Sacrifice

The first soldier charged, and Diego met him with overwhelming force. The symbiont sliced through the air in a wide arc, clashing against the soldier’s advanced weapon. The resulting explosion echoed through the corridor, briefly illuminating the impassive face of Ron Wireback, who stood motionless, watching the battle.

Leo tried to use the distraction to attack another soldier, but a shot grazed past his head. He dodged, the energized knife humming as he countered. His strike landed, but the soldier’s reinforced armor absorbed the impact. Leo backed up, blocking an incoming blow.

The soldiers weren’t just skilled—they were equipped with weapons Leo had never seen before. One raised an arm-integrated weapon and fired a barrage of concentrated light blasts at Diego. To Leo’s astonishment, the projectiles dissipated against the aura surrounding Diego, as if hitting an invisible shield. The symbiont not only amplified Diego’s strength but also seemed to protect him.

That’s why he fights so confidently, Leo thought as he dodged another shot. But even with that advantage, the soldiers’ numbers were overwhelming.

Diego moved like a storm incarnate, each strike of the symbiont leaving glowing marks on the walls. A shot whizzed past his head, but he spun, blocking with the blade and striking down the nearest soldier.

Fatigue began to weigh on him, but Diego didn’t retreat—each strike was a defiant cry against the Vanguard. He blocked shots and blows without hesitation, the symbiont’s aura absorbing impacts and allowing him to keep up the pace.

“Leo, focus on defense!” Diego shouted between strikes, deflecting a shot that ricocheted off the wall.

Leo tried to obey, retreating and blocking attacks with his energized knife. But he wasn’t as fast or strong as Diego. Every move drained him further, while the soldiers pressed on relentlessly.

Ron remained still, observing the scene like a spectator at a theater. He made no move to intervene, but the cold smile on his face spoke volumes. He was in control, and he knew it.

“Is this all you’ve got?” Ron’s voice cut through the chaos, silencing the corridor.

Diego turned toward Ron, eyes burning with fury. “Why don’t you stop watching and fight for real?” he shouted, his voice echoing down the hallway.

Ron tilted his head slightly, as though the challenge was beneath him. “Why should I bother? You’re already losing.”

Leo panted, sweat dripping down his face as he deflected another attack, his legs trembling under the fight’s relentless strain. Diego, too, was beginning to falter—his movements were still powerful but growing less precise.

“Leo, get behind me!” Diego yelled, taking down another soldier with a powerful strike. But for every one that fell, it seemed two more took their place.

Leo obeyed, retreating behind Diego and trying to catch his breath. He looked at Ron, who remained untouched by the chaos around him. How can we beat him if we can’t even get close?

Diego moved back toward Leo, panting, sweat dripping down his face as his movements grew heavier. Their eyes met, and in that instant, Leo saw something that made his heart sink—a final decision, already made.

“Leo,” Diego said, his voice steady despite his labored breathing. He began removing the symbiont from his arm, the energy around him dimming. “You need to get out of here. Find Alice and Rubi. Finish what we started.”

“What? No! What are you going to do?” Leo’s voice was a mix of shock and desperation.

Diego held the symbiont for a moment before firmly placing it in Leo’s hands. “You need to keep going, kid. They can’t stop us if you keep moving forward.”

Leo stared at the device, its faint energy pulsing against his skin. “I don’t know how to use this,” he murmured, trembling.

Diego gripped Leo’s shoulder, his expression unwavering. “You’ll figure it out. Not because you have to, but because you’re meant to. Lucy believed in you. I believe in you.”

“Diego, no! I won’t let you—” Leo began, but Diego interrupted him, shoving him back with enough force to make him stumble. The impact sent Leo against the wall, and before he could recover, Diego stepped forward, blocking any chance of return.

With a swift motion, Diego stabbed the control panel for the door, sending sparks flying and sealing it shut, cutting off any attempt to stop him. He turned to Leo, drawing a small backup blade from his belt. “You have to keep going, kid. Fight for what you believe in and... live without fear.”

“Diego, don’t do this!” Leo shouted, pounding on the wall, but the door was already closing, sealing off the corridor bit by bit. As it neared full closure, Leo caught one last glimpse.

Diego surged like lightning, cutting through the first soldier before they could react. The second fell in a heartbeat, but the tide was merciless. Even as wounds sapped his strength, Diego fought with relentless precision. “This doesn’t end here!” he roared, cutting down another before taking a fresh hit. His final strike unleashed a burst of energy that forced the soldiers to recoil—a brief opening to ensure Leo’s escape.

Leo saw Diego deflect one blow as another soldier attacked from behind. The blade pierced Diego’s side, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. Even injured, Diego spun, taking down another foe, but the next strike came too fast, hitting him square in the chest.

Ron stood motionless, arms crossed, his cold gaze fixed on Diego. As the final blow struck, he tilted his head, a faint smile curling his lips. “What a waste,” he murmured, his voice like frost.

Leo watched, fury boiling in his veins. He wanted to scream, to charge back into the fight, but the sound of the door sealing trapped him in place, leaving him with nothing but his rage.

Leo slumped against the wall, fists clenched as the symbiont pulsed faintly in his hands. He pounded the door, the sound echoing through the corridor. “Diego!” His voice broke, and for a moment, he stayed there, head bowed. But Diego’s words rang in his mind: Fight for what you believe in and... live without fear.

Leo closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and when he opened them, resolve burned in his gaze. Doubt was gone. The Vanguard would pay.

With the symbiont firm in his grip, he turned and started running down the corridor, his footsteps echoing like a vow. No matter the cost, he would see their mission through to the end.