It was not to be expected that with what you have, you have to move forward. You have years and years of research in your hands. This is not something from now or from years ago, but from a time when the foundations were being laid for species to adapt to the human world. It is not at all surprising that many evils have also existed forever, What will always be true is that no matter what you're involved in, you will always have contacts, colleagues, friends, a whole network of information that will be on your side, although saying "on your side" is very friendly to say. In a world where bad things are done, it is easy for people to show their true colors in extreme situations, and who fears losing everything they have dedicated their life to? Well, that's clear. Forging friendships is very easy if you are a good person, so you will see that a lot, but for those who are bad, can you forge a true and solid friendship? I mean, aren't they going to betray each other? Aren't they going to kill each other? Won't they have fights? Arguments? Something that turns them against each other? Because we know that even as good people, sometimes we prioritize ourselves over a friend who may also need help. It's just that... when you think about it, how far does friendship go? Is it capable of breaking down all barriers? Because even though we are afraid, even with that fear, we decide to do it, to sacrifice ourselves for friendship. In a world where there is constant abuse and the atmosphere is one of contempt for others, it is clear that in this type of organization, one mostly looks out for oneself, because everyone here only cares about their own life. Once you are in here, if you don't obey and do what you are told, the consequences can be very costly. These are not people who hesitate to do what they must do. after all, they have lived their whole lives in it.
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We are in South America, specifically in the Amazon, within Brazilian territory. It is an area where just by saying its name, one can imagine the kind of things that are found here, in addition to a huge and powerful jungle that, if you are not prepared, can eat you alive. Not only can the vegetation eat you, but so can the animals that live there. It has a wide variety of species, some of the most diverse in the world. If you are not careful and come prepared, you would not be able to survive even a week in these lands. Now let's specify the area where we are. We are in Brazilian territory, as I said, but there is also influence from other countries. If you go west, you will find Peru; if you go north, you will find Colombia and Venezuela; and if you go south, you will find Bolivia. Yes... We are at a central point where five countries have close communication and relations for this type of thing. Our coordinates are: 7°13'43"S 68°34'33"W. Within the Boana area, Pauini.
We set up camp in the middle of the Amazon rainforest months ago. I don't know if it's a good idea to say this, but I don't think so. I was going to say that we've gotten used to living this way in the jungle, but the truth is that we haven't. We seem to be trapped here, and our only way out is to complete our mission objective, since it was discovered earlier this year that one of Cetro's most influential networks may be operating in this area. Just knowing that is reason enough to take action. The only thing that surprises me is that when we arrived in Latin America, the danger of these human and species trafficking organizations was already known, so why didn't the local authorities do anything about it? That's what I asked myself, because it seems that the governments, police, and other forces... Now I understand why Smith prefers not to say anything else. These are issues that do not concern us, and to elaborate would be to say too much, but it did make me very angry that even though they knew about it, they did nothing, and all these bad people continued with their activities.
Luckily, the agent in charge of this mission, who is also a Latino named Pepe Casas Dominguez or Casas Dominguez Pepe, is the one who finally took on this case years ago and finally took action on his own. Did his own state or the nearby region help him? You could say yes... but the truth is no, they just gave him permission to act because this connection was discovered and those old men in suits and ties, not wanting to lose their jobs, said something like:
『Yes!! It's about time, we always wanted to get rid of them! It was only a matter of time! We were gathering information to bring them down!!! We were just... just waiting for the right moment to strike!!! Come on, Pepe! We give you permission and everything else!!! Attack!!! Get rid of those bad guys!!! You can even call for reinforcements if you think the case warrants it and ----------』
Pepe decided it was better to shut him up before he continued talking. He looked at these old men with hatred, thinking that if it hadn't been for his insistence on exposing all this, they would surely have continued acting in accordance with the bond that had formed. Pepe took the case into his own hands, and the old man quickly picked up his phone and seemed to send this message. Of course, it could have been to the good guys or the bad guys.
『Don't worry, old man, when I'm done with this and come back, I hope I don't see you here again. It'll be more fun to hunt you down *smiles*.』
『Then... I impose on you... to make use only of your human companions..." - "Since everyone involved is human... we must settle our own battle by our own means.』
『Old man... YOU THINK YOU'RE SMART!!! *SMILES*』
That smile, which was a real threat, almost made this old man, who had more power than he deserved, wet himself in his diapers. This agent, who is Smith's partner and is also responsible for arresting the Species that wreak havoc in their area, is the one she herself described recently. His methods for stopping criminals are to take up arms without blinking or hesitating and give them what they deserve. It is even preferable to die in a shootout, because if they catch you and know that you have information to take down more criminal organizations, then don't even pray to God, because human law and species law will not protect you from him.
Because of her strict nature, her good knowledge of the area, in this case the jungle, and her heavy-handed approach, she does not hesitate to use all her strength to stop evil. That is why she was given this case and is carrying it out. Of course, she also asked for reinforcements, knowing the seriousness of the matter. She thought that what the old man told her was nothing more than a threat, but to Pepe's surprise, he was actually forbidden from taking the case and was told that he could only accept it if he went with his human agents to stop him, since those they were fighting against were also protected by human law, and he could not allow other species to interfere. Pepe couldn't believe that this was really happening. It seemed very unfair to him, and it was clear that everyone was conspiring against him. Luckily, as he saw it, if he couldn't do it from his position, what if they came from outside? What they had imposed on him should have legal loopholes that could be exploited! And so it was. That's when he contacted Smith and asked for his help in this case. Knowing that it could be related to "Cold Christmas," it was his duty to notify his partner. He knows her work very well and how skilled her fellow species are. Having them on board will surely make this mission a success in the end. At most, if permission is granted, two high-ranking agents can take on a single mission, at the request of the agent in charge, and if the other agent agrees to collaborate. Pepe couldn't use Species, but with Smith, she could use her M.O.N. group.
In the end, Smith couldn't come because he prioritized another issue, but he was able to send his entire group to the Amazon. He trusts them and, knowing what a good leader Pepe is, he is very sure that he will use them and bring them home safe and sound.
The organization they are fighting against and seeking to destroy does not have a specific name. All that is known is that it is an established group that has been operating for a long time. Based on the information gathered and the discovery of dates of relationships, it fits the bill, and there is a strong hypothesis that it is one of the main contacts of traffickers with Cetro. All that is known is that the leader of this group is called "Lacra" and is around 75-80 years old.
M.O.N arrived and joined the operation in February of this year. where they had been fighting since January, primarily trying to locate the exact location of their main base. That is why this criminal gang chose an area like the Amazon, because it is very easy to get lost there and, moreover, what better hiding place? They literally took the phrase "If you want to hide a tree, then go to a forest" at face value.
As if they had been warned in advance, they halted the progress of Pepe's operation. The deeper they went into the jungle, the more threats they received and the more guerrilla warfare began. So it is clear that wherever they are advancing, if they are defending it tooth and nail, it must be because that is where it is... or at least...
『Sir!!!!!! It's an ambush!!!!!』
They saw it coming in their calculations, they quickly went into the lion's den knowing it, but they had to fall into the trap anyway. It may not be the right path, and it is indeed a trap, but they sent their men here. If they catch even one, then it's progress, and if they manage to get him to talk.
『WE WILL HAVE WON!!!!! LET'S GO!!!! BRING ON THE HEAVYWEIGHTS!!!!』
Although he said heavyweights, normally his fellow Species would make an appearance, but since they weren't there, he could only trust and fight alongside his human comrades, who quickly took up position, concealed and agile, and used their firearms to start a guerrilla war against the criminal gang on the other side of the calm river.
Gunshots could be heard at all times as they took cover in the trees, but there he could show who made the most drastic decisions. Pepe commanded them to shoot at the trees, which was where the criminals were hiding from the bullets. It was incredible how the trunks could withstand the bullets, even managing to wound the criminals. Pepe continued to shout for them not to stop, even quickly grabbing something from his back with his hand.
Quickly, as the criminals were being shot and wounded, one of them threw grenades at the officers. Pepe shouted for everyone to gather behind him, and pulling out a huge steel shield, he wielded it forcefully and stood in front of everyone.
BOOM!
The grenade exploded, and when they realized what had happened, the criminals were retreating and entering the jungle. Because it was so thick, they had lost sight of them and were shooting without knowing what to aim at, so it was better to stop their attack.
Pepe quickly looked around and ordered the wounded to be taken to the settlement, because just as they had wounded and knocked out some of the criminals, his men had also suffered casualties, receiving shots that could have been fatal. He could see that they were skilled with their weapons, as the shots had been aimed at the head, heart, chest, waist, legs, and even the neck. If it hadn't been for the weapons they carried and the training they had...
『Sir!!!! One of them was shot in the neck!!!!』
『WHAT!!!! LET ME SEE!!!!』
He managed to see a wounded comrade. It wasn't a direct shot to the neck, but a bullet had grazed the lower part of his neck, in the upper trapezius, almost but not quite piercing it. It was good that it was a direct, straight shot. They were stopping the bleeding as best they could, but his upper arm near his shoulder was bleeding. Pepe was worried that if the shot had been higher...
『THOSE DAMNED... I'M GOING TO FINISH YOU OFF!!!!』 - 『(If only Mono and Chasqui were here... we would have captured one of those criminals from the start and found the location of their base...) AHHHHH!!!!!!』
This was frustrating Pepe, because with each passing day and each encounter that ended in guerrilla warfare, just as the criminals suffered casualties, so did his men, and it shows when you have few people and you fight with what you have. His main force is prohibited from participating, and the few men who decided to come with him are not many, or at least not the number needed for this mission. Of course, he has more at the central base, but many knew that if they agreed to come on this mission, which Pepe himself gave permission to refuse for those who did not want to participate, they might not return. Literally everyone knew they were going to face a powerful criminal organization in the jungle, one that even governments respect... how could they think they could get out of there alive...
Just when things were going badly, only a month and a half into the operation, help finally arrived. The M.O.N group had finally arrived to join the operation. With their suits ready for battle, their spirits high and confident, one of the highest success rates in the world for solving cases, and above all, their members recognized and talked about both inside and outside Japan. They had arrived!!!
『Good!!! You can rest, comrades!!! We'll take care of ending this. As long as I'm here, the only one who should get hurt is me!!!!』
Zombina was excited about the mission, much more so than she had ever been before. Maybe it was the atmosphere. She had never flown from Japan to South America before, and it was her first time in the Amazon rainforest. Throughout the entire journey, on the plane and later in the helicopter, she talked non-stop and wanted to visit all the areas. She talked about eating until she burst! Although I think she could literally do that and survive...
『Ah... It's so hot, the sun is strong here. I have to avoid looking up or my eyes will hurt. I hope that doesn't affect my aim, although if there's more sun than usual, that means more light and visibility. Well... I have a lot to learn about this new area.』
Manako was covering her face with her hand, especially her eyes, so that it wouldn't affect her so much. Her calm and friendly attitude, due to her appearance as a young girl, caught the attention of the humans in the settlement. When they looked at her and she looked back at them, they stared at her without saying anything, just staring. This was enough for Manako to blush and say...
『(It was true that Latinos stare at you without hesitation...)*red*』
『How cute...』-『She's very cute...』-『Normally I like to look at other things...but...』
『『『She's a Japanese girl!!!!! *happy*』』』
Zombina didn't know what they were talking about, but when she saw a group of men say that, she could guess what they were saying. It could be said that all of them are Japanese, although Manako is the cutest of the four, there's no denying that.
『So this is the Amazon, incredible! It's just as we imagined, all green and full of bugs. The humans here... eh? Is it just me, or are they smaller than others?』
!!!!!!! As soon as the officers heard these words, they quickly hit them where it hurt the most. Well, it's not that they are the tallest, in fact, it can be said that they are the tallest!!! But for their country...mostly the people of South America, they are of average height, the huge and tall ones, those are not scarce...but when a foreigner always visits the southern countries, they will realize that we are actually dwarfs.
At this, the ogre Tionishia, aka Tio for short, quickly went over to Pepe, recognizing him as the leader, and with a very proper but above all feminine attitude, she even bent down a little to show respect, greeting him with her hand on her forehead and a smile that many or few can appreciate. By the way, I am among those who like it.
『Good morning, Agent Tio reporting for duty! *smiles*』
Pepe, who seemed calm and serene, quickly greeted her back, but in a very special way, ending up kissing her on the cheek. When everyone saw this, especially the other soldiers, they were all speechless, while Pepe said,
『Good morning, sweetheart, I'm Pepe, but you can call me Pe *smiles*.』
At this gesture, Tio blushed, not knowing what to say, speechless, like a woman who didn't dislike this gesture! This is because, even though Tionishia acts very feminine like a woman and is and does what she likes to be, let's say that because of her size, since she is an ogre, she is giant and stocky, even though she tries to hide it with clothes that she thinks are cute, she is still not the most attractive type of woman that men in Asia look for. They prefer smaller, lighter women who give them that feeling of protection. They even prefer pale women. Let's just say that Tio doesn't fit the standards of attractiveness for the people there.
But here...
『Hey, boss, that's not fair!!!!』 『You get to have the hottest one!!!!』 『Ay wey!!! I wish I were taller and could be on her level!!!』 『I can't stop looking at her... especially her...』 『Uhm... chocolate brown, just how I like them...』 『Yeah, but what did the boss say? I think he's the only one here among us who can speak more languages.』
There was another group that, if we didn't tie them up and lock them in, could literally let their inner Latino out and start courting like their father and grandfather know how to do.
At this, Tio blushed and didn't know what to say. This first interaction with someone, especially a male, made her very excited... Until...
『...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I can't believe it...*laughter* That was really good!!!』
At this, everyone quickly saw how the boss, who had greeted Tio with a kiss on the cheek, was transforming and showing who he really was. Quickly, like a cocoon of hair that kept spinning around, he revealed who was actually playing a joke on his colleague. A small young girl with black sclera and yellow pupils, albino hair, and chocolate-colored skin was appearing, naked and covered only by her long hair. She had just played another joke on her colleague.
『Ahh... I knew this could happen... *pout* Don't do that again, Doppel!』
『Sorry, sorry, but I knew you wanted this kind of situation to happen, so I couldn't help myself *laughs*"』
At this, Doppel looked again at the young men who were glancing at Tio, where she quickly wanted to get some attention too.
『Come on, guys!!! You've got a little chocolate here too!!! *winks*』
But all she got from the comments of these men and young people was...
『And this girl? Where did she come from? 』 『Oh... why is she walking around without clothes? It's weird to see her... we have to give her clothes quickly or she'll get itchy.』『Is she lost? Is she one of your daughters?』-『Daughter? If I had a daughter, I wouldn't be so shameless as to let her walk around without clothes! It's not like we're sickos or something!』
Doppel didn't understand what they were saying, but one thing was clear: even if she tried to flirt with them to play a joke on them, it was useless if she didn't get the attention she deserved. Just from their gestures and the way they looked at her, she realized that she didn't provoke anything in them, that...
『Ahh, those are the eyes that see me as a child and don't pay attention to me. That's fine. It would be strange if it were the opposite.』
Quickly, these same men were giving her clothes and telling her to put them on. Doppel didn't understand this again, but when she saw that they were giving her clothes to wear, and we all know that she prefers to be naked, well... She quickly threw the clothes on the ground as if it were the most normal thing in the world. The men and young people could only say that she was a very spoiled girl.
Meanwhile, the real Pepe was leaving the medical area of the settlement, and when he saw that the M.O.N. group had arrived, he quickly went to greet them properly, shaking their hands and speaking to them directly, thanking them for their services. When he passed by Tio and saw that she couldn't stop looking at him...
『HEY!! WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT!!!! DO YOU WANT ME TO GREET YOU WITH A KISS LIKE YOUR MOMMY OR WHAT!!!』
『...*blushing*Ehh...I wouldn't mind...』
『?? Oh well, I guess that's how you are, I see you need more discipline』
『!!!!!! YES SIR PE, YES!!!』
『I like that better!!! And what do you mean, Sir Pe!!! Well, I'll let it slide. It will be a pleasure to work with all of you!!!! I have high expectations for all of you!!! Zombina! Manako!!! Tionishia!! Doppel!!!! You four will be the ones to lead us to victory!!!! I see you also brought those two lizards for the mission, I hope I can count on you too!!!!』
At this, Pepe turned to look to one side, and there were both Rapi and Tela. They couldn't believe they were really in the Amazon rainforest. It wasn't where their hometown was, but they felt a strong attachment to the jungle, and something told them they had come home. No... they had to go home...
Tela was so surprised by where they were that he wasn't paying attention to what was happening, so Rapi quickly waved his hand and nudged him to get his attention and...
『Yes!! Okay!!!!! We'll do what we can!!!!』
『YES!!! WHAT WE CAN!!!!』
It seemed that their attitude had changed, which Pepe saw as a good thing. He had already devised plans based on the species of their new members, but with two Lizardmen in the group, this could make things even easier. Or at least that's what they thought.
Because at a moment when they let their guard down while they were having another guerrilla war with the criminal gang, well...
『It's like Rapi and Tela betrayed us!!!!!!』
『Yes, while we were on the move to finally find what we believe to be their central base, which was two days ago. We had another skirmish, we fought as best we could, and of course we were advancing according to what Agent Pepe believes their base may be. He's not sure either, but the more areas we rule out, the fewer places there will be to search. Right now we have a map and we already have several areas ruled out and others where their base could possibly be. If we rule this one out, we'll only have two more left, and from there it will be easier.』
『I understand... it's good that you're making progress on the mission, but...』
『Yes, in that same altercation where Rapi and Tela were still helping us, it seems that their plans for them were different, and suddenly, before we could capture more members of the criminal gang, they went to their aid and rescued them, escaping with everyone, including the wounded, deep into the jungle.』
『.....SSSSSSSSS.....Ahhh!! I saw it coming, I saw that possibility... I even thought about putting collars with GPS on them... But if I wanted them to cooperate and, above all, trust me... he doesn't say...』
『I would have put explosive collars on these guys!!!!! If I had known they weren't really on our side, I would have threatened them with death if they betrayed us!!!!』
『Are you there, Pepe? Sorry for not telling you that they were so loyal to our side, but I thought that at least they wouldn't do something like that. The most I thought they would do would be to get angry and complain, at which point Pepe would put them in their place and they would understand, but...』
『At no point did they act rebelliously in front of me, and all this time, they acted exactly as they were ordered.』
『So they were trying to get us to let our guard down so they could go over to the enemy... Are they really that devoted to that Cetro guy? Ahh...』
In the conversation between Smith, Zombina, and Pepe, the latter was so upset that he quickly made a strong and clear decision.
『IF THAT'S WHAT THEY WANT, THEN WE'LL FINISH THEM OFF TOO!!! THERE IS NO ROOM OR FORGIVENESS FOR TRAITORS!!!!! Comrades!!!! If you find that Rapi and Tela, don't hesitate and shoot to kill!!!!! Put aside those non-lethal munitions you brought with you!!! Use the real stuff!!!!!』
Pepe was clear about this, and his men who heard this were clear about it too. They are their enemies, and seeing that the battle is getting fiercer and they are still suffering casualties, it is better to end this once and for all. But Smith's partner, Lain, was worried about this, and like her, she was going to ask for something.
『I know you're strict and make radical decisions, Pepe, but could you make an exception in this particular case? I know they betrayed us, which is a very strong word, but I just want you to see that they were only trying to take refuge with those they believe will be safe. But now that you've seen them and there are people who want them to return safely, including me, I want you to rescue them and bring them home. Please, I'm asking you, Pepe.』
『What? Are you really asking me that, Smith?』
『That's right, I'm telling you to save my subordinates.』
Hearing this loud and clear, Pepe quickly became very angry, grabbed his cell phone, and shouted,
『THOSE GUYS SAVED UNSAVABLE PEOPLE!!! HOW CAN YOU EXPECT ME TO SUPPORT AND RESCUE THOSE WHO NOT ONLY ATTACKED MY MEN WITH THEIR CLAWS AND TEETH, BUT ALSO IGNORED THEIR CRIMES AND SAVED THEM!!! SAVE THEM!!!! SMITH!!!!』
Smith knew that Pepe wouldn't like that idea, but first of all, Smith only promised them one thing: that they would learn to appreciate their lives. And how could she not do that if she were to ignore Rapi and Tela's lives in the first place? They may not be her subordinates, but they are under her care and supervision. She is the one in charge of them right now, and...
『I want them to come back safe and sound. I promised them.』
Smith said this calmly, unlike Pepe, who kept squeezing the phone so hard it looked like he was going to crush it. Zombina was worried about one thing...
『(My cell phone!! He's going to destroy it!!! *worried*)』
『!!!!!!!------...*sighs* All right, we'll do everything we can to rescue those idiots and bring them back to your country. Next time, find yourself some truly loyal companions and don't bring me any more potential rats to work with me if there is a next time!!! Do you hear me?』
『Thank you, Pepe!!!!! I love you!!!! Kisses and hugs!! Bye bye!!!』
Smith ended the call, and Pepe calmed down and gave his phone back to Zombina, forgiving her for crushing it a little on the sides.
『Don't worry... (I'm going to have to buy a new cell phone...)』
And with what he heard now, Pepe was sure of it. He communicated with Manako via radio, who was in the forest with several men who were escorting and defending her until they reached the fixed point.
『Give us some information, Manako. How are you doing with gathering information on the location of the enemy's central base? Have you found it yet?』
『I'm about to arrive. According to what Doppel told me, we should be arriving soon... but he also told me something else... that they are testing Rapi and Tela to see if they are truly loyal or if there are infiltrators in the base...』
Manako has been checking for some time now and has the opportunity to find the location of the enemy base, thanks to Doppel, who has been providing information. She is rushing ahead, weapon in hand, trying as best she can to get through this difficult area of the jungle, as everyone senses that...
『Of course! I didn't think of that before! They can get information out of us with Rapi and Tela! Plus, the fact that they're testing them... Smith... I don't think I can do what you asked me to do...』
!!!!!!!!!!!
『NO!!! Quick, everyone move out!!!! Zombina, Tionishia!!! Prepare all your weapons!! Men!! My soldiers!!!!! Quick!!! We have to go to the enemy's central base and end this once and for all!!!!! It's still possible...*worried* Please don't die, guys....』
Pepe had made his bet, and now he was mobilizing his men to the location that Doppe and Manako believed to be the enemy's central base. He had already seen it on the map; they no longer had time to rule out locations. This was the information they had, and they had to be covered on this very map, and...
『HERE!!!! THEY MUST BE RIGHT HERE!!!!! MANAKO!!!! PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED OF YOUR LOCATION TOO, CONFIRM YOUR ENTIRE ROUTE!!!!!』
『Yes!!! (Pepe-san sounds worried... yes... something bad is happening... I must hurry too and see if I can stop it!!!)』
Everyone was going about it in the least prepared, most hurried, and improvised way possible, which is not how you succeed in a mission, especially one of this caliber. Seriously, now he's moving heaven and earth, jeopardizing the entire operation, his men, and his friend Smith's colleagues, all in order to rescue those two Lizardmen.
『SERIOUSLY!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!!!!!!!!!!!』
-------------------------------------------→ To be continued