The three chimeras left the ancient territory in silence.
Memba, slender, white with red markings, claws glowing, burning the air with each step.
The Moth, gigantic, bluish, four wings spread like an omen in the sky.
And the small Pink Chimera, perched on Memba's shoulder, with tiny flames dancing between its paws.
It was the Moth who led them.
With a powerful beat of its wings, it took flight, carrying Memba and the Pink Chimera beyond the sea. They crossed storms, dense clouds, and distant lightning until they reached a forgotten island—isolated, shrouded in constant mist.
At the center of the island was a cave.
Inside the cave… a deep hole.
They descended.
At the bottom, cold, dark water. The Moth spread its wings, illuminating the tunnel with a bluish glow.
They advanced through the flooded corridor until they reached a hidden underground chamber.
And there he was.
The mysterious man.
But now there was no doubt—he was in disguise.
The human appearance was only a mask.
Beside him were two figures:
The Goat-Fetopae Chimera—hybrid body, firm paws, alert eyes, with restless energy swirling around.
The underground chamber fell silent.
The Cow-Rabbit Chimera stepped forward.
Its hooves echoed on the wet stone.
— Where is Peba?
The question hung in the air.
Memba didn't answer immediately. His glowing claws dimmed slightly.
— After we got the cube, we searched for him, — he said finally. — We found Peba.
The Goat-Fetopae Chimera tilted its head.
— Then why do you speak as if it's bad?
Memba clenched his fists.
— Because he was dead.
The small Pink Chimera lowered its ears.
The Moth remained still, but its wings trembled slightly.
— We know he was attacked, — Memba continued. — It was violent. Not an accident.
The man in disguise observed silently.
— And the killer? — asked the Cow-Rabbit.
Memba replied with controlled coldness:
— We couldn't.
A murmur ran through the creatures.
— We couldn't? — he explained. — We have a bigger mission. We couldn't risk our presence being discovered. Whoever did this is not ordinary.
Humans… but humans capable of facing a chimera.
The Moth opened its wings slightly, the blue light reflecting off the walls.
— I felt another presence in that place, — said Memba. — Maybe two. Maybe more. But there was no confirmation. To risk it there would compromise everything.
The Goat-Fetopae Chimera ground its teeth.
— Then there will be no revenge?
Memba lifted his yellow gaze, firm.
— There will be. But at the right moment.
He stepped forward.
— The plan is more important.
Peba knew this. He contributed until the last moment. What remains now is to honor what he helped build.
Silence.
— May he rest in peace, — said the Moth, in a grave voice.
The small Pink Chimera released a soft flame, as a farewell.
Memba concluded:
— We will not use his death as a distraction. We will finish what we started. Afterwards… we will handle the rest.
The mysterious man finally spoke:
— So the plan continues.
And at that moment, it was clear: the loss did not weaken them.
The Cow-Rabbit Chimera—larger, silent, with heavy hooves and long ears, observing everything with strange intelligence—clenched her fist, ready to strike Memba.
The air was heavy.
The Moth landed.
Memba advanced a step, the glowing claws illuminating the cave walls.
The Pink Chimera released a small flame, as a warning.
The man smiled slightly.
— You've come this far… now calming down is necessary. Better than wasting Peba's life fighting and ruining everything.
The plan was about to begin.
And that island was not just a hideout.
It was the starting point.
The underground chamber fell silent.
The Cow-Rabbit Chimera stepped forward.
Its hooves echoed on the wet stone of the cave.
— Where is Peba?
The question hung in the air.
Memba didn't answer immediately.
The glowing claws dimmed slightly.
— After we got the cube, we searched for him, — he said finally. — We found Peba.
The Goat-Fetopae Chimera tilted its head.
— Then why do you speak as if it's bad if he's dead? There's something more?
Memba clenched his fists.
— Because he was dead… but torn apart.
The small Pink Chimera lowered its ears.
The Moth remained still, but its wings trembled slightly.
— We know he was attacked, — continued Memba. — It was too violent to be just self-defense or hunting. Not necessary… but for pleasure.
The man in disguise observed silently.
— And the killer? Tell us their physical characteristics, why would I kill? — asked the Cow-Rabbit.
Memba replied with controlled coldness:
— We couldn't see any way to strike without risking the mission, so I don't think you would survive.
A murmur ran through the creatures.
— It didn't work—and it won't work for you either, — he explained. — We have a bigger mission. We cannot waste time with this now, so we'll analyze Peba's death later.
The Moth opened its wings slightly, the blue light reflecting on the walls.
— I felt another presence there… maybe up to 45 beings, so I agree it wouldn't be advantageous, — said Memba. — Maybe two. Maybe more. But there was no concrete confirmation. Risking it there would compromise everything Peba sacrificed.
The Goat-Fetopae said:
— Then there will be no revenge now, we'll just do the mission.
Memba raised his yellow gaze, firm.
— At the right moment… we will kill them.
He stepped forward.
— The plan is more important. Peba knew this. He contributed until the last moment. What remains now is to honor what he helped build.
Silence.
— May he rest in peace, — said the Moth, in a grave voice.
The small Pink Chimera released a soft flame, as a farewell.
Memba concluded:
— We will not use his death as a distraction.
We will finish what we started. Afterwards… we will handle the rest.
The mysterious man finally spoke:
— So the plan continues.
And at that moment, it became clear: first the mission, then revenge.
Everything just became more serious.
The light pulsed softly red, reflecting in his yellow eyes.
— This is the cube we recovered… — he said. Paused. — But it is not the only one.
The small Pink Chimera tilted its head. The Moth opened its wings slightly.
Memba revealed a second cube, identical, but with a slightly cooler glow.
A murmur ran through the cave.
— We did something different this time, — he continued. — We got another cube. Now we have two.
The Cow-Rabbit Chimera narrowed its eyes.
— Redundancy?
— Safety, — replied Memba. — If one fails… we use the other.
The Goat-Fetopae approached.
— And what's the difference between them?
Memba spun the two cubes in the air.
They began to vibrate slightly, as if reacting to each other.
— One activates. The other stabilizes.
— Or… — he paused — we can use them together.
The Moth spoke for the first time since the revelation:
— A dual structure.
Memba nodded.
— I thought of a different strategy. Not brute force. Not wasting temper, unnecessary strength, or provoking an immediate reaction.
He began drawing on the wet ground with the tip of his glowing claw.
A triangular shape emerged.
— An activation pyramid.
The others watched closely.
— If we place the cubes at two strategic vertices… and the third point is the island… we can create a gradual field. It won't be explosive. It will be progressive.
The Pink Chimera released a small bluish flame.
— Can it double efficiency? — asked the Cow-Rabbit.
— I don't know if it will be double, — replied Memba. — But it will be more stable. And less detectable.
The man in disguise finally removed part of his mask. His eyes were not human.
— And how long?
— Months, — said Memba. — Exactly as planned.
The Goat-Fetopae crossed its arms.
— And if humans interfere?
Memba's yellow eyes shone brighter.
— This time… we will be prepared.
The Moth spread its wings fully, filling the chamber with blue light.
— So it won't be an immediate war.
— No, — confirmed Memba. — Infiltration. Preparation. When they notice… it will already be too late.
He clenched his fists, and the two cubes synchronized their pulse.
Tum.
Tum.
Tum.
The man in disguise just watched.
The Cow-Rabbit Chimera advanced.
She walked slowly toward Memba, hooves echoing on the wet cave stone.
Her eyes were not furious—they were cold.
— Memba, give me the cube.
Memba handed it over. The energy pulsed, unstable.
— It's active, — he said. — Remember, someone could track us through its energy signature.
The Cow-Rabbit held the cube for a few seconds, feeling the vibration. Then she looked up.
— You left Peba alone?
It wasn't a question.
The small Pink Chimera shrank slightly on Memba's shoulder. The Moth remained still.
— In the end, — continued the Cow-Rabbit — you always say you don't care about clients, alliances, or promises. I don't like working with you.
Memba didn't look away.
— I know.
— Not indirect. I'm saying it to your face. I don't like you. And you don't like me.
Our mission was to retrieve the cubes and return with everyone alive.
She leaned closer to him.
— Peba died. You left him.
Silence.
The cube vibrated more strongly.
— Tell me, — she continued — when and who killed him?
Memba answered without raising his voice:
— We found him already dead with the killers. But if I tell you, you would go and die. So I won't say.
The tension grew.
— We don't know exactly who it was. But they were strong. Very strong. Human… or something resembling a human.
The Cow-Rabbit narrowed her eyes.
— And you didn't try to follow and kill?
— No.
— Why?
Memba finally breathed deeply.
— Because I felt another very dangerous presence… perhaps better to assess before taking action. Because there was a risk of exposure. Because our mission was bigger. Because wasting time there could cost both cubes.
The Moth opened its blue wings slightly.
The Cow-Rabbit stared at Memba for several seconds.
— So you chose the plan… and not Peba.
— I chose the future, — replied Memba.
The silence became heavy.
The small Pink Chimera spoke softly:
— He died helping the plan work. It was not in vain.
The Cow-Rabbit held the cube more tightly.
— I hope you are right, Memba. Because if this plan fails… you can't blame anyone but yourself.
She stepped back.
— From now on, it's not just about the cubes. It's about proving that his decision was not a mistake.
Memba observed the second cube glowing in the darkness.
— Then we will prove it.
Deep in the cave, something reacted to the combined energy of the two cubes.
The humanoid held the two cubes in his hands.
The energy pulsed between them like two synchronized hearts.
He laughed quietly.
— I didn't know the "twins" had the capacity to care for companions… interesting.
I guess humans have that too.
The Cow-Rabbit did not respond.
The humanoid raised the cubes.
— This thing here is too important to be left in anyone's hands.
He activated one of the cubes.
The underground chamber vibrated slightly. A wave of energy ran along the walls.
— Well, Memba… I liked your work. It was efficient. Unfortunately, Peba died.
He looked at the Cow-Rabbit.
— Better calm down. Peba won't return. But think: he did not die in vain.
Silence.
— We all have a destiny. His was to fulfill the plan… yes, die. But he already contributed a lot.
The Cow-Rabbit breathed deeply but did not interrupt.
— And you, — he continued — can be remembered as the companion who kept a cool head.
Sacrifices are necessary. And they will happen.
He paused.
— Tomorrow is another day. Or maybe next week. But when the plan finishes… something greater will happen. I'm sure of it.
He then turned to the other two.
— Moth. Pink. You are too calm. Why?
The gigantic Moth slowly opened its four blue wings.
— I don't care so much about the plan itself. As long as the result is as expected. The plan is the means. The result is what matters.
The small Pink Chimera pressed closer to Memba.
— I care more about them… — she said. — Not so much the result. I just want to be with my friends.
Memba did not look at her.
— I am neither your friend nor your enemy. I just want a world where chimeras can have freedom, equality, and prosperity shared with humans—or eliminate them.
The Pink froze for a second.
— Don't confuse closeness with bond, — he continued. — I will execute the plan because only with it will we have a real future. It's not about friendship. It's about survival.
The silence became uncomfortable.
The Goat-Fetopae, quiet until then, stepped forward.
— Strange. I was silent all day… and no one asked anything.
The humanoid looked at her with disdain.
— You don't need to speak if you have nothing relevant to say.
The Goat-Fetopae widened her eyes.
— How so? I also have a mouth! If you say something important, I can speak too! Nhe!
The tension broke for a moment.
But it soon returned.
The two cubes began to vibrate together.
Stronger.
More synchronized.
The humanoid became serious again.
— It's starting.
Memba raised his yellow eyes.
— No. Not yet.
But something reacted again.
The humanoid raised his hand, asking for silence.
— You are very angry… very upset.
I confess it's funny. I didn't know you really had the capacity for so much friction.
He walked slowly through the center of the chamber.
— But without intending to offend… if it's about Peba, we should end it here. It's not good to use his death as an internal problem. He died for the objective. And the objective was achieved.
He raised the two cubes.
— We have two now. That is better than planned.
The vibration slowly stopped.
— About the cubes, we can discuss tomorrow. I want to talk about something more important.
The cave fell silent.
— There is a person.
He paused.
— No… there are two. Perhaps "two" isn't the best word.
Memba frowned.
— Why?
— Two weeks ago, someone appeared in this territory. I need your permission to communicate with this person. I want to extract information.
The Cow-Rabbit crossed her arms.
— Information about what?
— I discovered something interesting.
There are no clear records of this person. But there are connections… leading to something important.
He looked directly at them.
— Aris.
The name echoed in the cave.
The Cow-Rabbit responded immediately:
— I know.
Memba shook his head.
— I don't.
The Moth said:
— I've only heard of them.
The Pink Chimera spoke firmly:
— I know very well who it was.
The Goat-Fetopae tilted her head.
— Who was it?
The Pink Chimera breathed deeply.
— Aris was a giant snake chimera. Died more than 30 years ago. One of the greatest Alphas in the world.
Killed many humans. Was responsible for freeing chimeras and starting the first invasion project.
She continued:
— He had sixteen forms. Reached the so-called "Form 4." Not because it was the fourth… but because he believed the number four represented the perfection of the corners of the world.
The Moth murmured:
— He wanted to dominate everything.
— Yes, — said the Pink. — And almost succeeded. Until being eliminated.
Silence.
— And what does Aris have to do with this? — asked Memba.
The humanoid replied:
— He, directly, nothing. But this person found… has his DNA.
The vibration of the cubes returned, lightly.
— DNA confirmed in old databases. And also in the individual's blood.
The Cow-Rabbit looked serious.
— A human… with Aris's DNA?
— Exactly.
The humanoid continued:
— I need you to block the hospital. Like invisible police. Vectors, interference, distraction.
I want to find out where this DNA came from.
Memba crossed his arms.
— This kind of mission… shouldn't be in our… essence.
— Objectification? — suggested the Pink.
— No.
— Idea? — said the Cow-Rabbit.
— Not quite.
The Goat-Fetopae ventured:
— Thought?
— Closer, — replied Memba.
He then faced the humanoid.
— We are conscious. Intelligent. Not disposable tools for someone's curiosity. If you want something, the goal must be clear. Simple. Possible. Beneficial for all.
He stepped forward.
— We won't do something just
The humanoid observed each of them.
They were not submissive. Nor were they rebellious.
They were choosing.
Finally, he let out a small laugh.
— You really are not weapons.
Memba responded:
— We never were, and we never will be. And if you betray us, I will tear you in half.
The cube pulsing in the humanoid's hand briefly shone, as if reacting to the tension that was starting to dissipate.
— Very well, — he said. — No unnecessary deaths. But if something gets out of control…
— We will decide in the moment, — interrupted the Pink Chimera.
The plan shifted.
It would not be a show of power.
It would be a test of trust.
And perhaps, the beginning of something far greater than any invasion.
The atmosphere was charged with tension.
Memba was the first to break the silence.
— This mission will be complicated. I still don't know if it's worth the risk.
Rosa replied without hesitation:
— We will accept it.
Memba slowly turned his gaze.
— Okay… but why?
The Moth scratched its head.
— I felt a bad premonition from him before… but now I have a good feeling about this. Seems like it will work out.
The Cow-Rabbit opened a slight smile.
— Finally, we agree on something worthwhile. Then let's stop arguing and start thinking strategy.
But the humanoid raised his hand.
— No. You will not act together. I want you to separate. Attack at different points.
We need deliberate chaos. Draw attention from police, military, agencies… and heroes. I want many involved.
He drew five invisible marks in the air.
— Five points. Five simultaneous focuses.
Memba immediately shook his head.
— No. Five is reckless. We are five. If we fully separate, we become vulnerable. Some here are more fragile. I won't let what happened to Peba happen again.
The Cow-Rabbit tilted her face, provoking:
— When it comes to someone "yours," you care, don't you?
Memba's eyes hardened.
— If you have something to say, say it directly. Hints only create unnecessary conflict.
Before the discussion escalated, Rosa intervened, with a firm and calm voice:
— Calm. We can act in groups of three or four. Full separation is too risky. I prefer to stay with the Moth.
Memba breathed deeply.
— In four, I accept. Less than that, no.
The Centipede-Goat sighed irritably.
— This is getting tiring. We have weeks to plan this.
The humanoid laughed quietly.
— Weeks? No. We start tomorrow.
— Tomorrow? — Memba retorted. — We just finished a mission. We could be monitored.
If we provoke something now, they will link it directly to recent events. Don't you want to wait, observe, organize?
— No need to worry, — he replied, coldly. — You will not be tracked. Nor captured. I have the capacity to ensure that.
He then turned to the Centipede-Goat.
— For you, I have another task. While they cause a distraction, you will go to another area. I want you to speak with a specific chimera.
— Which chimera? — she asked, suspicious.
— One that came from another group. They say she can see future possibilities. Not mystical prediction… deep probability analysis. If she cooperates, we will have real advantage.
Silence spread again.
Memba analyzed every detail.
— So it's not just chaos, — he said slowly. — It's distraction, infiltration… and strategic foresight.
The humanoid smiled.
— Exactly.
Rosa murmured:
— And if this chimera says we will die?
The humanoid answered without blinking:
— Then we will know how to avoid it.
Memba looked at everyone.
— Four together. One separated, but never without escape route. And the distraction cannot involve random deaths. We will not cross that line.
The humanoid held his gaze for a few seconds… and this time, did not immediately contest.
The decision was nearly made.
But there was something different in the air.
Memba stepped forward. His voice no longer carried confrontation—only firmness.
— At least… before we go on a mission that could very well be suicidal… let's keep silence. Two hours. For Peba.
No one interrupted.
— He died. The least we can do is respect that.
The Cow-Rabbit lowered her head slightly.
— Good. You just said something truly respectable. We will be silent for him.
The Moth moved its wings slowly.
— I will make a tomb for him.
The Centipede-Goat murmured with regret:
— It's unfortunate… After everything that happened.
She hesitated.
— And what will we do with… well, we know what he brought here.
Memba cut immediately.
— No. Not now. That stays where it is. Better not to touch anything related to Peba for now.
Silence settled.
Then, without another word, Memba opened his hand.
A sphere of fire appeared above his palm—not violent, but dense, concentrated. He slowly lowered it to the ground. The earth began to transform under the heat, fusing, becoming liquid for a few moments.
When the glow dimmed, the ground had become a black glass plate.
Memba knelt and carefully molded the still-malleable material. His fingers drew simple, firm outlines. A small plaque emerged.
He engraved only one name:
Peba.
He waited for the dark glass to fully cool.
Then he stood and handed the plaque to the Cow-Rabbit.
She held it with both hands.
— Thank you… — she said softly. — This is already something. At least something.
No one argued.
No one provoked.
During those two hours, there were no plans, no mission, no chaos… and she began to cry.
The humanoid watched the black glass plaque from afar, Peba's name reflecting the dim light.
Then he laughed—not loudly, but enough to sting.
— Interesting… Very interesting. This is…
Too human. You are chimeras, aren't you?
And yet, you act as if you carry too much human DNA inside you.
His eyes scanned each of them.
— Mourning. Ritual. Collective silence. You really get attached.
Memba slowly raised his gaze.
— Respect is not weakness.
The humanoid tilted his head.
— Perhaps. Or perhaps it's exactly what will make you hesitate when you shouldn't.
He took a few steps back.
— Keep your ritual. I will stay out.
Observing. Ensuring nothing interferes… for now.
Rosa narrowed her eyes.
— Protect… or watch?
The humanoid smiled sideways.
— Sometimes it's the same thing.
The Cow-Rabbit held the plaque more firmly.
The Moth continued shaping the small tomb in the hardened ground.
Rosa said nothing, but her gaze followed every move of the humanoid.
Memba returned his gaze to the black glass.
— If having humanity means remembering those who fell… then maybe that makes us stronger than you imagine.
The humanoid did not respond.
His voice echoed with a mix of irony and cold analysis.
— Your plan is meticulous… I admit. You think in groups, escape routes, probabilities, consequences. Strategy worthy of organized minds.
He walked slowly around them.
— But in the end… you just want to be like humans, don't you?
The comment hung in the air.
— Mourning. Loyalty. Freedom. Choice. Your plan, even when speaking of chaos, is always about autonomy. About proving you can decide for yourselves.
He crossed his arms.
— Don't delude yourselves into thinking this is weakness… but also don't imagine it automatically makes you strong.
His eyes shone with a challenge.
— I hope you have the capacity to uphold what you desire. Freedom is not something you declare. It is something you earn… and maintain.
He began to walk away.
— Until then, I am satisfied to see that you still do what I command.
The provocation was direct.
— Evolve. If you manage to reach that long-dreamed "human freedom"… perhaps you will stop needing me.
Silence grew heavy again.
But this time it was not mourning.
It was something different.
It was not blind obedience.
Nor immediate rebellion.
It was the seed of a future decision.
And, for the first time, it seemed everyone was beginning to realize that the true mission might not be recovering cubes… nor creating distractions.
Perhaps it was deciding who they truly wanted to be.