Perhaps, no, you always have to consider the types of friendships you make, because when you get together with someone, you're not just getting together with one person, since that person has many more friends, and those friends have more friends, and the friends of your friends' friends have many more friends. What I mean is that in a strong and reliable relationship like the one you have with your friend, they also have that with other individuals. It's a communication network; they pass on information or at least find out about things that are not important or relevant to them, things they weren't even aware were happening. And the same thing happens in the family. Who hasn't had an experience where, ah, the classic! Your aunt comes to visit and starts telling you that she knew you when you were little, when you were a baby, that she even knew things that only happened in your area, because an aunt in this case, for example, is from outside your town or city, and assuming that as a relative you have never seen her, she knows so many things about you? That's easy, because she happens to be your mother's first cousin or even your grandmother's or mother's cousin! She lived in another country and had a royal jelly business! What are you telling me? We had such an important acquaintance! Many of us don't say anything and just tend to be respectful to this well-known stranger, but it leaves us intrigued that even though we have nothing to do with this person directly, let alone know them, they know information about us.
Information passes from mouth to mouth, and if you have many friends, then you find out more, whether it's as a main topic of conversation, an anecdote told, or simply because they said it and that's it. That's how easy it is to get information among friends. It's very simple, but you must keep in mind that an intimate and private piece of information may have been read or known by a complete stranger, and they may think about it.
『Right, my friend said that his great-uncle's friend, Luis, is about to have gallbladder surgery. It seems he didn't take very good care of himself. I'm going to send him my best wishes for the operation.』
Mostly, this is information that third, fourth, fifth, etc. parties don't care about knowing, and when we don't care about a piece of information, it's because we don't need it, but with just the slightest detail that we needed to know something, that's where being well-informed changes everything. You can take advantage of it or you can ignore it. Cetro seems to have learned this well. Although he has had few friendships throughout his life, those few ties had a whole network of information and communication. One of the most loyal and who has cooperated with him for many years is the oldest member of this criminal organization dedicated to trafficking species and humans in this area of Latin America.
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『Are we really going to do this?』
『Don't tell me you're getting cold feet.』
『Not at all, I just wanted to make sure you were sure. Okay! Time to attack!』
Pepe's men were in the middle of a guerrilla war against the criminal gang in the middle of the jungle. In an exchange of bullets and a direct fight, the species were supposed to quickly get into position. The objective remained the same: to capture more men and make them talk to gain information. As soon as Zombina appeared, she was literally shot at by all the young criminals. They had no mercy, knowing what this could cause. If it had been any other living being, it would already be dead, but for someone who already is.
『That's right! Keep shooting at me! If you can't take me down, then it will be my turn to attack!』
It wasn't the first time they had fought this zombie, but it was one of the first times they had encountered one, especially one that could use weapons but somehow preferred not to. They didn't know how to fight them before. If shooting the central body didn't kill them, then... So they began to change the trajectory of their shots, no longer aiming at the torso or stomach, but rather at the face and neck. When Zombina realized this change, she quickly had to start dodging the shots. She now took the fight seriously, grabbed her weapons, and began shooting at the young criminals. You could see on her face that...
『That's why I don't like to prolong fights...』
She fired at the trees, which the criminals were using for protection, but unlike real bullets, which are capable of piercing wood, the non-lethal ammunition used by Zombina and her group did not have that lethality or power in their shots. Suddenly, louder shots were heard. It was Pepe commanding his men to shoot at the trees to leave the criminals increasingly without shields. They quickly threw a stun grenade at the criminals, who, due to the surprise and the flash, decided it was best to escape from there as soon as possible. They did everything they could to flee, having once again lost sight of their targets, when...
One of them turned to look back, but all he could see was a great flash of light that...
Something black was approaching from the light! He quickly tried to grab his weapon and shoot, but he could feel it behind him. His own companions who were further ahead, seeing that an enemy was approaching them, did not hesitate. They grabbed their rifles and started shooting at point-blank range, even though one of their own was behind them.
POMMMM!!!!!!!
Shots could be heard hitting a huge steel shield. It was Tionishia who had rushed in to stop those who were escaping, but faced with the danger posed by a criminal, she decided it was better to defend him and...
『Are you okay? Did any bullets hit you?』
He was resisting the shots thanks to her enormous shield, which only she seemed to be able to provide. The criminal was confused, fallen to his knees on the ground. He couldn't believe he was being defended by those he was supposed to kill. His legs weakened as he felt himself about to die, shot by his own comrades. Tionishia waited for a response from the criminal, but...
He quickly grabbed his rifle again and, finding an opening, was about to shoot Tionishia point-blank from behind.
Bang!
Before he could do so, he ended up getting shot in the head, a shot that knocked him out, leaving him incapacitated at that moment. He had been hit squarely by a non-lethal bullet. Manako was watching from a distance with her sniper rifle. Even though she was in the Amazon, which was a disadvantage due to the high altitude and reduced visibility, this was not an impediment for Manako. The branches and trees did not completely obscure her view of those inside, only that the open space was reduced, and even so.
『I got him.』
Manako managed to save her friend and get a good shot, surprising the men who had come to support and escort her. Manako now tried to capture one more man to extract information, seeing how the men she had managed to knock down were escaping from her target.
Tionishia, although it was to be expected, wanted to believe that by saving this criminal's life, he would join them as compensation, but she saw that even doing so would not get him on her side. The young criminals and Pepe's men were moving further away, and the M.O.N. group had been left behind, but it didn't matter anymore.
『Good job!!! If the other one doesn't want to talk, then we already have this one who will give us information!!!!!』
『I don't think he'll say anything, Mr. Pe.』
Tio commented that they would get the same result as before, which made Pepe very happy, because the more they talk and the more they capture, although at that moment he was a little discouraged, because this guy doesn't seem to know much, but as long as they give them the correct information about the enemy base, everything will be fine and...
Then Rapi and Tela appeared and took the body of this fallen criminal, where Pepe quickly communicated with Manako, asking him if he managed to take down more criminals as they fled. Manako replied that he couldn't hit them with his shots, maybe he has better vision, but he shouldn't forget that he was in the jungle, trying to hit a moving target amid all the obstacles and a thousand other things that the Amazon has to offer.
『This area is very difficult. I'm sorry for not meeting your expectations, Mr. Pe.』
『Don't worry, Manako, your skills are amazing and incredible for hitting shots even in the jungle. Rather, thank you for stopping and saving your friend. Well done, guys!!!!! Let's go back to the settlement!!!! Ah! I see you're going to carry the body. You didn't do much this time, but when it's time for the main attack, I want to see you guys unleashed!!!!』
He addressed Rapi and Tela, who, with the criminal on their shoulders, quickly began to run with all their might, trying to escape from the agents and Pepe's sight. He couldn't understand their reaction, but he quickly realized that...
『WHAT!!!!! AHH!!! SHO... SHOOT!!!!!!!!!』
Pepe gave the order when he saw that Rapi and Tela were escaping and taking the criminal they had knocked down with them. Pepe's men quickly started shooting, but thanks to their agility and the protection provided by the jungle, they couldn't stay in one place, but had to constantly take cover and escape from this place.
『You guys don't stay still either!!!! Zombina!!! Tionishia!! Don't let those lizards escape!!!!!!』
They didn't understand why these two were acting this way either, but they had no choice but to follow Zombina's lead and take out their weapons and try to enter the jungle. Tionishia also wanted to follow her companion, but when she noticed that it was becoming denser and more difficult to navigate due to her size, she couldn't go any further.
『Manako! Don't let those two escape! Shoot Rapi and Tela!』
Manako was quickly returning to the settlement when she heard Pepe's call. She had to quickly get into position and prepare her sniper rifle as fast as she could.
While Rapi and Tela were sneaking through the Amazon, they really couldn't believe they had done it. If they were waiting for an opportunity to betray them and leave with the criminal gang, that's easy to understand.
『Surely those guys are like us!!! They must catch good females to sell them later!!!! If we introduce ourselves to their leader, he'll surely accept us into his organization!!!』
『Plus, they say he can communicate with our boss, so we might even get to meet him!!!!!』
『We didn't see saving this guy coming, but if we bring one of his men back after he was captured, they'll hold us in even higher esteem!!!!!』
They already knew that if they reached the enemy base, not only would they be able to provide them with information they knew, but by saving one of their own, what better way to prove that they were truly their loyal allies!!!!!!
They were escaping and moving as if they had always lived here, and the added bonus of being in an environment where they had a lot of synergy was helping them a lot. They quickly heard that there were still shots being fired even though they had already gotten far away from the officers, and then they saw that...
『It's that zombie. What do we do now?』
『Leave it to me. I had an idea when I saw them fighting her.』
They were chatting away as usual, despite being shot at by Zombina, but her bullets only managed to hit the Lizardmen in the back, where their scales are harder, and you could even see that some bullets did hit them, but as if it were a natural shield, they managed to slow down and stop the shots they received.
Zombina saw one of the Lizardmen separate from the group and quickly lost sight of him. She just kept running, but then she realized that the whole area was green, they were green too, and one of the possibilities to stop her at that moment was...
At that moment, it wasn't that he reacted too late, but that Rapi had enough time, the perfect camouflage, and a habitat that gave him incredible mobility. He was able to surprise Zombina in an instant, pouncing on her with his sharp claws ready to...
SLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At this point, Tela ran as fast as he could to find the criminals who had fled. If he found them and explained the situation, then everything would be fine. Just then, he heard his friend Rapi shouting his name, so he stopped to wait for him, and when he told him what he had done, Rapi just showed him his claws and said happily...
『I think I killed her *smiles*』
As he said this, he was nervous and even a little shaky. His friend Tela was also sweating and couldn't believe he had done it, so he asked him to make sure.
『But she's a zombie...』
『...But the thing is, I did it...』
At least they were sure that they had left Zombina behind and that she would no longer be chasing them. They had better hurry up and find the other criminals so they could join the organization they seemed to want to join so badly.
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In the end, they managed to find the criminals, who, as soon as they saw them, pointed their guns at them and... Even though they had one of their companions in their arms, they didn't hesitate to shoot. They quickly had to turn their backs and hide in the trees so they wouldn't get hurt. They had to complain and explain that they weren't enemies and that they were actually looking to join them.
It was difficult for them to try to convince them, but in the end, they managed to have a conversation that...
『(Ahh!! Right... how are we going to communicate...)』
That's when they started to think about the language issue. They speak Japanese and a little English, while in Latin America, they either speak Spanish or Portuguese depending on the area they are in, and...
『Ahh!! Friend!!!!....my!!....amigo!!!!---save!!!!....you!!! a my!!!! Allies, group!!! grupo!!! unir!!!! Yes!!! Si!!! Please!!!!!』
They tried everything they could to communicate and make themselves understood, and the truth is that although the young criminals were skeptical, especially because it was a possibility that their boss Lacra had told them about, they couldn't refuse them, because seeing foreigners trying so hard to talk to them and communicate with them touched many of us a little bit.
『Amigos』
『Yes!!! Amigos!!!...』
It seems that they managed to communicate with this small group of criminals. And at the end of the day, after a long journey to avoid being discovered, they managed to reach the enemy's central base, where, late at night, this place was much more imposing than they had imagined. Perhaps a central base made of concrete or steel buildings? No, nothing like that. It was too simple, with wooden and plywood constructions, which is also wood, but... steel sheets. You could tell it was small, but the more you looked and, above all, the deeper you went in, you could see that it was actually quite large. They also used palm leaves to camouflage themselves with the environment. In short, this base seems to be improvised but at the same time has everything necessary and is functional. It often has no roof, as it is protected by the branches of the enormous trees in the area.
Rapi and Tela couldn't believe it. When they arrived, the first thing they noticed was that there were weapons everywhere, ammunition everywhere, and they were scared, because if they were shot at any moment, not even their scales could withstand it. At that moment, they realized that luck also played a part in the distance from which the shots were fired.
『Ahh!! Jefe!!! Boss!!! My eye!!!... Ver!!! Boss!!!! ver, Jefe!!!』
Tela tried to meet with the leader of this organization, but of course it wasn't going to be that easy. They literally told him that they didn't want to see them for now, but they did tell him that at least for bringing in an injured comrade, they would treat these two Lizardmen for a few days.
They were given rooms that were actually outside, in the courtyard, nothing like a private room, no, no, no. What they were given was literally to sleep under the trees, and the only thing they would have above them were tree leaves! Which...
『Look, Rapi! I think they already consider us one of their own! They even gave us a place to sleep! Under the stars and outside!!!! Just like a few others who are also sleeping outside!!!』
Looking around, yes, there were some young people sleeping in the same way, some with sheets on top to withstand the cold, while others were only covered with huge leaves while they were near a small controlled fire so as not to attract attention, either made by themselves or already made.
『Yes!! This is incredible, but I think I would have preferred to sleep in a better place. I hope it's not like this all the time, if... ah!!! I know!!!! It's because we're not members of the organization yet!!! But when we are, we'll be able to sleep inside in beds and, above all, meet the boss!!!!』- 『We are Lizardmen after all!!!』
『You must be right!!! Ahh!! I hope it's soon, but it's already very late. Good night, Rapi.』
『Good night, Tela.』
With that, they rested as best they could, and that night they noticed something: the sound they heard in the Amazon, how their bodies were shaking, especially their tails. They curled up into balls and clung to what little shelter they had, and Tela thought to himself.
『(We slept better when we were in the other group...)』
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The next day, they tried to see the boss, but they weren't allowed to, or rather, the boss didn't want to see them. There wasn't much they could do about it here, or maybe there was! They went to look at the species and humans they had captured, and when they saw them with their own eyes, they were in huge cages and...
『It can't be! These are species I've never seen before! They are, how can I put it... less humanized than others! They are more colorful and what would be the word...』
『More exotic! They're in the Amazon, one of the few areas in the world that suffers from the ravages of humanity, and the species that inhabit it show it! Although some don't have as many human features, they're still more...』
As they looked at them, Rapi felt something strange about them. On their foreheads, they had features like Lamias, but with feathers instead of scales in those areas, and much wider mouths. Their colors were very striking and varied, full of life, similar to some more Amazonian Harpies, even having a little more bird-like features on their faces, especially in their eyes. Their feathers were more beautiful and... Then they managed to see a species on one side. It was strange... It had wet bandages on its body and skin like hair that wasn't very well groomed. They couldn't figure out what species it was. It was like a mummy, but instead of being dry, it was wet. Perhaps it was a species from the region that they didn't know. They didn't pay much attention to it, focusing instead on the more colorful ones, which had these guys drooling from the outside.
『How strange it seems to me that no one does anything with them when they have them at their disposal. If it were me, I would have already let each of them know how incredible I am in bed!!!!!』
『You're right, we have to ask. Hey, you.』
A guy who was walking by was called over. He approached without hesitation to see what was going on. Tela asked him why they didn't take advantage of these species at their disposal. This short, skinny, sunburned man—well, we all are here. Who wouldn't be sunburned if they lived in the Amazon? he said.
『Qué? What?』
『Ahh!!! Cierto!!!! How!!! Wait!!! Segs!!!! Species!!!!! Segs!!!!! Live!!! Ahh... Segs!!!!!』
Hearing them try to communicate, this short, skinny man didn't understand anything. He stared at them as if they were idiots. Besides, this guy, who looked like he hadn't finished high school, was going to answer them, but first, did he even know English? Did he even know Spanish?
『I understand that they are species for sale, here they only capture the most folkloric species from different regions, they wait for a good bidder or even the most reliable one to come and sell them to him, but if they are referring to why no one has sex with them, well it is because they are merchandise and also women are given that special treatment.』
It seems incredible to them that this guy, who appears to be uneducated, is speaking the most fluent English they have ever heard in their lives. Everyone here spoke Spanish and basic English. But this guy seems to have mastered the language perfectly. Upon hearing this, Tela's mind was blown...
『Ahh!!! Gracias!!! Gracias!!! Tankiu!! Tankiu!!!-----』
More members of the gang passed by and, hearing that this young man spoke perfect English, they asked themselves the question.
『Últimamente Marco esta aprendido mucho ingles, lo e visto últimamente con un diccionario de ingles a español』= 『Marco has been learning a lot of English lately. I've seen him with an English-Spanish dictionary.』
『Marco quiere ser bilingüe? Yo a las justas se hablar español』-『Y de donde saco el diccionario? No sería mejor de español a ingles? 』= 『Marco wants to be bilingual? I can barely speak Spanish.』- 『And where did he get the dictionary? Wouldn't Spanish-English be better?』
『Supongo que por eso sigue siendo joven, si quería aprender más cosas, no debio unirse a esta organización en primer lugar, y eso que se le veía decidido al inicio al dejarlo todo』= 『I guess that's why he's still young. If he wanted to learn more, he shouldn't have joined this organization in the first place, even though he seemed determined at the beginning to leave everything behind.』
『Decisión del momento, todos terminamos aquí por eso』= 『It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. We all ended up here because of that.』
At this, the members passed by, Rapi and Tela were even more confused, and both looked like they didn't understand anything, neither English nor Spanish. If they heard another language like Portuguese, they would surely wish they hadn't come. At this, the young man, who seemed to be named Marco, became serious at that moment and decided to move away from these two Lizardmen to be on the safe side.
So, when they didn't get any answers—well, they did get answers, but they didn't understand anything—they looked at the colorful species with a desire to procreate, but then they got looks from the other members, and it seems that they don't like them looking at the merchandise they have. They decided it was better to leave this place, and when they saw another group of young people leaving the base, presumably to patrol or continue with the plan to divide the enemy, they wanted to follow them too, but they were stopped and held at gunpoint...
『Where do you think you're going?』= 『Where do you think you're going?』
『Ahhh...foll!!! follow!!! amigos!!! save!!! help!!! ayudar!!! ahhh....no?』
『Help? No, no, no, you're going to stay here until we decide what to do with you.』= 『Help? No, no, no, you're going to stay here until we decide what to do with you.』
It seems that they won't be able to do what they want while they are here, which displeased them as it seems that they are not trusted, even though they want to repay them for what is a communication problem. If it weren't for that, they would surely be very good friends with everyone. And also, even though most people are very intimidated by them when they are in their Lizardman form, with these people it's the opposite. They are the ones who have been intimidated by their power and who knows what these people are thinking...
That day they did nothing else, they slept outside again, what they ate seems to be leftovers from other people's meals, it's not what they were expecting again, on the first day they felt it was normal and saw it as something positive, but even though it's the second time, they no longer see it in such a positive light... They hope that tomorrow they will definitely be able to talk to the boss, if not...
『(I hope we haven't made a bad decision...)』
The next day, both Lizardmen seemed determined to see the boss no matter what. They stood in front of what appeared to be the boss's room. All the members knew perfectly well what these guys were looking for, and it seemed that today they were finally going to let them have what they wanted.
As if it were an initiation ritual, all the members gathered in the open field at the central base and prepared everything the boss had asked for. This was quickly done. The humans surrounded the Lizardmen, who were in the center. At first, the plan was to make them fight to the death, and whoever survived would join the organization. You may wonder why they would do this. The reason is...
『So that they know very well that we are very well informed, and we are not going to take things halfway.』
At that moment, the leader of this organization appeared. He was old and dressed like any other elderly man. His age was evident, and the Lizardmen did not understand what he was saying, but judging by his bearing and the respect the other members showed him, he was surely the leader. This old man must be Chief Lacra!
『Right now we are in the middle of a war against the officers who seek to destroy our base and operations. Of course, we are not going to let them do that. With the power we have already shown, it should have been enough for them to retreat in the first week and realize that if they continue to prolong this, it will only be a loss for me, but it will definitely weigh more heavily on them.』 -『We didn't know the location of their settlement until we detected a helicopter wandering through the jungle. We could have easily destroyed them just by knowing that, but the arrival of those Species made us rethink our strategy.』
He was talking, but Rapi and Tela didn't understand him. This annoyed Lacra, who didn't care if they listened to him, but he didn't want them to misunderstand him. His frustration at talking for nothing was obvious, so he started speaking other languages and saying them perfectly.
『Español, English, Português, Deutsch, Русский, 日本語.』
He was going to continue speaking in other languages, but Rapi and Tela quickly understood that he had said Japanese perfectly at the end, thanks to their reaction. Lacra realized this and decided to facilitate communication from then on.
『So, Japanese. It's been a long time since I've spoken the language, and it brings back a lot of nostalgia.』
『Finally, someone who understands us!!!! Ahh!!! I'm Tela and my friend is Rapi!! We only want one thing, to join your organization!!!!! We saved one of your men, so we thought that would be a way to show that we want to be allies!!!!』
『Yes, we treated that boy and he's going to get better, although honestly I didn't care if he died or not, he was no one special, so I don't know if they hurt me by making me spend materials and possibly money on his treatment or if they benefited me by not making me lose a young man... Ahhh... I'd better look at the positive side so I don't get angry』
『Eh?... So that's not...』
『Just tell me once and for all why you want to join my organization. Besides, I know that you are originally on the side of those officers commanded by Pepe. I want a good answer because I have already made my decision, and I know there is a possibility that there is an infiltrator in my base...』
Despite being an old man, he spoke with knowledge, whether it was because of the years he had dedicated to this or because he had lost his sense of the value of other people's lives. Rapi and Tela could sense this quickly, and they already knew very well that a decision had been made, and that decision was most likely...
Alarmed and worried for his life, Rapi began to speak and give a reason why he wanted to join this organization.
『A reason!!! Well, the reason is that!!! I like the life you guys lead!!!! You do bad things!!! I do bad things too!!! Before I was caught, I also kidnapped and abducted species and humans!!! Although it was only a few, but... I already have experience!!! I really liked the kind of life I was living!!! You can earn a lot of money doing this!!! Women!!! Alcohol!!! Abuse and so on!!!! Sleeping without worrying about tomorrow because there's nothing to worry about!!! I really like that kind of life!!! When they captured me, it was clear that I was going to hold on to what I like!!! So when I found out that this criminal organization was doing the same thing... I... I... *looks* I want to get back the good life I had before!!!!』
Listening to what Rapi said, Lacra became increasingly annoyed, his disgust clearly visible on his face. What could be worse than seeing an old man with a bad life disappointed with what you said? He could tell that Rapi was truly sincere, even touching his chest as if he were about to take action on his decision, but when he saw Tela...
『Oh, come on... and you tell me, what reasons make you want to join my group?』
Now it was Tela's turn, who was equally worried and, above all, scared. Rapi looked him straight in the eye, hoping that he would also support him. They were supposed to have the same reason: they were doing all this to regain the life they had lost. Tela was doubtful and trembling as he said...
『I want to join... because I believe it's my only way to be free, to have a good life, and to get back what I want... that's all... We are Lizardmen, and I think that matters a lot too...』
His response was short but sincere. Rapi shook his head and shouted that they both definitely wanted to join the organization to have a good life. When he heard Rapi opening his mouth again, he quickly shouted at him.
『SHUT UP!!!!!!』 -『WHAT SHIT ANSWERS DID YOU GIVE ME!!! We are Lizardmen and that matters a lot? WE ALL MATTER AND AT THE SAME TIME WE ARE SHIT IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD!!!』
His shout made the Lizardmen flinch and lower their heads almost instinctively. One thing was clear, and everyone understood it: Chief Lacra was angry.
『You could have said anything, that you want money, women, alcohol... a good life... yes... that's exactly what you said... BUT THERE'S NO WAY I WON'T BE ANGRY!!!!!!! DO YOU REALLY THINK WE HAVE A GOOD LIFE!!! DO YOU REALLY THINK WE ENJOY EVERY DAY!!!! Every day is a struggle, thinking that if we make a mistake, we will lose everything... especially since they found us and have no plans to let us go. I can't leave this place, I'm the leader and... I can, but!!!!! I must not betray my friends!!!!!!! I CANNOT BETRAY THOSE WHO CHOSE ME!!!! EVERYONE HERE CLEARLY THINKS IT'S THE BEST OPTION!! THE EASY LIFE!!! MONEY AND MORE MONEY!! JOY AND ENJOYMENT!!! But you quickly realize that none of that is real, just like in real life, you suffer more than you enjoy yourself. THAT YOU HAVE PAINTED IT AS IF WE WERE LIVING THE BEST LIFE EVER! THAT YOU HAVE IMAGINED US AS YOUR ESCAPE FROM THE DISGUSTING LIFE YOU WERE LIVING! YES! YOU ARE LIKE US!!!! BUT EVEN THOUGH WE ARE SHITTY PEOPLE, WE ALSO HATE PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!!!!』
Lacra was drooling, opening his mouth so wide that his jaw looked like it was going to fall out. This was truly a great offense to him and to everyone else. They were really lucky that they were speaking Japanese and not Spanish, because if all the other young criminals had heard them, they would surely have been shot a thousand times all over their bodies. It was clear that their chance to join had disappeared. He knew that when Lacra gave the order, all these young people armed with guns in their hands...
『Please!!! I beg you!!! Give us another chance!!!! I'm sorry for telling you all that from my point of view!!!! I thought everyone lived the same life as me!!!! I'M AN IDIOT!!! PLEASE!!!!! FORGIVE THIS IDIOT!! THESE IDIOTS!!! DON'T KILL US!!! PLEASE!!! I PROMISE THAT IF YOU ACCEPT US, WE WILL BE LOYAL TO YOU UNTIL DEATH!!!! BUT PLEASE DON'T KILL US!!!!!!』
Rapi reacted for his life, he had crouched down touching his forehead to the ground, he was fearful and very doubtful of his words, he knew that if he didn't do anything now, they would die at the hands of this old man. Where he was quickly begging for his life, seeing Lacra subdue with her power a species as imposing as a Lizardman was priceless.
『Don't touch me!!! YOU'RE ONLY ACTING NOW OUT OF FEAR!!!! YOU KNOW I'M GOING TO KILL YOU AND YOU'RE ACTING LIKE THIS FOR A MOMENT!!!!!』
『PLEASE!!!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE, I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!! PLEASE, PLEASE!!!!!』
『THEN YOU WILL HELP ME AND DO EVERYTHING I TELL YOU!!!!!!』
『YESSSSS!!!!!YES YES YES YES OF COURSE!!!!! I WILL DO EVERYTHING YOU ASK!!! JUST PLEASE DON'T F------- US』
『What if I order you to kill yourself right now so you can help me? All your actions are a hindrance right now.』
Hearing what Lacra said, Rapi froze, not knowing what to do. His body went cold, he didn't know how to react, he knew that no matter what he did, these guys... He looked up and could only see an old man who no longer valued the lives of others, surrounded by young criminals who had to leave everything behind to assume a simpler life... Tela was scared, her eyes bulging, and... when she looked at Rapi... he was truly sorry, and what they did in the end was stupid... Then Tela said...
『Yes... there's been an infiltrator in the base for a long time... among the officers, there's a member capable of becoming any living being on the planet, and I know that she's been giving information for a long time and trying to find the location of this place from within.』
Before Lacra gave the order to shoot them, this caught his attention. Wait, he already knew there was a possibility of an infiltrator, but an infiltrator disguised as one of his criminals? Posing as one of them? Well, it's typical, but... Lacra asked him if he knew who the possible infiltrator at the base could be.
『No... I don't know... but I know it's one of you... *fear* just like me... he comes from Japan so he only knows how to speak that language... maybe... you didn't notice that someone... avoided speaking or when he spoke he didn't do so in the language you all speak...』
When Tela said that, someone quickly came to mind, as did Lacra and the other members. Of course, everyone here speaks Spanish, and it would be strange if they didn't, but of course everyone knows how to speak English, clumsily but still. However, lately, as mentioned, a boy named Marco seemed to be very interested in the language and was able to speak English perfectly... To this, Tela and Rapi, as well as the criminal members and Lacra, replied.
『MARCO, COME TO THE CENTER! Lately, you speak more English than Spanish, don't you?』
I shouted at that moment, and Marco approached under pressure from everyone. He listened to what Lacra was saying and... remained silent at that moment, not responding. But what I expected was that...
『I just spoke Japanese, Marco...』
Marco was surprised by this and let his guard down at that moment. He had spoken the language so much that it had become natural to him, and he forgot for a moment. And now she was captured and tied up, lying on the floor. He continued to act like Marco, not saying anything, but it was clear that he didn't want this. After a while, other members also commented on several strange things about him, that he sometimes distances himself from others, and that many say they have heard him speaking English alone. Perhaps they thought he was practicing on his own, but what if he was communicating with others in that language in one way or another.
『It's clear that Marco is the infiltrator. He must be a shapeshifter. Tell me, is this shapeshifter male or female?』
Lacra had a gun in her hand and was pointing it at Marco, who was tied up on the floor, unable to say anything because his mouth was also tied shut. Tela didn't know what to say, but then Rapi said,
『It's female!!!! She's... a pretty female...』
『A pretty female, well, then she might be more useful to us than if we let her die. Besides, a shapeshifter in Latin America is very rare, although... ah! I know!』
With that, he threw his gun on the floor in front of Tela and Rapi. They didn't understand, but they both quickly realized that.
『If one of you kills her in front of us, then I'll let you join our organization, since that's what you want, right? *smiles*』
Lacra smiled and put the deal on the table. Tela was confused and scared, which was evident in his sweat. He didn't know what to do. Even though he wasn't tied up or anything, he felt like his whole body was unable to move. Rapi didn't hesitate and was the first to take the gun and say,
『I'll do it... after all... I've killed before...』
Rapi took the gun, while Tela didn't know what to say or do. He wanted to speak, but... When Rapi took the gun, it was a simple one. His hand was bigger than this small gun, but... he knew that this small thing was capable of causing great catastrophes for him, and now...
『It's already loaded and everything, you just have to pull the trigger, aim it, and that's it! We have new members to this good life!!! Hurry up and do it, I don't want to get any more angry.』
Lacra commented on this, waiting for Rapi to react. He didn't know how to hold the gun; his hands were very large. Perhaps with his claws, if he managed to insert it delicately, he could pull the trigger. Eh?...
『(Am I really going to do this? Am I going to kill someone? I know I've done it before... I want to believe that... it was easy to rip off that zombie's head... she was already dead... I wasn't going to hurt her. But this being is alive... if I do something lethal to it... like cutting off its head or shooting it directly...)』 - 『It's going to die...』
『YES!!!! THAT'S THE IDEA!!!! JUST SHOOT IT ALREADY!!!』
『You're Lacra, right?...』
Tela spoke at that moment, seeing that his friend had stopped, thinking to buy some time, and even...
『Are you... a companion of someone named Cetro?』
Both Rapi and Tela had been informed of the case in many previous meetings about the reason for this mission, so of course they had basic information, and when Tela mentioned Cetro, it seemed that something in Lacra...
『Cetro... ahh... that name... that silly and stupid nickname that perfectionist gave himself. Is he my partner? He's one of the few people in the world I consider a friend, even though we broke off our relationship years ago.』
『You broke up?.... Why did you break up?.... If you consider him a friend... a great friend... how can a friendship that lasted decades break up from one moment to the next...』
『That's because in the world we live in, do you seriously think we can have a family? That's what he decided overnight, that I'm going to raise a child and teach him what I've learned!!! A CHILD!!! ARE YOU SERIOUSLY RAISING A CHILD AFTER TREATING SPECIES LIKE SIMPLE BAGS OF EVOLUTION!!!!! It's not that he mistreated them or anything, but his goal was very strange. As I said, he's a perfectionist, and when he looked at a non-humanized species... "Okay! Have a child with a human soon to see if you improve!" That's what comes to mind just remembering it. How can I put it? I just sold him the species, and it was just a customer-salesperson relationship. Of course, I thought this guy was crazy!!! But somehow I was able to connect with him, to get him to talk to me as such despite being what I am, to treat me with manners, affection, and above all, like a friend. Every time we met again, he would tell me about his day-to-day life, ask about mine, and before I knew it, I considered him a true friend at that time and even now... Even though I'm an old man, I'm still here, working as usual, while he... has already left this world and decided to cut ties with everything he dedicated his life to.』-『The last time I spoke to him, it was on one of those old cell phones. I'm sure he kept it, hoping I would call him one last time and... "I'm tired now, you must be tired too... it's not too late to live a real life." That's what he said on that call. Which I...』- 『Yes... I'm very tired... but I still have to do my job. I don't do it because I like it or even to make a fortune. There's money, but... I don't know... I guess it's because of the kind of life I've always led, which taught me to work until I die...』
Lacra had spoken at that moment, talking more than usual, reminding an old man of the past, making it clear that no matter how prepared he was, nostalgia was too strong. Tela managed to get more information than he thought... he was happy, even if they managed to get out of this, at least they would fulfill their mission...
BANG!
At that moment, a shot was heard. When Tela turned to look at him, she realized that Rapi had been shot in the head at close range. He couldn't resist it; no one could resist a direct shot to the head. All this time they were talking, Rapi had the option of killing Marco... Doppel in exchange for their freedom... freedom... but after thinking about it for so long, he realized that he had actually made a bad decision, and that until that moment, he hadn't been clear about what he really wanted in his life.
『Rapi... RAPI!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY!!!! WHY DID YOU KILL HIM!!!!!!! RAPI!!!!!!!!!!』
『He was taking too long, and it was obvious that he wasn't going to shoot in the end. I could see in his eyes the moment he realized that this was a bad decision. Besides, I talked too much, I really talked too much. Nostalgia really hits you hard in the gut! So, to make sure nothing gets out of here and to not betray my friendship with Cetro, I'm going to kill you too.』
Lacra took the gun and was about to shoot Tela too, who, out of fear, could only close her eyes, her body still unable to move, and...
BANG!!!!!
A shot was heard at that moment, and the only one who fell when he opened his eyes was Lacra, who had been shot in the head with non-lethal ammunition. The bag of bones fell to the ground, where everyone present and all the members quickly gathered.
『THEY'RE ATTACKING US!!!! QUICK, PROTECT THE BOSS!!!!!!!!』
Everyone quickly drew their weapons and aimed at the spot where the sniper shot had come from, far away in the distance. Manako had sweat on her face and reported that...
『CONFIRMED!!! ENEMY BASE LOCATED!!!!!!』
Manako managed to confirm the location of the enemy base, where the agents and officers quickly took up their positions. Suddenly, a loud bang shook the walls of the base, as if it were a cannon. Tionishia was making her way through with her shield, but it wasn't just her shield—her entire body was armored to withstand and resist the guerrillas. She quickly went to protect Rapi and Tela, who... just from Tela's gesture and Rapi's body lying on the ground, Tionishia and the others knew they had arrived too late.
『GET THE BOSS OUT OF HERE!!!! THEY'RE ATTACKING US!!! EVERYONE FA--------』
Quickly, everyone protecting Lacra was hit in the face with fists. Fists shaped like hair that extended far enough for the fight. Marco, or rather Doppel, was now able to easily free himself from his bonds and also get to work on this operation.
Quickly, all the officers fired point-blank at all the young people, with Zombina, as always, in the front row. Thanks to her agility and skill in a much more open field, her strength and effectiveness were much more noticeable. She managed to shoot and defeat several young people who, due to the surprise attack, only shot at the body, except for the face and head. With pirouettes and big jumps, Zombina also did her job.
Meanwhile, those who tried to escape in the confusion of the moment were shot by Manako, who dominated the distance.
『OK!!!!!!!!! NO ONE HOLD BACK!!!!! LET'S GET THIS OVER WITH!!!!!!!! and....』
At this point, Tionishia took Rapi and Tela to safety, but also broke the news to everyone present that one of the Lizardmen had been killed by a shot to the head. When Pepe heard and saw this with his own eyes... he couldn't believe it... that one of those he was supposed to protect and had sworn to bring home...
『YOU SONS OF BITCHES!!!!!!!!!!! I WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU!!! I WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU FOR ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!』-『(This would not have happened if Mono and Chasqui had been here, they would have prevented casualties as always).』
As if he were Rambo, Pepe threw himself into the fight with all his weapons and shields to put an end to this organization, which finally seemed to be coming to an end here.
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In the end, this mission ended months later, from winter to fall, as Lacra did manage to escape, but without a central base in the middle of the Amazon, having lost all his strength and being completely surrounded by nearby towns trying to communicate, he was literally just buying time before they caught him. This mission resulted in many injuries over time. Fifty officers were wounded, and due to a bad decision, one was killed.
-------------------------------------------→ To be continued