Ch 2 : goodbye
When they saw Zero, something strange happened. In an instant, they forgot everything that had just unfolded. Confusion clouded their minds as they tried to approach him quickly, but something suddenly pierced their bodies-thick, sharp objects, like tent pegs, drove into them from all directions, pinning them in place, making it impossible to move.
Panic spread like wildfire. They struggled against the invisible force that bound them, unsure if this was their end or if something even worse awaited them. Desperately, they began calling out for C to help.
C stood there, frozen, unsure of what to do. His mind raced with thoughts. *Why didn't Zero attack me?* he wondered. *Have you become K? Or... what happened to you?*
C's thoughts wandered to a memory-a time when they had first joined the government. Zero had always been the curious one, asking endless questions, many of them seemingly useless. One, in particular, came to mind:
"If we were standing beside the pyramid and I had the power to bring the heads of all human beings together... what speed would it take for the last head to arrive within just one hour?"
C remembered how he had been the one to solve that strange question. *Is that why you see me as a partner in this crime?* C wondered. *Maybe I am...* he thought, guilt creeping in. *For not telling them the truth. For lying about the light and saying it's unaffected by speed.*
As the 28 called out to C for help, receiving no response, their desperation grew. In their panic, they turned their heads toward Zero, hoping that he could save them from whatever was attacking them. Unlike C, they hadn't pieced together who was responsible for this brutal assault on their humanity. Some thought it might be K. Others feared it was someone-or something-else entirely.
But then, Zero laughed.
His voice cut through the air, cold and mocking. "The predator helping the prey?" he sneered.
The weight of his words crashed down on them like a mountain of truth, shattering the fragile denial they clung to. For a brief moment, they slipped into unconsciousness, overwhelmed by the reality that Zero-the one they once believed to be their savior-was now their tormentor.
When they came to, they fought against the truth, resisting the enormity of it. But resistance was futile. Slowly, painfully, they began to accept the reality of their situation. The truth was suffocating, like a heavy weight pressed down on their chests. How could someone who had once been the reason for their survival now be the one threatening their very existence?
Juls, her voice shaky but defiant, asked, "Why? Why are you doing this? You were like a hero to us... even though you had no power. We never treated you badly... so why?"
Zero's eyes narrowed as he turned to her. "*Paralyzed*,"...."You have no right to speak after what you did."
Juls felt a chill crawl down her spine.
"You left your family, knowing they would fight K. You let it happen so he would destroy the village. You wanted it gone more than the protection of your family."
The cold truth of his accusation hung in the air. Juls opened her mouth to speak but couldn't find the words. The memories of her calculated decision flooded her mind.
Zero's cruel smile deepened. "Oh, don't look at me like that. You can't do anything now. You're just like your name-*paralyzed*."
His words hit her like a blow, leaving her breathless. The realization of her own choices-of how she had let it all happen-settled heavily in her chest. She was as powerless now as she was in the village back then.
Zero smirked, then casually glanced around. "Oh, wait... where's *Mr. Holes*?" He turned, spotting Jun standing behind him. "There you are."
Zero's tone shifted, still mocking but with a hint of recognition. "Impressive, Jun. Almost as impressive as this rain. It's still coming down, even after all abilities were supposedly canceled." He glanced up at the sky, the rain pouring steadily.
Jun stood firm, silent, his eyes locked on Zero. The rain soaked his clothes, but he didn't move, tension tightening his muscles.
Zero, noticing the defiance in Jun's eyes, smirked. "But don't worry, I'm not going to stop it now. Go ahead," he added, his voice casual yet taunting. "Do whatever you're going to do."
The words lingered, thick with challenge, as Jun weighed his next move.
"As you like," Jun said calmly, raising his hand. With every gesture, a portal opened around them, swirling with energy. One portal appeared directly beneath Zero, and before he could react, it pulled him in.
Zero found himself in a magnificent space-like a cosmic dream. All around him were portals, and at first glance, it seemed like he was surrounded by endless galaxies. The beauty of the place was overwhelming, a sea of swirling colors and stars.
"Wonderful place," Zero muttered, momentarily mesmerized.
Jun's voice echoed through the space. "Don't be fooled by its beauty. If I choose, I can trap you here forever."
Zero, still looking around at the countless portals, scoffed. "There are portals everywhere. What are you talking about?"
Jun's tone hardened. "Let's just say... the term 'holes' better describes my ability."
Zero's eyes narrowed. "You mean... black holes?" His voice faltered, realization dawning on him.
Jun sighed. "You've left me no choice, Zero. Forgive me, but after what you've done... I can't let you out."
Panic flickered across Zero's face. "What do you mean?" His voice wavered, then his expression crumbled. Tears welled up in his eyes. "Don't... don't leave me in the dark again," he pleaded, his voice cracking. "I'm afraid of the dark."
Jun's face was expressionless, his voice calm. "Don't worry, Zero. You won't feel anything... Just endure the suffocation." He turned away. "Goodbye, Zero."
As Jun left, every portal-every escape-slowly began to close. Zero gasped for air, struggling as the space around him tightened. The portals disappeared one by one, leaving nothing but darkness, silence, and the suffocating void. Zero's breath became shallow, desperate. And then, the last portal vanished, plunging him into total darkness. He couldn't breathe anymore.
Jun stood still for a moment, feeling Zero's presence fade away. After a few minutes, he returned to the group, his face composed. AND HE SAID
"Zero is dead,
TO BE CONTINUED.....