7: Veronica's Revenge: Ath's Kidnap.

Setting:

The city streets are bathed in a cold, steady rain. Neon signs reflect on the wet pavement, and distant honking fills the air. Ath moves quietly through the alleys, ever watchful after the intense showdown at the warehouse. Ath isn't sure if Rico will strike back, but the nagging feeling of being watched never leaves ath. Beside fighter, Luna, the child ath risked her life to save, walks closely. Ath is still haunted by the events at the warehouse, unaware that Veronica—Rico's ruthless right hand—had witnessed their escape. Now, Rico's revenge is only a breath away.

Characters: Ath(at age 21): An enigmatic figure, feared by many and known to few,Luna: The child Ath rescued, still clinging to protector, Rico: A violent gangster, humiliated by the warehouse defeat, Veronica: Rico's second-in-command, driven by a cold, personal hatred for Ath,Rico's Thugs: Tough, loyal, and ready to do whatever it takes to capture Ath.

Action:

Ath's instincts tingle, sensing danger, though ath can't pinpoint it. The city is too quiet tonight. Luna, on edge, glances nervously around.

Ath (in a low, calm tone):

"Keep close. Something's off."

Suddenly, from the shadows, a black SUV screeches to a halt in front of them, headlights blinding. The doors swing open, and several burly men step out, moving in fast. Luna gasps, grabbing Ath's arm.

Luna (panicked whisper):

"They're here for us."

Before Ath can fully react, one thug lunges, grabbing Luna. Ath moves with lightning speed, throwing a punch to the attacker's face, but another man grabs ath from behind. Ath struggles, kicking him off, but the numbers are against ath. A hard blow to the back of Ath head sends spiraling into unconsciousness, and ath's dragged into the SUV along with Luna.

Veronica's Trap:

When Ath comes to, ath's bound tightly to a metal chair in a dim, cold basement. Fighter can hear the faint hum of electricity somewhere above. Ath hands, tied behind back, are raw from the ropes digging into ath wrists. Across from fighter, Luna is still out cold, slumped against the wall, tied up as well.

Slow, deliberate footsteps echo in the darkness. Ath's eyes narrow as Veronica steps into the faint light, her cold smirk unmistakable. This wasn't just a mission for Rico—this was personal for her.

Veronica (mocking, leaning forward):

"So, this is the infamous kid who ruined our little operation. You really think you can take on the world, huh?"

Ath stays silent, cold gaze locked on Veronica, who circles her like a predator.

Veronica (sneering):

"You've caused quite a bit of trouble, but I saw you that night—sneaking out with the girl. Did you think no one would notice? Rico has plans for you. But me? I just want to watch you break."

Ath remains stone-faced, mind racing. Ath's calculating every move, every possible escape.

Ath (coldly):

"I don't break."

Veronica laughs, a low, sinister sound.

Veronica:

"We'll see."

Rico's Arrival:

The heavy, reinforced door to the basement slams open with a loud clang. Rico strides in, his face twisted with hatred. The humiliation of the warehouse defeat is written all over him. He's not just angry—he's livid. His reputation had taken a hit because of Ath, and now he was out for blood.

He marches straight to Ath, grabbing ath by the collar of ath shirt and yanking ath forward.

Rico (through gritted teeth):

"You think you can just humiliate me? You think you're untouchable, kid?"

Ath glares at him, eyes steady.

Ath (coolly):

"Humiliating you wasn't the plan... but it sure was a bonus."

Rico's face contorts with rage, and he slams ath back into the chair. He steps back, wiping his hands on his jacket, trying to maintain composure.

Rico:

"You know, when I'm done with you, there won't be anything left of that smug face of yours. You'll be begging for mercy."

Ath clenches ath fists under the ropes, feeling the rage boil inside. But fighter knows better than to let it show.

Ath (voice like ice):

"You can try."

Veronica Takes Over:

Veronica steps forward again, her lips curling into a wicked grin. She places a hand on Rico's shoulder, pushing him aside gently.

Veronica:

"Relax, Rico. You'll get your revenge. But me? I want to enjoy this moment. I watched as this little brat walked away with what's ours. I'm going to make sure they don't get to walk away this time."

She pulls a small, sharp knife from her belt, twirling it between her fingers as she circles Ath. The blade catches the light as Veronica steps closer, leaning down to Ath's eye level.

Veronica (whispering):

"You're going to wish you never crossed us."

The Hacker Invention:

Just as Veronica is about to press the blade to Ath's skin, the lights in the room flicker. A faint beeping sound fills the air. Rico frowns, looking around in confusion.

Rico (sharply):

"What the hell is that?"

Suddenly, all the lights in the room go out, plunging them into total darkness. The silence is broken only by the sound of electronic static, and then, every screen in the room flickers to life, displaying a single face—Kade, the hacker.

His voice crackles through the speakers, echoing in the dark basement.

Kade (smug):

"Sorry to interrupt, folks. But it seems like my friend there has somewhere else to be."

Ath grins in the darkness.

Ath (mocking):

"Guess you forgot about my backup plan, huh?"

Rico shouts orders to his goons, but it's too late. The electronic systems in the building begin to malfunction, and in the chaos, Ath uses the distraction to free herself from the ropes. Ath moves with deadly precision, striking down the first guard in the dark.

Veronica, furious, tries to fire her gun, but Ath disarms her in one swift move. They struggle, but Veronica isn't a match for Ath's fury.Luna finally stirs, eyes wide with fear, but Ath is there in an instant, helping luna feet to feet.

Luna (shaken):

"What... what happened?"

Ath (grimly):

"We're getting out. Now."

Rico, now desperate, lunges for Ath, but ath dodges, delivering a brutal elbow to his gut. He crumples, gasping for air. Ath looks down at him, anger and pain flashing in ath eyes.

Ath (whispering, deadly calm):

"Remember this, Rico. You crossed the wrong person."

Ath doesn't wait for a response, dragging Luna out of the building and disappearing into the rain-drenched streets, leaving chaos and broken men behind.