Chapter 56 - going back to the hood (Part 20) - Grim revelation

As we finally stumbled into Compton, exhausted and battered, we found the streets transformed into a makeshift hospital. Medical teams and National Guardsmen swarmed around us, tending to the wounded. Soro, Maya, and a stranger emerged from the tank, their eyes fixed on us.

Soro's teasing remark drew a scathing glance from Damien. "You have no idea what we've been through, asshole.”

Soro's expression turned serious. "About the evidence…"

I opened the van door, revealing a cowering Don Jurado. Detective Tracy approached us, his expression grim. "Kid, you're something else... What's the situation at the base, Soro?”

Soro replied, "The colonel is here. We need to act fast.”

Detective Tracy nodded, his eyes scanning the scene. "Casualties are mounting, and the hospital is overwhelmed. The local community is helping, but we need to move quickly."

Soro speaks up, "The colonel is here," and begins to brief him on the situation. Detective Tracy explains the gravity of their situation, with casualties mounting and the hospital cut off. The local community is pitching in, but time is of the essence.

Soro interrupts, his urgency palpable. "We don't have time for idle chatter. Maya, we need a sitrep and immediate action.”

Maya springs into action, excitement in her voice. "Finally! Remember the deal, big brother Soro!”

Soro nods, and Specter, the stranger, offers his support. "I'll back her up. Nice to meet you, kid. We'll meet again.”

Soro's tone turns serious. "For now, focus on the target.”

The radio crackles to life, and Maruk's voice comes through. "Nephew, get Don to Detective Tracy. Tell Tracy not to trust anyone.”

Soro passes me the radio, and I record Maruk's message. Soro's eyes lock onto mine, his words laced with gravity. "Keep it secret, even from Detective Tracy. Our family line is involved.”

My world is turned upside down. I feel a mix of anger and shock.

"What do you mean?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Soro nods solemnly. "If they find out you're part of the family, you'll be arrested and blamed for this incident. Don't trust anyone until I find Boulder.”

My heart races as I ask about Eclipse, and Soro's whisper sends chills down my spine.

"He's dead, killed by the clone. They're cleaning up loose ends, and that includes you.”

I nod, and Soro departs, leaving me with a lingering question mark. I wonder if this is connected to Project Lilith, which Melissa had mentioned earlier. My next mission, when I return to school next semester, will be to uncover the truth. But I'm hesitant to involve my friends this time, as it's no longer a simple matter, and they could be put in harm's way as well.

Just then, Nat approaches me, curiosity etched on her face.

"Who was that, anyway? You seem pretty familiar with him," she asks, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Nat isn't one to be easily deceived, much like Sylvia. I gaze at her, and suddenly, I'm overcome with emotion, wrapping my arms around her in a tight hug. A fear I've never felt before surges through me - the fear of losing someone I truly care about.

"Nat, if anything happens to me after this...I need you to promise me you'll help me, got it?" Nat's confusion is evident, but she reassures me, "You know I won't let you do anything stupid, got it?”

I pull back, forcing a smile, and explain, "That guy is my distant cousin from my dad's side." Nat's caution is palpable, especially since Soro exudes an air of danger.

"Your dad's family, right?" Nat seems to know something I don't, and I sense an opportunity to glean information from her. It is Maybe her dad, Mr. Hawk, told her something?

I nod, "Yeah, but not directly related to my dad. They're a separate branch, and to be honest, I'd rather not get involved with them.”

Nat's eyes narrow, "I get that same piercing feeling from him, like his entire being radiates an aura that's sinister, but not evil." We both know what that means - he's an assassin.

I try to steer the conversation away, but Nat persists, "If anything happens to you, I'll make sure to find Hana, Sam, and your mom, and keep them safe." Her words bring me a sense of relief.

As we head back, surrounded by the chaos of people tending to the wounded, Amin and Mariam rush towards me. Mariam's eyes are brimming with tears, her voice trembling.

"You stupid idiot, I was so scared something would happen to you, bro!!!" She's genuinely relieved I'm safe.

Amin chimes in, "Bro, don't scare Mariam like that, she hates it." I'm grateful Amin is here to calm her down. This situation is far beyond what 15-year-old kids like us should be dealing with.

Just then, Mika jumps into the scene, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug, her boobs squishing into my face. I feel Nat's yandere aura intensifying, and I'm worried she might kill me or Mika on the spot.

Nat pushes Mika away, her eyes flashing with a hint of jealousy. Mika protests, "Hey, since he hugged you, it's my turn!!" The tension is suddenly broken, replaced by a comedic moment that leaves me as the hapless victim.

Hardware embraces me like a long-lost friend, "Homie!! What the hell is going on in LA, god!! I'm so happy you're safe, homie!!!" The guys surrounding us join in, hugging me tightly, while the ones who followed me earlier chime in, "If it wasn't for Alex and Damien..."

Mika's eyes widen in shock as she takes in Damien's presence, her hand instinctively reaching for her gun. "Fuck you, asshole!! I still can't believe you shot him down!!! This is my babe!!" she spits venomously. Damien's eyes lock onto mine, confusion etched on his face.

"Homie, you're not like that before...especially with bitches in LA?" he asks, seeking an explanation.

I gesture towards Mika, "Ugh, try to look at her face, see any resemblance?" I hint that Mika is Naomi's little sister. Damien's eyes flicker towards Mika, his expression incredulous.

"You've got to be kidding me? This looks like Naomi? Are you sure about that?" he asks, disbelief evident.

Hardware chimes in, "Hey Homie, what the hell is going on? I heard from Naomi that you met her before?”

Damien shakes his head, "Huh? What the fuck? No way, man...I ain't asking Naomi...all I did was meet with Hardware and check our stash." His tone is laced with confusion.

I nod, understanding, "Uh huh, that means the person who met Naomi isn't even you to begin with.”

Damien's eyes narrow, "Then who the fuck was that then...?" We both wonder, our minds racing.

Just then, Naomi approaches us, her voice laced with confusion, "Is this...?" She seems lost, unsure of what's happening.

Damien appears to be avoiding Naomi, but she's onto him. "Another blow job?" she asks abruptly, her tone laced with accusation.

I'm shocked, thinking to myself, "What the fuck, Naomi?! What's gotten into you?" We've both experienced Naomi's intimate favors, but this sudden confrontation catches me off guard.

Nat, standing behind me, chimes in, her voice firm and displeased. "Uh huh...so it is true then..." Her glare is piercing, and I can feel her anger radiating towards us.

Mika jumps into the fray, her eyes fixed on me. "If you want a blowjob, I can do it right now!!" Nat's hair is practically standing on end, and Damien and I exchange nervous glances, both of us thinking, "Oh shit, we're in trouble now!”

Amin's face is bright red with embarrassment, his eyes fixed on the ground as he struggles to contain his humiliation. Meanwhile, Hardware is lost in his own fantasy world, muttering to himself.

"Those kids got ahead of me, a blowjob from Naomi!?" Hardware's mumbling is audible, and Xavier, Naomi's husband, can't help but chuckle and playfully choke him in a comedic gesture.

"Those kids I could accept, but you, asshole, are a full-grown man! That's my fucking wife, asshole!!!" Amin's embarrassment turns to anger, but before he can confront me, Mariam delivers a swift and decisive roundhouse kick to his face, knocking him out cold.

The other boys retreat, hands raised in a humorous gesture of surrender. "Damn, girl, you just knocked your man out like that!" one of them exclaims, eyes wide with amusement. They raise their arms in a playful gesture, palms facing upwards, as if to say "we don't want any trouble!"

As we navigated the chaos, we shared a moment of levity before diving into a serious conversation about our next steps.

Detective Tracy briefed us on the situation. 'I've secured the Don's testimony, and we have substantial evidence implicating the mayor. Our priority now is to apprehend the assailant.'

He spoke with confidence, his voice firm and assured.

I called up the guys I had met in Compton, and when they arrived, they looked at me like, 'What's going on?’

'We're taking back our town,' I said, my voice firm. 'The mayor's involved in some shady stuff, and we need to put a stop to it.’

Some of them looked surprised, but Leonardo stepped forward and said, 'I used to be involved in some rough stuff too, but when I had my daughter, I wanted a better life for her. We all want a future here.’

Luis added, 'We're a community, but our leaders have let us down. We need to take back our town!’

Everyone started nodding in agreement, and Detective Tracy said, 'LAPD is on our side, and we have someone willing to come forward.’

Damien stepped forward, determination in his eyes. 'I'm going to prove my innocence, and we're going to take back our town, together!’

The group showed their support, and I could feel the energy shift. We were in this together now.

The colonel suddenly spoke up, his voice filled with emotion. 'We let you down, but I love this town.' He bowed his head, and we were all taken aback, wondering if he had learned this gesture of humility from his time in Japan.

'We thought you were one of them, Colonel,' Damien said, his voice laced with disappointment.

The colonel looked up, his eyes filled with regret. 'I was wrong to follow the mayor's orders. I see that now. But I want to make it right.’

'We need to work together if we want to take back our town,' Leonardo added, his voice firm.

The colonel nodded, his face set in determination. 'I'm with you. Let's do this.’

I couldn't believe my eyes - people I never thought I'd see working together were now united in our mission to take back our town. We gathered around Detective Tracy's map of the city, strategizing our next move. The constant attacks had us on high alert, and we knew we had to take it block by block.

'Compton's our safe zone for now,' Detective Tracy explained, pointing to the map. 'But our priority is securing the hospital. It's overrun by the assailants, and we need to get it back.'

Leonardo nodded, his eyes scanning the map. 'We'll need to move quickly and quietly. We don't know what we're up against.’

The colonel spoke up, his voice firm. 'I'll lead the charge. My men and I will clear a path to the hospital.’

Damien added, 'I'll take point on scouting ahead. I know these streets.’

Luis and Hardware nodded, ready to provide backup. I looked around at our makeshift team, amazed at how far we'd come. From rival gangs to united warriors, we were determined to take back our town, block by block.

The Colonel and Detective Tracy stood in the makeshift command center, a small room in the heart of Compton. Maps and radios covered the tables, and the sound of static filled the air.

'Alright, team,' the Colonel said, his voice firm and commanding. ‘Leonardo Team, Damien’s Team , Luis Team, and Hardware Team, you're our frontline. Secure the hospital and hold your position.’

Detective Tracy added, 'Remember, we have civilians trapped in there. Let's get them out safely.’

The team nodded, their faces set with determination. They knew the risks, but they also knew what was at stake.

'Colonel, we have a visual on the hospital,' Leonardo said, his voice crackling over the radio. 'It's heavily guarded, but we have a plan.’

'Proceed with caution,' the Colonel replied. 'We don't want any unnecessary risks.'

The team moved out, their footsteps echoing through the deserted streets. The Colonel and Detective Tracy watched their progress on the map, their eyes locked on the hospital.

Mika and I took point, using our bikes as a distraction. I fired a shot at the gate, and the armed men took the bait, returning fire. We took cover behind a nearby wall, shooting back to keep them pinned down.

'Go, go, go! Let's move, people!' I yelled to the team, keeping my head down as bullets whizzed past.

Mika and I continued to lay down suppressive fire, giving the rest of the team time to infiltrate the hospital. Our plan was to surround the assailants and capture them. Detective Tracy's voice came over the radio, 'SWAT team, move in! Secure the perimeter!'

The other team moved stealthily, trying to flush out any remaining assailants inside the hospital. Our goal was to secure the area and get the civilians to safety.

We swept through the hospital, but it was a weird scene. No hostages, no stolen gear. Something ain't right. I got a hunch, and it led me to the blood bank. I drew my piece, nodding to Mika to follow me.

Inside, we found some lab-coat-wearing scientists surrounded by rows of blood samples. Mika's eyes went wide. "What the hell they doin'?" she asked, low.

I didn't have time to answer. "Hands up, y'all!" I yelled, firing a warning shot into the ceiling. They raised their hands, except for one dude who made a grab for his piece. Mika took him down with a slick shot to the arm.

“that is sick Mika!" I exclaimed.

The scientists looked at us like they was scared and defiant at the same time. I approached them, my piece still trained on the group. "What's the play here? What's goin' on?”

Mika kept her eyes on the scientists, her gun still raised. "You better start talkin', fools.”

As Mika kept the scientists at gunpoint, I noticed something that made my blood run cold. The files they were using had symbols on them - the Brotherhood of Mason and the Borneo Foundation. My mind raced back to Project Lilith and my mom. What was the connection?

I turned to the scientists, my expression grim. 'Where's the chamber?' One of them looked surprised that I knew about it.

'How did you...?' he started to ask, but I cut him off.

'So, you're building it here too?' Another scientist avoided eye contact, confirming my suspicions. I scanned the room, my inner voice guiding me. 'There...' Frederica whispered in my mind. I followed her prompt and found two chambers, each containing an embryo.

Rage consumed me. I grabbed one of the scientists, my eyes blazing yellow. 'Who's your head researcher?' He cowered, stammering.

'The missing link...' one of them muttered, eyes wide with fear. 'Impossible...you're the same as our clone?’

I tightened my grip. 'Tell me, is Lilith involved?' The scientists exchanged nervous glances. One of them, a female, spoke up.

'How do you know about Lilith?' I demanded, my questions met with silence. Finally, one of them spoke up.

'In the 1950s, during the Cold War, the founder of the Brotherhood of Mason conducted research. An elderly member, with no descendants, found a gifted child. Some believed it was a blessing from God, others a curse from the devil.’

She continued, her voice steady. 'Grand Bishop Cassius Ryman took the girl under his wing, claiming she was the descendant of Jesus Christ, divine and chosen.' The room fell silent, stunned by the revelation. 'But when a Vatican official accused her of witchcraft, Ryman stood by her, even as the Inquisition sought to burn her at the stake.'

I knew the history - the Malleus Maleficarum, the Witch's Hammer. If Lilith was alive then, she was over 500 years old.

The scientist took over, her voice filled with awe. 'Our tests revealed that everything about Lilith is extraordinary. Her DNA, her physiology...she's a marvel of nature.’

But the story took a darker turn. 'In 1962, Lilith was transported to Sabah, where a new facility was being built on the island of Borneo, backed by the Borneo Foundation. Its founder, Father Ezra Stone, was a former member of the Brotherhood of Mason, expelled when the government took control in 1969.’

The scientist's voice dropped to a whisper. 'Stone planned to eliminate everyone, including Lilith, to protect the foundation's secrets. But he spared her, urging her to escape when the Malaysian government stormed the facility. They destroyed everything, arrested the staff...but Lilith vanished.’

As Mr. Hawk and Uncle Usman's story unfolded, she revealed more shocking details. 'In 1975, Lilith was rediscovered, and Father Stone saw it as a divine sign to continue the research, believing fate had chosen her for this purpose.’

She continued, her voice laced with intrigue. 'When Dr. Usman and Dr. Hawk stumbled upon the truth, Stone ordered them to conceal it. But Dr. Hawk refused, and Dr. Usman hesitated, eventually leaving the project with a promise to keep silent.’

Tragedy struck again when Lilith died under mysterious circumstances, along with Stone. Yet, she left behind a child with unnatural growth, who became the focus of Professor Dr. Masnita's groundbreaking research in 1978. The professor successfully impregnated a young girl using the child's cells, which had aged only 17 years.

I was the one who discovered the abandoned facility in Kudat, I said to myself, recalling the memories. 'I remember it vividly, along with Slyvia, Priscilla, Mariam, and Amin. We stumbled upon the secrets hidden within those walls.

But the mysteries deepened. 'In 1981, another tragedy struck. The mother, who had been impregnated with Lilith's cells, developed a brain tumor, as if cursed by some unseen force.’

She continued, her voice laced with nostalgia. 'I was there, an intern at the time, and Dr. Mas was only 20 years old, a brilliant scientist who graduated at a young age. A product of the Borneo Foundation and Brotherhood of Mason...' Her words trailed off, leaving me stunned.

'Mom was part of the Brotherhood?' I thought to myself. 'All these coincidences can't be mere chance.’

Mika noticed my pale expression and asked, 'Hey, babe, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost.’

The scientist's eyes locked onto mine, her voice barely above a whisper. 'You look familiar... impossible... she did it again?’

I shook my head, confusion etched on my face. 'I need to know why you're telling me this.'

Her gaze turned calculating, as if I were a specimen under her microscope. 'The offspring of a brilliant scientist... interesting.’

My heart raced with anticipation. 'Tell me more…'

She leaned in, her voice conspiratorial. 'In 1981, Dr. Mas discovered the Brotherhood's true intention: to create the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. She couldn't agree to it, so she did the unthinkable. She reported to the Foundation's Director and sought Dr. Usman's help, sabotaging her own research and destroying the formula and data. But I managed to save the data before she could destroy it…'

Her words hung in the air, leaving me breathless. 'And now, one thing is certain: you are different from us... as if…' I look at her and said to her

"'I'm a monster?' Mika's voice was laced with concern as she grasped my arm. 'Hey, babe, you're not a monster!’

The scientist's words were laced with fear, 'No, something like Frankenstein... that's what someone reported to us. So, what will you do to us?' She seemed to surrender, but I sensed a hidden truth.

'No, you're hiding something... right?' My inner voice screamed, 'There's something scary inside here... I can feel it!' Frederica's eyes locked onto mine, as if she heard my thoughts.

I pointed the gun at the scientist, my finger trembling with rage. Mika's voice was laced with confusion, 'Hey, babe, what's going on?’

The scientist's smile was unnerving, 'Indeed, you are the missing piece... that eye of yours, it can't betray... Lilith's golden iris, yet you have pale yellowish eyes, a fragment of its form.' Her words fueled my anger.

'Don't test me!' I growled, just as a secret wall slid open, revealing a naked woman with red eyes and claw-like nails. The scientist cowered, 'Oh no... she must not be awakened, she's dangerous!'

I shouted at Mika, 'Get them out of here!' The clone was a feral creature, a weapon. My mind raced to prevent her escape.

'What have you done?!' I pushed Mika, my voice firm, 'Bring them out! Please! Just get out!' Mika hesitated, 'You're acting strange, what's going on?’

The clone attacked the scientist, and I blocked her, pushing her aside. The screaming was deafening, my inner voice a cacophony of conflicting thoughts.

'Kid, there's a time when you gotta do what you gotta do!' Darrel's voice echoed in my mind.

'Alex, we have to stop her, she's in pain, she just wants to end her life...' Frederica's voice pleaded with me, 'She's just a baby!'

The clone suddenly sprang to life, attacking the scientist and Mika. I swiftly grabbed the gun and pulled the trigger, shooting the clone in the leg. She let out a blood-curdling scream, but instead of retreating, she smiled maniacally and charged at me.

"Get out now, Mika! Just get the hell out!" I yelled, as Mika dragged the scientist to safety. The scientist's voice echoed back, "She's extremely dangerous, we must destroy her or else someone else will use her as a weapon…"

I knew I had to act fast. Scanning the room, I spotted a collection of chemicals on the shelves. I remembered learning about Greek fire in history class - a flammable mixture used in ancient warfare. I grabbed a few bottles, hoping to create a makeshift version.

The clone lunged at me, her claws swiping through the air. I dodged and weaved, using furniture to block her attacks. I aimed my gun at her arms, trying to disable her, but she was too fast. She unleashed a flurry of slashes, forcing me to retreat.

I spotted a bottle of ethanol and grabbed it, mixing it with a nearby container of potassium permanganate. The clone closed in, her eyes fixed on me with an unnatural hunger. I lit the mixture with a lighter, creating a makeshift torch.

With a deep breath, I hurled the torch at the clone, engulfing her in flames. She screamed, stumbling backward as the fire consumed her. But I knew it wasn't enough. I needed something more.

That's when I saw it - a bottle of hydrochloric acid on the shelf. I grabbed it, pouring it onto the clone's burning body. The acid hissed and bubbled, melting her skin away like wax. The clone's screams grew louder, her body dissolving into a puddle of acidic goo.

I stood back, horrified but resolute. I had to ensure she wouldn't rise again. The Greek fire and acid had melted her away, leaving nothing but a smoldering, acidic mess. I knew I had to get out, and fast. The scientist's warning echoed in my mind - someone else could use her as a weapon. I had to make sure that never happened.

Suddenly, my head was seized by a violent tremor, like a jackhammer pounding inside my skull. The vibrations were intense, making my teeth rattle and my vision blur. The room around me began to darken, as if a shadow was closing in. I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me, threatening to pull me under.

My mind racing, I stumbled backwards, desperate to escape the sensation. But it only intensified, the tremors growing stronger, more insistent. My vision began to tunnel, narrowing to a tiny pinprick of light. I felt myself being pulled towards it, helpless to resist.

What the hell was happening to me? Was it some kind of aftermath from the fight with the clone? Or something more sinister? I tried to call out, but my voice was barely a whisper, lost in the cacophony of my own mind.