Within the confines of the main center, a man clad in a laboratory suit diligently toiled away, engrossed in his work. Suddenly, the imposing figure of The Boss entered his lab.
"Any progress?" The Boss inquired, his voice dripping with authority.
"I still require some time, but it will be completed before long, Catlin," the man named Sam responded, his focus unwavering.
"I have told you time and again, Sam, not to address me by that name," Catlin retorted, her tone tinged with annoyance.
"Why does it matter? What's wrong with using your real name? Are you attempting to escape from something?" Sam's curiosity got the better of him.
"These incessant questions of yours. Do you desire a swift kick to your rear end?" Catlin threatened, her eyes narrowing.
"Please, don't. I am quite fragile when it comes to enduring pain," Sam pleaded, his voice laced with mock concern.
Just then, another soldier burst into the room, breathless with urgency.
"Boss! We've apprehended one of the 'Ales.' You need to see him!" the soldier exclaimed, barely able to catch his breath.
"What? But who is this 'Ales'?" Catlin's curiosity piqued, and she hurriedly made her way to the designated location. As she laid eyes upon the captured figure, astonishment washed over her.
"Wally?!" Catlin gasped, her disbelief evident.
Before her stood Wally, a fifteen-year-old defender, with his striking green eyes and brown hair.
"Hi, sis! It's been a while. And what happened to your eye?" Wally greeted her, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
"What in the...?" Catlin stammered, utterly flabbergasted by the sight before her.
She swiftly ushered Wally into another room, needing a moment of privacy to process the unexpected turn of events.
"How on earth did they manage to defeat you? And why you, specifically? This is utterly absurd!" Catlin's frustration and concern seeped into her words.
"Oh, sis, do you hold such affection for Wally?" Wally teased, a hint of mischief in his voice.
"Enough with that childish banter. You're not nine years old anymore. Here's the deal: You'll behave, and in return, we'll exchange you for one of our comrades. Is that a satisfactory arrangement?" Catlin attempted to assert her authority, though her worry still lingered.
"How about this, sis? You surrender yourself, and I promise to restore your life as a defender," Wally countered, his expression grave.
"Hmph... Look, I don't want you entangled in all of this, but I will still use you," Catlin responded, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and determination.
"You seem remarkably confident that you can best all the defenders. Yet, your Rows are devoid of any 'Ales,' merely comprised of a group of disgruntled 'Comun.' Please, cease this foolishness. I speak out of genuine concern for you," Catlin implored.
"What do you know about me? I, too, cared deeply for someone. But these wretched defenders took it all away from me. They mercilessly snuffed out the life of my beloved husband, right before my eyes. Do you grasp the magnitude of that loss? I think not. Your 'Ales' are incapable of comprehending the emotions experienced by us 'Comun.' And now, you have the audacity to suggest that I return to that confining cage, living among those responsible for my husband's death. I will prove to you that I am resolute.
I will eliminate both Viole and Tony, and you will play a significant role in this mission," Catlin declared, her voice filled with a mixture of anguish and determination.
With those final words hanging in the air, Catlin exited the room. Moments later, she arrived at Sam's lab, her mind filled with a new plan.
"Sam, I have devised a fresh strategy. We shall employ the young boy to lure Viole and Tony to us. By doing so, we can secure the return of Damian and exact our vengeance upon Viole and Tony. Therefore, you must hasten your efforts. Prepare our dear weapon," Catlin instructed, her tone brimming with urgency.
As if on cue, an unconscious defender materialized in the lab, assuming the role of the weapon they had discussed.