Bounded by Secrets

"Fractured Commands"

The two mounted their horses and sped towards the field, where chaos was already unfolding.

***

The Venpatrons had grown uncontrollably dangerous. In every corner of the battlefield, members of the team fought for their lives.

Mayumi, armed with her blade, clashed with a massive Venpatron, her strikes sharp and precise. But the creature was relentless, slashing at her with powerful blows. Despite her strength, she was exhausted, barely holding her ground.

Jack fought nearby, his sword slicing through the air as he battled a hulking Venpatron. His body screamed in protest, fatigue setting in, but he pushed forward. A single misstep could mean death.

Gaku was locked in his own battle, ducking and weaving as a Venpatron lunged at him. His movements were fast, but his breathing was labored. He was losing stamina.

Shinobu faced his foe with fierce determination, but his opponent was no ordinary Venpatron. This one was smarter, more vicious. It lashed out, and Shinobu barely dodged its deadly claws.

Shunsuke's battle was no less intense. His spear clashed with the creature's fangs as he fought to drive it back, sweat pouring down his face.

Robin, however, was in the worst shape. A Venpatron had injured his leg badly, leaving him struggling just to stay upright as he fended off its attacks.

Just when it seemed like they were being overwhelmed, a rescue helicopter appeared on the horizon, whisking away Group E from the battlefield. But by the time Ren and Ayumu arrived, it was too late for the others. Each fighter lay defeated, either fainted or severely injured on the ground.

Ren and Ayumu dismounted, surveying the carnage. They spotted Jack, barely able to move, his body limp from exhaustion. Yet Ren barked orders at him. "Get up, Jack! Help the others!"

Jack, though he could barely stand, pushed himself up, fighting through the pain. He stumbled toward Mayumi, lifting her unconscious body onto his back despite his own weakness.

Shunsuke, seeing Jack struggle, stepped forward. "I'll help," he said, carrying Gaku, who had collapsed nearby.

Shinobu, though injured himself, moved to assist Robin, who couldn't get up due to his leg injury. Supporting Robin, he helped him limp towards the second rescue helicopter that had arrived.

Despite their battered state, they managed to get everyone on board. The mission was over, but at a devastating cost. The helicopter ascended into the night, leaving behind the battlefield littered with the aftermath of a fight they were never meant to win.

---

Return to Headquarters - Hospital Setup

The hospital wing had been hastily converted from the headquarters, its sterile white walls now filled with the injured from the failed mission. Jack lay in his room, his body battered and bruised, barely able to move. His breathing was shallow, his face twisted in pain. Rimmy sat beside him, her eyes filled with worry, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest.

A nurse, clearly frustrated by the mission's outcome, adjusted Jack's IV drip, muttering under her breath. "Too many casualties... too much loss."

Rimmy gave a small nod, unable to find words, her hand gently resting on Jack's arm. The room was heavy with silence.

Just then, the door swung open, and Kevin stepped in. He glanced at Jack, his expression softening with concern before turning to Rimmy. "How's he holding up?"

Rimmy shook her head slightly. "Not good. He's... upset. It's not just the injuries. He's feeling defeated, like he failed the whole mission."

Kevin sighed, sitting down beside Jack. He touched his son's shoulder gently. "Jack... you did what you could," he began, but Jack, eyes closed, let out a shaky breath.