Vampire Bat

Jennifer's heart pounded as she stood before the entrance to the mall, the screeching sound echoing in her ears. "I'm coming to help you, brother. I know you're in there," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling with determination. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside, her footsteps echoing through the empty halls.The mall's lights flickered on one by one, illuminating the eerie silence. Shadows danced across the walls, creating a haunting atmosphere. As Jennifer moved deeper into the mall, her eyes widened in horror as she saw a figure shuffling towards her. The creature had the grotesque features of a vampire-zombie hybrid, its eyes vacant and lifeless."Sam..." Jennifer's voice cracked as she recognized her brother. His once vibrant eyes were now hollow, and his hair, cut short in a military style, was matted with dirt and blood. The sight of him, transformed into a monster, broke her heart."Welcome, Jennifer. I am glad you are here." A chilling voice resonated through the mall. Jennifer's gaze shifted to the cash counter, where a figure with bat wings and armor sat menacingly. His head was almost entirely transformed, resembling that of a bat. The sight of him sent shivers down her spine. He played with a ring in his hand."That voice... Is that you... Luke?" Jennifer's breath caught in her throat as she recognized the voice. She could never forget it."It's me, Jennifer. How have you been?" Luke's voice dripped with sarcasm and malice. His bat-like features twisted into a cruel smile.Jennifer's mind raced with questions. "I saw you get dragged by the zombies... What happened?! How did you survive? What happened to your body and face? Why do you look like an Undergrounder?!"Luke laughed, a harsh, grating sound that sent chills down her spine. "Blah-blah-this that, you know this is why I left you, Jennifer. You were always so talkative and not in a good way. Always questioning what I did." His tone was mocking, filled with disdain."Luke, please... I don't understand. Why did this happen to you?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, her heart breaking with every word.Luke's expression hardened, his eyes cold and unfeeling. "Why does it matter? This is who I am now, Jennifer. Accept it."Jennifer's tears flowed freely as she tried to comprehend the reality before her."You were always so stubborn, Jennifer," Luke continued, his voice a mixture of anger and bitterness. "Always thinking you could fix everything.""Fine, I joined the Undergrounders," Luke said, his voice tinged with weariness. "What about it?"Jennifer's heart sank. "Undergrounders are nothing but vile creatures, how can you—""Yeah, yeah, whatever you want to say about them," Luke interrupted, his tone shifting to one of impatience. "You know, you didn't save me from these hybrids. They did, though. After I died, they chose me to be part of their group.""What are you talking about? How can you turn out to be so evil, Luke?! What happened to you in the past years?" Jennifer's voice wavered with a mix of confusion and anguish."You. That's what happened," Luke replied coldly."What?" Jennifer looked bewildered."Because of you," Luke continued, his voice growing more bitter. "Because you kept on saying, 'Luke, do this. Luke, do that.' And if I did something, 'Luke, why did you do this or that?' You ruined me, Jennifer, for seven whole years, and I couldn't even break up with you because you! You always said, 'It will work out, we will make it work out!'"Jennifer felt a pang of guilt and anger intertwine in her chest. "In the end, you left me," Luke said, his voice now laced with sadness."…Really?" Jennifer gave a sad chuckle. "You cheated on me…and…you were the one who left me crying there…You think that would work out?""Let's make it work out. Once again, Jennifer, let's forget about things that happened in the past," Luke suggested, his voice attempting to sound conciliatory."Fuck off," Jennifer spat, her eyes blazing with fury and pain."As you wish," Luke sighed. He looked over at the vampire-zombie hybrid that was once Jennifer's brother, Sam. "Attack her," he commanded.The mall seemed to grow colder as Sam, now a twisted abomination, lurched forward. Jennifer's heart pounded in her chest as she saw the familiar yet distorted features of her brother. Tears streamed down her face as she realized the depths of Luke's betrayal and the monstrosity her brother had become."Sam... please, don't do this," Jennifer whispered, her voice cracking. But there was no recognition in Sam's vacant eyes, only the primal urge to obey.Luke watched with a detached expression, his eyes betraying a hint of the person he used to be. "This is what happens, Jennifer," he said softly. "This is what you drove me to."As Sam lunged at her, Jennifer steeled herself. She knew she had to fight, not just for her survival, but for the memory of the brother she had lost. She dodged Sam's attack, her movements fueled by a mixture of fear and determination."Luke, I loved you once," Jennifer said, her voice trembling as she faced the twisted remnants of her past. "But I can't forgive you for this."With a scream, she pushed back against Sam, her strength surprising even herself. Luke watched, his expression unreadable, as the battle between Jennifer and the creature that was once her brother unfolded.In that moment, Jennifer realized that she was fighting not just for her life, but for the person she used to be. The person who believed in love, in family, in hope. She knew that whatever happened, she couldn't let Luke's darkness consume her.The mall echoed with the sounds of their struggle, a haunting symphony of despair and defiance. And as Jennifer fought, she held onto the one truth that kept her going: she was not alone.Outside the mall, Arata halted abruptly. "The mall lights… they are on," he muttered, eyes narrowing as he took in the sudden brightness. It was a stark contrast to the desolate streets around him. His heart rate quickened as he strained to hear any sounds from within."I hear hybrids inside the mall…" he said under his breath, the distant screeches and growls confirming his fears. His mind raced with images of Jennifer trapped and alone, facing unimaginable horrors.Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself. "Hope you are okay, Jenny. I am on my way!" he declared, more to himself than anyone else. Determination etched across his face, he began to sprint towards the entrance.Inside the mall, the lights flickered ominously as Jennifer stood in the middle of the chaos. "Come on, Jennifer. Try better! Come on, you are making this boring," Luke mocked, his voice dripping with sadistic glee. Jennifer's heart pounded as she dodged the attacks from her brother, now a monstrous vampire-zombie hybrid. Her movements were fueled by a mixture of fear and sorrow, her tears blurring her vision.She couldn't bring herself to fight back. Each time she dodged, memories of her brother's kindness flooded her mind. "Thank you, brother, for helping me grow up into who I am today," she whispered through her sobs, ducking under another swipe from his clawed hand. She remembered the times he stood up for her when their parents were harsh, the way he always protected her."Don't worry, I won't let any other hybrids get in your way, Jennifer. Not until one of you dies," Luke taunted, his laughter echoing in the desolate mall. Jennifer's breath hitched as she sidestepped another attack. "Thank you for being a loving brother who helped me get my college degree." Her mind replayed the sacrifices her brother made, sending money from his military earnings to pay for her education.As she evaded yet another strike, her hand brushed against a knife in her brother's back pocket. "You always kept this knife as a safety…That time you saved me." She recalled the night he had defended her from a group of molesters, the blade now in her trembling grasp. The weight of the knife seemed to pull her back to that moment, to the look of fierce determination on her brother's face.Tears streamed down her cheeks as she finally made her decision. "You were always a kind soul…I love you," she cried, plunging the knife into her brother's heart. His agonized scream filled the mall, a heart-wrenching sound that resonated deep within her. She watched in horror as the light faded from his eyes, her sobs echoing in the now silent space.Luke smirked from his perch. "Help me…" A voice called out weakly, but Jennifer was too consumed by her grief to notice. "The ring…I am the ring that he has on his side pocket…Help me someone…" The ring seemed to speak, but Jennifer's eyes were fixed on her brother's lifeless body. She couldn't process anything beyond the pain of what she had just done.With trembling hands, she removed the knife from her brother's chest, her mind numb with sorrow. She couldn't bear the thought of living with this guilt, of facing a world without him. She raised the knife, her hand shaking as she contemplated ending her own life. The sound of approaching hybrids grew louder, but Jennifer was lost in her own despair.As the hybrids drew closer, it seemed like the only way out."JENNY!" Arata's voice cut through the chaos just as a hybrid lunged towards Jennifer. He grabbed her, pulling her to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, JENNY?! PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER AND LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!" He shook her, trying to snap her out of her daze, but she just looked at him with tears streaming down her cheeks, her eyes filled with an overwhelming sorrow."Aru… I killed Sam… I had no choice… He was one of them… Aru…" Her voice was broken, barely a whisper, each word laden with grief and regret. Arata's heart ached as he looked into her tear-streaked face, seeing the pain and guilt etched into her features.He remembered the times they had spent together, the bond they had formed. His mind flashed back to moments from their past"Ryuki Arata… You are telling me to call you by your family name?" Young Jennifer in middle school looked up at Arata, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of mischief."Yeah, it's Arata, my family name. Only my family members call me Ryuki." Arata responded with a shy smile, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. He felt a little awkward sharing this part of himself, but there was something about Jennifer that made him feel comfortable, even at this young age."Ryuki… Arata…" Jennifer repeated thoughtfully, rolling the names around on her tongue. She studied his face, noticing the way his eyes sparkled when he talked about his family. Then, with a sudden burst of inspiration, she broke into a wide grin. "How about Aru? It's a nice name, right?"Arata's surprise melted into a genuine smile. No one had ever given him a nickname before, especially not one that felt so personal and endearing. "Aru, huh?" He nodded, the name already feeling special. "Yeah, it's a nice name."Jennifer's eyes lit up with satisfaction. She knew she had found something unique, a name that was just for them. "Aru," she repeated, testing it out once more. "It suits you."Their friendship blossomed over the months, each interaction deepening their bond. Jennifer and Arata went from playful banter to more meaningful conversations. Arata became a central figure in Jennifer's life, not just as a friend but as someone she could confide in and rely on.During this time, Arata met Sam, Jennifer's older brother. Their initial meeting was filled with the usual awkwardness, but it quickly gave way to a more relaxed camaraderie."So you are the person my sister likes, huh?" Sam, an adult at the time, asked Arata with a hint of curiosity.Arata nodded, feeling a mix of confusion and nervousness. "I guess..."Sam chuckled. "She always talks about you, like how you're quiet and no fun, but it's still fun to talk to you.""That's contradictory," Arata remarked, his confusion evident.Sam and Arata laughed together. "She is like that," Sam said, his tone warm and affectionate.Despite the initial awkwardness, a bond formed between Arata and Sam. Sam admired Arata's quiet strength and steady presence, while Arata respected Sam's protective nature and genuine care for his sister. Their relationship grew stronger as they spent more time together, sharing stories, helping each other out, and building trust. Sam became an older brother figure to Arata, offering advice and support, while Arata, in turn, provided a grounding presence in Sam's life. This mutual respect and camaraderie only served to deepen the connection between all three of them, creating a sense of family and unity that strengthened their bond."Arata! I want to tell you something important," Jennifer said one day, catching Arata off guard. He couldn't help but wonder, "Is she going to confess to me?" His heart raced with anticipation, hoping against hope.But Jennifer's next words shattered his hopes. "There is a guy who proposed to me. He seems like a genuinely good guy. He is our senior, his name is Luke...""Luke... Luke, huh? That's what his name is..." Arata managed a smile, though his heart sank. He masked his disappointment, nodding as if everything was fine.Inside, a whirlwind of emotions churned. He had always cared deeply for Jennifer, their friendship growing into something he cherished. Yet, he had never found the courage to confess his own feelings. Now, hearing about Luke, a sense of regret and longing washed over him.Despite his inner turmoil, Arata knew Jennifer's happiness mattered most. He nodded again, this time with sincerity. "I'm happy for you, Jenny. If he's a good guy, then that's wonderful."A few weeks later, "I don't like the guy, what about Arata? Isn't he a good guy?" Sam's question caught Arata off guard, standing there with Jennifer beside him. He glanced at Jennifer, hoping to catch a glimpse of her true feelings in her eyes, but all he saw was a friendly smile—a smile that echoed her words, "We are just friends. Best friends, of course, but just friends."Arata's heart sank a little deeper with each passing moment of silence. Sam's probing eyes were waiting for an answer, a truth that Arata was too afraid to voice. "What about you, Arata? Don't you like her?" Sam pressed on.Arata's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Part of him wanted to spill everything, to confess the feelings he had buried deep within for so long. But another part of him, hardened by years of unspoken longing and unrequited love, held him back. With a practiced smile that masked his inner turmoil, Arata replied, "She is my best friend."His words felt like a betrayal to his own heart, a capitulation to the fear of rejection and the belief that he wasn't good enough. "That's right, Arata," he thought bitterly, "you are just a lone wolf. You are someone who no one will accept. Someone who will always be alone. Except your family stop caring about other people."As Sam and Jennifer continued their conversation, Arata stood there silently, his facade unbroken but his heart heavy with regret. He chose to tell them what they wanted to hear, to remain the dependable friend while hiding the depth of his feelings. It was a choice made out of self-preservation, a shield against the pain of unfulfilled desires and the uncertainty of what could have been.Another month passed, Jennifer's reaction was immediate and raw, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What?! You're leaving? Why?! Did something happen? Did Sam say something?" Her questions tumbled out, fueled by confusion and concern.Arata shook his head gently, a small smile playing on his lips that masked the ache in his heart. "No, nothing like that," he replied softly. "I just... I think I'm getting in the way of you and Luke, so I should leave."Inside, Arata battled with conflicting emotions. He knew this decision was a self-imposed exile, a way to shield himself from the pain of watching Jennifer with someone else. "That's right," he thought bitterly, "it's the easiest way to escape this feeling. I'm nothing but a spectator in their love story. I love her, but I can't tell her. I can't confess these feelings... my first love."As Jennifer processed his words, her expression shifted from shock to sadness. "Arata..." she began, her voice trembling slightly. "You're not in the way. You're my best friend, and that means everything to me."Arata nodded, swallowing hard against the lump in his throat. "I know," he replied softly, his eyes betraying a flicker of unspoken pain. "But I think it's time for me to go."Their farewell was tinged with unspoken words, the weight of unvoiced feelings hanging heavy in the air between them. As Arata turned to leave, he fought to keep his composure, to maintain the facade of indifference that masked his heartache. Deep down, he knew this departure marked the end of an era, the closing of a chapter in his life where he had loved deeply but silently, unable to bridge the gap between friendship and something more. It was a complete…Shit fest…Jennifer watched him go, her heart heavy with a sense of loss she couldn't fully comprehend.Jennifer's voice echoed through the hallway, laced with pain and betrayal. Her tear-streaked face contorted with emotions that had simmered beneath the surface for too long. Arata stood before her, frozen in place, as her words struck him like shards of glass."You idiot!!!" Her voice cracked, a mix of anguish and frustration. "You are just the same as every other guy I ever met!"Arata felt the weight of her words like a physical blow. He had thought leaving would spare them both from deeper heartache, but now he saw the depth of her hurt, the years of disappointment etched in her eyes."I never meant..." Arata began, his voice catching in his throat. But Jennifer's next words stopped him cold."I thought you were different," she whispered, her voice barely above a sob. "I thought you understood me."Arata wanted to explain, to tell her how much he cared, but words failed him. Instead, he watched helplessly as she walked up to him and raised her hand and delivered a resounding slap across his cheek. The sting of her palm against his skin mirrored the ache in his heart.Arata stood there, stunned by Jennifer's outburst and the stinging slap that echoed in the hallway. Her tear-streaked face was a painful sight, a stark contrast to the vibrant, joyful person he had known. As her words sank in, he felt a tumult of emotions swirling within him."I was like… I was the same as every other guy she met," Arata thought to himself, his heart heavy with the weight of her accusation. He had thought leaving was the best choice, to spare them both from deeper heartache. But now, seeing Jennifer in such anguish, he questioned whether he had made the right decision."No, Jennifer," Arata whispered inwardly, his voice tinged with regret. "It's better this way. If I stay any longer, I'll only fall deeper for you."He couldn't bear to see her crying. Her tears were a testament to the pain he had inadvertently caused, the fracture in their friendship that felt irreparable. And yet, beneath her tears, he yearned to see her smile just one last time."Why are you crying now?" Arata wondered silently, his gaze locked on her trembling form. "Can't you just smile before I leave, at least once?"Memories flooded his mind – the moments they had shared, the laughter and camaraderie that had once defined their friendship. But amidst all those memories, there was one thing missing – Jennifer's smile. It had always been there, brightening even the darkest days, but now it eluded him when he needed it most."I never saw her smile... I never did, even since I left." Arata lamented internally, a pang of sorrow gripping his heart. Before he left, he had hoped to leave behind a parting image of Jennifer's radiant smile, a memory to cherish in the years to come. But now, faced with her tears and the rift between them, he felt a profound sense of loss.As Jennifer stood before him, her emotions laid bare, Arata realized the depth of their connection. Their friendship had been a refuge, a haven where they could share their dreams and fears. And yet, in the silence that stretched between them now, he understood that some bonds were fragile, easily broken by misunderstandings and unspoken words.When Arata was about to leave, "You are such an idiot…" Sam's voice was firm, laced with disappointment and concern. It wasn't just an accusation; it was a heartfelt plea for understanding. Arata felt the weight of his actions bearing down on him, a heavy burden of unintended consequences."It's your choice in the end," Sam continued, his voice steady but tinged with a mix of frustration and compassion. "But remember this… You are like a little brother to me who has set a good bond with me."Arata swallowed hard, trying to process Sam's unexpected declaration. In the months they had known each other, Sam had become more than just Jennifer's brother; he had become a trusted friend, a confidant. Now, that trust felt fragile, hanging by a thread strained by Arata's own actions."If it was someone else, I would have sent their ass to the hospital for making my sister cry," Sam's tone grew more serious, the protective instinct palpable in his words. "And if I ever made her cry… I would die by my own hands…"Those words struck Arata like a bolt of lightning. They revealed the depth of Sam's devotion to Jennifer, the lengths he would go to protect her. It wasn't just about Jennifer's tears; it was about the trust that had been breached, the unspoken agreement shattered.Arata clenched his fists, the weight of guilt and remorse pressing down on him. He had never wanted to hurt Jennifer, let alone cause her tears. Yet, in his silence and indecision, he had unwittingly wounded her heart and disrupted the fragile equilibrium of their relationship.Arata stood amidst the turmoil of the present moment, his thoughts echoing with Sam's piercing words. The weight of Sam's admonishment bore down heavily on him, resonating deep within his troubled conscience."Sam, you idiot…" Arata's mind replayed the scene over and over, each word a stark reminder of his own failings and the unintended pain he had caused. His eyes drifted to where Jennifer had stood moments ago, her tear-streaked face haunting his thoughts."Why did you have to go and make your sister cry now… WHY?!" The question reverberated through his mind, a desperate plea for answers that seemed to elude him. He had never wanted to be the cause of Jennifer's tears, yet his indecision and hesitation had led them to this point."Well, if it isn't Ryuki Arata. I heard a lot about how you left my girlfriend high and dry, and how you were in love with her but never had the guts to confess because of me," Luke mocked, his voice dripping with condescension.Arata sighed, a heavy, resigned sound. "ENOUGH, LUKE! HAVEN'T YOU HAD ENOUGH—" Jennifer shouted, her voice cracking with emotion.Ignoring both of them, Arata walked towards Sam's lifeless body, his steps deliberate and heavy. "Hey now, don't just ignore me, Ryuki Arata," Luke taunted, his tone sharp.Arata knelt beside Sam, gently closing his eyes. "You were a good person," he whispered, a note of sorrow in his voice. Standing up, he turned to face Jennifer. "The ring, you've been passing it to people who are incompatible with it," he said, his eyes locking onto Luke's with determination."What..?" Jennifer's voice was barely a whisper, her face a canvas of confusion and grief."Hey, let's go somewhere where we can talk, alright?" Arata said softly, his gaze shifting to Jennifer, trying to convey reassurance."Aru, this guy is an Undergrounder now…You can't fight him!" Jennifer's concern was palpable, her eyes wide with fear.Arata sighed again, pulling out the ring. "Don't worry," he said, slipping it onto his finger. "Transform…Wolf…" In an instant, Arata was enveloped in a swirl of dark energy, emerging as the formidable Ringmaster Wolf, his armor gleaming and eyes glowing with power."Well, well, well, we have a Ringmaster here…Let's put an end to you, Ryuki Arata," Luke sneered, stepping forward.But before he could advance, Arata vanished, taking Jennifer with him. "Jeez, he's fast," Luke muttered, scanning the area. "All of you, find them," he ordered the hybrids surrounding him.As they dispersed, Jennifer clung to Arata, her heart pounding. "Aru, where are we going?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Somewhere safe." Arata says.Arata stopped as he found a secluded spot near an old oak tree, its gnarled branches offering a semblance of shelter. The night was silent, save for the distant rustling of leaves. "Hey, are you a Ringmaster?" Jennifer asked, her voice breaking the stillness."Yeah…" Arata replied, his form shifting back to his human self, the transformation leaving a faint glow around him. He leaned against the tree, the bark rough against his back."Is that why you left middle school?" Jennifer asked, her voice tinged with sadness."Not really," Arata smiled wistfully. "It was more complicated than that." He settled beside her, their shoulders almost touching."Did I do something, Aru?" Jennifer's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes searching his face for answers."Hmm?" Arata looked at her, puzzled."Like… back in middle school… you ended up leaving. Did I do something?" Jennifer's eyes glistened with unshed tears."It wasn't you. It was mainly my fault," Arata sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Back then, Luke told me how you talked to me more than him and how he felt that I was ruining your relationship."Jennifer pouted, a mix of frustration and sadness in her expression. "Of course I talked to you, you were my BEST FRIEND! I loved talking to you…""And I loved you…" Arata whispered, his words barely audible."What did you say?" Jennifer asked, tilting her head towards him."Nothing, I said I also loved talking to you," Arata lied, forcing a smile."I see…" Jennifer replied, turning away to hide the flicker of disappointment in her eyes.An awkward silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. The silence was abruptly broken by a cheerful voice, "Yo, you guys, what are you doing here?"Both Arata and Jennifer turned, their confusion mirrored in their expressions. Standing before them was a small creature with bright eyes and a mischievous grin. "Who are you?" Arata asked, immediately on guard."Cheese is the name, and I'm here to help!" The creature introduced himself, pointing a paw at his chest with a flourish."Cheese? What kind of name is that?" Arata asked, skepticism evident in his tone."Oh, it's nothing. The queen told me that there is the Ring of Bat here, so I came to get it." Cheese explained nonchalantly. "You know where it is, right? Since you're a Ringmaster and all.""It's in the hands of an Undergrounder," Arata said, his confusion deepening. "Who are you, really?"Cheese sighed, placing his small hands on Arata's shoulders. "I told you, I'm Cheese.""As for the Undergrounders, who was it? Uriel? Lance? Or is my sister here?" Cheese asked, his tone shifting to one of concern."Your sister?" Arata was taken aback."Yes, Butter. I'm asking about her," Cheese clarified."Huh?!" Arata's mind reeled with the revelation, his emotions a whirlwind of confusion and concern. He had just discovered an Undergrounder who was far too friendly and far too enigmatic for his liking. The night felt even more surreal as he tried to process this unexpected encounter.