---
"A hero's silence speaks louder than their power—especially when blood stains the streets they swore to protect."
---
The silence in the factory was deafening—thick, heavy, alive. No one spoke.
Rudy's mouth went dry as he stepped back from the blood-soaked wall.
"'We Are Coming'..." he muttered. "What the hell does that even mean?"
The metallic stench clung to their suits, their skin, their thoughts. Every breath felt like swallowing rust and fear.
Raymond clenched his fists. "This wasn't just a killing," he said, his voice low and tight. "This was a message... meant for us."
Max turned away, trying not to gag. "A message written in blood. Who does that?"
"Whoever they are, they mean business—against us and the city," Jakson said furiously.
Sage added, "What I sense from this massacre is pure evil. It wasn't just violence—it was done with pleasure."
Mega Panther crouched near one of the twisted bodies, his nose twitching. "They made it personal," he growled. "This wasn't random. Whoever did this wants us to find them."
Thunderstorm looked shaken. "Or... they want us to be afraid."
The team stood in tense silence, waiting for their leader's response. Finally, Timothy spoke.
"We're not going after them. Not yet. If we chase them now, we walk straight into their trap. We report back to Commander Layla."
Back in the streets, chaos brewed. The civilians were restless, their trust shaken. Some who saw the heroes couldn't hold back their anger.
"You call yourselves heroes?" one man shouted. "You weren't even on guard when this happened! Some heroes you are!"
Others just remained quiet, too stunned to speak. But the looks on their faces said enough—the people were upset. Deep down, the team could feel it.
Location: Hero Base (Abyss 9).
The squad entered the base. Waiting for them were Layla and Johnathan. One look at Layla's face, and they could all tell—she was furious.
Her voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"How could you let this happen? What am I supposed to report to the Hero Association?" Her tone rose with each word. "Just hours after I finally secured the funding and backing we needed—this happens? I need answers. Now."
Timothy stepped forward, trying to remain composed.
"Commander, you can't possibly think we slacked off. We were caught off guard. I promise—it won't happen again."
Raymond added quickly, tapping on a holo-pad.
"We're trying to access footage from the area's surveillance feeds… but it's blank. They must've cut the transmission before the attack started."
"Promise you won't do what?" Layla snapped. "It's freaking annoying! I just need something—anything—to give the higher-ups. Give me something!"
"Calm down, Commander," Johnathan said, stepping in. "I'm sure they're working on it. They'll find something—a clue, anything—to identify the perpetrators."
"Got something!" Larry shouted from across the room.
"What did you find?" Timothy asked, rushing to his side.
Larry slid a projection from his palm, expanding the video into a large screen for everyone to see.
The footage was grainy—blurry even—but it captured the brutal scene. Amidst the chaos, shadows moved violently, and just barely, the heroes caught glimpses of what the attackers wore.
"But this isn't enough," Layla said, clenching her fists. "We still don't have their faces."
"Ma'am, it's a start," Johnathan replied. "At least we know what to look for."
"If I could just see their goddamn faces…" Jakson growled. "I'd rush out there right now and burn them to ash."
"You know you can't go in without a plan," Max said, arms folded.
"They probably already have a counter for any one of us," Rudy added, his voice grim. "They were prepared."
"I think Jak's right. They need to be dealt with instantly," Derick muttered, fists clenched.
Over in the corner, Sage sat cross-legged, deep in meditation.
"Hey Sage, how can you meditate at a time like this?" Tyler asked, clearly irritated.
"You think he'd do this without a reason?" Raymond replied calmly, arms crossed.
Johnathan leaned forward, eyes wide. "Wait… is that blood coming from his eyes?"
"Dude, what are you doing? You're hurting yourself—stop it!" Tyler said, stepping forward.
Sage's face twitched, his lips mumbling in an unknown tongue. Then, suddenly, he snapped out of the trance.
"I tried to see what happened using magic… but I couldn't break the barrier that's been placed on me." He wiped his face.
"But did you see anything at all?" Layla asked quickly.
"Just for a second," Sage said. "In the middle of the massacre… I saw a man. He was smiling… while blood splashed all over him."
"So one of them's a psychopath," Max said, shaking his head.
"Hmm… Commander, can we get intel on anyone recently released or discharged from a psychiatric facility?" Tyler asked.
Layla raised an eyebrow. "You think he's psycho just because Max said so?"
"I can scan national records from here," Larry cut in. "Might take a few minutes."
"Good. Patrol starts at 4 PM," Layla announced. "Until then, let your loved ones know to stay indoors. We don't know what the villains have planned next."
---
Everyone exited the room—except Sage and Timothy.
Sage glanced at his teammate. "You look pale, Timothy."
"Does it show?" Timothy replied, his voice low.
"Yeah, it does. From the time we've spent together, I can tell… you've had a tragic past. If you ever need to talk, we're here. We need to stick closer than ever now," Sage said quietly.
Unknown to them, Layla stood by the door, eavesdropping. Her eyes softened, a flicker of sadness flashing across her face.
---
Location: Motorhome, Tyler's Residence.
"You two should stay home tonight," Tyler said firmly.
"Why? I've got a party," Tomika replied, annoyed.
"It's because of what happened yesterday," Bethany cut in. "I told her already—it's not safe out there. We don't know what could happen next."
Bethany walked into the kitchen to do the dishes. Tomika rolled her eyes.
"Look, Miks… I just want you to be safe. That's all. I can't lose you or Bethany. You're the only family I have left," Tyler said sincerely.
Tomika looked down, flustered by her brother's heartfelt words. She nodded.
"I'll be in my room. If you need me, Bethany, just call," Tomika said before heading off.
Tyler smiled at Bethany. "I'm leaving now for patrol. If anything weird happens, I'm just a call away."
---
The heroes stood posted across Ultra City—some perched on rooftops, others floating mid-air, eyes scanning for anything out of place.