Downgrade

Neatherock St.

“So, you did pass out when you’re in the middle of recalling?” Vixen pondered.

The others are still in the Old Mill. Vixen, Cody, and Miguel were moving fast to the Neatherock St. – the place that Miguel had seen in his memory. The street was identified from the enigmatic and vile things revolving. They believed that it was cursed, and few have gone to visit or just pass it for the fear that they won't come back.

Gaping, Cody lengthened his arms aloft. He was distrait for the team and hoped that Guilbert will convey any update.

“Yes. The messenger had sent another address. We were hoping that we could at least have specific references of who that person responsible for it.” Miguel replied, kicking a stone.

They passed by the fountain and went straight. The streets were getting loose from the mass. The Lowies don’t bother to deal with the others, hence most of the time they’re just taking their daily routine – waking up, taking rations, going to the market, might as well get a valid work then lead straight back home. It’s not that simple. The ranking is still a rover. The three curdled to the right concrete pavement, the Neatherock St. Bedraggled, and raucous crows have hurled around. Some were just resting on tangled barbed wires strewn along the path, scrutinizing their advent.

“Those just gave me creeps.” Vixen shrugged as she spotted the birds.

“They’re welcoming us.” Miguel opted.

“Are they going back for dinner?” Cody suddenly felt sorry for leaving the team a while ago. Vixen smacked his back and gave him a grin. “Don’t be such a softy. They’ll be fine and they’re not going to give us a scold…That’s why we need to find some information about this place.” She uttered and examined the long bricked walls leading them to a dark portion where light can’t enter. Miguel gulped as he took small feverish steps. “I don’t think so.”

“So, did you find features about the messenger?” Vixen said, taking a soft whistle.

“Yeah. It was a man with red hair and a mark on his right eye.”

“That’s it?”

“His image was a bit a blur. And he was also wearing a collar…but..” Miguel paused and stopped his walk, staring in blankness.

“But what?”

“As if…he just interfered in my memory.”

“W-Wait, what?” Cody twitched when he heard him.

Was that even possible? An interference? There was silence. Miguel was still remembering what exactly had happened, but it was as if the door in opening the particular memory had been locked. He can’t access it anymore. Cody suddenly felt nauseous when he suddenly sensed a horrendous smell from a distance. Vixen sniffed, also did she recognize it.

“That stinks.”

“Yeah, it does.” Miguel said, covering his nose with his coat.

They traced the place where the odor is absolutely evident. As they moved to another block, the smell was getting heavy and sharp. Cody believed that he had just seen something moved from his peripheral view and heard a soft screeching sound.

“Did you hear that?” He kept twitching his body to look over the other way.

“Heard what?” Vixen gave him a questionable face.

“I-I just thought I have seen something moved from behind us. C-Can…we just go back?” His voice croaked.

Vixen looked below and saw his knees trembled in fear. She scoffed. “Pfft. Are you going to pee in your pants?” She teased.

“O-Of course not…it’s just that, I feel like we’re getting ourselves into something sinister or maybe a trap.”

Miguel patted his back. He’s not really the type who knows how to comfort someone who’s about to cry in terror. He made a smile, hoping that it will go well for them. Vixen stood uprightly and focused her attention on the signage, her breath was a bit craggy. Miguel noticed her presence and sooner left a stare and saw the name, Block 4, Lot 1.

“I think this is the place..” Miguel uttered.

They didn’t expect to see misery had engulfed it. It was trepidation. Their mouths released wide as they frighteningly observed.

“W-What did we just get ourselves into?” Miguel utterly muttered.

“This. Is. Hell.” Miguel said, almost a whisper.

The three stood still. Neatherock Street isn’t a sheltered, safe location – it was a burial place. A scruffy extensive cloth was hung over the wires, limiting to see wholly the inside. Slowly, with a beating heart, Miguel swayed the cloth to the side and a horrendous setting had appeared in front of them. Lumps of lifeless bodies filled the vacant lot. The smell of blood snooped in their nostrils. They were battered to death. They've suffered. A stained lamppost was shedding light from the left corner, giving them more of a timorous feeling as they recognized a greyed dark smoke coming from the middle of the burnt ones. Vixen gulped several times, trying to tolerate the smell. Cody fell to his knees and can’t take much of what he’d seen – he vomited.

The three of them shakenly stepped towards the site. Vixen held Cody’s arm.

“C-Can we just come back to our place?” Vixen soundlessly said.

Miguel embraced how his knees shake. He needed to keep calm to think. Taking a deep breath, he had sensed something moved from behind like a swift, then came from another direction. He held his arms sidewards keeping guard for the two. Cody and Vixen were watching around when they realized that someone is watching them.

Vixen spotted someone lurked from the western side of the block. She immediately pulled down the two on the ground and shouted. “Take cover!”

In a flash, a red burning flame was thrown from nowhere. It was aiming for their direction but it flopped to shot them and rather hit some of the dread. Miguel hissed in annoyance. He already suspected that something is about to happen, but he didn’t even try to stop their lead. They couldn’t take their backs now. Their eyes lingered around the place. Their senses were heightened, intently observing.

“What was that?” Cody whispered a question, taking cover with his hands.

“I don’t know. We need to move or they’ll trap us.” Vixen tediously said. She can hear her own beats.

“They? You mean there isn’t one?” Cody panicked. Another flamed was shot and struck just near them. Not thinking twice, Cody sprung from his feet and ran back to their way, which gave them a shock. They don’t have much time to think correctly. Vixen and Miguel got no choice but to tail Cody. They moved from their positions and engaged. Vixen was quite sure that the opponents are not that far from where they are. And if she can just take a look, she’ll know what powers are enthralled by them. She needed to find a way. Looking over Cody who was pacing out, the man activated his power and lifted some pebbles. Cody threw them to a course where the flames are coming from.

He shouted so hard that his voice crushed. “Take that you loathing pigs!”

It wasn’t the right time to have fun, but Vixen suddenly sneered as she witnessed how mad Cody was. She thought that she’s getting crazier with the things that are happening with Era.

“Man, he’s really a cracked one.” Miguel remarked as they made their way back.

A light had cast a way for them, but a smile is nowhere to be found on Cody’s face when a bunch of men and a woman suddenly sprung from above, blocking their way to an exit. Cody immediately paced back, so do the other two. There were four of them, standing still, no movements at all. All of them were wearing those obscene leather armors. Their shoes were greasy, coarse low-heeled. Faces weren’t able to give any details – they’re covered with crimson knotted scarves up to their chests. The troop offered them a domineering welcome as if they have waited for them and they expected the three to come over. Everyone settled in their location, keeping an eye on each other. The girl who’s standing in the middle took smaller steps from the others. She was calmed.

Miguel fixed his gaze to her and realized that she was all in cloth, even her face was covered solely. He moved his eyes and saw a familiar thing from the men behind her. They have chockers, but he wasn’t sure if one of them was the one who blocked his memory.

“Don’t be frightened.” The woman said behind her scarf. Doesn’t she have a face to let us see? Vixen thought in silence. She directly examined her and saw that they came from the other level, the Elites. The first man standing from the left is in his twenties. He had big deep brown curls. His eyes are black, broad muscles. The man standing next to him is the youngest among the rest, a fifteen year–old. He had a silk hair up to his shoulders. He’s the skinniest and he’s a bit gawky. The man kept smirking as he swayed his hips in motion. The third one was dead serious. He had fair white skin, ocean blue eyes, and spiky hair. The two of them have the powers of Interference and the other was Fire. Lastly, the woman was gifted with Invisibility.

Vixen’s eyes widened when she saw her. She couldn’t be mistaken. It was her, the Invisible Girl.

“Y-You’re -.” Vixen was stopped by Cody’s hand, guarding her.

“So, you’ve come.” The girl said, keeping still their distance. They smelt like the dead as if they’re responsible for such acts around.

“Who are you?” Cody bluntly said. He still didn’t stop forcing his powers. He’s near to his limit. Vixen, with her warm eyes, gave him a hand over his arm.

“Cody…”

“Why did you give us that address?” Now, Miguel voiced out a question.

The girl stared at them. Her long curly hair was swaying with the cold breeze. The longer they stare at each other, the more they recognized her as the same age as them.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience, but we didn’t want you to have this specific address other than what we have written on that sheet…That’s why Anton,” The girl pointed the man in the middle. “Had to interfere with your friend’s memory.”

"But why?" Miguel asked with a fuss. He wasn't sure if the girl was telling them the truth.

"Because we don't want others to know about this. But I guess your presence here will be the answer that you've already taken hold with this address."

"Who knows this place other than us?" Cody asked.

"The Committee, Rulers, and some of our special forces."

Special forces, that lingered on their ears. They knew that each rank has its own plans, whether for everyone or just for their level.

“Are you the ones liable for this devious act?” Vixen fumed.

“As far as we want to…we aren’t.”

“Then who did?” Miguel muttered and took his stand beside Cody.

The moment called for hesitation. Cody moved a step back. One of the men sneered in laughter which gave them an annoyance. He’s clearly getting on their nerves. Vixen guessed that time is more relevant than the play. They need to tag along. Remembering what they went for, they need to comprehend some answers, especially the truth that will prevail on what happened to the souls of those who have just died and hideously burnt. It was the devil’s doing, she cussed in her head.

“Are you here to kill us?”

“Maybe.” The man from the right side answered.

The girl sighed. Clearly, she wasn’t in the mood to take into a fight. She cleared her throat and fixed her clothes. “How do I start? Well…” She breathed deep. “Those are the bodies who were eliminated before and got themselves back here inside.”

“B-But how? How did they get back inside the city?

“There was a secret passage they have recently discovered in the Old Mill. That’s the only thing we know. And rules are rules. We all know that those who have left will never get inside, and if they come back, death will be theirs.” The girl replied timidly.

“That’s too much.” Miguel whispered, holding his head.

Vixen eyed on her. “Who even are you? Are you the…Invisible Girl?”

The girl paused. Vixen was hoping that she would give her an answer, but her cold eyes just gazed upon her. Instead, she just gave Vixen her name. “I’m…Carmilla.”

“We’re getting into a lovely chat aren’t we?” Cody cut them both, crossing his arms. His lips were dry.

“You’ve said that one of your team needed to interfere with my recall? Why? Are you the messenger? And why Era?” Miguel was probing.

“Yes. I know the Era is up for something. Even if you try to lurk behind the obscured streets or under your shadows, most people have hints about a secret group that wants to take harm to the system. Doesn’t it bother you?” The girl’s voice stiffened.

“Enough. This is useless. What do you want from us?” Cody harshly blurted out, lifting some stones, and was engaging in a fight. He was aggravated. The men started to defend the girl, surrounding her.

“Fight is not a thing here. We don’t want any trouble with you. We have sent that message hoping that you’ll do your part. Cats will always be as curious as to their souls. I know you’re moving your plan. We’re not enemies and not allies as well. It’s up to you on how Era will use the information we have given you.” She muttered. Stepping towards them, nearer, she gave them a small smile.”

“Should we then at least give you a special thanks?” Cody hysterically said.

He thought that he had seen her before based on her voice as if he knew her along.

"We don't have much time. We still need to get rid of the bodies." The man on the left side uttered, placing his palm over the girl's shoulder. She nodded.

"You've said you're not responsible for this," Vixen said.

"Yes. The Committee gave us the order to burn them. When we arrived, they are already lifeless... We didn't know who killed them... but I'm certain it's not you, Lowies."

Cody scowled. "Of course, we can't do such thing, especially to those who barely live after they have thrown outside from the place they once called as home.

Vixen signed. She knew that the girl was telling the truth, but not precisely. She wanted to ask more, to long more for answers. The girl smoothly passed by them, leaving her without a choice. Her team started to carry the bodies to the center where a fire will be lightened by one of them. Without a word, she moved herself to the road. Cody and Miguel gave each other a contemptuous look and turned their game upon Vixen who's taking a slow pace.

"That's it? This is all we got after we got ourselves here?" Cody hilariously pondered and without a choice, they followed Vixen.

When they were about to pass the clothing that was hanging, Vixen suddenly turned herself back and met the girl's eyes. She was also looking at her as if she wanted to tell something but there's a hindrance.

"When we meet again, I can't promise that we will not hurt you." The girl said.

Vixen was now able to see a face. The girl had just taken off her scarf half of her face. She has seen those eyes, blankly staring at them.

Without knowing why, she gave the girl a smile and said, "Likewise. Then, we'll be looking for that."

The three of them left the street without looking back. As far as they know, they don't want to visit it again and just hoped that Kinzel and the others are in their base. Guilbert scratched his head, still trying to dig in on what just happened to them.

"This is exhausting." Cody blurted out while pulling his hair off from frustration.

"Totally." Vixen yawned.

Passing all the blocks, they headed back to the Long Range Fountain where Vixen decided to sit on its side and closed her eyes for a while, rested. Cody slumped on the ground, while Miguel was just standing, appreciating tiny details of the first level.

He didn't even realize that beauty still can be seen even in a place that's been deprived. Staring above, the moon was shining bright. He had loved silence, and it was peaceful, not until Cody groaned his sudden burst of tantrums.

"Man, I want to go out." He cried.

"You're literally outside, Cod." Vixen replied, still keeping her eyes shut. She was calming herself with the air and gave in with her thoughts.

Small tapping sounds were enough to open her eyes. Miguel held one of his books, thinking it was for defense.

The sounds became louder and fast. They were raging, coming towards their direction. Slowly. several shadows appeared through the vast lights of lamposts. Cody jolted from the ground and immediately took control of the fountain's water. The shadows became bigger as the clock ticks by. There were five of them. They wanted to wait to identify the shadows' owners, but to their dismay, Cody suddenly splashed an ample of water in the direction of the shadows, holding their eyes shut. Seconds turned into a minute, they waited for any response but there's none. Cody decided to open his and was in regret of doing it - a maddening face and a dark fainted feeling embraced him, coming from the presence of Kinzel and the others who're wet.

"Are you done?" Kinzel blankly said, which made the two opened their eyes. Their faces told them that they have just also taken themselves into a displeasing scenario.

"I-I'm sorry." Cody was about to burst into tears when Kinzel stopped him by pressing her finger on his lips to hush.

"Save that sorry of yours if I'm not satisfied with what you're about to tell me." Kinzel uttered, enough for the three to remember the threat she had written.

Now, the boss is back, either to compliment them or give them a scold... and they knew where it will be if they won't satisfy her with answers.