2024 - Amazon Forest

Chaos erupts around Ayaz as he steps outside, his expression hardening into a scowl. Deviants swarm the compound, rampaging through the structures, their shrieks mingling with the panicked cries of the humans. Adrenaline pulses through him, sharpening his focus.

His golden eyes scan the scene, landing on Druig. The mind controller stands resolute, his brow furrowed in concentration as he compels several humans to fire their weapons in unison against the advancing Deviants. Ayaz feels a rush of pride mixed with concern for the Eternal's safety.

Before he can teleport to Druig's side, a Deviant charges at him, its grotesque form barreling forward. Instinct kicks in; he slams his palms onto the ground, freezing the earth beneath the creature. It slips and crashes onto the ice, letting out a high-pitched shriek.

“Thought you fancied ice skating, mon pote,” Ayaz quips, forming sharp ice daggers in his hands. As the Deviant struggles to regain its footing, he teleports behind it, plunging the daggers into its neck, severing its head with a swift motion. “Good thing I love outdoor dates,” he adds with a hint of sarcasm, but the adrenaline fuels a thrill within him.

He teleports to Sersi, who is guiding the last of the locals into a sturdy meeting building. Just as the door slams shut, a violent tremor shakes the ground, and a Deviant's tail slams into both of them, sending them hurtling into a nearby house.

“That was rude,” Ayaz mutters, groaning as he gets back on his feet and helps Sersi up.

“Very rude,” she confirms, glancing back at the chaos. “Why aren’t you glowing yet?”

“Because, my darling, I’m keeping my emotions in check,” he replies, eyes darting back to Druig. “That git is going to get the humans killed.”

As Sersi sprints toward Druig, who is still in the thick of battle, Ayaz follows, heart racing. He watches as a Deviant’s tail slams into a human, sending the man sprawling. Druig, without missing a beat, picks up the fallen gun, dodging the creature's claws and firing with precision.

Ayaz swallows hard, mesmerized by the flexing muscles in Druig's arms, now on display without his robe. How does he manage to look so perfect amidst all this chaos?

“Perfect timing to drool over the good-looking git, Ayaz,” he mutters to himself, shaking his head to clear the thoughts.

Meanwhile, Sersi reaches a nearby tree, channeling her powers to aid Druig. She transforms a segment of the tree trunk into water, then solidifies it into metal to create a barrier.

Suddenly, Ayaz teleports beside Druig, wrapping his arms around him just as a heavy branch crashes down where they stood moments before. “You really care,” Druig whispers, a smile breaking through his focus as Ayaz releases him. “I like you like this.”

“Funny,” Ayaz replies, sarcasm lacing his voice, but beneath the quip, a flutter of warmth rises in his chest.

“Druig! Let them go!” Sersi shouts, urgency rising in her voice.

“Now is not the time, Sersi,” Druig snaps, frustration etched across his handsome features.

Sersi grips his shoulder firmly, desperation in her eyes. “Please. I know you’re better than this.”

With a heavy sigh, Druig pushes her hands away, but the internal struggle is evident. Finally, he raises his arm, releasing the humans from his control. Confusion spreads among them, and he shouts, “Go! Get to the river!” Without hesitation, they bolt away.

But just as hope begins to stir, the caged Deviant roars and breaks free, its gaze locking onto the trio. The creature lashes out, its tail striking with vicious force and sending them all flying again.

“This is getting ridiculous,” Ayaz groans, shaking off the disorientation. As he stands, he sees the Deviant sink its tentacles into Druig’s neck. Panic surges through him; Druig is fighting, struggling against the creature’s grasp.

In that moment, rage fuels Ayaz’s powers, and he unleashes a fierce battle cry, launching ice daggers at the Deviant in quick succession, trying to draw its attention away from Druig.

The creature, distracted, releases Druig and turns towards Ayaz, its grotesque form looming closer. The next thing Ayaz knows, he’s thrown into a nearby pool, water splashing over him. As the Deviant dives in after him, Ayaz’s powers surge out of control. He reaches out instinctively, touching the creature, and in that moment, he absorbs its life force.

While Ayaz struggles beneath the water, Sersi rushes to Druig’s side, helping him regain his footing. But Druig’s eyes are fixed on the pool, anxiety twisting in his stomach. He doesn't care about his own injuries; all he wants is to see Ayaz emerge safe.

A sudden chill envelops the atmosphere, an eerie stillness settling over the scene. The water grows calm, and Ayaz’s golden eyes shine like beacons beneath the surface. But then, silence.

Without warning, Ayaz bursts forth from the water, gasping for air, and collapses into Druig’s waiting arms. Despite the turmoil of emotions raging within him, he surrenders to the warmth of Druig’s embrace, seeking comfort in the familiarity of their connection.

“Ayaz! Are you all right?” Druig’s voice is filled with concern, his grip tightening around Ayaz as if he fears losing him again.

Ayaz shakes his head, breathless and shaken, his heart racing. He buries his face in the crook of Druig’s neck, inhaling the comforting scent that calms his frayed nerves.

“How did you do that?”

Ayaz glances at Kingo, who stands nearby, his expression one of shock as he gazes at the decayed body of the Deviant now floating lifelessly in the water.

“I don’t know,” Ayaz admits, uncertainty creeping into his voice. But beneath the chaos and the fear, a sense of resolve builds within him. This fight is far from over.