The clash between Fear and Blind shattered any illusion of safety that had once comforted the populace. The police and the law, once pillars of security, could no longer shield them, and attempts to obscure the unfolding chaos only escalated as the president's life teetered on the brink.
As the truth emerged, so did the voices of the people. No more lies could be sustained; the harsh reality was undeniable. Law enforcement was forced to evacuate the most ravaged areas, which encompassed more than half the city. Nearby towns were severely crippled, and the monstrous threats defied containment by even the world's most formidable nations. "If we're to survive this, we'll need a miracle," murmured the terrified citizens.
Law enforcement in neighboring towns hastily organized the evacuation of residents. The streets overflowed with vehicles crammed with belongings, each driver desperate to escape the impending doom. Yet, amidst the pandemonium, Erick remained unfazed.
Always one to relish a challenge, he skillfully navigated through the congested gridlock. Guion, unable to suppress his curiosity, wondered why Erick had remained steadfastly by his side through everything, without a hint of reproach. As they sped towards Washington, Guion finally broke his silence, asking, "You knew all along about me, yet you never treated me any differently. Why?" Erick smiled, a calmness in his eyes. "Simple.
You never gave me a reason to." Guion, incredulous, responded, "Are you serious?" Erick chuckled, his laughter resonating through the car. "If it were me, I'd probably freak out and hide for months." Then, with a smirk, Erick added, "Don't flatter yourself too much, brother." He reassured Guion that he was no more exceptional than anyone else, highlighting that the only difference was that Guion was better. "They call you a monster because they fear you. If succumbing to our emotions makes us monsters, then we're all monsters. But if a monster is willing to risk his life to save a human, then that monster is my brother." Guion nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the road as California faded into the distance behind them.
Back home, as the police evacuated the city, the citizens erupted in revolt against a government they felt had abandoned them. Outside the sheriff's station, an enraged crowd hurled stones at windows and attempted to breach the building. Many officers had resigned in despair, leaving the few remaining to guide citizens to safety. The sheriff, isolated and overwhelmed in his office, had no choice but to hide as the chaos surged outside.
Stores were looted, people were assaulted, and reports of missing children saturated the airwaves. Crime rates soared to unprecedented levels, with live broadcasts capturing the violence as reporters were attacked and cameramen robbed. The sheriff watched helplessly as his beloved city descended into anarchy, powerless to stem the tide alone. Yet, the government refused to send reinforcements, claiming that the presidential residence was their paramount concern.
Erick and Guion arrived in Washington far sooner than anticipated, thanks to Erick's reckless driving. What should have been an eight-hour journey was completed in a fraction of that time. They reached the capital by ten in the morning, heading straight for the White House. The area was teeming with FBI agents, military vehicles, and helicopters hovering above, stationed atop nearby buildings. Snipers were strategically positioned, their scopes trained on any potential threats, in the naive belief that their presence alone would deter the monsters from acting impulsively.
As they stepped out of the car, a soldier approached them General Royer, Erick's mentor from his intern days. Renowned for his unparalleled close-combat skills, whispers had long circulated that he was a vampire, his abilities seemingly supernatural. "Look who decided to show up," Royer remarked, his voice tinged with dry amusement. "General Royer! What a pleasure to see you," Erick responded, grinning. "Cut the pleasantries! Do I even need to ask where you've been all this time?" Royer inquired, his tone half-serious.
"No, not really," Erick replied with a smirk. They embraced briefly before heading toward the rest of the team. Erick introduced Guion, saying, "This is my brother from California." Royer shook Guion's hand firmly, expressing his regret that their first meeting was under such dire circumstances. Guion was surprised at how little Royer seemed to have aged since Erick's training days, the man's presence still commanding and formidable.
Royer led them to a base established a safe distance from the main gate. As they arrived, soldiers saluted Erick, addressing him as "Major Ryan, sir!" He returned the salutes with a nod, standing tall as Guion and Royer flanked him. "So, what's the plan?" Erick asked, seating himself on the hood of a nearby Humvee. "We're working on it, sir!" one soldier replied. "Yes, Steve, tell me exactly what you're working on here?" Erick pressed further. "The plan, sir!" Steve replied, his response prompting laughter from the team. Erick stared at them, his expression unamused. "Do I have something on my face?"
Realizing their misstep, the soldiers quickly sobered and fell silent. Erick then inquired about the decision to set up military bases around the White House, his displeasure evident. A soldier hesitantly raised his hand, confessing that the strategy had been his idea. Erick chuckled, "Now that's amusing." He asked what had possessed the soldier to devise such an imprudent plan.
The soldier explained that, at the time, it seemed like the most logical course of action. "It was not," Erick stated bluntly. "All you've done is broadcast our intentions to the monsters, completely ignoring the possibility that they might have strategies of their own."
The tension in the air grew palpable as Erick prepared to re-evaluate and strategize their next move against the looming threat.