Chapter 10 : Episode 9 – “GoodNight”

The tragedy that take part 6 years ago . Harsh winter winds of Russia howled through the barren military base. he frigid winter gales of Russia roared across the desolate military base. Inside a secret underground facility, Biggs, a young soldier part of a covert international task force, navigated the sterile white hallways. He act as a spy for investigation at the place.

Biggs was an inquisitive individual. At just 20 years old then, his sharp attention to detail and constant restlessness frequently took him to places where he ought not to be. The secret room he accidentally entered was one of those locations..

As he opened the door, the door clang echoed . What greeted him wasn't the room full of classified documents or weaponry that he had suspected. Instead, It was someone.

In the center of the room was a glass containment chamber, softly illuminated by a subtle orange glow. Within it was a boy, no older than 14, with bright red hair and a expression that seemed far too grave for his age. His body was marked with scars, and his hands were firmly bound to the chamber's walls. However, it wasn't the chains or the unusual confinement that halted Biggs in his place—it was the boy's gaze.

They were glowing. A vibrant, orange that seemed to pulse. For a moment, Biggs thought he was hallucinating, the cold playing tricks on him. But then the boy moved, his glowing eyes locking onto Biggs through the glass.

"Who are you? Are you to test me? " the boy's voice was hoarse but steady, cutting through the silence.

Biggs hesitated, torn between running for his life and staying to figure out what exactly he had stumbled upon. He decided on the latter.

"Uh… Biggs," he replied, his voice unsure. "I'm with the good guys. What—what are you doing in here?"

The boy smirked faintly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Waiting," he said cryptically.

Biggs took a cautious step forward. "For what?"

"For them to decide what to do with me," the boy answered . "But I don't think they have a plan yet."

The sound of boots echoing in the hallway outside snapped Biggs out of his daze. Realizing he was somewhere he definitely shouldn't be, he turned to leave but hesitated. There was something about the boy—something that felt wrong. The boy does not belong in the cage. Biggs thought.

Before he could say anything else, the door burst open, and two armed guards stormed in.

"You're not authorized to be here!" ( in Russian ) one of them barked, grabbing Biggs by the arm.

Biggs tried to protest, but his attention remained on the boy in the chamber. The boy's eyes glow slightly as he watched Biggs being dragged away, but he said nothing.

That evening, Biggs was unable to sleep. The vision of the boy eyes tormented him. There was something about the entire situation that unsettled him. Who was that child? And what was the reason for his confinement like that?

Once again, his curiosity overwhelmed him. In the shadows of night, he stealthily returned to the secure section of the facility, now better equipped. He turned off the security cameras near the containment room and utilized a stolen keycard to open the door.

The boy was still there, sitting in the same position, his eyes dimmer now.

"You're back," the boy said, his voice carrying a note of surprise. "Didn't think I'd see you again. Good guys."

Biggs approached the glass carefully. "Who are you? And why are you locked up in here?"

The boy tilted his head slightly, studying Biggs. "Nathan," he said finally. "That's our name."

" Us? And why are they glowing?" Biggs pressed, gesturing to his eyes.

Nathan's lips curled into a bitter smile. "I don't know. They tell me we're a weapon, but they're not sure how to use us yet. So they keep us here, testing us. Waiting."

Biggs was filled with rage at the idea of a child being used as an experiment and questioned why he referred to himself as 'we.' "Do you wish to leave this place?" he inquired suddenly.

Nathan's eyes widened slightly. "You'd help us ?"

Biggs nodded, though he wasn't entirely sure what he was getting himself into. "Yeah. No one deserves to be treated like this."

With that, he started to operate the chamber's control panel, employing his basic technical skills and tremendous resolve. It took more time than he expected, but finally, the locks on the chamber opened with a hiss.

Nathan emerged gradually, the sound of his shackles clinking against the ground. For a brief time, he just looked at Biggs, appearing uncertain about trusting him. Suddenly, he sprang forward—not to strike, but to embrace Biggs firmly.

"Thanks," Nathan murmured softly.

After escaping the facility, the two of them spent weeks on the run, dodging soldiers and operatives sent to recapture Nathan. During that time, they grew close. Biggs learned that Nathan had no memory of his life before the facility, only that his strange abilities had set him apart, making him a target for experimentation.

Biggs became like an older brother to Nathan, teaching him how to blend in, how to survive, and how to live. Nathan, in turn, began to see Biggs as his family, the first real family Nathan had ever known.

Over time, Nathan's powers began to stabilize, and he learned to control them better with Biggs's guidance. Biggs knew they couldn't stay on the run forever, but he determined to protect Nathan at all costs.

Their bond only grew stronger with every challenge they faced, forging a friendship And though Nathan's past remained a mystery, one thing was certain—he would never forget the day Biggs saved him gave him a chance at a real life.

And for Biggs, Nathan wasn't just a responsibility or a mission. He was a brother, and Biggs would fight to his last breath to keep him safe.

Two years later, the helicopter floated over the snowy Russian tundra, its blades cutting through the frigid wind as it neared the enemy base. Biggs remained still, his gaze sweeping across the horizon with a blend of concentration and strain. His rifle leaned on his knee. The objective was straightforward: rescue a child from enemy control. A six-year-old child who seems a target of great importance.

"Biggs, listen carefully," the Director's voice crackled through his earpiece. "You are not to engage until reinforcements arrive. Our team will reach your location in twenty minutes. Your priority is to ensure the target's safety until then."

Biggs tightened his grip on his rifle. He had heard the briefing—how the boy was being kept in the heart of a heavily guarded facility. Waiting twenty minutes felt like an eternity, especially when a child's life hung in the balance.

"Understood," Biggs replied curtly.

The helicopter lowered him into position, and Biggs rappelled down into the snow. The facility loomed ahead, surrounded by armed guards patrolling the perimeter. His breath fogged in the freezing air as he moved silently.

But as he peered through his scope. Through the windows, he could see the boy—a small, fragile figure. Surrounding him were dozens of armed Russian soldiers. Time was running out.

"Biggs, hold your position," the Director ordered firmly. "I repeat, do not engage until reinforcements arrive."

Biggs hesitated, his gaze fixed on the child. The boy looked so helpless, so vulnerable. Memories of Nathan as a child flashed through his mind—how he had found him in Russia facility years ago. He couldn't let history repeat itself.

"There's no time," Biggs muttered under his breath. His resolve hardened, and he reached up to his earpiece.

"Biggs, don't do this," the Director's voice came again, sharper this time.

"I'm sorry, sir," Biggs said, crushing the earpiece in his hand and letting it fall to the snow. "But I sit here and wait."

Biggs moved swiftly, taking out the guards at the perimeter. He slipped into the facility, his footsteps silent on the metallic floor. The sound of distant voices echoed through the corridors, but he had one goal.

He found the room where the boy was being held. The child was huddled in a corner, his knees pulled to his chest, his eyes seems plain . Biggs stepped forward, lowering his weapon.

"Hey, kid," he said . "I'm here to get you out of here. Can you walk?"

The boy looked up at him, There were no expression . He nodded. Biggs extended a hand, and the boy took it.

Suddenly, the sound of boots echoed down the hallway. " Damn it!" Biggs cursed under his breath. They'd been discovered.

"Stay behind me," he told the boy, positioning himself between the child and the approaching soldiers.

The first wave of enemies rounded the corner, their rifles raised. Biggs reacted instantly, he fired his gun accurately, taking them down one by one. But the enemy kept coming, and the sound of gunfire echoed through the facility.

Biggs fought with everything he had, his determination unyielding. The boy clung to his leg, no expression but unharmed.

"Nearly there," Biggs whispered, looking at the exit. However, as he advanced, an overwhelming buzz started to permeate the atmosphere—a peculiar, unnatural noise that appeared to emanate from deep inside the establishment.

"What are you..?" Biggs muttered, his instincts screaming that something was wrong.

Then it happened.

A dazzling light enveloped the building. The blast shattered the building with incredible power, demolishing everything in a 500-meter area. The blast propelled snow and rubble into the air, and the earth trembled violently.

The Director and Kara, monitoring the mission from their command center, froze as the screen showing Biggs's feed cut to static.

"What just happened?" Kara asked, her voice trembling.

The Director's expression was grim. "I don't know," he said, his voice heavy with dread.

When they arrived at the site of the explosion, the scene was one of utter devastation. The facility was gone, reduced to rubble. The air was thick and the snow was stained black with soot.

The Director and Kara combed through the wreckage, desperate to find any sign of Biggs. But there was nothing—no body, no equipment, no trace of the man who had gone in to save the child.

But then, amidst the rubble, they found him—the boy. He was sitting alone, completely unharmed, his expression blank. His clothes were untouched by the blast, and there wasn't a single scratch on him.

Kara knelt beside him, her voice trembling. "How... how did you survive?"

The boy didn't answer. His green eyes flickered faintly, a glow that vanished as quickly as it had appeared. The Director and Kara exchanged a look, the implications of what they were seeing dawning on them.

"There's no way he could have survived that," Kara whispered. 

"Something isn't right," the Director said, his voice tense. "We're taking him back. I want every test run on this kid."

Back at the base, Nathan sat in silence, his hands clenched into fists as he stared at the floor. The news of Biggs's death hit him like a freight train. The only person who had ever truly believed in him. Are now gone.

His Alter stirred within him, feeding off his grief and anger. "If only you were strong" it taunted. "You could have prevent that from happening."

"Shut up!" Nathan roared, slamming his fist into the wall.

The Alter's voice grew louder, more insistent. "Consume me. Let's us became one. No one will dared to face us. Let me make you complete."

Nathan closed his eyes, tears streaming down his face. "Do it, In exchange for overwhelming power. I embrace you." he whispered.

The change was instant. Aura slowly spiking from his body ,air surrounding him buzzing with energy. His Alter fully integrated with him, and for the first time, Nathan experienced completeness. 

When he stepped out of the chamber, his eyes glowed with a frigid, resolute intensity. He had changed and was no longer the same individual. The grief of losing Biggs had transformed him, pushing him to grow stronger, regardless of the sacrifice.

The mystery of the explosion remained unsolved, but its impact was undeniable. It had claimed Biggs's life, changed Nathan forever.

Back to the present.

 "Let's finish this once and for all." the Alter said

Nathan snapped. His aura exploded outward, sending a gust of wind through the factory and shaking the rusted beams above. "Enough!" he bellowed, launching himself forward. His fist cut through the air like a bullet, aimed directly at the Alter's face.

The Alter dodged stepping aside as Nathan's fist smashed into a steel pillar, denting it.

Nathan then spun on his heel, aiming a kick at the Alter's ribs. The Alter blocked it, the impact sending a shockwave through the floor.

"Ugh," the Alter hold back the pain. His own energy spiked. "This time it'll be different."

The two auras clashed in a fierce explosion. Nathan and the Alter moved at incredible speed, their punches and kicks exchanging strikes that resonated throughout the factory.

Nathan swung a right hook, aiming for the Alter's jaw, but the Alter ducked and retaliated with an uppercut that caught Nathan square in the ribs. Nathan staggered but recovered quickly, using the momentum to deliver a roundhouse kick that sent the Alter skidding across the floor.

The Alter wiped a trickle of blood from his lip, his grin never faltering. "You're strong" he admitted. "But i'm not fighting if i'm know i will lose."

He lunged forward. His fist connected with Nathan's gut, but Nathan retaliated with a headbutt that sent the Alter stumbling backward.

The Alter dodging another punch but couldn't block the second punch Nathan strike through his stomach." ugh... ( The punches so heavy )."

"What's the matter! " Nathan shot back, slamming his knee into the Alter's chest. " Where's your spirit just now?"

The Alter coughed from the impact. "The fight is yet to end."

Their fight took them across the factory floor, smashing through machinery and scattering debris. The walls shook with each impact. The sound of their battle echoed far beyond the factory.

Nathan saw an opening. He feinted left, then swung his leg in a crescent kick aimed at the Alter's temple. The Alter faltered, dropping to one leg, and Nathan land a devastating punch. The force sent the Alter crashing into a stack of crates.

Breathing heavily, Nathan stood over him, his aura flaring. "It's over," he said.

The Alter coughed, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, but his grin remained. " Don't underestimate me". His eyes narrowing.

In a brief second, the Alter swept Nathan's legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground. Before Nathan could recover, the Alter was on top of him, his fists raining down like a storm. Nathan raised his arms to block, but the ferocity of the Alter's attack was overwhelming.

Nathan gritted his teeth, summoning every ounce of strength he had. He shoved the Alter off him, rolling to his feet. "You're just a parasite," he shot back. "Leeching off the body and act like are you protecting him!"

That struck a nerve. The Alter's grin replaced by a look of pure rage. "I do it for us !" his aura flaring dangerously.

But before the fight could escalate further, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed through the factory.

It was the man from the container tragedy. His crimson eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, and his lips curled into a wicked grin. He clapped slowly, mockingly, as he approached.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise," the man said, his voice smooth and mocking. "Two dogs fighting for the battle for hierachy. "

Nathan narrowed his glowing orange eyes. "Who the hell are you?"

The man's grin widened, and he tilted his head. "Just Tazer. "

The Alter took a step back. "What do you want?"

Tazer's laughter filled the air, sending a chill down their spines. "Let's find out, shall we?"

Without warning, Tazer moved faster before Nathan and Alter could react. In an instant, he was in front of Nathan, delivering a crushing punch to his stomach that sent him flying across the factory floor. Nathan crashed into a steel beam leaving him gasping for air.

The Alter charged as he aimed a punch at Tazer's head. But Tazer caught the punch effortlessly. He twisted the Alter's arm, forcing him to his knees, before driving his knee into his face that sent him sprawling.

"This is fun." Tazer said. "Entertain me more!"

Nathan forced himself to his feet, blood dripping from his mouth. "What… are you?" he managed to choke out.

Tazer turned to him, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're ending."

The Alter struggled to rise. "I'm not done yet," he growled, lunging at Tazer again.

Nathan joined him, the two of them attacking together.

Maybe this time it could work.

But it was no use. Tazer dodging their blows with ease and countering with devastating strike. Every punch and kick from Nathan and the Alter parry and dodge.

Tazer grabbed the Alter by the throat, lifting him off the ground. "Taste this" he sneered, slamming the Alter into the ground with a sickening thud. "Now come here orange eye kid."

Nathan rushed forward. However, Tazer responded with a backhand slap that propelled him across the room. He collided with the wall, collapsing to the floor,barely conscious.

Nathan forced himself to his feet, blood dripping from his mouth. His eyes glared at the imposing figure before him. "What… are you?" he managed to choke out, his voice filled with both defiance and exhaustion.

The Alter struggled to rise. He staggered but managed to push himself up. He lunged at Tazer once more.

Nathan, summoning the last reserves of his strength they attacked together as they threw everything they had at Tazer. But Tazer remained unfazed. He effortlessly dodging their attacks and countering with overwhelming strike.

As Nathan charged forward again, Tazer casually raised his hand, his fingers glow with sinister energy. With a flick of his wrist, he released a red shockwave that collided with Nathan's chest sent Nathan flying through the air, crashing through the factory wall and leaving him slumped outside in the rubble.

Lucius's Alter snarled, he closed the distance between him and Tazer. But Tazer's smirk only deepened. He stepped forward, the Alter could react, and pointed his hand directly at the Alter's stomach.

"Goodnight," Tazer said , unleashing another shockwave at point-blank range.

The energy erupted into the Alter's body with brutal force, causing his consciousness faded. The Alter collapsed to the ground.

As he fell down, Lucius finally regained consciousness as his eyes started to flutter open. He inhaled sharply, his body shaking as he fought to rise. He could only hear the sound of footsteps coming closer. His thoughts were cloudy, but as his sight sharpened, his blood chilled.

Tazer stood over him, his eyes glowing with bloodlust. The grin on his face was gone. Lucius froze, his breath caught in his throat as fear consumed him.

"What… what is happening?" Lucius struggled to speak, his voice scarcely audible. He surveyed his surroundings, his anxiety increasing as he noticed the devastation surrounding him—the shattered walls, the strewn remnants, and Nathan's motionless body resting in the wreckage outside.

Tazer leaned closer, his presence suffocating. Lucius's entire body trembled under his gaze. "So, this is the real you," Tazer said, his voice filled with disdain. "So you're the host."

Lucius attempted to retreat, but his body wouldn't cooperate. Tazer's presence created an oppressive weight that rendered Lucius immobilized with terror. Tazer's hand lingered above him briefly, the energy throbbing menacingly, and for an instant, Lucius believed it was over.

But then, Tazer stopped. He straightened, stepping back as his expression shifted to one of mild disinterest. "No," he said, almost to himself. " You must consume him."

" What....?" Lucias said.

"You must let your Alter consume you." Tazer said. " Take it as a sacrifice. Then he can amuse me. Well, if he can last longer. Tazer said, his expression seems excited.

" W...What do you mean..?" as Lucias tremble in fear.

" Your body has been given a power. Bigger than you can imagine. You are the chosen to be the sacrifice for overwhelming power." Tazer said. Then he glared at Lucias. " Your body is now Your Alter's. Let him consume you because you as the host are no longer needed." as Tazer giggle.

Lucius's trembling intensified as Tazer turned to leave, but just before he disappeared into the shadows, he glanced over his shoulder and left one final, ominous message.

"And when that happen " Tazer said, his voice calm laced with malice. " I consume the one's left."

By the time the Director and Kara arrived, the factory was in ruins. They stepped inside, their eyes widening at the sight before them. Nathan and the Alter lay battered on the ground, barely conscious. Tazer stood over them.

"What happened here?" Kara whispered, horrified.

The Director's face was grim. "It seems we've face a catastrophe." he said.

Tazer turned to face them, his smirk never wavering. "Ah, the so called Stargent. " he said mockingly. "Just in time to witness the fallout."

The Director stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "Who are you?" he demanded.

Tazer's smile widened. "I'm the disaster you all been waiting." he said cryptically. "I'll be seeing you all again soon. Because you and your little agency are what i'll be destroying next."

And with that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving the Director, Kara, Nathan, and Lucias to grapple with the destruction he had left behind.

With that, Tazer disappeared, leaving Lucius amidst the ruins of the factory. His body trembled, and his thoughts were racing with anxiety and uncertainty. As he gazed at Nathan, unmoving in the debris, and then at his quaking hands, Lucius understood how utterly helpless he was against the power he had just encountered.