the tumultuous hours he had endured. He rested his chin on her head, closing his eyes as he held her, gratitude and weariness evident in his quiet exhale. He took a moment to just hold her tightly, letting her embrace soothe some of the turbulence within him. The weight of the day's events seemed to subside for a moment, the warmth of her presence grounding him amidst the chaos. He didn't speak, simply reveling in the solace found in her company. They stood in a quiet embrace, the commotion around them distant. For that short moment, time seemed to stand still, the world becoming dim as they clung to each other, finding solace in the connection they had. Aiden's eyes fluttered shut, his mind focusing on the sound of her breathing, the softness of her hair against his cheek, and the gentle touch of her arms around him. "Don't suppose it's too late to ask you for a coffee?" Clarissa softly muttered. Aiden let out a soft chuckle, a mix of surprise and relief escaping his lips. Her attempt to lighten the moment wasn't lost on him, finding comfort in her gentle approach. "No, it's not too late," he replied, a hint of a smile touching his lips as he continued to hold her close. "I could use a cup of coffee, to be honest." Aiden and Clarissa stood amidst the quiet aftermath, her gentle jest providing him comfort in the midst of the unsettling situation. He leaned his head against hers, appreciative of her support and the solace she offered. "Coffee sounds perfect. I need something to clear my head after everything that's happened," he murmured, his voice weary but grateful. "It's been a long day," he added, his fingers traced small circles on her back, finding comfort in the familiar gesture. He was thankful for her presence, her warmth helping to chase away the lingering darkness the events of the day had cast over him.  

~The end~







or is it-






Ryuichi sat in his cell, his mind constantly swirling with thoughts and regrets. Five years had passed, the weight of his past actions bearing down on him. He leaned against the stonewall, lost in memories. The monotonous routine of prison life had become a grim habit until something unusual, a knock on his door. The unexpected sound of a knock interrupted Ryuichi's introspection. He looked up, curiosity mingled with the familiar bitterness in his eyes. Visitors were rare at this point in his sentence. What did someone want now?, he silently questioned. As the door creaked open, a young boy, barely six, with striking resemblance to Ryuichi, entered the cell. The sight left him speechless, his breath caught in his throat. The boy resembled him in so many ways, and Ryuichi felt compelled to stand up, his mind reeling with unanswered questions. The room felt unusually quiet as Ryuichi observed the boy's face, unable to look away. The likeness was uncanny, the child before him was the spitting image of him. His eyes narrowed, a mix of confusion and realization swirling within. Was this a sick joke? "What is your name boy?" He muttered at the child. The boy stared at him with wide eyes, his small voice barely a whisper. He hesitated for a moment, but his gaze remained steady as he answered. "Tomo- Tomokazu Shimizu," he replied, his voice unsteady yet determined. The words hung in the air like a declaration, confirming the obvious connection that Ryuichi had already guessed. Ryuichi felt a mix of shock and a twisted sense of destiny wash over him. "Tomo-Shimizu... Shimizu," he repeated, the name like a whisper on his tongue and a thunderbolt to his heart. He stepped forward, his movements cautious as he observed the boy. He couldn't deny the resemblance, the face was like a mirror image of his own. Ryuichi knelt before Tomo-Shimizu, looking at him carefully, trying to find any other aspects that would confirm the truth staring him in the face. He was in disbelief, but the similarities were too striking to ignore. The boy's features matched his own, the same stubborn glint in his eyes, the same shape of their noses, even their ears. "Do you know who i am, Tomo?" Ryuichi spoke softly. Tomo-Shimizu's young face twisted with a mix of emotions, his voice small and unsure. "You're... my papa," he muttered quietly, his gaze flicking to Ryuichi's eyes. The vulnerability in his tone was evident, as if searching for confirmation. "I promise you... The world... Tomo-Shimizu... My son..." Ryuichi spoke opening his arms to the boy. The boy, Tomo-Shimizu, hesitated for a moment, wariness mixed with an undercurrent of longing in his eyes. After a moment of internal struggle, he moved forward into Ryuichi's outstretched arms, a quiet sniffle escaping his lips. Ryuichi gathered the boy in his arms, a surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. The moment felt surreal, the warmth of the boy's body against his own sending a jolt straight to his heart. He held him tightly, the reality of being held by his own son settling over him. Ryuichi embraced Tomo-Shimizu tightly, a mix of feelings swirling within him. Holding his son felt like a lifeline, a connection to something beyond the guilt and mistakes of the past. "You have my blood flowing through your veins," he whispered, his voice filled with a new determination. This unexpected encounter had stirred a new resolve within. As he held Tomo-Shimizu, a sense of paternal compassion welled up within him. This boy was his son, the product of a life that had been shattered by his choices, and now he had a chance to protect him, to ensure his son didn't suffer the same fate.

Ryuichi pressed his cheek against the boy's head. He felt a glimmer of hope emerging amidst the darkness.

~The end~