Flash back

The rain pelts heavily against the dark alleyways as Grayson sprints through the night, his mother's hand tightly gripping his. The sound of sirens and heavy boots echoes behind them.

"Mom, we need to find somewhere safe!" his heart pounds as he scans for an escape route

Grayson suddenly trips over a loose brick, falling hard onto the wet ground. His mother stops to help him up while the searchlights sweep across their hiding spot.

"Get up Grayson!" she whispers urgently, pulling him to his feet "Hurry, there's a sewer grate ahead!"

Grayson's eyes widen in horror as he sees his mother fall, blood seeping through her coat. Her body hits the ground with a sickening thud. His vision blurs with tears as he rushes to her side.

"Mom! No, please... don't leave me!" he cradles her head, his hands trembling as he realizes she's barely breathing

Through her fading breath, his mother's eyes lock with his. A weak smile forms on her bloodied lips as she whispers her final words.

"You're special, Grayson... You'll know what to do... Find... others..."

The footsteps draw closer as Grayson's heart shatters. He gently lays his mother's body down, knowing he must run to survive.

"I'm sorry Mom..." he whispers, forcing himself to stand despite the agony tearing through his soul

With one last heartbroken look at his mother's lifeless form, Grayson turns and runs. The shadows of the alley seem to swallow him whole as he disappears into the night.

Grayson jolts awake in his dimly lit hideout, his heart racing from the vivid nightmare. He wipes away tears he hadn't realized were falling, his body trembling with the lingering grief.

Grayson takes deep breaths, trying to steady his shaking hands. The memories of that night haunt him still, but he forces himself to focus on the present.

"I need to find allies... Mom believed in a better future." he whispers to himself, determination slowly replacing his grief

Standing up, Grayson checks his makeshift hideout one last time before heading out into the city's dark underbelly.

"There must be others like me out there... somewhere..." he mutters, his mother's words echoing in his mind

The moonlight guides Grayson's path as he navigates through narrow alleyways toward Alisa's hidden hideout. The familiar scent of herbs and metal fills the air.

"Alisa... I need to talk to you." he calls softly, knocking on the metal door

The door creaks open, revealing Alisa's worried face. She quickly pulls Grayson inside, noting his distress.

"What happened, Gray? You look like you've seen a ghost..." she guides him to sit

Grayson slumps onto the couch, his shoulders heavy with the burden of memories. He stares at his hands, trying to find the words.

"I had another nightmare... about that night with my mom." his voice breaks slightly

Grayson's expression hardens with determination, pushing through his grief.

"I need your help, Alisa. I think it's time we start building a resistance against the government... and maybe find other hybrids like us." he meets her eyes seriously

Alisa studies Grayson's determined face for a moment before nodding slowly.

"Alright, I'm in. But we need a plan and some allies. Who do you have in mind?" she pulls out a map, ready to strategize

Grayson points to various locations on the map, his finger tracing potential routes.

"Bel mentioned seeing other hybrids hiding in the abandoned factories near the old harbor. And Loomi has contacts in the market district." his voice grows steadier with each location

Grayson stands up, already planning his route through the city's dark underbelly.

"Let's start with Bel. She's the most gentle but also the most knowledgeable about our kind." he glances at Alisa. "You should stay here and work on gathering information. "

Alisa stands with him, her eyes fierce with determination.

"Be careful out there, Gray. And remember - we're stronger together." she grabs his arm briefly

A slight smirk appears on Grayson's face despite the serious situation.

"When am I ever not careful?" he teases, though his eyes show gratitude for her concern

Alisa rolls her eyes playfully.

"Please, your version of careful usually involves running headfirst into trouble." she shakes her head with a fond smile

Grayson chuckles softly, then grows serious again.

"Fair point. But this time, I promise to think things through... mostly." *he heads toward the door*

Before leaving, Grayson pauses and turns back.

"If I'm not back by sunrise, assume the worst and get out of here." his tone carries both humor and genuine concern

Grayson winks and steps into the night, disappearing into the shadows. The sound of his footsteps fades as he moves stealthily through the city's darkness.

In the distance, sirens wail as a curfew patrol passes by. Grayson expertly ducks into an alley, his senses on high alert as he navigates toward Bel's hidden location.

The old factory looms ahead, its rusted exterior casting long shadows. Grayson checks for any signs of movement before slipping inside through a broken window.

Inside, the abandoned factory is dimly lit by Bel's bioluminescent abilities. The air is thick with dust and the scent of metal.

"Bel?" Grayson calls softly, his voice echoing through the cavernous space.

A small figure materializes from the shadows, their features illuminated by glowing patterns across their skin. It's Bel, looking both relieved and concerned.

"Grayson! You shouldn't be here alone." they rush forward, their glowing form casting an eerie light

Grayson moves to embrace Bel, feeling their comforting warmth. The patterns on their skin pulse softly.

"I know, but we need to talk. Alisa and I are planning something... something big." his voice carries determination

Bel's eyes sparkle with enthusiasm, their patterns glowing brighter at the mention of a plan.

"Really? What do you need me to do?" they bounce slightly on their toes, their eagerness palpable

Grayson explains their idea to gather other hybrids and start a resistance movement.

We need your help to communicate with them safely. And your ability to sense hybrid energy might be crucial." he speaks quickly, his excitement growing

Bel's expression turns serious, though still determined.

"Of course I'll help. But it's dangerous - we need a secure location where hybrids can meet without being caught." they tap their chin thoughtfully

Grayson nods, his mind racing with possibilities.

"The old tunnels under the abandoned subway system might work. They're dark and hard to detect from above." he glances at Bel "Can you scout them out?"

Bel's patterns pulse rapidly, indicating agreement.

"I can do that. Meet me back here in two days at midnight. I'll have more information by then." they move to the exit, the same for grayson

Grayson turns around and nearly jumps at Loomi's sudden appearance, causing Bel to giggle.

"Dear god, Loomi! How long have you been lurking here?" he clutches his chest dramatically

Loomi smirks, leaning casually against a rusted beam.

"Long enough to hear your little revolution plans. Count me in, but I want the coolest job." she twirls a shadow dagger playfully

Grayson groans but can't help smiling at her enthusiasm.

"Of course you do. Just try not to scare everyone to death with your dramatic entrances." he gestures for her to join them

Loomi saunters over, her shadow powers creating shifting patterns on the walls.

"Who else is in this little team of yours?" she asks, eyeing Bel's glowing form

"you, bel, alisa, and me" grayson said with a sigh

Loomi lets out a low whistle.

"Just the four of us? Against the whole government? This is either going to be really badass or really stupid." she grins

Grayson raises an eyebrow at Loomi's casual attitude.

"Actually, we need a lot more than just us. That's why we're spreading the word and recruiting carefully." he turns to Bel "Let's get moving before we're spotted here too long."

The group starts heading toward the exit, Grayson taking one last look at Bel's glowing form.

"Remember - midnight in two days. And stay safe." he says softly

(little note... sorry, im half asleep as im writing this, but im going with the flow...)