Bio Weapon Dystopia

Two days later

Nieme Callahan

The skinny choom was hopping on a bus, headed to the PD. The last few weeks with The Refused were lit. Good beats, and the new member, Vomi, already dropped a killer track. Heitor and Thiago worked their magic on it, making it hit even harder. But the high times with the crew didn’t last long once he got back to his old man’s place. There’s a reason Nieme wrote "Killing in The Name," and that reason was his dad and his gonk take on what being in the police force meant.

Especially now that they were getting corpos' dirty eddies.

All Frank, Nieme’s dad, cared about was following orders from the suits above, no matter what shady biz it involved. Covering up corpo screw-ups, scrubbing out “problems,” borrowing from smaller companies, or flatlining whoever the corpos wanted gone—it was all part of the gig. And Nieme? He could barely wrap his head around the fact that his old man had turned into everything they both used to hate. Even worse after his mom got smoked by one of those corpo power plays. It was stupid and obvious all at once, and Nieme felt like an even bigger idiot for not seeing it sooner.

Nieme stared out the bus window, the city's neon glow flickering off the rain-soaked streets. His mind kept going back to the same thought—how the hell did his old man end up like this? Frank used to be solid, always talking about how the system was rigged, how the corpos were the real enemy. Now, he was just another cog in the machine, greasing the wheels for the very people they used to rage against.

The bus jolted to a stop, and Nieme got up, pulling his hood tighter around his face. The PD was only a few blocks away now, and even though it made his skin crawl to be so close to it, he had to do what he came to do. He wasn't here for his dad—he’d given up on Frank a long time ago. No, he was here for something else. Something that was supposed to remind him that not everyone was dirty.

As he walked down the street, Nieme’s thoughts drifted back to the band. It was the one thing keeping him from going off the deep end. The music, the crew, even Vomi with her corpo ties—it was all an escape. They were building something real, something that mattered. Not like the fake promises his dad was chasing.

He could still feel the energy from their last jam session. Vomi had this way of pushing the band, making them sharper. She wasn’t just another corpo drone; there was something deeper going on with her. Nieme didn’t fully trust her—how could he?—but she brought something to the table that made The Refused better.

But right now, none of that mattered. The glowing lights of the PD loomed ahead, and Nieme’s stomach churned with a familiar disgust. His father’s precinct. The place where Frank Callahan had sold his soul.

“Alright, Nieme,” he muttered to himself. “Just get in, get the info, and get out.”

He wasn’t here to see his dad. Hell no. He was here to get some dirt—something he could use against the system. Something that could finally make a difference.

When Nieme walked in, he immediately spotted a familiar face.

"Raven?" he asked, surprised to see her at the entrance. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, hey Nieme!" she waved, her usual dark, edgy look standing out even in the dull atmosphere of the precinct. "Just sorting out some shit with the PD. Still dealing with that Black Daggers crap."

"Still those gonks? Has Vomi found any dirt on them yet?"

"Not yet," Raven said, frowning. "And don’t forget—our show’s tomorrow." She pointed at him, her tone serious. "Whatever you’re up to, don’t mess with the show. It’s gotta be perfect if we want to break into the big leagues."

Nieme raised his hands in mock surrender. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But I’ve got biz here too. Pops ain’t in, so I need to... dig around for some stuff."

"Real subtle," Raven smirked. "Need a hand? My business here’s gonna take a while anyway."

"You sure? Don’t wanna get you in trouble."

She narrowed her eyes, leaning in slightly. "You’re already causing trouble. Might as well help my choom while I’m at it."

Nieme cracked a small smile, relieved. "Damn. Thanks, Raven. Just keep an eye out for anyone who might take issue with what I’m doing."

"Your call," she replied with a shrug.

With that, they stepped into the building. The San Francisco Police Department wasn’t much different from any other precinct in a big city—crowded, disorganized, and filled with people doing everything but actual competent work.

Sure, there are some actual good workers here and there, but they are overshadowed by the sheer stupidity that orbits this place. Even more when the actual good work is done in the HuscleNet instead of the actual legalized place.

Fucking politics.

Nieme made his way through the precinct, trying not to draw attention. Raven hung back, scanning the area like a hawk, her presence almost casual but still sharp. As they moved, Nieme’s mind raced with what he was here for—digging into the PD’s finances. He knew something was off. The cops had been getting a lot of extra funding lately, but there wasn’t much to show for it on the streets. He wanted to see if their eddies were being funneled into something they shouldn't be.

He slipped into one of the side offices and logged into a terminal, keeping his head low as he started searching through financial reports. Raven stood near the door, leaning against the wall like she belonged there, but her eyes flickered over anyone who passed by. Nieme's fingers flew over the keyboard, pulling up budget reports and department spending logs. It didn’t take long to find something odd—massive chunks of money allocated to “special projects” with almost no details about what those projects were.

"Found something?" Raven asked quietly, sensing his tension.

"Yeah, I guess.”, He continued to inspect the files, taking his time to read something before coming to conclusions, “Looks like they’re hiding the real spending under vague labels. These 'special projects' don’t even say what they’re for. Could be anything—slush funds, kickbacks, maybe worse."

There are even some funds labeled simply as “missing personnel”, the list varying from unemployed people to just plain out deposits. They aren't even hiding this, are they? No one would believe that an almost crumbling department would have such wage leaks like this. But before Nieme could dig any deeper, a shadow loomed in the doorway at the second Raven lost her focus. He froze as the familiar voice cut through the low hum of the office.

"Nieme. What the fuck are you doing here?"

It was his father.

Frank Callahan, broad-shouldered and as intimidating as ever, stood with his arms crossed, his eyes narrowing at the sight of his son hunched over a police terminal. The air in the room grew thick with tension as Nieme slowly turned to face him, feeling like he’d been caught in a net he couldn’t wriggle out of.

Raven tensed but stayed silent, watching for any sudden moves.

Nieme straightened, trying to keep his voice steady. "Father. You know why I am here. I will never agree with what you lowered yourself to.”

Frank’s jaw tightened, his eyes hardening. "You need to stay out of this, Nieme. You don’t understand how things work here."

"Yeah, I think I fucking do," Nieme shot back. "You’re selling out, just like the rest of 'em. Mom would’ve—"

"Don’t you dare bring your mother into this!”, Frank cut him off, his voice dangerously low.

He stepped closer, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a knife. "This isn’t some game, boy. You don’t poke around in places that’ll get you killed."

Nieme clenched his fists, feeling the anger boiling up. "Maybe. But playing the idle game can get you so long before you become a target. And you know it.”

Frank’s eyes flashed with something between fury and regret, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he turned on his heel and stormed out, leaving Nieme and Raven alone with the cold realization that he’d just put a bigger target on his back.

"Well," Raven muttered, breaking the silence. "That went about as well as I expected."

Nieme exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let’s just get outta here and be grateful that he isn't going to report us.”

As they headed out of the precinct, Nieme's mind was spinning. Why was the PD getting so much funding with nothing to show for it? The corpos weren’t stupid; they’d eventually piece together that this was just one big money pit. So what the hell were they really doing with all that cash?

Nieme walked a few steps before noticing Raven had stopped behind him, just standing there, giving him that signature deadpan look.

“What’s up?”

“I still gotta handle my biz at the PD,” she said, her tone flat like it should’ve been obvious.

“Oh, right,” Nieme muttered, awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

Raven raised an eyebrow. “So, what’d you dig up? I caught the basics, but what else is buried in there?”

Nieme shook his head, still piecing it together. “It’s a whole mess, Raven. There’s a ton of eddies being funneled into these so-called ‘special projects,’ but there’s no breakdown—just blank labels and massive amounts of cash vanishing into thin air.”

Raven crossed her arms, frowning. “Classic corpo BS. Either they’re hiding something nasty or lining their pockets big time.”

“Yeah, and that’s just surface-level stuff. It gets worse. There’s funds marked under ‘missing personnel.’ Like, they’re paying out to ghosts. I’m talking corpos, freelancers, even some cops—people who either don’t exist or… disappeared.”

Raven’s expression darkened. “So, they're covering up bodies and using the budget as a smoke screen? Figures.”

Nieme nodded. “Exactly. I need more time to dig deep, pull real receipts before I can do anything about it.”

Raven smirked. “Well, you’re already knee-deep in it, choom. What’s next?”

“Right now? We bail before someone starts asking questions,” Nieme said, his heart still racing after running into his dad.

They slipped out of the precinct without drawing attention, moving through the chaos as smoothly as they could. Nieme’s head buzzed with all the questions this mess raised, but one thing was clear—his old man’s involvement ran way deeper than just following orders from his bosses.

“Your pops really sold out, huh?” Raven’s voice was softer now, almost understanding as they hit the street.

“Yeah,” Nieme muttered, feeling the weight of it. “He sold out a long time ago.”

Raven glanced at him, her eyes sharp. “Then let’s make sure he’s not the last one to pay for it.”

Nieme looked back at her, realizing this wasn’t a solo gig. He had a crew—Raven, Vomi, the band. They weren’t about to let the system crush them. They were in it now, and they weren’t backing down.

“I’m gonna hit up Vomi, see if she’s got anyone who can help us dig deeper. Maybe even look into the Black Daggers while I’m at it.” Raven’s eyes lit up as she sent a quick text on her agent.

“That’d be huge. By the way, how’s the wounds? You good?”

“Healing, mostly,” she said, her hand instinctively brushing over the wraps under her clothes. “I’ll be fine for the show, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“You better be. Don’t need our lead singer getting flatlined,” Nieme joked, a smirk tugging at his lips, breaking the tension.

Raven huffed. “As if.” Then, more serious, “Look, I’ll be in touch. Gonna grab some grub, then head back to the PD. If I find anything worth a damn, I’ll ping you.”

“Preem,” Nieme nodded.

“Aaaaannnnnd…” Thiago grinned in the rehearsal warehouse, finalizing the mix. He hit the save button with a flourish, labeling the file for their first official release as The Refused. “Done!”

It was done. The album was titled “Resurgence,” capturing the spirit of rebellion, awakening, and a refusal to conform to societal norms. Thiago chuckled to himself; he was just the guy behind the scenes, not some grand conspirator or liberator. Just Thiago, laid-back and chill.

“Whatcha doing, Dad?” a little voice piped up.

Thiago stretched his back, arms reaching upwards with a satisfying pop. “Just finished wrapping everything up for the big show. All that's missing is us playing it.”

“Are you gonna be in there?” the kid asked, tilting her head.

He looked at her—those bright green eyes, her ginger hair pulled into a messy bun. “Just as the mixer, tuning the song when needed, but yeah.”

“Ugh, so boring. I thought you'd be singing,” she pouted, clearly disappointed.

“Well, if I don’t do this, the song’s gonna sound like total shit, so…”

Just then, the door to the warehouse swung open, and in walked Vomi. She spotted the kid and immediately broke into a bright smile that contrasted her usual intimidating vibe. “Hey, Thiago! Who’s the girl?”

The child was young, a redhead with freckles splattered across her nose and a charming missing tooth. Dressed in a little white dress, she looked no older than seven but seemed completely at home in the warehouse. Vomi instantly recognized that this girl was pure light in the dark world of Night City.

“Must be protected at all costs,” Vomi thought.

“She’s my daughter,” Thiago said, closing the mixing application. “Vomi, meet Katie. Katie, this is Dr. Vomi.”

“Oh, the corpo lady that likes nova songs!” Katie exclaimed, her face lighting up like she’d just spotted her favorite toy, “You are even more beautiful than I thought.”

Vomi laughed softly, crouching down to meet Katie’s gaze. “Corpo lady, huh? I’ll take it. But I think it’s more about the music than the suits.”

“Your song is the best I’ve heard! Daddy plays it all the time when he’s at work!” Katie said, her excitement palpable.

“That's because everyone there loves the lyrics and energy of ‘Devil Trigger.’ It’s fitting,” Thiago chimed in, ruffling Katie’s hair affectionately.

Katie giggled, swatting his hand away. “Dad, stop! I’m not a baby!”

“Sure you’re not,” Thiago said, suppressing a grin. “But you’ll always be my little girl.”

Vomi leaned in closer, a playful glint in her eye. “So, Katie, what do you think about music? Do you want to be a rockstar like your dad?”

Katie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Yeah! But I want to sing! I can sing really loud!”

“Maybe we can get you on stage someday,” Vomi said, a teasing tone in her voice.

Katie's face lit up. “Really? That would be so preem!”

“Just remember, it takes a lot of practice,” Thiago warned, but his voice held no real seriousness. “And a strong heart, just like the songs we play.”

“Right!” Katie nodded vigorously. “I’ll practice every day!”

Vomi stood up, glancing at Thiago. “Well, you’d better keep an eye on her. With a voice like that, she might steal the spotlight!”

Thiago laughed, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Okay, I gotta go get ready for rehearsal,” Vomi said, her tone shifting slightly. “But keep that energy flowing. The show’s gotta be epic.”

“Count on it,” Thiago replied, already diving back into his gear.

As Vomi walked away, Katie turned to her dad, eyes wide with admiration. “Can we be like them someday, Dad? Playing music and stuff?”

“Absolutely, Katie,” Thiago said, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Just remember, it’s about more than the fame—it’s about making a difference. And you’ve got the heart for it.”

Katie beamed, a flicker of determination sparking in her eyes. “Then let’s make it happen!”

Thiago chuckled, feeling a swell of pride for his little girl. “We will, kiddo. We will.”

Nieme, Heitor, Blaze and Raven arrived shortly after, greeting the kid like they were old friends. They probably were since it was Vomi who joined the latest. They started doing small talk, keeping the flow going for a while before getting the music gear together so they'd be ready to do one last rehearsal before the show. Nieme was the only one who seemed unfocused at first, but soon enough he was at 100% again.

Raven as the lead singer, Heitor at the drums, Nieme as the bass, Blaze at the main guitar, Vomi as the second guitar and finally, Thiago as the background singer and live mixer of the song.

Katie couldn't help but giggle at the reunion, everything seemed just perfect. Sure, Vomi was weird with her black-red eyes, but at least she knew how to make a good song.

Then Heitor started the countdown with the drumsticks, “One, two, three…”

First song, Bring Me to Life, by Raven.

Nieme, Heitor, Blaze, and Raven arrived shortly after, greeting Katie like they were old friends. It was a cozy little scene, probably because Vomi had joined the band later on. The playful banter flowed between them, laughter punctuating their conversations as they set up the gear for their final rehearsal before the big show.

Katie watched them with wide eyes, soaking in the camaraderie. She loved seeing her dad surrounded by his friends. They felt like a family, and even though Vomi was a bit weird with her black-red eyes, she was preem. Plus, she could make some seriously awesome songs.

Once the gear was ready, the group fell into their positions. Raven stood front and center, commanding the stage with her presence, while Heitor took his place behind the drums. Nieme slung his bass over his shoulder, Blaze grabbed his guitar, and Vomi picked up her axe, ready to complement the sound. Thiago settled in behind the mixing board, prepared to enhance their raw energy with live adjustments.

Katie couldn't help but giggle at the reunion; everything felt just right. She bounced on her toes, excitement bubbling inside her. “This is gonna be epic!” she whispered to herself.

Heitor raised his drumsticks, signaling everyone to quiet down. “Alright, crew, let’s do this. One, two, three…”

The beat dropped, and Raven’s voice soared, filling the warehouse with the haunting melody of “Bring Me to Life.” Katie felt the energy pulsing around her, the rhythm vibrating through the floor. Raven’s voice was powerful, and Katie couldn’t help but sway to the music, her heart racing in time with the beats.

“Wake me up inside!” Raven sang, and Katie closed her eyes, losing herself in the moment. It was like magic, watching her dad and his friends create something beautiful together. She couldn’t wait to tell all her classmates about it.

As the song built to a crescendo, Katie’s eyes darted to Vomi, who was totally into it, eyes closed and lost in the music. She was so focused, the way a painter might be with a blank canvas, crafting something beautiful from nothing. It was incredible to see someone so talented just be themselves.

The song finished, and the room erupted in cheers. Raven grinned, catching Katie's eye and giving her a thumbs-up. “How was that, Katie?”

“You were amazing!” Katie shouted back, her voice ringing with joy.

“Alright, next up! Let’s give them ‘Eddies for Nothing’!” Heitor announced, adjusting his drumsticks.

As the iconic riff kicked in, Katie felt the beat shift. The song was infectious, and she couldn’t help but dance a little, her feet tapping along with the rhythm. It was a preem twist, talking about eddies instead of money, and it made her feel like she was in on some big secret.

Raven’s voice rang out again, and Katie clapped along with the beat, her heart swelling with pride for her dad. The way they all came together, weaving their talents into something special, made her feel like she was part of something huge.

The song rolled on, and Katie found herself humming along, her little heart pumping with excitement. She imagined herself up there on stage, singing right alongside them. “One day, I’ll be up there too,” she thought, her determination blossoming.

As the final chord faded away, cheers erupted again. The energy in the room was electric, and Katie felt like she was flying. “You guys are the best!” she shouted.

“Thanks, kiddo!” Raven called back, chuckling. “Next up is ‘Killing in the Name!’ Let’s show ‘em what we got!”

The atmosphere shifted slightly as the opening beat of “Killing in the Name” began to play. The gritty vibe of the song was different, a call to arms, and Katie felt the intensity wash over her. She could see the passion in each of their faces, especially Raven, who poured herself into every lyric.

As they launched into the song, Katie couldn’t help but feel a surge of empowerment. The lyrics resonated deep within her, like a fight against the world. She loved how they took something powerful and made it their own. It was thrilling to witness, the raw energy radiating from the band, and she wished she could shout it out from the rooftops.

Vomi and Blaze’s guitars melded into a fierce harmony, and Katie imagined herself shredding on stage, wailing out the notes. She felt invincible, riding the waves of sound that crashed over her.

“Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!” Raven belted, and Katie felt every word vibrate through her. The chorus echoed in her heart, making her feel brave and bold. She wanted to shout those words at the world, to stand up against everything that tried to hold her down.

The song ended with a powerful crash, and cheers erupted once more, the warehouse shaking with applause and excitement. “You guys rock!” Katie beamed.

“Alright, last one!” Blaze announced, his voice rising over the excitement. “Let’s finish strong with ‘Devil Trigger!’”

The energy shifted again as the first notes rang out. Katie could feel the anticipation in the air. She knew this song well, having listened to it countless times. The bass kicked in, and her dad’s rhythm was infectious, making her want to jump and dance.

As Raven’s voice kicked in, Katie felt the adrenaline coursing through her veins. “Ignite!” Raven sang, and Katie imagined herself lighting up the stage with a fierce fire.

The music exploded around them, each note intertwining with the next, creating a tapestry of sound. It was powerful and electrifying, and Katie felt herself getting lost in the moment. She watched her dad pour his soul into his playing, the way he moved with the music, and it filled her with pride.

The song reached its peak, and Katie could see the way everyone was completely immersed in the performance. She wanted to capture this moment forever, the feeling of unity and passion that surrounded her.

As the final notes rang out and the song came to an end, the warehouse erupted into cheers once more. Katie jumped up and down, her little heart bursting with joy. “You guys were incredible!” she shouted.

“Thanks, kid!” Blaze grinned, giving her a playful salute.

Raven stepped forward, panting but exhilarated. “You ready for the show, Katie?”

“More than ready!” she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She felt like she could conquer the world, and all of it was thanks to the music and the family she found in this band.

They all grabbed a few bottles of beer, with Katie clutching a soda can, her expression bright and full of energy. The group gathered together, raising their drinks high, the girl’s smaller frame not quite matching the others' heights, but her spirit was unyielding.

“To a successful gig!” Raven declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“To The Refused!” Nieme chimed in, a grin plastered on his face.

“And so we can get eddies for something!” Blaze added, his usual penchant for terrible humor slipping out.

Everyone shot him a look.

“What?” he replied, feigning innocence.

“That's the worst pun I’ve ever heard,” Thiago said, his face perfectly straight.

“Jesus Christ, you’re getting worse by the day, Blaze,” Heitor deadpanned.

“Fuck you two!” Blaze shot back, crossing his arms defensively.

“Hey! That's my dad you're talking about!” Katie exclaimed, hurling her soda can at him with all her might.

“Ouch!” Blaze exclaimed, dramatically pretending to clutch his chest. He was soaked now, sticky soda drenching his shirt.

Vomi stifled a laugh, feeling warmth in her chest. It was moments like these that reminded her of family, and even as Vanguard made sarcastic comments about “family problems” in her mind, she couldn’t shake the feeling that these chooms were like a second family to her.

But then Vanguard’s tone shifted, breaking through the laughter. “Wait. Something is wrong.”

“What?” Vomi replied, a tightness settling in her stomach.

“I don’t know, but keep close to the kid,” Vanguard warned, jumping from her shoulder to the table next to Katie, his instincts kicking in.

Oblivious to the tension, Katie giggled as the cat settled near her, stroking its fur with her small fingers. After all, everyone loved cats.

The atmosphere shifted slightly, and Vomi found herself half-listening to the banter, her senses heightened. Her mind roamed over the surroundings, scanning for any signs of trouble. She checked her agent, and the Black ICE in her system seemed calm—nothing ringing alarms.

Then it happened.

Sparks exploded from the walls, bathing the room in blinding light. The lights flickered, plunging everything into chaos. Vomi felt a sharp jolt surge through her body, locking her in place. Her muscles seized, her mind overwhelmed by the invasive, paralyzing effects of a Quick Hack. The electric sensation shot through her spine like nothing she'd ever experienced before.

"Vomi!" Raven's voice cut through the chaos, full of alarm.

But Vomi couldn't respond. She was trapped inside her own body, her limbs unresponsive, frozen by the Short Circuit that had targeted her minimal but dangerous chrome. A hack like this could cripple anyone with even the slightest cyberware, and Vomi's body, enhanced yet vulnerable, betrayed her in this moment of weakness.

Screams erupted as shadows moved in. The Black Daggers-merciless and poised for attack. They weren't here for a casual raid; they were ready for blood.

"Get down!" Heitor shouted, instantly reacting. He threw himself between the attackers and Katie, shielding the girl with his broad frame. Blaze and Nieme scrambled for anything they could find -grabbing instruments and gear, anything that could serve as a weapon in the chaos.

"Keep her safe!" Raven commanded, her voice sharp, but even she was struggling to stay on her feet, the crackling energy of the hack still zapping through her nerves.

Thiago tried to reach for Katie, his instincts screaming to protect his daughter, but he was blindsided. A Black Dagger thug tackled him hard, slamming him into the ground. Pain ripped through Thiago as he fought, grappling with the heavily augmented attacker. The tattoos and chrome flashed in the dim light, a familiar signal of just how deadly they were.

Vomi's vision blurred as she saw the struggle, Thiago's fists flying against the mercenary. Her mind screamed to move, to act, but her body wouldn't respond. She fought against the paralyzing current in her system, but it felt like swimming against a riptide. Static hissed in her ears, and all she could do was watch.

Hate boiled inside her—at the Black Daggers, at herself, at her helplessness.

"Get off him!" Raven's voice, full of fury, cut through the noise. She lunged at the attackers with rage, her fists striking with brutal precision. Nieme and Blaze backed her, weapons raised and shots firing. They were protecting their own with everything they had.

But then a cry of agony rang out, cutting through the chaos like a knife. Thiago's face contorted in pain as one of the Black Daggers drove a blade deep into his side.

"Dad!" Katie screamed, her small voice filled with terror. Her wide green eyes took in the horrific sight, her world crashing around her. Time seemed to slow as the weight of the moment overwhelmed her.

Vomi's heart sank, her pulse pounding in her ears. Fear and adrenaline shot through her, breaking against the paralysis that still held her captive. The Black Daggers were ruthless. They didn't care who they hurt. But something else stirred in her now- something primal, something she could no longer contain.

She wasn't the one in control anymore.

With a surge of power, Vomi began to fight back. Her body twitched, breaking through the hold of the hack. But it wasn't her doing-it was Animus. The symbiote stirred, anger surging through it. The restraints in her mind shattered, and Animus took over, feeding on her rage and frustration.

Vanguard merged with her, not out of choice, but out of necessity. The two forces became one, an unstoppable tide of fury and instinct. Vomi's eyes burned, her body twisting and transforming as Animus took control.

In that moment, Animus broke through the fog of paralysis, rising to its feet. The Quick Hack's hold dissipated, and what stood in Vomi's place was something far more dangerous.

"What the—” one of the Black Daggers managed to choke out, his face contorting in terror.

He didn't finish the sentence.

A tendril, black and red, shot out from Animus's body, piercing the thug's skull in a sickening crunch. Blood sprayed as the tendril retracted, leaving the man to collapse lifeless on the floor.

And then Animus roared.

Katie stood frozen, her hands still clutching the soda can like it could somehow protect her. She couldn't make sense of the chaos, the horror unfolding before her eyes. There, in the middle of the room, where Vomi once stood, was something else. A creature, twisted with black and red tendrils, its chest emblazoned with a nightmarish spider emblem. It towered, monstrous, and the noise it made shook everyone to their core.

A monster.

"What the fuck is that thing?!" one of the remaining Black Daggers screamed, panic overtaking him.

"Shoot it down!" another shouted, scrambling for his gun, but his hands trembled.

"I'm trying! Goddamn it!”

Animus was fully unleashed. It moved with terrifying speed, tearing through the attackers like they were nothing but prey. Another tendril lashed out, striking down a second thug, his body flung across the room with bone-shattering force.

For Animus, their screams were nothing but white noise. The only thing that mattered now was protecting its host-and those who mattered to her.

Vomi, deep inside the creature, felt her consciousness slip, overwhelmed by the raw power Animus wielded. She wasn't in control anymore, but part of her didn't care. Not now. Not while her family was in danger.

The Black Daggers didn't stand a fucking chance.