Dust flew as the ground shook under their heavy footsteps. It was all so predictable, so disgustingly human—the problem that sickened me most: men.
A girl's scream sliced through the air, and Michael spotted her—cornered, helpless, while five boys closed in, their eyes hungry and twisted with greed. It wasn't the usual selfishness he despised in humanity. No, these were men who'd missed out on evolution's simplest gift: a brain. Driven purely by instinct, devoid of intelligence or restraint.
Not that the girl was blameless. Her recklessness had led her here, calling for help from a world too full of predators and fools alike.
Michael's lip curled in distaste as he took a step forward, his mind already calculating. Every inch of this scene reminded him of his contempt for humanity, but even as disgust welled up in him, he knew he couldn't turn away.
I couldn't turn away. I wanted to. I was tired. But as bitter, as empty as I may appear, I care for those who deserve it. So I ran—despite the sting of Nome's arrows piercing me, despite the pain clawing at me with every step. I ran because Elizabeth remains my one connection to humanity, the sole thread keeping me anchored.
No weapons. No abilities. Just clenched fists. And as I sprinted headlong into the pack of ravenous animals, I stood alone, the hunter protecting his prey.
When the boys spotted Michael, they shouted, "Get her! Don't you want to have some fun?" His disgust deepened—humans always using others for selfish gains, their emptiness hidden behind greedy smiles. It was exhausting. Infuriating. I was enraged, but I had to play along. I lunged toward her, grabbing her as she let out a terrified scream.
"Be calm, Precious," I whispered, my voice low. "It's Ozor, your real friend." Her eyes widened, shock unraveling a past she thought she'd left behind.
"Now scream," I told her, voice soft but firm. "Let's give these animals a show." With that, I lifted her in my arms and bolted, focusing every ounce of my strength into my legs, hurtling toward the pack.
They closed in, inch by inch, sure I was serving up their prize on a platter. But they'd miscalculated. When they were at their closest, I jumped—exploding into the sky, high above them. I felt every spike of pain, but this agony was our advantage. Fifty meters. Then we hit the ground, my legs pounding as I ran, their empty shouts fading behind us. Luckily, none had any speed enhancements; I was in the lead, and I wasn't slowing down.
Finally, Michael's feet found grass instead of bare desert. He set Precious down, breathing hard. "Just… need to rest for a minute, Precious," he managed, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "I hope you haven't forgotten me."
And with that, the exhaustion took him, and Michael fell, sinking into darkness.