Zero Hour

Chapter 14: Fatal Shot

New Eden, 2158

The rifle's report echoed through the room, a sound that would haunt the team forever.

Phoenix's eyes widened as he stumbled back, clutching his chest. A bullet had found its mark.

"NO!" Zero screamed, rushing toward Phoenix.

Nexus's face contorted in horror. "Who fired that shot?"

The team's gaze swept the area, searching for the traitor. That's when they saw him – Axel, his rifle still smoking.

Axel's expression remained cold, calculating. "It had to be done," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Phoenix's eyes locked onto Axel, shock and betrayal etched on his face. "Axel... why?"

Axel's gaze didn't waver. "You were holding us back, Phoenix. Erebus promised me power, protection... and recognition."

Zero reached Phoenix's side, tears streaming down her face. "Phoenix, no! Don't leave us!"

Nexus's anger boiled over. "You're going to pay for this, Axel."

The team sprang into action, attempting to capture Axel. But he was prepared.

Axel pulled out a device, triggering a smoke bomb. The room filled with a thick, choking fog.

Through the haze, Nexus's team exchanged fierce blows with Axel. But Erebus's agents, hidden in the shadows, intervened.

"Get him out!" one agent shouted.

The agents surrounded Axel, shielding him from Nexus's team. They fought off the team, buying Axel time to escape.

As the smoke cleared, Nexus's team stood panting, frustrated and enraged. Axel stood at the door, a smirk on his face. "You'll never win."

With a sudden move, Axel's agents grabbed Lena, pulling her into the darkness.

"Lena!" Zero screamed.

Axel's laughter echoed. "You'll never see her again."

The team rushed forward, but Axel vanished into the night, Erebus's agents at his side, Lena struggling in their grasp.

Nexus's eyes blazed with fury. "We can't leave Phoenix behind. We'll carry his body with us."

Dr. Taylor nodded, grief etched on her face. "We owe it to him."

Zero's determination hardened. "We'll get Lena back. No matter what."

The team vowed to rescue Lena, fueled by anger and resolve.

The team carried Phoenix's body back to the Underground, their hearts heavy. They laid him to rest in a solemn funeral, with eulogies pouring out from each team member. Nexus spoke, her voice trembling, "Phoenix gave his life for us." Dr. Taylor vowed, "Erebus will fall." Zero's eyes burned with determination, "Revenge."

Days passed, Nexus forged alliances with rebel group leaders.

"We need your help," Nexus pleaded. "Erebus has Lena. We must save her."

Rebel leader, Paxton, nodded. "We'll join forces. Erebus must fall."

Another leader, Payton, agreed. "We'll provide intel. Let's bring Lena home."

The team, now bolstered by new allies, devised a rescue plan.

"Axel will pay," Nexus vowed.

Zero's eyes burned. "We'll save Lena, no matter the cost."

Their mission had become personal.